Simon Baker has begun controversial renovations to his Bondi Beach home after purchasing a cottage for $6 million two years ago.
Photos obtained by Daily Mail Australia show how the actor is spending $1.4 million transforming his property despite multiple complaints from local residents.
Neighbors have expressed concern that the height, volume and size of the new building will obstruct their ocean views.
Four submissions from three different neighbors were made to Waverley Council about improving the property.
Despite complaints, the application was approved and photographs taken last Friday show a boundary fence has been installed around the property.
The roof and windows have been demolished, and tiles and building material are seen piled in the back.
Simon Baker has started extensive renovations to his cottage on Sydney’s Bondi Beach after purchasing the property for $6 million in 2022.
Neighbors have expressed concerns about the height, volume and size of the new building obstructing views.
The new detached home will feature a first-floor extension, boundary fencing and a green roof over the garage.
The build also includes three bedrooms, a home sauna, an outdoor shower, a “green roof” and a home studio.
Two bedrooms will be located on the first floor, one of which will be the master with attached robe and balcony.
Simon purchased the property for $6 million in 2022 after social commentator Ruth Ostrow put it up for sale.
The actor bought the house after he and his ex-wife Rebecca Rigg sold their three-bedroom home in nearby Brontë for nearly $17 million.
The former couple surprised property watchers with the lucrative sale, especially considering they bought the home for just $6.5 million in 2015.
Simon and Rebecca announced their separation in January 2021. They told People in a joint statement: “We remain close friends and our three children will always be the most important focus of our lives.”
The actor is spending $1.4 million to transform the cabin despite multiple complaints from local residents.
Photos of the property taken last Friday show that a boundary fence has been installed around the existing house.
The roof and windows have been demolished, with tiles and building material piled up at the rear of the property.
The new detached home will feature a new first-floor addition, boundary fencing and a green roof over the garage.
But according to Fox News, they actually broke up nine months earlier, in April 2020.
Simon met Rebecca in the early ’90s and they married in 1998 after five years of living together.
They share three children: Stella, 30, Claude, 25, and Harry, 22.
Rebecca is best known for her roles in the films Fatty Finn and Ellie Parker, and also had a minor role opposite Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire.
Simon found success in television shows such as The Mentalist and The Guardian, as well as films such as The Devil Wears Prada.
In September, Simon narrowly avoided a drink-driving charge after he was caught drink-driving near his home in northern New South Wales.
The court was told officers were unable to obtain a blood alcohol reading due to Microsoft’s global outage at the time.
Simon was silent as he left Mullumbimby Local Court accompanied by his lawyer, Peggy Dwyer.
The award-winning actor pleaded guilty to a single charge of driving a vehicle while under the influence during a court appearance.
The house will have three bedrooms, a sauna, an outdoor shower, a ‘green roof’ and a home studio.
Simon purchased the property for $6 million after social commentator Ruth Ostrow put it up for sale.
The actor bought the house after he and his ex-wife Rebecca Rigg sold their three-bedroom home in nearby Brontë for nearly $17 million.
Four allegations from three different neighbors were presented to the city council against the new property.
Simon’s construction application was approved earlier this year.
Another charge of attempted driving under the influence was dropped on the same date.
Baker faced a maximum penalty of 30 penalty units or 18 months in jail, or both, Magistrate Kathy Crittenden said.
But the Hollywood star left court with a nine-month good behavior probation order.
No conviction was recorded.