Judge orders Lisa Rothner to pay indemnity costs over covert tree clearing
A Sydney property dispute over Villa Biscaya, a Rose Bay mansion featured on Married At First Sight, has concluded with harsh consequences for Lisa Rothner, ex-wife of investment banker Michael Rothner. The NSW Supreme Court ordered her to pay the other party's legal costs on an indemnity basis after finding she orchestrated a covert tree-clearing operation to open up harbour views. The ruling represents a significant legal defeat, with the judge delivering pointed criticism of her conduct throughout the proceedings.
The dispute originated when Michael Rothner agreed to purchase Villa Biscaya from David Waterhouse for $25.75 million with an extended settlement, allowing him to move in before completion. Trees on a neighbouring property disappeared, unblocking views towards the Harbour Bridge. WhatsApp messages revealed Lisa had authorised contractor Al Shahwan to carry out the clearing whilst ensuring "no evidence" was left behind. Justice Ian Pike found Lisa was the "architect" of what he described as "an act of vandalism" and notably observed that she ceased contesting allegations rather than risk "further perjury" by testifying.
- Lisa Rothner ordered to pay seller's legal costs on indemnity basis
- Court found her the architect of secret tree-clearing for harbour views
- WhatsApp messages revealed the plot; she stopped contesting to avoid testifying
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Villa Biscaya is a luxury mansion in Rose Bay that appeared on the television show Married At First Sight. Investment banker Michael Rothner was purchasing the property when the transaction became contested because of alleged improper conduct by his ex-wife Lisa.
During the property purchase, trees on a neighbouring property were secretly removed, opening up views towards Sydney Harbour that had previously been blocked. Messages and other evidence revealed that Lisa had authorised a contractor to clear the trees and conceal the work. This secret operation became the central issue in the legal dispute between the parties.
The case demonstrates how disputes over property features in Sydney's affluent suburbs can lead to serious legal conflict. It illustrates the consequences of alleged concealment in property transactions and why such conduct attracts close judicial scrutiny.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Judge’s extraordinary swipe at private equity baron Michael Rothner’s ex-wife after secret WhatsApps blew apart his defence in ‘MAFS mansion’ harbour view war: INSIDE MAIL”.