Comedian Andy Lee has given the public a first glimpse of plans for his extensive renovation of a 150‑year‑old derelict house by Melbourne’s Yarra River, revealing an architect’s render and explaining why he and his partner have chosen an unusual approach to the build.
Lee, 44, posted a video on Instagram on Friday describing the thinking behind the project after two years of work on the property with his 35‑year‑old partner, Rebecca. "A lot of people have been asking what the hell are we doing with this house," he said. "That's a very good question — I've wondered that as well. Here is a quick take." He explained the main issue was that the rear of the heritage structure was originally used as its front because visitors historically arrived by the river.
To address that historical orientation while accommodating contemporary needs, Lee said the plan is to construct a second house at the rear of the original building and link the two structures with an underground tunnel. He described that approach as a way to preserve the character of the original riverside facade while creating additional, modern living space behind it.
The project has been described as protracted; Lee and his partner have spent the last two years restoring the property after it fell into disrepair. The Instagram post included the architect’s render that shows how the completed scheme is intended to look, offering the first public view of the finished design.
Lee did not provide a completion date in the post. He framed the renovation as a careful exercise in preservation and adaptation, saying the team needed to respect how the house was historically experienced from the river while making changes for contemporary use.
The renovation adds to a trend of high‑profile restorations of older homes in Melbourne, where owners and architects often balance heritage considerations with the desire for new amenities. Lee’s decision to separate a new structure from the original building and connect them underground is an example of one strategy architects and owners use to maintain a historic building’s appearance while expanding usable space.
Work on the property is ongoing, and Lee’s Instagram reveal offered supporters their first detailed look at the design intent and how the couple plans to retain the house’s historical relationship with the Yarra River as they complete the renovation.