Karl Stefanovic and his wife Jasmine’s ambitious home renovation project is finally taking shape, marking a significant milestone after years of meticulous planning and construction. The Today show co-host, aged 51, and his shoe designer wife, 41, are transforming a 1960s brick house into a luxurious $4.5 million mansion in Castlecrag, just 9 kilometers north of Sydney’s bustling CBD. This development follows a crucial legal victory in March 2024 that allowed the project to proceed.
Recent photographs reveal a dramatic three-storey structure emerging where the old house once stood. The couple has opted to push the house further back into the backyard, which previously featured a spa and gazebo, significantly reducing their outdoor space. Despite the progress, the mansion is still far from completion, with substantial work needed before it becomes a home for the couple and their five-year-old daughter, Harper.
From Rubble to Reality: The Journey of Renovation
Just a year ago, the property was little more than a pile of rubble, as the Stefanovics demolished the existing structure to make way for their dream home. By December 2024, the demolition was in full swing, with the roof removed and several internal walls taken down, leaving only the brick exterior intact. The couple originally purchased the property in 2021 for $3.2 million, a significant investment that underscores their commitment to the project.
The plans for the new mansion are nothing short of grand. The proposed rebuild will feature four levels, encompassing five bedrooms and five bathrooms, alongside a pool and a spa. Other highlights include a courtyard, an entertainment room, and a three-car garage. The design promises a blend of contemporary elegance and functionality, with spacious interiors, French windows, and an indoor circular staircase.
Legal Hurdles and Community Concerns
The Stefanovics’ journey to realizing their vision was not without obstacles. Their renovation plans faced a lengthy approval process with the Willoughby Council, culminating in a two-day hearing in 2023 where the Land and Environment Court ruled in their favor. The decision came after Karl first lodged a development application with the council in March 2023, which met with resistance from neighbors concerned about ‘loss of views’ and potential glare from solar panels.
The couple’s legal team argued that the renovation plans ‘generally complied’ with the council’s planning laws, although they admitted to discrepancies with floor plan space ratio controls. Notably, the original application included plans to create 102 square meters of living space below ground level, a feature that pushed the boundaries of local planning regulations.
A Vision of Modern Luxury
The original 1960s home, which boasted views over Castlecrag’s north escarpment, included a self-contained unit with a separate entry and bathroom. The new design, however, promises to elevate the property to new heights of luxury. A design sketch reveals a stunning contemporary aesthetic, complete with high ceilings, slanted windows, and a stylish outdoor dining terrace. A sprawling garden will stretch across the length of the house, providing a perfect setting for family life.
Karl and Jasmine, who married in December 2018 in San José del Cabo, Mexico, split their time between Sydney and Queensland. In addition to Harper, Karl has three older children—Jackson, 26, Willow, 20, and River, 19—from his previous marriage to Cassandra Thorburn. Jasmine’s family resides in Queensland, where Karl also began his journalism career.
As the mansion continues to take shape, the Stefanovics remain committed to realizing their vision of a perfect family home, despite the challenges and delays encountered along the way. The project stands as a testament to their resilience and dedication, promising a future filled with comfort and luxury.
