Simon Baker has launched controversial renovations on his home in Bondi Beach after purchasing a cottage for $6million two years ago.
Photos obtained by Daily Mail Australia show how the actor is spending $1.4million transforming his property despite multiple complaints from local residents.
Neighbours have expressed concern that the new building’s height, bulk and size will obstruct their ocean views.
Four submissions from three different neighbours were made against to Waverley Council about upgrading the property.
Despite the complaints, the application was approved, and pictures taken last Friday show a boundary fence has been installed around the property.
The roof and windows have been demolished, with tiles and building material seen piled at the back.
Simon Baker has launched extensive renovations on his cottage in Sydney’s Bondi Beach after purchasing the property for $6million in 2022
Neighbours have expressed concern about the new building’s height, bulk and size obstructing views
The new detached dwelling will feature a first-floor addition, boundary fencing and green roof above the garage.
The build also includes three bedrooms, a home sauna, outdoor shower, ‘green roof’ and home studio.
Two bedrooms will be located on the first floor – one being the main with a robe and attached balcony.
Simon purchased the property for $6million in 2022 after it was offered for sale by social commentator Ruth Ostrow.
The actor bought the home after he and his ex-wife Rebecca Rigg reportedly sold their three-bedroom home in nearby Bronte for almost $17million.
The former couple shocked property watchers with the lucrative sale, especially given they purchased the home for just $6.5million back in 2015.
Simon and Rebecca announced their split 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 $1.4million on transforming the cottage despite multiple complaints from local residents
Photos of the property taken last Friday show a boundary fence has been installed around the existing home
The roof and windows have been demolished, with roof tiles and building material piled at the back of the property
The new detached dwelling will feature a new first-floor addition, boundary fencing and green roof above the garage
But according to Fox News, they actually separated nine months beforehand in April 2020.
Simon first met Rebecca in the early ’90s and tied the knot in 1998 after five years of living together.
They share three children together, Stella, 30, Claude, 25, and Harry, 22.
Rebecca is best known for her roles in moves Fatty Finn and Ellie Parker, and also had a minor role alongside Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire.
Simon found success on TV shows such as The Mentalist and The Guardian, as well as movies like The Devil Wears Prada.
In September, Simon narrowly avoided a drink driving charge after he was caught driving under the influence near his Northern NSW home.
The court was told officers were unable to get a blood alcohol reading due to the worldwide Microsoft outage at the time.
Simon was silent as he left Mullumbimby Local Court in the company of his lawyer, Peggy Dwyer.
The award-winning actor pleaded guilty to a single charge of driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol during an earlier court appearance.
The home will have three bedrooms, a home sauna, outdoor shower, ‘green roof’ and home studio
Simon purchased the property for $6million after it was offered for sale by social commentator Ruth Ostrow
The actor bought the home after he and his ex-wife Rebecca Rigg reportedly sold their three-bedroom home in nearby Bronte for almost $17million
Four submissions from three different neighbours were made against the new property to council
Simon’s building application was approved earlier this year
Another charge of attempting to drive under the influence of alcohol was withdrawn on the same date.
Baker faced a maximum penalty of 30 penalty units or 18 months jail, or both, magistrate Kathy Crittenden said.
But the Hollywood star instead walked from court on a conditional release order to be of good behaviour for nine months.
No conviction was recorded.
