Former Masterchef judge George Calombaris lists Mornington Peninsula home for sale for under $1million… after his company is forced to pay back $7.8million to underpaid workers
Former Masterchef judge George Calombaris has now listed his Mornington Peninsula beach house for sale, for under a million dollars.
The 41-year-old – who has faced a difficult period financially after his hospitality empire was forced to pay back $7.8million to underpaid workers – has listed the residence for a price guide of $900,000 to $950,000, domain reports.
The luxury Victoria home, which was reportedly snapped up for $530,000 in 2013, is just metres away from the incredible views of Safety Beach.
Gorgeous! Former Masterchef judge George Calombaris has listed his Mornington Peninsula beach house for under a million dollars
The two-level holiday house features four bedrooms and two bathrooms, with a spacious en-suite and walk-through dressing room included in the master bedroom.
The light and airy lounge includes huge sliding doors which open up to the stunning outdoor area, with enviable views of the picturesque surroundings.
The property is decorated in cream and tan tones, and features a vibrant white kitchen complete with butler’s pantry and a huge 900 millimeter oven – which is unsurprising, considering the previous tenant’s love for cooking.
Daily Mail Australia have contacted George Calombaris through MAdE Establishment for further comment on the property sale.
Moving forward: George Calombaris (pictured) has faced a difficult period financially after being forced to pay back $7.8million to underpaid workers
Beautiful! The light and air lounge features huge sliding doors which open up to the huge outdoor space out back, with a huge decking area and enviable views
It’s been a difficult year for George, after he was fined $200,000 and his hospitality company MAdE Establishment were forced to pay back $7.8million to 500 staff, after underpaying them between 2011 and 2017.
Adding salt to the wound, his former Masterchef co-stars Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan were announced to host Seven’s Plate of Origin in 2020 – but George didn’t make the line-up amid the scandal.
In the last six months, George has rebranded four of his popular restaurants.
In November, he announced the closure of Brunswick East branch of Melbourne restaurant Hellenic Republic.
Stunning! The property is decorated in cream and tan tones, and features a vibrant white kitchen complete with butler’s pantry and a huge 900 millimeter over – which is unsurprising, considering the previous tenant’s love for cooking
Luxury! The outdoor area features a huge pizza oven and barbecue area, perfect for entertaining
It leaves him with just three of his Greek restaurants left standing.
Despite removing his name from the restaurants, which are led by new star chefs, they are still owned by his multi-million dollar MAdE Establishment empire.
George gave a tearful interview with the ABC after the scandal broke, pleading with customers to stand by his businesses.
‘I love the people that have worked for me and I don’t want them to suffer right now,’ he said.
‘Great restaurants are voted by bums on seats and obviously… don’t punish my people.
‘Just know that when you come into one of our restaurants, know when you pay the bill, that those, my people, are getting paid and paid correctly.’
They’re back! Former MasterChef judges Gary Mehigan (left) and Matt Preston (right) are set to return to TV in 2020 alongside their new co-host Manu Feildel (centre)