Chris Hemsworth’s $20million mega-mansion in Byron Bay is nearing completion, five years after the Marvel Universe star first purchased the property and began extensive renovations.
And as his family prepares to move in, extraordinary new satellite images reveal how the mammoth construction has transformed the landscape of Broken Head.
Since purchasing the block of land, an estimated 60 trees have been removed on the 4.2 hectare estate in order to make space for the luxury property.
Incredible: Satellite images reveal how actor Chris Hemsworth has transformed the landscape of Byron Bay with the expansion of his $20million ‘mega-mansion’ over three years. Pictured: Chris and his wife Elsa Pataky on July 22 in Hollywood
Chris first bought the property for $7million back in 2014. At the time, it was a low-key Balinese-style home nestled among the bushland.
From above, it looked like a picturesque hideaway surrounded by lush greenery, with the house blending in with the native landscape.
But after the original building was demolished to make space for the family-of-five’s grand designs, much of the foliage was cleared.
Satellite photos: Slide right to see what Chris’ property looked like in 2014, and slide left to see what it looked like in January 2019
Subtle beginnings: From above, the property had minimal changes between 2014 (left) and 2016 (right), when it was a low-key Balinese-style home nestled among the bushland
In a satellite image taken in January this year, the home and its surroundings are completely unrecognisable compared to photos taken just a few years before.
Not only has the house itself doubled in size, much of the greenery around it has also been replaced by tracks for tradesmen and their vehicles.
One landscape architect estimates that up to 60 trees, including many Eucalyptus and other endemic species, have been removed during the renovation.
It appears that the Hemsworths have retained approximately 15 palm trees in the footprint of the property.
Construction time! The Hemsworths began renovating the property in earnest around 2017, knocking down the original building and starting over. Pictured in September 2017
Almost finished: One landscape architect estimated that up to 60 trees have been removed during the renovation. Pictured in January 2019
Byron Bay locals have long complained about the renovation, with several comparing the new house to a ‘shopping centre’ or ‘parking lot’.
After purchasing the spot in 2014, a development application for the knockdown-rebuild was first lodged with Byron Shire Council in November 2016.
It was then approved in March 2017, with the build scheduled to be finished in November this year.
Gone! The former Balinese-style resort was demolished in 2017
Controversial: The Hemsworths’ mansion has sparked complaints from neighbours, with several pointing out that it looks like ‘a shopping centre’ or ‘parking lot’
The huge renovation has been dubbed ‘Fortress Hemsworth’ locally, and has set the Hollywood superstar back millions.
Formwork and concrete for the property foundations – known on architectural plans as ‘Project 657 BHR’ – will have set the couple back $1.5million to $2million.
On the roof, the 50-metre rooftop infinity pool alone is estimated to have cost at least $400,000.
Inside, an enormous Aboriginal mural could be worth as much as $100,000 and the landscaping bill would reach $500,000.
Fortunately, the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Men in Black franchises have been good to Hemsworth, with Forbes magazine estimating he earned $US64.5million ($91.7million) last year.
Vast: The huge renovation has been dubbed ‘Fortress Hemsworth’ locally, and has set the Hollywood superstar back millions. Pictured: September 2018
Impressive: On the roof, the 50-metre rooftop infinity pool alone (top right) is estimated to have cost $400,000, with concrete estimated to have set the couple back up to $2million
Decor: Inside, an enormous Aboriginal mural (pictured) could be worth as much as $100,000 and the landscaping bill would reach $500,000