Andy Lee and his girlfriend Bec Harding get permission to spend $5million renovating a run-down Melbourne mansion – despite complaints from neighbors about the millionaire row
Andy Lee has been given the green light to begin the $5 million renovation of the abandoned Melbourne mansion he bought two years ago.
The 41-year-old comedian bought the derelict Hawthorn estate overlooking the Yarra River in 2021 for $8.5 million in hopes of turning it into his dream home.
Despite some opposition from locals, Lee and his partner Rebecca Harding, 31, have now received City Council approval for construction, The Herald Sun reports.
The council will send the couple a notice of support for a planning application to add a second building to the 1876 Italian mansion.
The planned facilities Lee and Harding have outlined include a home theater, gym, swimming pool, and “mega bedroom,” among others.
Comedian Andy Lee (pictured) has been given the green light to begin the $5million renovation of the run-down Melbourne mansion he bought two years ago
Despite some opposition from locals, Lee and his partner Rebecca Harding, 31, (pictured in front of the house) have now received City Council approval for construction
In a statement for the release, Boroondara Council confirmed that it had issued a decision notice granting planning permission for the Yarra Grove address.
In 2021, Lee’s sales agent told the Herald Sun that the property’s renovation would become a huge passion project for the popular TV host and his partner.
“It will likely be a lifelong passion, a home for all generations.” “They were drawn to the opportunity to renovate an original home,” they said.
The run-down Italian-style mansion was built around 1876 and is situated on a princely 2,000 m² plot overlooking the Yarra River.
All aspects of the property – bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen and living areas – are in need of an update as it has been neglected over the decades.
Meanwhile, Lee and Harding have been battling rumors they’ve secretly married for years.
Planned facilities Lee has outlined include a home theater, gym, pool, and “mega bedroom,” among others.
Engagement rumors were sparked in 2020 when Lee posted a photo of Harding hiding her left hand while celebrating her 30th birthday.
“Is there a ring she hides behind her left sleeve?” wrote one attentive follower, eager to see if the couple shared any exciting news.
They briefly separated for six months in 2016, and Rebecca opened up about their breakup on The Lady Brunch.
“I was 24 when I met Andy, so I was still at uni and it was very different from my previous life.” But I got over it and now we’re as happy as ever,” she said.
The property overlooks the scenic Yarra River and would be the ideal place for Andy and his girlfriend Rebecca Harding, 31, to start a family