Logie-winning actress Asher Keddie and her artist husband Vincent Fantauzzo became embroiled in a highly publicized dispute over a $650,000 renovation of their Black Rock, Melbourne home. By mid-2025, the couple was compelled to pay over $100,000 following a legal settlement.
- Project Background
Renovation commenced mid-2022, with First Ave Homes brought in to complete the work.
The house served as a mid-century showpiece—designed by prominent architect Graeme Gunn—and was later sold as a meticulously enhanced property.
- Legal Conflict Breakdown
A. Dispute Origins
The couple refused to pay the final invoice of $108,000, alleging issues such as:
Overcharging and double billing
Unauthorized project variations
Construction defects and delays that reportedly incurred extra costs.
B. Dramatics Amid Dispute
In an unusual move, Keddie and Fantauzzo broke into the property, changed the locks, and took residence before official handover, citing housing lease expiry as justification.
Their lawyer accused the builder of intentionally delaying the project to extract additional fees—claims firmly denied by First Ave Homes.
C. Counterclaim & Resolution
Keddie and Fantauzzo filed a $56,000 counterclaim. As part of the settlement reached during a tribunal conference, they agreed to:
Pay the majority of the $108,000 owed
Drop their counterclaim entirely.
- Sale and Aftermath
Post-renovation, the property sold for $2.46 million and was marketed as a “sanctuary of indulgent luxury and sophistication.”
The couple has since moved to a new residence in St. Kilda.
Summary Table
Category Key Details
Renovation Cost $650,000 project for mid-century Black Rock home
Dispute Focus Final $108,000 invoice; allegations of overcharging and unauthorized changes
Unusual Events The couple broke into property and changed locks due to lease expiry
Legal Settlement Paid most of the $108K; dropped the $56K counterclaim
Outcome Home sold for $2.46M; couple relocated to St. Kilda
Insights & Implications
Celebrity renovations can attract heightened scrutiny—both in project management and public attention.
This case underscores the importance of clear contracts, detailed approval processes for variations, and transparent billing.
Tribunal-based resolutions, such as compulsory conferences, can offer a way forward but still carry emotional and reputational costs—even when resolved confidentially.