Simon Baker’s Bondi Beach home renovation is finally taking shape over a year after renovations started – but not without some serious complaints from the neighbours.
The Australian actor, 56, purchased the $6million cottage in 2022, and is splashing $1.4million transforming it into a sprawling ‘surf shack’ with three bedrooms and a home studio.
The works have ruffled feathers among neighbours from the beginning, with one local resident saying they ‘can’t stand’ the construction noise.
Another neighbour told us how they’re ‘furious’ that the property’s size will obstruct their home’s coveted ocean view.
‘Simon’s tradies have been hounded by relentless complaints since renovations started,’ a well-placed insider tells Daily Mail Australia.
‘Construction is also taking a lot longer than anticipated; at this stage the build will be complete by 2030!’ they added.
Simon Baker’s Bondi Beach home renovation is finally taking shape over a year after renovations started – but not without some serious complaints from the neighbours
Photos obtained by Daily Mail Australia show how the property has developed somewhat since it was last pictured in November 2024.
The original building has been partially stripped back, with exposed brickwork, timber framing and scaffolding visible along the façade.
The property now appears to have had a new upper level or extended roofline added, with fresh timber beams and modern cladding introduced above the original structure.
Elsewhere, parts of the existing façade have been opened up to allow for larger window or door openings.
There also appears to be a new rear or side extension, with contemporary materials contrasting the older brickwork that remains visible below.
Structural framing and scaffolding suggest the internal layout has been reworked to support these additions.
Landscaping has also been altered, with established palms retained while new plantings and boundary treatments are being integrated around the build.
The build will include three bedrooms, a home sauna, outdoor shower, ‘green roof’ and home studio.
The Australian actor, 56, purchased the $6million cottage in 2022, and is splashing $1.4million transforming it into a sprawling ‘surf shack’ (Pictured on January 13, 2026)
The works have ruffled feathers among neighbours from the beginning, with one local resident saying they ‘can’t stand’ the construction noise
‘Simon’s tradies have been hounded by relentless complaints since renovations started,’ a well-placed insider tells Daily Mail Australia
‘Construction is also taking a lot longer than anticipated, at this stage the build will be complete by 2030!’ they added
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.’
But according to Fox News, they actually separated nine months before 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.
Photos obtained by Daily Mail Australia show how the property has developed since 2024
The original building has been partially stripped back, with exposed brickwork, timber framing and scaffolding visible along the façade
Parts of the existing façade have been opened up to allow for larger window or door openings
The build will include three bedrooms, a home sauna, outdoor shower and a ‘green roof’
Two bedrooms will be located on the first floor – one being the main with a robe
Simon purchased the property for $6million in 2022
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