Susan Sarandon, the celebrated star of "Dead Man Walking," sought solace in the mountains of Vermont, dreaming of an off-the-grid sanctuary for her golden years.

Yet, a federal lawsuit paints a picture of broken promises and shattered dreams as a Massachusetts builder, hired to manifest her vision, is now under fire for alleged deception and shoddy craftsmanship.

Susan Sarandon Builder: A Sustainable Haven in Vermont

Sarandon's ambition was simple but ambitious: a sustainable single-family home on a 45-acre tract, a stone's throw from Massachusetts.

The property would not only serve as her retirement haven but would be an eco-friendly domain for her children and grandchildren.

The vision included food sourced from an onsite garden, solar-powered electricity, fresh water from a well, and temperature regulated by geothermal energy.

To fund this $2 million dream, Sarandon made a heart-wrenching decision - selling her New York City residence where memories spanned a quarter-century.

Susan Sarandon Builder: An Abode Fraught with Faults

Like a movie plot with an unexpected twist, her dream started to crumble almost as soon as she settled in. Faults began to emerge, from aesthetics to safety concerns.

Sarandon's list of grievances would perplex even the most seasoned homeowner: buckled sidings resembling crumpled paper, unfinished ceilings reminiscent of a movie set, and even a front door that waged war with the concrete below, refusing to budge.

But the plot thickens with exposed pipes camouflaged by fast-food remnants and a geothermal system that sputtered and failed in the biting cold, prompting a propane purchase.

Susan Sarandon Builder: Allegations of Financial Deception

Financial anomalies further tainted this narrative. Invoices inflated like helium balloons, leaving Sarandon to foot the bills while contractors remained unpaid.

Charges for phantom installations haunted her finances. Additionally, a startling revelation emerged - DeGrenier pocketed nearly $140,000 for caretaker duties, yet seemingly performed little.

Even more audacious, part of these funds allegedly went towards a snowblower for personal use.

Beyond Financial Discrepancies

Sarandon's allegations didn't end with monetary misdeeds.

The lawsuit suggests a deeper betrayal as construction materials, including paint and elegant cypress wood, mysteriously found their way to the contractor's mother's residence.

The Current Stage: Silence and Legal Representation

While the representatives for Sarandon's trust and production company have remained tight-lipped, attempts to reach DeGrenier and his associates have been fruitless.

The legal baton for Sarandon's entities is carried by a renowned trio from Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC.

Only time will unravel the final act in this riveting drama between a Hollywood actress and her builder.