Located in the sought-after historic building collection, The Rex, Mitch and Mark have owned the one-bedroom dwelling for the last eight years, using it as an investment rental. “It’s an amazing inner city apartment designed as an oasis in the city,” the pair told Homes To Love. “It’s a great lifestyle, close to amazing restaurants, you can walk to the CBD if you like, or even wander across to the botanic gardens and the Opera House! And on Saturdays, the Kings Cross Markets are right there to wander through, buy produce, and enjoy the eclectic lifestyle of the area.”

The interiors are decked out in the pair’s signature style: packed with colour, relaxed sophistication, and the occasional quirk. The duo worked to bring it up to scratch in time for the sale, applying a fresh coat of paint and changing out some of the fixtures. The sale comes in time for them to focus their efforts on their Newport renovation, a three-level 1970s property they’ve unofficially dubbed ‘The Newport View’ due to the home’s sweeping coastal outlook.

“We’ve been living in Newport on the northern beaches of Sydney now for 4 years, which we love, so we think it’s time to let someone else enjoy everything inner city living provides. We loved our years living in and around Potts Point.”

The last time the property sold was in 2015, nabbing a total of $680,000. Aside from the cosy bedroom and generously-sized kitchen, the home also features a study, bathroom with a walk-in shower, and full-sized laundry hidden behind a mirrored door.

Mitch and Mark’s 5 top tips for styling a property for sale

1. FRESH PAINT “Whether you think it needs it or not, it makes a huge difference.” 
2. DECLUTTER “Nobody is really interested in your collections from around the world, they need to be able to see themselves living there – but it’s a balance, don’t make it sterile.”
3. NEW FURNITURE “Tired furniture can have a big negative sales impact. Either invest in new furniture or rent it. It will more than pay for itself in the home sale price.”
4. KERB APPEAL “It’s paramount! It sets the mood for the inspection. If it’s a house – gardens, lawns, everything on the way to the front door has impact, so make it a delightful journey. The same goes for apartments. It sounds excessive, but we once took it upon ourselves to paint the corridor that led to our apartment – nobody chooses to live in an unloved building.”
5. FRESH AND INVITING SMELLS “Sounds obvious, but make sure your home smells fresh and inviting. Cooking smells, even cookies, can put people off. But avoid burning heavily scented candles, they can be seen to be hiding a smell. Oh, and ensure the garden is not freshly fertilised with pongy manure…”

The couple have $1.1 million hopes for their apartment at 104/50 Macleay Street, Potts Point, (which would mean a tidy profit) and listed with LR Laing. The auction is set for Tuesday 18th June, and you can check out the listing here.

On the market”

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The Block’s Rachel and Ryan are selling their family home in Sydney’s south

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Mitch and Mark are renovating their “hot mess” 1970s home in Newport, NSW

The Block’s Leah and Ash have renovated AFL star Josh Dunkley’s “grand” main bedroom

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We’re sure your eyes, like ours, are on this year’s milestone season, set to take place on Victoria’s gorgeous Phillip Island. We’ve already heard murmurs of a slew of drama set to unfold, including the departure of one team, beloved judge Neale Whitaker, and even iconic Foreman Keith. But cast your minds back for just a moment. Remember when The Block 2024 was rumoured to film in Victoria’s charming town of Daylesford? Well, there may still be some merit to it after all.

Here’s what we know about The Block 2025 location.

Why wasn’t The Block filmed in Daylesford in 2024?

While never officially confirmed by Channel Nine, there were some pretty solid rumours swirling around that the media behemoth had bought a large acreage in the country town. An application made to the local council by The Block‘s architectural firm, Group Architects, strongly suggested that The Block 2024 would see the teams build pavilion-style homes from scratch, each on an acre of land on Raglan Street, Daylesford.

But alas, it was later revealed by the Instagram account @theblockinatorblog that The Block would not be going ahead in Daylesford, despite producers having secured the five parcels of land. Although council delays were cited as the reason for the cancellation, there was an element of local outrage at play too.

“Residents of the Daylesford are furious about the debacle, after reports that producers were trying to bypass the regular planning process by going directly to the Minister for Planning,” @theblockinatorblog shared. The post also mentioned that producers may keep Daylesford for a future season.

Is The Block heading to Daylesford in 2025?

Now that you’re all caught up, what merit is there to rumours that The Block will return to Daylesford in 2025?

The application lodged by Group Architects and Julian Brenchley to Hepburn Shire Council and the Minister for Planning proposed the subdivision of 1 Raglan Street to develop ‘five carbon-neutral, architecturally designed residential dwellings’, and was finally approved in December 2023. The land, held by development firm Hygge Property, is also set to host 60 eco-friendly properties as part of a larger project titled ‘Middleton Field’, part of which, ‘The Village’, can already be purchased off-plan. So, if you want a chance to be neighbours to a home from The Block, invest now. The site is also directly opposite a Mitre 10 — how convenient!

Channel Nine has not confirmed whether or not the now-approved plans for Daylesford will be utilised for next year’s season of The Block, but typically, producers have secured a site for the next season by the middle of the year prior. Whatever the case, you can be sure our eyes are peeled and ears pricked.

What will The Block 2025 homes look like?

Group Architects have been approved to build five sustainable homes considerate to Daylesford’s landscape. The plan details that each will boast a different exterior style (from natural timber to metal cladding), but will sport matching floorplans, each with ‘5 bedrooms, study, living, covered garage, and quality outdoor areas, including heated swimming pool’, and ‘extensive landscaping’.

Make sure you bookmark this page for any future updates on The Block 2025 location.

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‘Was a pattern emerging?’ we asked of the reported new location for The Block 2024. From city to country to city to… you guessed it, country. Of course, the 2022 season of The Block was also set in a nearby rural location: Gisborne South in the Macedon Ranges, and we all know how that ended. Hint: in disaster.

It was all but confirmed by Channel Nine that producers had secured a subdivided block to build five pavilion-style homes on Raglan Street in Daylesford, but after council approval dragged on the deal was put to the side (for 2025, perhaps?) in favour of a location that is neither city or country, but rather, coastal.

So, where is The Block being filmed in 2024?

It has now been confirmed by The Block‘s executive producer, Julian Cress, that The Block 2024 is being filmed on Phillip Island in the western part of Cowes, the main township on the island, roughly a two-hour drive from Melbourne CBD.

“We’ve purchased a holiday park just around the corner from the world-famous Penguin Parade, and so far the community has shown huge support for us and we are hoping for a really warm welcome for our new crop of contestants in the 20th year,” told The Block Shop of the $9.58 million purchase.

“Built just 14 years ago, this stunning, easy-to-run resort known as Island Cove Villas has been catering to families, groups and couples who appreciate the intimacy and impressive facilities on offer,” the property listing reads on realestate.com.au. “Breathtaking from the moment you arrive, the resort comprises 9 quality homes set apart over 2.5 acres of stunning palm-fringed gardens and sprawling lawns.”

And while we think that may be a slight exaggeration going off the images provided, we can’t argue that the property oozes potential. There is also a large swimming pool, full-size Plexi-pave tennis court, children’s playground, and two large BBQ pavilions with commercial cooking facilities on site.

Now, well into filming, construction is rumoured to be just about wrapped up, with contestants heading into landscape week and some ‘Forthcoming Auction’ Domain signs already erected.

When asked to comment on the possibility of the renovation show hitting their shores, the president of Phillip Island Progress, Peter Paul, told Sentinel-Times (who covers news from South Gippsland and the Bass Coast), “Certainly, it will have an impact and you’d be hoping that it was all positive but just let me think about that for a bit and see what the community is thinking about it.”

The Block is no stranger to Phillip Island. Winners of the 2023 season, Steph and Gian, also won a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experience to ride shotgun with supercar driver Dave Reynolds on the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, and brought sisters Eliza and Liberty along with them.

Host Scotty Cam has also reportedly been a regular visitor of the island over the years, hosting numerous tradie-related workshops and events at the local Mitre 10, in his capacity as an ambassador for the major sponsor of The Block. It’s worth noting that there is also a Carpet Court in Cowes, another major sponsor of the show.

For everything else, contestants would seemingly have to drive to central Melbourne, over an hour away on a one-lane road. But then again, they did a similar thing for the 2022 season of the show in Victoria’s Gisborne, though not without plenty of complaints from the contestants.

With the show having already ticked off the popular “tree change” trend, it’s time for a “sea change”, and we can’t wait to watch on.

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It feels like only yesterday that the final hammer came down on Charming Street, drawing a shocking conclusion to last year’s 1950s-themed season — certainly for Leah and Ash, whose psyche-deco abode only just sold after months on the market. But The Block producers are already charging ahead with the milestone 20th season: demolition has begun, and the site is crawling with tradies and crew members, and filming is underway. So, here’s everything we know about The Block 2024.

Be sure to bookmark this page for the latest updates.

When does The Block 2024 start?

While an official start date is yet to be revealed, we think it’s pretty safe to assume that The Block 2024 will premiere in early August. Historically, the show has kicked off on the very first weekend of the month, but we expect it will be held until the conclusion of the Olympic Games on 11th August 2024. According to trusty insider Facebook group 2024 Phillip Island “The Block”, the admin of which shared a shot of an article published by the local paper, both this year’s contestants and hosts Scotty Cam and Shelley Craft were set to arrive at the end of February with a reported film start-date of March 1st.

Where will The Block 2024 be held?

If you’ve been following along closely, you might already have clocked The Block 2024’s semi-isolated filming location. After rumours the show could be set to return to the Victorian countryside — Daylesford, to be specific — were quashed, it was revealed that The Block would be heading even further afield, to a 14-year-old holiday resort on Phillip Island, in the western part of Cowes.

Worth a whopping $9.58 million, the site (previously Island Cove Villas) promises breathtaking views and the slow, quiet lifestyle only island life can afford. Sounds lovely, though we can’t help but wonder how the contestants will fare against the logistical challenges of a site located over two hours away from Melbourne’s CBD. It’s almost like the producers welcome drama!

You can find out more about The Block 2024’s location here.

Is Scotty Cam doing The Block 2024?

Channel Nine has already confirmed that Scotty Cam, the man synonymous with The Block, is not going anywhere. “Unfortunately for those who might want to see the back of me, a couple of months ago I signed a long-term deal. We’re ready to go!” Scotty told his “beloved” Nine Network last year. He is also reportedly renting a home in Cowes West for the duration of the season.

You can see Scotty’s real estate portfolio — worth multiple millions — here.

Who are The Block 2024 judges?

And on that note, another very important question arises. Who are this year’s judges? Will Marty Fox take over full time? Are any of them 100% in?

Well, judge Shaynna Blaze has finally shared a photo to her Instagram, flanked by Marty Fox and Darren Palmer. Check out The Block judges various homes and holiday escapes here.

Will Neale Whitaker be returning as a judge for The Block 2024?

In 2023, Neale took a break from filming to spend more time with his partner, who was dealing with health issues at the time. While he had previously told Homes to Love that he would be returning for its 20th season, Neale has announced his decision to remain at home with his partner as much as possible. While we may be seeing him on Phillip Island from time to time, the judging role has been permanently handed over to Marty Fox, alongside Shaynna and Darren.

To his Instagram audience, Neale wrote: “It’s been such a privilege to be part of Australia’s most iconic TV show for an unbelievable 13 years – unbelievable to me, anyway… Congratulations and good luck to this year’s Blockheads for their Phillip Island journey!”

Who are The Block 2024 contestants?

Grainy photos of the lineup (one of which also reveals the new logo) during promo filming have been leaked, courtesy of locals, and all of the contestants were named: Kristian and Mimi (purple team), Jesse and Paige (blue team), Kylie and Brad (green team), Ricky and Hayden (yellow team), and Courtney and Grant (red team).

However, à la Elle Ferguson and Joel Patful’s dramatic ghosting in 2022, suspected insider @theblockinatorblog shared via Instagram that one of the teams have called it quits.

“DRAMA!! Rumour has it that a couple competing on The Block 2024 has quit the show. It’s not yet known who has quit the show, but it’s been said that the couple have already been replaced by a new couple,” wrote the anonymous source.

Could the new couple fulfil the ‘All Stars’ prophecy predicted by many? Steph and Gian, who made history last year after taking home the biggest profit the show has ever seen, have confirmed that they will return in some capacity. It has been suggested that the pair will play a role in divvying out the show’s ‘Block Bucks’, perhaps in line with their soon-to-be-launched brand, Japandi Estate.

Taking a more cryptic tact, Kristy and Brett’s latest Instagram post, a studio shot of them looking ready for competition captioned “The writing was always on the wall…”, has also raised some eyebrows — could they be hinting at a possible return so soon?

Or perhaps there’s some credit to the ‘All Star’ rumours after all — Tom (of Tom and Sarah-Jane) famously made a reappearance as a HiPages ambassador in 2023, so we guess anything is possible!

But, as we learned from the 2022 season, the production team have prepared for every instance, including shock mid-season drop outs. We already hear rumblings of another plucky duo rearing to take on the challenge five weeks in, two young girls by the name of Maddy and Charlotte.

Here’s everything we know about The Block 2024 contestants.

Is Foreman Keith returning to The Block in 2024?

Sadly, Neale Whitaker is not the only loss The Block will suffer in 2024. Although he is practically synonymous with the show, respected and revered Foreman Keith (Keith Schleiger), has also announced that he is reducing his role, putting the decision down to the difficulties of traveling to Phillip Island and the need to prioritise his family. He will reportedly make a few appearances throughout the season, but will largely hand over to Dan Reilly. He also announced on Instagram that he is starting a new business, Keith’s Bathrooms and Renovations.

The Block 2024 houses

Thanks to The Blockinator Blog’s Facebook group, THE BLOCK 2024 PHILLIP ISLAND, we now have our first glimpses of the finished homes — or renders of them, at least. As they have done in previous years, producers have opted to erect Domain-branded ‘Forthcoming Auction’ signage way ahead of time (like, way ahead — historically, auctions aren’t held until around November).

This year, contestants were working with dated, resort-style properties, and in a nod to their locale, it appears they have stuck with a theme of Palm Springs coastal and mid-century-style asymmetry.

So what’s happening now?

With the teams on-site, we can now only guess as to what kind of renovation chaos is ensuing. A local source has supposedly hinted that the challenge room was a bathroom, which would truly be a baptism by fire!

Ever wondered what happens before The Block hits our screens? What preparation the contestants are given, if any? We spoke to 2023’s Steph and Gian and 2021’s Mitch and Mark to get the low-down on what happens before The Block kicks off — check it out here.

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Yes, it has been confirmed that Channel 7 is bringing on a brand-spanking new renovation show called Dream Home. Anticipated to air sometime in the coming months of 2024, the show is modelled off a New Zealand/Aotearoa counterpart of the same name, which saw two couples compete for a cash prize as they fully renovated a dilapidated property to create their, well, “dream home”.

And while we don’t like to play favourite child when it comes to reality reno shows, we can’t help but wonder: after a dramatic finish in Hampton East last year, could this already-successful show topple The Block off its throne?

When is Dream Home‘s air date?

We can finally reveal that Channel 7’s Dream Home is set to air on Sunday 26th May at 7pm on Channel 7 and 7plus, cutting ahead of both The Block and the 2024 Olympic Games.

Who will host Dream Home?

And who will fill the rival work boots of Scott Cam and be entrusted with the reigns of this brand new show? Channel 7 has officially confirmed that it will be Bondi Vet and The Living Room‘s Dr. Chris Brown, who left Channel 10 last year to join the Channel 7 network.

For those questioning Dr Chris’ authority to host a show about renovating, he admits that while his skills are “a renovator’s delight”, he feels this will mean he can genuinely relate to what the contestants experience on the show – “possibly more than they’ll ever know.”

What is Dream Home Australia about?

Mitre 10 Dream Home, which preceded The Block (a cause of much contention and even a lawsuit), saw a successful life in New Zealand/Aotearoa between 1999 and 2013. Much like The Block, the original rendition of the show followed contestants as they were challenged to renovate room-by-room while sticking to a strict budget.

In the original series, viewers were also invited to participate, voting each week for the room they liked best, but it appears this format has been dropped by its new producers, Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay company).

In the 2024 Australian reboot of Dream Home, six pairs of ‘everyday Aussies’ will redesign and rebuild each other’s outdated homes room-by-room, battling it out each week with a winner declared every Sunday evening (sounds familiar!). Once the homes are complete, the three top-placing teams will have the opportunity to take to their home’s backyards and outdoor living areas.

The prize? Their dream home, of course – no nail-biting auctions here. The winning couple will also receive a cash prize of $100,000.

Who are the judges on Dream Home?

But arguably more important than the host, is who will form the assemblage of judges on Dream Home. We can now confirm that Luxe Listing’s Simon Cohen, Selling in the City star and principal at architecture firm Hassell Rosie Morley, and Three Birds Renovations’ Lana Taylor have been cast as judges for Channel 7’s upcoming renovation show. 

Speaking with Homes to Love, Simon Cohen, buyer’s agent and co-founder of Cohen Handler said, “Dream Home will be an incredible competition that sees mind-blowing house transformations in such a short time. It’s going to be [something] that every Australian can relate to… [it’s] definitely the show to be watching at the moment.”

“These renovations will be incredible and absolutely life-changing. The stakes are high in any competition, but when it comes to your home, the sky’s the limit.”

“Knowledge is power and I think people underestimate just how many decisions they’re going to have to make,” adds Three Birds’ Lana Taylor.

Whether they will bring the same banter and pizazz as Darren Palmer, Shaynna Blaze, Marty Fox and now-ex-judge Neale Whitaker remains to be seen, but with the expertise between them, we think Simon, Rosie and Lana will be a force to be reckoned with.

Who are the contestants on Dream Home?

The show will play host to six teams of two from across Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales. The teams are as follows:

Brad and Mel, Victoria

Brad and Mel have been married for over 20 years, and have four teenagers to prove it. Their home in Northcote, VIC, is described as an untouched 1920s “Edwardian old girl” simply too small for their family and lifestyle. After attempting to renovate for six years, the pair “took a punt and applied” to the show.

Taelar and Ellie, Victoria

Sisters Taelar and Ellie are taking to the competition with an upper hand – Taelar is a professional house-flipper and graduate architect. The home undergoing the hammer is Elle’s 1960s Watsonia North property, which she purchased in 2022. The pair say they’re dreaming of a modern 70s aesthetic with a focus on natural materials. “I would hate to see white on white on white on white in Elle’s house, it just isn’t her,” says Taelar. Listen up, contestants!

Hannah and Jonny, Queensland

Hannah and Jonny are parents to 10-month-old twins, so for them, life has been a juggle. Their 1950s weatherboard, located in the inner-city suburb of Coorparoo, has high potential, but is rundown and cramped in its current state – and not fit for a young family. Their brief is for an open-plan home packed with colour, fun and personality. “I hope people don’t interpret our brief as “retro” and give us a house that feels like an Austin Powers movie with different bold colours in every room,” says Jonny.

Rhys and Liam, Queensland

Tradie brothers Rhys and Liam have already been dubbed the ‘pair to watch’. Their self-described style is a blend of Scandinavian and coastal Mediterranean, so we expect they’ll be after a home that is light-filled and packs a punch with great outdoor entertaining areas. After helping his Rhys renovate his home, it’s Liam’s turn on the reno-go-round with his 1970s Deception Bay pad.

Jacinta and Jordan, New South Wales

Sydney couple Jacinta and Jordan attribute communication and shared humour as the hallmarks of their successful partnership. The pair have two young daughters and have been forced to live in Jacinta’s grandparents’ single-bedroom granny flat while they save to renovate their cramped and rundown home in suburban Punchbowl. “I grew up around construction as most of my family are tradies,” says Jacinta. “I always loved taking part in any renovation project anyone around me had. So, you could say I have some experience, but still very much a rookie.”

Lara and Peter, New South Wales

Family-first Lara and Peter describe themselves as a ‘typical fiery Italian’ and an ‘Aussie bogan’. They hope their 1960s red brick home in Belrose will be transformed with an open-plan floorplan with a coastal vibe and plenty of greenery. “This renovation will mean we finally get to entertain. Being around friends and family is super important to us.”

While we’re champing at the bit for fresh reality renovation content, The Block will always hold a special place in our hearts. To find out everything that’s happening with this year’s season – including news about the sites, contestants and judges – head over to our article.

And now, back to The Block

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While he only moved to Australia from the UK in 1999, Neale has steadily made his mark on our media landscape, loved for his witty comments and warm nature, and admired for his impeccable style and taste — which we’ve peeked via ventures inside his various dwellings.

From the creation of his stunning, newly opened Airbnb to his 13 years spent on The Block, we’ve taken a look behind the curtain at the life and times of Neale Whitaker.

Although Neale spends a lot of his time travelling for filming commitments, his country property just outside of Berry, NSW, is the place he calls home.

Where does Neale Whitaker live?

Neale Whitaker and The Block

Neale has been gracing contestants on renovation reality show The Block since 2010 with his valuable insight and constructive criticism — with the occasional facetious remark thrown in for good measure. Although Neale previously told Homes To Love that he had a soft spot for Sky High and Glasshouse, there’s a high chance that the escapades of the past few years may have measured up.

After returning for the show’s 19th season in a part-time capacity, we were hopeful that Neale would be back on a more permanent basis for 2024’s Phillip Island season, the show’s 20th. Sadly, Neale broke the emotional news that he would be stepping back from judging and will permanently hand the reigns to Marty Fox.

His shock departure was announced via a post on his Instagram. “We all hoped that by this year I would be able to return full-time to the show, but life doesn’t always run to schedule…,” he wrote. “So while you’ll see me on Phillip Island from time to time, I’ve handed my judging sheet permanently to Marty Fox (who stepped in so brilliantly last season) and I know he will have a blast with Shaynna and Darren as I did for 17 seasons. It’s been such a privilege to be part of Australia’s most iconic TV show for an unbelievable 13 years – unbelievable to me, anyway.”

Stay up to date on all things The Block here.

Love It Or List It Australia

No one could ever accuse Neale Whitaker of sitting back — between trips to The Block location, he is also a co-host of Love It Or List It Australia alongside real estate expert Andrew Winter.

The show follows the pair as they help Australian families solve their housing dilemmas, and has just entered its fifth season. “It’s a very changed environment to previous seasons of the show, so it will be fascinating to see how things play out,” Neale commented. “I can’t wait to get started.”

Stream Love It or List It Australia now on Foxtel Now with a 10-day free trial. Subscribe here.

Neale Whitaker’s South Coast Home

After holidaying there for 10 years, Neale Whitaker and his partner David Novak-Piper decided to make the NSW South Coast their permanent home. “We told a couple of local estate agents that if a suitable house ever came up we’d be interested – but we were very specific about the location,” says Neale. “We had it narrowed down to just one road.”

In 2018, the opportunity arose and the pair purchased a 1930s four-bedroom brick cottage that, at the time, was “a bit of a patchwork quilt”. Since, Neale and David have redesigned the home, and the result is a relaxed yet curated one. “There was no desire to create a typical country-style interior,” says Neale. “We love to mix a variety of styles and that’s what we’ve always done. Neither David nor I like sticking to any decorating rules.”

Taylor’s of Berry guesthouse

In January 2023, Neale and his partner, David, put the finishing touches on their country-goes-contemporary guesthouse, Taylor’s of Berry, which is located on their South Coast property. “It felt like we were on our own version of The Block,” jokes Neale.

Filled with rich texture, luxury finishes, and Neale and David’s signature “slightly left-of-field” decorating style, the one-bedroom property enjoys proximity to the coastline — and uninhibited access to the couple’s gorgeous 32-year-old horse, Bill. “It’s heaven,” says Neale.

You can stay at Neale Whitaker’s guesthouse, Taylor’s of Berry, which can be booked via Airbnb.

Neale Whitaker’s former Sydney homes

For many years, Neale and David were Sydney dwellers, first residing in a heritage terrace in Surry Hills which they bought for $690,000 back in 2005. Designer furniture, a fabulous art collection, and a lush courtyard garden won the hearts of many when the property hit the market back in late 2015, resulting in a sale of $1.756 million.

Following the sale, the couple moved into an SJB Architecture and Interiors-designed apartment in Alexandria for $1.705 million — and took their furniture along with them! After just two years, the apartment was back on the market and sold for a reported loss in a volatile market.

Neale Whitaker’s homewares range

In case the above wasn’t enough, Neale has somehow, somewhere, found the time to produce a collection of homewares, available through MyHouse and House.

The range is reminiscent of the same style seen in his country home, featuring all-natural fabrics, a nature-drawn palette, and lots of texture over vases, cushions, bedding and rugs.

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So, who is Marty Fox? And will he be returning for The Block‘s milestone 20th season in 2024? In what capacity? We’re sure you have questions. We do. And here’s everything we know.

Who is Marty Fox?

Marty Fox reportedly entered the real estate game when he was just 21 years old, and hasn’t left since. Back in 2017, he launched his own agency, WHITEFOX.

In its first three years, the agency represented over $1,000,000,000 in luxury properties. Much of Marty’s success has been attributed to his knack for marketing properties across his social and digital platforms. In 2023, Marty expanded his business overseas, opening WHITEFOX in New Zealand.

According to his website, Marty has personally settled $600 million in sales, with an average sale price of $3.6 million and a record of $49.6 million.

He is also a family man and lives in a marble-laden c1890s Victorian home in the prestigious Melbourne suburb of Toorak with his wife Charlotte, and their three children, Freddy, Olive and Bonnie. Together, he and Charlotte have flipped 12 properties over the last 15 years.

“In terms of our personal style it is generally of a period nature, old Victorian homes. My thing going into The Block is to make sure the contestants deliver a house that is as timeless as possible, but still keeping to the trends,” he says.

Is Marty Fox replacing Neale Whitaker on The Block?

When Marty Fox was first sighted at The Block 2023 location, he was walking alongside judges Shaynna Blaze and Darren Palmer. There were sudden fears — at least from within the Homes To Love team — that he may be replacing beloved judge and former magazine editor Neale Whitaker, who also has commitments to Love It Or List It Australia.

That proved not to be the case, for last year at least. But in the lead-up to the show’s 20th season, due to air in August 2024, our beloved Neale announced that he is permanently handing over to Marty in an emotional Instagram post.

“In 2023 – as many of you will know – I took a break from The Block to spend more time with my partner David who was dealing with some serious health issues. We all hoped that by this year I would be able to return full-time to the show, but life doesn’t always run to schedule. David gets stronger with each passing month, but my decision remains to be at home as much as possible. So while you’ll see me on Phillip Island from time to time, I’ve handed my judging sheet permanently to Marty Fox (who stepped in so brilliantly last season) and I know he will have a blast with Shaynna and Darren as I did for 17 seasons.”

While we have no doubts about Marty’s capabilities, we are certainly sad to see him go.

Was Marty on The Block before he was a judge?

Keen viewers may already know that Marty Fox is certainly no stranger to The Block. Not only did the Melbourne-based real estate agent sell Rachel and Ryan’s home in the 2022 season, but he also auctioned Harry and Tash’s home back on The Block 2020. The father-daughter team came third in their season, walking away with $650,000 in prize money. (Or second if you count all the drama with winning team Jimmy and Tam’s buyer.)

“It’s really nice to come back into the show having been on the periphery in the past,” says Marty. “It’s almost like a tick for me professionally.”

Read more about The Block judges

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How Darren Palmer turned a garage destined for demolition into a Scandi-style tiny home

00:30

A look inside the life, career and homes of Neale Whitaker

01:16

Inside interior designer Shaynna Blaze’s striking country Carriage House

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The post Everything you need to know about Marty Fox, the judge taking the reins on The Block in 2024 appeared first on Homes To Love.

Titled Bay Builds, Kyal and Kara’s newest project will see them undertaking the slab-up construction of two side-by-side, resort-style properties that sprawl across two storeys and have three bedrooms each, and they’re documenting the process in what marks their fourth online series.

It’s not the first time we’ve seen ambitious ex-Blockheads tackle such a large project — last year, Alisa and Lysandra went head-to-head to undertake a similar concept in a series titled Design Duo. However, Bay Builds promises to deliver its point of difference in Kyal and Kara’s sought-after signature style, with a tonne of lavish and luxurious finishes and details thrown in for good measure.

“We have lots of curved render, we have Knotwood battens, and we have this beautiful, super-textured stone,” says Kara. Though both homes will be similarly packed with tactile finishes, matching floorplans, and a cohesive front-on design, each side will be treated slightly differently where interior inspiration and style are concerned. “House One is light, bright, and French-inspired,” Kara explains, whereas House Two is “much warmer and moodier”, and will feature darker timbers and micro-cement.

After waiting over a year for approval (proof that even seasoned renovators can hit walls), the build’s foundations began to take shape from the ground up. And, once the final floorboard and Gyprock sheet were laid, the mirror-image main bedrooms, walk-in wardrobes, and ensuites were the first cabs off the reno rank.

‘Luxury French hotel’ was on the menu for House One’s combined bedroom suite, which features soft, white linen, American oak cabinetry, Champagne-finish tapware and a curvaceous, wavy rug underfoot. Conversely, for House Two, ‘coastal Spanish resort’ was the treatment, bringing forth a moody and dramatic design style that heralds sophistication through the use of aged American oak, deep browns, and copper tapware.

And, well, that’s just week one. Next to face the hammer are the main bathrooms, guest bedrooms, studies, and a mysterious “special glass floor feature,” says Kara. Watch this space!

You can keep up to date with new episodes via Kyal and Kara’s Youtube channel, where episodes will be released weekly on Tuesday evenings.

See more from Kyal and Kara

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03:44

Kyal and Kara’s bespoke Mediterranean-meets-coastal style home

09:15

Kyal and Kara share their tips for planning a new build

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Kyal and Kara create the ultimate guest house in their own backyard

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The post Kyal and Kara are back — and they’re renovating two homes at once appeared first on Homes To Love.

With no fewer than seven residential renovations and a high-profile The Block-branded home (which recently sold) as the foundations of their growing portfolio, Leah and Ash are no strangers to renovating. In fact, their building company, The Milton Project, was conceived well before they ever appeared on a television screen. So, when the four were serendipitously introduced through their landscaper from The Block, Matt Harvey, and given something of an open brief, it was game on.

The space in question was Josh and Tippah’s master suite, which lacked space, light, and functionality. “They live in a beautiful Queenslander, however, this typically means a 70s or 80s renovation, particularly where bathrooms are concerned,” Leah told Homes To Love. “The room was crowded and pokey…It just didn’t match the rest of the house.”

With instructions from Josh and Tippah to add storage and natural light while bettering the floorplan and adding “a nice ensuite”, Leah and Ash set about creating a space that is worlds apart from their ‘psyche-deco’ Hampton East home on The Block. “One of the things I love about renovating for clients is being able to branch out and design in different styles,” says Leah. “It keeps it interesting!”

As it stands now, the room is what all parties describe as ‘grand’, with a concerted effort to stay true to the traditional feel of the property. “It has a calming, moody and luxe feel with lots of natural light,” says Leah. Both Josh and Tippah say that the space is statement-making, and suits them perfectly. “It’s an absolute pleasure to use, we love it!” The foursome’s working relationship isn’t set to end there, with the main bathroom scheduled to undergo the Leah-and-Ash treatment in a few months.

As if renovating the home of two major sporting celebrities isn’t work enough, Leah and Ash are still deep in the trenches of a renovation of their very own. “We have just passed the 4-year mark… I cannot believe I’m saying that!” says Leah. “We have a big, heritage Queenslander, and with that comes a long design and approval process — but we’re finally on the home stretch. So, call us crazy, but we are currently on the lookout for our next project. We’ve got a few more in us, though Ash would probably say otherwise!”

See more of Josh and Tippah’s master suite

Seeking extra space, Josh and Tippah merged their bedroom with an adjoining guest room, allowing them direct access to the gorgeous traditional-style verandah via a set of French doors.

Warm-toned bed linen makes for a vibe that is both summery and cosy. VJ panelling has been used throughout — including on the ceiling — in a nod to the home’s traditional features.

Leah and Ash say they wanted to create a “calming, beautiful oasis” that Josh and Tippah could retreat to and feel “instantly relaxed”.

A generous walk-in wardrobe has added plenty of functionality to what was previously a poky bedroom. The space enjoys natural light of its own via both a window and skylight.

Instead of tiling to the ceiling, Leah and Ash again embraced the Queenslander’s quintessential features and added a dado rail and more VJ panelling.

Once terracotta tiled and dark with a too-small basin and vanity, the pair’s ensuite now has style in spades.

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Exclusive: Inside Guy Sebastian’s family home

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Inside AFL star Trent Cotchin’s idyllic family home in Melbourne

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An influential Sydney couple have kicked serious design goals with their ‘light vs dark’ duplex

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The post The Block’s Leah and Ash have renovated AFL star Josh Dunkley’s “grand” main bedroom appeared first on Homes To Love.

Tucked away in Sydney’s leafy Oyster Bay, the high-perched contemporary property is the Australian dream in physical form, where sweeping views over the Georges River are just the beginning. Since purchasing the home almost exactly five years ago, the pair have slowly made cosmetic but impactful updates, including to the master bedroom, bathrooms, living and dining areas, and the Mediterranean-inspired pool area — “our COVID project”. Comfortably spanning four bedrooms and three bathrooms, as well as several outdoor zones that would make laidback-lifestyle enthusiasts weak at the knees, it’s little wonder that the pair’s departure is bittersweet. “This home is so special to us. We’ve created the most beautiful memories here, and we know it will be just as good to its next family,” Rachel told Homes To Love.

While the serial renovators are yet to find their next Sydney-based ‘forever home’, they certainly have not spent their time since The Block‘s monumental Gisborne season sitting on their hands. “We’ve recently finished a massive renovation of a luxury holiday home on the South Coast of NSW, which we filmed for TV (coming soon!), and we absolutely loved it,” Rachel shares. “So the plan now is to find another property in need of some love. We’re going to live in it, renovate it, and turn it into another family’s dream home…with our three kids in tow. What could go wrong?”

The couple have listed their home at 35A Como Road, Oyster Bay, for sale with Pulse Agency’s Ben Pike, with a price guide of $2.8 million.

You can see the details on realestate.com.au

On the market

Inside Rachel and Ryan’s Sydney home

A climb up the property’s driveway gives way to the most spectacular views over the bushy Georges River.

Similar to their approach to The Block build, Rachel says she and Ryan aimed to maintain a consistent flow, staying true to their style. “What we did completely differently, though, was take our time. There most definitely isn’t a space in our home that was created in a week, and the painting is of a much higher standard!”

The large master bedroom enjoys plenty of wardrobe storage, a generous ensuite, and a built-in window seat that takes in the lush garden at the property’s rear.

Thanks to clever and compact bunk beds (which feature concealed storage), Everleigh and Mila’s bedroom leaves plenty of space for creativity.

With its fireplace and integrated firewood storage, built-in BBQ, and low-maintenance gardens, the outdoor dining and entertaining area is one of the home’s many winning features.

“We did the entire pool reno during COVID and, due to the restrictions, did so much of the work ourselves. It really showed us what we can achieve.” 

Parents can keep a keen eye on kids using the play equipment from the comfy and resort-like pool lounge.

Read more on The Block

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The Block 2024 is coming — here’s everything we know about it

00:59

The Block 2022: Tour Rachel and Ryan’s house

The Block 2023 winners Steph and Gian have sold their stunning Sydney renovation for $1.8 million

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The post The Block’s Rachel and Ryan are selling their family home in Sydney’s south appeared first on Homes To Love.

Matching their colourful characters (and at times, language) Eliza and Liberty’s house on The Block, 22 Charming Street, or House 5, is full of daring design choices, sophisticated style and clever inclusions (who could forget the foot niche for shaving your…feet?).

Eliza and Liberty’s house was bought at The Block auction by Adrian Portelli, who subsequently raffled the property through his online promotions and giveaway platform, LMCT+. Tickets cost as little as $10 and the winner could choose to take the keys to the house or $2.2m cash.

Well, after drawing a name for Eliza and Liberty’s home — as well as neighbours Steph and Gian’s for that matter — the winners opted for the cash. Perhaps not the outcome Adrian was expecting, and as a result, he listed the property for sale (again!), albeit through more traditional channels.

The property was listed with a price guide of $2.9 million – $3.2 million, and a jaw-dropping reserve of just $1, which would have seen Adrian set to make a considerable loss on the $4.3 million he spent securing it back in November. Luckily for him, the home sold at auction to the higher end of the bracket at $3.245 million. You can see the new property listing here.

Sold!

Reserve: $3.25 million

Winning bid: $4.3 million

Total Profit: $1.05 million

The auction for House 5 saw three big buyers, Adrian Portelli, Danny Wallis and Frank Valentic exchange more than a few tense looks. Danny began the bid at $3,099,000… until being outbid by Adrian Portelli at $4,000,000, the latter of whom proceeded to outbid himself, not once, but twice, to leave the girls with a staggering final profit of $1,050,000.

The Block 2023 auction results

Although the sisters got off to a bit of a rocky start (remember when Marty said he would rather their guest studio have been left empty?), and made a few questionable choices in the middle (moss wall…?), they ultimately grew from strength to strength to produce a cohesive house that was coined the one to beat come auction day.

The floorplan, one of the largest, was expected to catch the attention of potential buyers. Downstairs, a huge open-plan living, dining and winning kitchen area conjoin a secluded working-from-home space/guest bedroom with its own ensuite. Upstairs there are two bedrooms and a bathroom, as well as the master suite.

Described on the listing as a “bespoke entertainer” with “effortless luxury”, these reno rookies turned out to be one of the most successful underdogs we ever did see!

• Tour Kyle and Leslie’s house
• Tour Kristy and Brett’s house
• Tour Steph and Gian’s (winning!) house
• Tour Leah and Ash’s house

Take a look inside the other homes from The Block 2023

See inside Eliza and Liberty’s house from The Block 2023

Studio bathroom

The girls seemed surprised by their success in week 1, which saw them produce this light, soft, contemporary studio bathroom. Although they were criticised for their too-high toilet flush placement, mixture of metals and light from 2005 (according to Darren), the sisters were overall pleased with their first-ever-room feedback.

Guest studio

Scathing comments lay ahead for the girls come guest studio reveal day. Particularly fired up was newcomer Marty Fox, who called the styling “juvenile” and felt that Eliza and Liberty had missed the mark with regards to identifying the buyer. Adding further insult to injury, Shaynna said the room felt like a “very cheap motel”, and Marty capped it all off, saying: “I think the styling is so bad, that had it have been empty, I would have been happier.”

Working-from-home space

Eliza and Liberty were the only team to convert the designated working-from-home area to a (fifth) bedroom. It was a choice that earned them lots of praise from Shaynna, Darren and Marty, who also felt the girls had improved significantly after the previous week’s guest studio fail. “I feel like what we saw last week was a bad version of the 90s, but I feel like this is a good version of the 90s…and the 90s is so in at the moment,” said Shaynna.

Downstairs bathroom

The big feature of Eliza and Liberty’s downstairs bathroom was, without a doubt, their “taxidermied” moss wall. The judges’ overall reaction was one of puzzlement — “I feel like taking a little bit off and spreading it on my soup,” said Marty — but perhaps the girls’ daring move could prove a point of difference and tempt potential buyers.

Living room

Eliza and Liberty’s living area was proportion-perfect according to Neale, Darren and Shaynna, who also loved the minimal styling and cosy colour palette. The only miss was the slightly odd layout of the fireplace behind the sofa instead of in front, which Neale said gave the effect of being on a bus.

Dining room

Introducing: Darren’s favourite chairs of living/dining week. Yep, House 5’s dining room was a huge hit with judges, Neale calling it “elegant”, “timeless” and “contemporary”. The three also noted how well it flowed into the living area.

Master bedroom

Eliza and Liberty entered master bedroom judging with an evident lack of enthusiasm, not helped by their steadily collapsing relationship with their builders nor their inability to finish painting. While the judges steered them away from rinse-and-repeating their blue and rust palette too much, the floorplan became their saving grace. “What they do with linen and rugs and so forth; they may not win a room, but it doesn’t mean that they cannot win The Block,” said Marty.

Kitchen

After a day spent critiquing bad kitchen layouts, the judges were very pleasantly surprised by Eliza and Liberty’s open and spacious kitchen, butler’s pantry and laundry. The girls earned brownie points for their “unadulterated” island bench (free from sinks and stoves) and the bonus inclusion of a fully-kitted-out linen cupboard and, ultimately, they were crowned the winners of kitchen week.

Master ensuite

The final piece of House 5’s master suite proved a huge success among Shaynna, Darren and Marty — foot niches and all. Darren said it was a “layout you can’t fault”, while Shaynna felt the pair had come leaps and bounds with regards to their styling. “These girls have hit it out of the ballpark,” concluded Marty of the ensuite bathroom, which saw the pair tie with Kristy and Brett.

Kids’ bedroom

While Eliza and Liberty’s take on their kids’ bedrooms wasn’t flashy or over the top, they designed their spaces to grow with the inhabitants – something that the judges’ were big fans of. It also featured a hand-written note and artwork by Novalie, a sweet 10-year-old girl with leukemia who Eliza and Liberty had met while doing the Ronald McDonald House challenge. Aptly, Shaynna proclaimed that “it [was] a room with heart.”

Kids’ bedroom

It was a similar story in Eliza and Liberty’s second bedroom. With both Shaynna and Marty commenting on the sheer sweetness of the design and cute, thoughtful additions of details like the recessed reading nook. “What they’ve left with me is a feeling of joy and warmth,” said Darren. “It’s a really fantastic family home, and it’s going to be very, very hard to go past House 5 on auction day.”

Kids’ bathroom

Jumbo terrazzo tiles, brass fixtures and a gorgeous moss green wall tiles gave the sisters a hard-earned win in the kids’ bathroom week. Touted as a space that would grow with children as they get older, Shaynna described the space as one that “feels really welcoming and joyful.”

Re-do room (guest studio)

Eliza and Liberty’s guest room was chosen as their re-do room, and based on the sense of relief that washed over the judges as they walked in, we think it was the right decision. While the positioning of the couch was questioned since their house has an enviable, north-facing backyard view, the creative Grafico wallpaper/TV trick was described as “inspired.”

Backyard and pool

While Eliza and Liberty loved their backyard and pool, saying they thought it was “one of the best” spaces they’d revealed so far, the judges unfortunately didn’t quite see their vision. They all agreed that the burnished concrete — while budget-friendly — had taken over the space and left it feeling cold and hard. Shaynna also slammed them on their styling, and Marty said that their undercover dining area felt like a “garden shed”. Landscape designer and guest judge, Dave Franklin, came to their rescue though, saying some more lush plants and a mix of materials around the pool could easily save the space.

Facade and front yard

Matching elements like the timber arbour and garage door were a hit for Eliza and Liberty’s facade and front yard reveal, as well as the lovely hedges and brick front entrance. The highlight for the judges was an unassuming detail: the cherry blossom tree. “Come auction time [it will be] flowering and it’s going to be absolutely stunning,” noted Dave. A smart move.

Garage

In the garage, the Porsche 911 Grafico wallpaper found a fan in Marty, while the overall spaciousness was appreciated by the judges. The dark tones gave the room a modern and luxe feel, but the judes did feel like the space “could have used a good clean” before the reveal.

Entry hallway

As for Eliza and Liberty’s entrance hallway, the judges were taken aback (in a good way!) at the spacious and grand area, the interior of which was defined by a structural, modern timber staircase. “This is what buyers love. This is spacious, this is a big family home,” said Marty as the four entered the foyer. “You cannot underestimate what house five offers to the buyers in terms of floor plan and space…This is just the quintessential Bayside family home.”

The post Eliza and Liberty’s house from The Block 2023 has just sold (again!) appeared first on Homes To Love.

And this year, they’ve had enough of inner suburb living. They’ll be making a sea change to Phillip Island on Victoria’s Bass Coast. 

With filming already commenced for the 2024 season, the island better known for its penguin parade has a new – slightly less feathered – crew parading around town. Lucky fans have been spotting the contestants out at local hardware stores and on the street, giving us sneak peeks of the bushy-tailed renovators who look more than ready to take on the challenge.

Who are The Block 2024 contestants?

With this season focussing on bringing it back to basics – real people and real renovations – it’s only right that we learn a little bit about the newest batch of competitors that will have us glued to our screens.

Already rocking the boat, suspected insider @theblockinatorblog has revealed that one couple is rumoured to have called it quits already (drama!). And while we can’t yet confirm exactly which team has left “on their own accord” (according to a production insider), à la Elle Ferguson and Joel Patful, here’s what we know so far…

Who are Kristian and Mimi, the Purple Team from The Block 2024?

Kristian and Mimi Belperio are the picture perfect pair from Adelaide, whose stunning wedding recently went viral on TikTok. It’s clear that the newlyweds have a keen eye for design – if the trending videos are anything to go by. Not only that, but Kristian’s electrician background will go a long way in the show. 

They are also affiliated with the newly renovated, upscale Adelaide restaurant, Ba Khang.

It’s reported that they’ll bring the dynamite this season, so we’re interested to see whether the drama from previous seasons sticks around.

Who are Kylie and Brad, the Green Team from The Block 2024?

Queensland couple, Kylie Vines and her partner Brad from Cairns are also joining this year’s crew. Kylie, distinctly recognisable, is aptly assigned to the green team. If her vivid hair is anything to go by, we suspect their interiors style will be bold and daring!

Who are Courtney and Grant, the Red team from The Block 2024?

Not much is known about Courtney and Grant from the Red team, another young couple ready to take on the challenge.

Who are Ricky and Hayden, the Yellow team from The Block 2024?

And while it has taken considerably longer to determine the identities of the two young blokes who will make up the Yellow team, it has finally been confirmed that their names are Ricky and Hayden. Seen sporting fish shoes instead of work boots, it appears they’ll be the much-needed comic relief for when tensions get high.

Did Jesse and Paige leave The Block 2024?

The pair from Perth, WA were a power couple to watch, spotted stopping for selfies with their fans while shopping for the show at local businesses. However, after just five weeks of filming on the new series, Paige and Jesse reportedly called it quits, a shock decision that was apparently of their own accord. Drama!

So, who is the new Blue Team on The Block 2024?

But, there’s no need to worry, if you’ll cast your mind back to Elle Ferguson’s season, The Block has been through this all before.

In fact, we already hear rumblings of another plucky duo rearing to take on House 1: Maddy and Charlotte from Sydney. Despite coming in on the back foot five weeks into the new season, they’re not letting that get them down. They’ve had plenty of renovation experience that they’re rearing to showcase, and have previously renovated a 1950s weatherboard cottage named Millie.

Let’s hope they’re game for the catch up that’s ahead of them!

That’s all the intel we’ve got on the contestants, but for more updates on the show as it happens, here’s everything else we know about The Block 2024.

When will The Block return in 2024?

We imagine the fan-favourite renovation show will return to our screens in August, 2024 after the coverage of the Paris Olympics concludes.

Do The Block contestants get paid?

The Block 2022 fan-favourite Sarah-Jane revealed to her Instagram audience that contestants in her season were required to be fully available for the 12-week stint, so do get paid for their time on the show. It sits at around $100 per day, per person — or $200 per team.

The post Meet the new contestants for The Block 2024 appeared first on Homes To Love.

“From the moment we laid eyes on this property, we saw so much potential,” the keen-eyed couple shared with Homes To Love. With two bedrooms, Federation charm oozing through the floorboards and a backyard that was almost “too big to use”, they knew exactly what it needed. 

After a reimagining by Steph’s own architecture studio, SJO Architects, the freestanding c1937 home in the south Sydney suburb of Bexley comfortably fits four bedrooms and two bathrooms, while an open kitchen-living-dining space sits on a new burnished concrete slab out the back, and opens onto a “gorgeously-groomed garden”. 

The kitchen takes centre stage in the open-plan space, with a ribbed Rosa Zarci marble island bench and dark charred timber joinery. It still feels light and bright thanks to a series of skylights carved into the dramatic cathedral ceiling, and a unique LED strip that runs down the centre of the roofline. 

Steph’s signature look — a lovechild of Scandinavian and Japanese style — may be strongly apparent in the new addition, but the front of the home has retained its Federation roots. “We believed it was important to maintain the natural character and integrity of the existing home,” the couple says. 

Existing cornices and ceiling roses in the front three bedrooms have been reinstated — the main bedroom now well-appointed with a fireplace and Travertine-wrapped ensuite — while the home’s facade still dons heritage colours and the original name plaque ‘Berrima’. 

As for the styling, the property has been dressed top to bottom in Steph and Gian’s very own homewares brand, Japandi Estate. Created to provide function, minimal design, and sustainably-produced, high-quality heirloom pieces at a reasonable price point, ‘less is more with more of the right’ is Japandi Estate’s North Star. It includes everything from intricately detailed timber furniture, textured cushions, sculptural bedheads and more.

Records show that the couple bought the property back in 2020 for $1,020,000, before embarking on the breathtaking renovation.

Sold by Trent Tarbey and Bill Tsounias of McGrath  – San Souci, the Glenfarne Street home headed for auction on Saturday, April 6 with a price guide of $1.7 million.

It sold at auction on April 10 2024, for an above-reserve price of $1,825,000, leaving Steph and Gian to pocket a cool $805,000 profit.

You can see the listing at domain.com.au.

SOLD

Take a look through the home by Steph and Gian

The facade of the c1937 Federation cottage has been lovingly maintained with heritage colours and traditional details.

The cottage, which is called ‘Berrima’, has had a completely new life breathed into it.

The main bedroom deftly blends traditional features — including an original fireplace — with modern touches.

A Travertine-clad ensuite bathroom echoes the calming aesthetic Steph and Gian became known for on The Block 2023.

A tonal palette with Roman blinds, stone accents, and a fluted shower screen give the ensuite bathroom a spa-like serenity.

All of the three bedrooms have been dressed in the couple’s soon-to-launch homewares brand, Japandi Estate.

A home office looks strikingly like the room-winning space the couple delivered on The Block 2023.

An arched design in the hallway cleverly delineates the transition between old and new in the home.

A slightly offset island bench in the kitchen gives the space an architectural edge, while also allowing for bar stools to neatly fit underneath.

The new open-plan extension sits on a burnished concrete slab that provides plenty of character to the space.

Steph’s signature Japandi style has been carried through the house with plenty of natural textures and neutral colours.

A dramatic cathedral ceiling coupled with skylights and a unique LED strip fitted into the ceiling’s centre line make the space feel light and bright.

Having started the project before going on The Block, the Steph and Gian say they wouldn’t change a thing about it, but admit the show taught them a lot about their approach to the build process, “particularly when it comes to being efficient with tasks.”

“Turning this from a two-bedroom into a four-bedroom house was an incredible achievement for us and something that we think will be well appreciated at the sale,” they say.

The post The Block 2023 winners Steph and Gian have sold their stunning Sydney renovation for $1.8 million appeared first on Homes To Love.

Created to provide function, minimal design, and sustainably-produced, high-quality heirloom pieces at a reasonable price point, ‘less is more with more of the right’ is Japandi Estate’s North Star. “It was a natural lean into what we had been doing on The Block. It’s more than just architecture, it’s a lifestyle,” explains Steph. “When I was sourcing homewares on The Block, I realised there was a gap. I wanted to create a line that really suits the Japandi architectural style.”

“At the forefront of the brand were the Japandi ideologies of minimalism, interchangeability, and longevity,” says Gian. “All of our designs have been curated so that you don’t need to chop and change based on the season. Japandi Estate can grow with you as your home does.”

The first line available is titled ‘Fluidity’, which is then divided into four collections named for the seasons: Wave (summer), Cloud (autumn), Puddle (winter), and Crescent (spring). The inspiration behind this decision is that it follows their ethos of timelessness, says Steph: the seasons may change but, with the right pieces, your home shouldn’t have to.

The pair have hardly stopped to take a breath since they departed Charming Street, but they’re certainly showing no signs of slowing down any time soon. “For the next release, we are looking at ways to double down on the brand’s values. We see a lot of people repurposing furniture, but also a lot of people getting rid of it, simply because it doesn’t fit their palette anymore,” says Gian. “We’re trying to work with Aussie businesses to provide a solution for that — we don’t want people throwing away five or ten thousand dollar couches every five years, we want to provide a solution.” Divulging a more suggestive hint, Steph shares that the end goal is for people to be able to fill entire rooms with Japandi Estate pieces. “If you think about what we’ve done so far,” she says, listing the bedroom-based products, “you might be able to understand where we’re heading.”

And in true Steph and Gian style, the dream doesn’t stop there. “We have this end vision of having a boutique farm stay, where people can get away and just immerse themselves in this state of zen and calm.” An actual, tangible Japandi Estate? Watch this space!

Take a closer look at Steph and Gian’s first-ever Japandi Estate homewares range via japandiestate.com

Shop Steph and Gian’s Japandi Estate collection

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Grounding rug in Ivory

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Rest cushions in Mud

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Sash side table

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Rest cushions in Forest

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Arc side table

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Flo side table

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Dot ottoman in Clay

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The post The Block’s Steph and Gian have launched their own homewares brand, Japandi Estate appeared first on Homes To Love.

“We recognised the significant potential in the property for both subdivision and renovation,” the couple says of the property located in Embleton in Western Australia, a family-friendly suburb some 15 minutes northeast of Perth’s CBD.

First up was dividing the large block of land, as the savvy pair planned to use profits from the sale of the vacant plot to fund their renovation. With a $300,000 boost to their budget, they began work on the main house — a 1950s bungalow that had stayed within the same family over all its years and remained very much in original condition. 

“It’s vital to explore zoning regulations, ensuring compliance and avoiding potential setbacks,” explains Georgia. “Assessing the property’s size, shape and accessibility to infrastructure is also pretty important for determining its suitability and development costs. Additionally, researching market demand and conducting a financial feasibility study will help gauge potential profitability.”  

Tips for subdividing a block of land

“Drawing inspiration from the home’s original architecture, we opted for a modern mid-century/Palm Springs-inspired aesthetic,” says Georgia. “We aimed to complement the home’s personality with our design choices.” For one, a circular motif makes its way throughout the home, through the choice of tiles, lighting fixtures and hardware.

Walls have been reoriented and skylights carved out of the ceiling to transform a rabbit-warren of dark poky rooms — including a pastel purple kitchen — into a splendid open-plan living space, with a tile-clad kitchen island bench, intimate dining nook and even a butler’s pantry worked into the existing floorplan. 

The two bathrooms and three bedrooms now boast a calming new colour palette of natural timbers, soft sage greens and terrazzo-look tiles, while a touch of Palm Springs style adds a playful personality, albeit in a very chic way. 

Even after the subdivision, the home — which has been painted a fresh bright white — still sits on a generous 445sqm, and the Palm Springs energy continues into the surrounding landscaped gardens and rear courtyard, complete with festoon lights, cacti and plenty of white pebbles. 

“Given the age of the home, we encountered a significant amount of asbestos that needed safe removal, which proved to be both time-consuming and costly,” the couple says. As a result, while they still worked within the original floorplan, the property has been all but rebuilt from the ground up over nine months. That means it’s now insulated, integrated (with fancy new appliances) and reticulated (with an easy-to-maintain lawn). 

While originally renovated with the intention of using the home as an investment property, Ronnie and Georgia instead decided to list it for sale while the market is hot. And here’s the kicker: it’s was open to offers in the high $700,000s. An absolute bargain if you ask us!

So it’s unsurprising that it only took a week or two for the property to be put under offer. “So excited for the new owners to love this home as much as we have loved renovating it,” they shared on Instagram.

You can see the full property listing here, and watch their six-part video series on the renovation here.

On the market

See inside Ronnie and Georgia’s Palm Springs-style renovation

Ronnie and Georgia drew their design inspiration from the original architecture of the home, with its mid-century style low, flat roof and use of clean lines. While this aesthetic has been adopted around the world these days, it is particularly popular in Palm Springs.

Moving walls to reduce the size of the hallway and maximise the open-plan layout meant Ronnie and Georgia could fit a restaurant-worthy dining nook next to their flashy new entertainer’s kitchen.

Designing a home to live in versus an investment property is very different. “Opting for a neutral design and durable, low-maintenance materials helps broaden the property’s appeal and minimise ongoing expenses,” explains Georgia, who chose a hard-wearing Porcelain slab bench top and splash back for the new kitchen.

A clever rejig of the floorplan even allowed Ronnie and Georgia to tuck a butler’s pantry into the new layout. Sage green, light timbers and gold accents are recurring design elements throughout the whole home.

Georgia opted for Beaumont’s Artisan Textured tiles in Poco (tundra) paired with their MatchUp Sugar Mix tiles for the ensuite bathroom. And while the layout may appear random, she actually specified the exact position of each tile before it went in.

The sage green joinery and gold hardware that starred in the kitchen are also used in the bedrooms, providing a nice continuity throughout the house. The large gingham blanket on the bed was on sale at Adairs, but you can shop a similar style here.

Georgia hung the pink striped wallpaper from Milton & King in one of the guest bedrooms. It’s just one of the many jobs they encourage their fans to try themselves to help keep costs down. “Demolition is another task that any DIYer can tackle, ensuring safety precautions are followed,” she adds. “Additionally, painting is relatively easy and can deliver significant results, with proper prep work being key.”

Even after they subdivided the block, there is still plenty of outdoor space to entertain family and friends.

The stylish gardens — by renowned landscape designer Sam DeVries — are about as low-maintenance as they come, featuring plenty of white pebbles, hardy cacti, and an in-built watering system.

The fire pit area with a built-in curved bench seat and festoon lights means this outdoor entertaining area is ready and waiting for guests.

The post Ronnie and Georgia transformed an asbestos-ridden bungalow into a Palm Springs paradise appeared first on Homes To Love.

Having their pick of The Block after blowing the judges away in the House Decider Challenge, Leah and Ash settled on House 2, which features a funky timber-clad curved exterior and was informally referred to by The Block architect Julian Cress as “the iPhone house”. There’s also exposed blonde brick on the bottom level, which are a sweet reminder of the ’50s-era bungalow that once sat in the same spot.

In fact, they were the only team to introduce any ‘retro’ flair back into their renovation, albeit in more of a ’70s Palm Springs style. Their unique aesthetic — which blends colourful psychedelic vibes with touches of Art Deco sophistication — didn’t always fly with the judges, who at first warned them against going down a path that was likely to polarise buyers.

SOLD!

There was plenty of speculation swirling around after The Block auction that numerous potential buyers had come forward, but as the months passed, the couple’s hopes of a sale – let alone a $3.2 million dollar sale – dwindled.

While former contestants Mitch and Mark felt that the ‘Adrian Portelli factor’ “created unrealistic expectations around the value of [the] homes”, Leah and Ash announced on Instagram at the end of February 2024 that they had finally sold. After dropping the price down $75,000 to $3.125 million (which is still above their $2.97 million reserve), the couple have successfully passed the home on to a family at that price point, “…to live in”. “The buyers are obsessed with the design. This is what we had hoped for and can’t believe it’s finally happened,” the couple shared with Homes To Love.

“It’s been a tough few months as we’ve had a few close calls with this sale,” the pair wrote on Instagram. “Despite the challenges and the doubts, we have remained steadfast in our vision and we cannot tell you how relieved we are that our dreams for this house [are] finally a reality.”

You can revisit the real estate listing on domain.com.au.

AUCTION RESULT

Reserve: $2.97 million

Winning Bid: PASSED IN

Total Profit: N/A

Blank looks from the bidders did not bode well for Leah and Ash’s Psyche-Deco home on auction day. As the bids approached the reserve, an emergency call was made from the couple to pass-in the property, withdrawing the home, with hopes to sell later to an interested buyer (who fainted and was taken to hospital during Steph and Gian’s auction).

However, the home is currently still listed for sale on Domain.

But you’ve got to hand it to them. They stuck to their guns, despite the judges’ feedback, and eventually had them all singing — and in some cases even squealing — their praises. Shaynna thought their brave use of colour was “divine”, and they took out their first win with their downstairs bathroom, with its rich cabinetry and marble accents leaning more towards an Art Deco aesthetic.

It was with their living and dining room, though, that they really won over the judges, placing first with an almost-perfect 29/30. While Shaynna, Neale and Darren drilled down on the fact that the space will certainly divide, Shaynna felt confident that there is a market for the Austin Power’s-approved aesthetic, and that “People are going to wave the cash at this, don’t you worry about that.”

And while there were a few tense words tossed around when fellow contestant Steph referred to Leah and Ash’s property as an “Airbnb house” — citing that while it would be fun to stay there, you wouldn’t necessarily want to live in it fulltime — the couple appear to have leaned into the fact, with their Domain listing noting that the home offers “multiple income streams as a photoshoot location, high-end Airbnb destination or business inspiration.”

While the house commanded much attention, it remains to be decided who will be its equally as bold buyer.

You can see the full listing for 16 Charming Street, Hampton East, here.

SEE MORE OF THE HOUSES FROM THE BLOCK 2023

• Tour Kyle and Leslie’s house

• Tour Kristy and Brett’s house

• Tour Eliza and Liberty’s house

• Tour Steph and Gian’s house

TOUR LEAH AND ASH’S HOUSE ON THE BLOCK 2023

Studio bathroom

Leah and Ash’s studio bathroom certainly brought the drama, with the judges likening the dark and moody space — which also featured a striking curved ceiling and lashings of Venetian plaster — to a nightclub. “It’s a lot to take in,” said Marty Fox, who questioned its saleability. Darren on the other hand loved it. “You can see the confidence here…that boldness in their decisions is really good,” he said. “However, does the boldness bring the biscuits?” finished Marty.

Guest studio

Leah and Ash took the judges’ feedback on board with their self-contained guest studio space, giving it a “lighter, brighter” palette while still keeping it cohesive with the adjoining bathroom. They got points for their complete kitchenette, choice of flooring and some of the styling, but the same couldn’t be said for their Murphy bed, which the judges found concealed in their cupboards. “Why include a Murphy bed that doesn’t have a dual-purpose, when you could just put a sofa bed there and this would be a complete loungeroom,” said Darren.

Working from home space

Thanks to heavy rainfall the night before, Leah and Ash weren’t able to present a finished working-from-home space to the judges. But through the patches and temporary repairs, they could still see the couple’s “divine” colour palette and statement stone fireplace surround. “We said go bold again, and it’s definitely bold,” said Darren of their return to their now-signature aesthetic. The only criticism of the space was the choice not to style it as another bedroom. “Technically this house is now three bedrooms,” said Marty.

Downstairs bathroom

Choosing to adopt a more neutral palette in their downstairs bathroom proved fruitful for Leah and Ash, who took out their first win of the series thanks to the space. The room still had a sprinkle of their “punch and flair” though, seen in the herringbone marble tiles, dark walnut joinery and Art Deco-style mirror.

Living room

Darren laughed when he first entered Leah and Ash’s living room, “but in a really good way,” reassured host Scotty Cam. ‘Good’ because of how fun the space was with its combination of wall-to-wall Venetian plaster in grey and baby pink, pops of colour and patterns. Will it polarise? Hell yeah. Did the judges love it anyway? Absolutely.

Dining room

Over to the dining room, the “Psyche-Deco” style continued. While the six-seater dining table was probably too small for the space, the bright orange bar cart, ‘piano’ tiled step, chandelier and artwork certainly hit the bullseye for the judges. “People will come to see this house,” said Shaynna.

Master bedroom

The statement in Leah and Ash’s master bedroom was undoubtedly the striking scalloped ceiling. Darren thought it was a work of art, Shaynna couldn’t believe they’d managed to achieve it in just one week, and Marty thought the lack of downlights had a calming effect on the room. And while they also appreciated the built-in curved bench seat, the judges felt the lack of furniture in the room left it looking a bit empty.

Walk-in wardrobe

Not ones to ever leave a space feeling bland, even the walk-in wardrobe in their master suite was given the signature Leah and Ash look. Purple was the name of the game, covering a feature wall, the glass cabinets and ceiling. Unfortunately, it didn’t go down too well with the judges who called it “oppressive”, “dated” and “polarising”.

Kitchen

With one of the smallest kitchens on The Block this year, Leah flipped and flopped over the layout, eventually deciding to reconfigure the space to squeeze in a butler’s pantry. The judges loved the look of it, with its dark cabinetry, tiled-wrapped island bench and custom pink coffee machine (“It shows their commitment to the aesthetic,” said Neale). They did have some issues, however, with the position of the sink in the middle of the benchtop and the choice to include a butler’s pantry altogether. Was it really worth it?

Master ensuite

While the judges thought the styling in Leah and Ash’s master ensuite was too “child-like”, they all agreed the choices of finishes and fittings were spot on. The “cavernous” shower oozed luxury, while the diamond tiles, wall chandeliers and elegantly hanging mirrors all got big ticks from the judges.

Kid’s bedroom

Being parents themselves, Leah and Ash felt confident coming into kids’ bedroom week. Their rooms were packed with energy, fun and colour, and were spaces they knew their own kids would have loved. One room featured a curved rock climbing wall over a fun Memphis-inspired wallpaper.

Kid’s bedroom

Their second kid’s bedroom had just as much energy as the first, however instead of a climbing wall there was a “stage” wrapped in custom velvet curtains from DIY Blinds. While the choice to use a day bed rather than a kids’ bed raised some eyebrows amongst the judges, all in all they couldn’t fault the playful styling in the space.

Kids’ bathroom

Leah and Ash’s kids’ bathroom was a surprise for the judges and audience alike because of its pared-back design palette. “I was expecting to step into something that was a little more saturated and a little bit more playful,” admitted Neale, “I’m just surprised that this is so muted.” But nevertheless, it was praised by the judges for its elegance and functionality.

Re-do room

The couple’s re-do room was their home-office-come-guest-bedroom which was left unfinished in week 3. This time, what greeted the judges was nothing short of colourful, regal and modern. “This [room] belongs to the house now,” said Shaynna. Neale felt the room was very generous, “stately”, even, and felt very happy within it.

Backyard and pool

Luckily for Leah and Ash, backyard week was a total hit in House 2. Featuring a circular, tile-clad Plungie pool, an enormous and beautiful mature cedar tree, fire pit area, and outdoor living zone, this kid-friendly space had the judges completely enamoured. “The material palette, the forms, the colour, I said it before in kitchen week that I was besotted, and I think I’m besotted again,” said Darren.

Facade and front yard

Leah and Ash’s facade and front yard was defined by timber battens, architectural curves, creative planting, and a very fancy, 3D-printed basket-weave fence. As such, it was no surprise that the judges were blown away. “Every single buyer that attends this open for inspection will be blown away; it’s got such personality,” said Marty. “The moment you walk into this property you just feel that there’s so much thinking, so much finesse, but it’s not overdone. It is understated luxury.”

Garage

In true Leah and Ash fashion, walking into the garage was an explosion of colour – namely, blue. The painted garage floor made the house feel complete, while the Grafico wallpaper-meets-mural was highly praised by the judges. Marty offered up some valuable insight, explaining that “the only homes that are selling exceptionally well — particularly with the cost of materials right now — are the finished, turn key homes.”

Entrance hallway

The bold theme continued into the entrance hallway where blue velvet accents, a sculptural curved staircase, and statement lighting secured the couple’s win. “It’s boundary-breaking,” said Shaynna. “We haven’t seen anything like this on The Block before and we always want to see people to go outside the lines.”

The post Leah and Ash finally sell their “Psyche-Deco” home from The Block 2023 appeared first on Homes To Love.

Known for their bold style and proclivity for hard yakka (plus a nice $20,000 package from Beaumont Tiles), they decided to do it anyway. Three months’ worth of weekends and any spare time were spent at the property they’ve owned for five years, located three-and-a-half hours from Melbourne’s CBD.

Tom did a lot of the work himself – along with the help of Sharon and Ankur and Leah and Ash’s tilers from The Block, Imperial Tiling – and Sarah-Jane styled the space in the signature luxe-country look that saw the couple win room after room on The Block 2022. 

The house on the site was formerly rented out, but the couple decided to transform the two-storey shed into a stylish studio space for friends and family to stay in. The large bedroom is now wrapped in wainscoting, while a feature wall in a soft striped Grafico wallpaper makes the tonal bedding pop. 

A wood-burning fireplace in the corner will ensure guests stay warm in the cooler climate and reminds us of the cosy and character-filled master bedroom they delivered on The Block. “How much does it hug you as soon as you walk in?” we can hear judge Shaynna Blaze saying.  

Dividing the large space into two, they were also able to add the biggest bathroom you’ve ever seen to the space. A toilet and shower are neatly tucked behind an opulent double vanity in the middle of the room, while a round bathtub sits by the window, so you can soak up the gorgeous views of the surrounding mountain ranges while you, well…soak. 

The wainscoting continues in this space, which oozes Sarah-Jane’s modern country charm: sparkly chandelier and bold patterned floor tiles and all. Sheers delicately drape over the wall of windows, while the elevated position provides plenty of privacy. 

Up next: they plan to renovate the main house on the same block, as well as make updates to their home in Melbourne. You can follow more of their journey at @tomandsarahjane.

Here’s where to shop the look

Navy Emily velvet bed

From $429 (usually $499), Temple & Webster

Boasting a hint of glamour with its velvet finish, rich colour and gold accents, this bedframe sets the tone in Tom and Sarah-Jane’s studio bedroom.

shop now

Grafico stripe linen wallpaper in Dusty Rose

$70-77/sqm, The Block Shop

Available in a textured canvas or smooth matte finish, this striped wallpaper from Grafico is super sweet and subtle and connects perfectly with the dusty pink paint colour found in the studio bathroom.

SHOP NOW

Brampton House Portland cushion in Charcoal

$12 (usually $20), Spotlight

Sarah-Jane has a knack for styling a bed that looks inviting and comfortable, and she’s used a few statement cushions from Spotlight in this room. While this isn’t the same as the pink stripe cushion she used, it’s a similar vibe.

shop now

Eden cotton bed sheets in Eggplant

From $80, Sheet Society

The bed has been styled in a tonal palette with dusty pinks, rich navy blues and these dark purple bed sheets. Available in a soft cotton or linen finish, you can buy them as a set or individually.

shop now

‘Sagittarius’ by Elle Pervez

$190, Bluethumb

There are two of Elle Pervez’s beautiful artworks hanging in the bedroom, both featuring zodiac constellations. They were selected because Tom and Sarah-Jane love how many stars you can see from the studio’s balcony at night in Lake Eildon.

shop now

Two-piece Smith marble nesting coffee table set

$549 (usually $599), Temple & Webster

Styled between two pink velvet chairs Sarah-Jane sourced from Facebook Marketplace, this nesting table set ties in with the other gold accents in the space and is the perfect place for setting down a morning coffee.

shop now

Cassidy decorative matt porcelain tile in Cloud

$134.75/sqm, Temple & Webster

Tom and Sarah-Jane chose a floor tile from Beaumont Tiles in the pattern Verona Gravity Matt, which they used in the entry hallway and bathroom. It’s an easy way to infuse a more traditional style in a modern way, and this tile from Temple & Webster will give you the same look if you’re shopping online.

shop now

Morgan Rund bath/basin wall mixer set in Brushed Gold

$499, Temple & Webster

Gold touches feature throughout the bedroom and bathroom, adding to the opulent style of the space. While Tom and Sarah-Jane chose the Misha wall basin set in Brushed Gold from Beaumont Tiles, if you’re looking to shop online, this set is similar and comes in a variety of finishes.

shop now

09

Kensington brick ice mosaic tile in White

$43.57/sheet, Beaumont Tiles

Tom and Sarah-Jane opted for this smaller subway tile from Beaumont Tiles to style above their vanity. With a marble-like look and soft veining, it beautifully accentuates the grey pattern tiles on the floor.

Shop Now

The post The Block’s Tom and Sarah-Jane transformed their shed into a stylish guest studio  appeared first on Homes To Love.

Comedian Andy and homewares store owner Deb came to The Block with ample renovating experience under their belts, having previously built five houses. Throughout the show the couple consistently impressed the judges with their coastal style and design choices, netting themselves several room wins including the first ensuite week, the all-stars bedroom week and kitchen week.

As Scott Cam finalised the plans for each house, Andy and Deb realised that the original building plans did not include a rooftop terrace, and they were the only team that would end up not having one.

After consultation with the building team, Andy and Deb called a Body Corporate meeting to ask the rest of the houses if they would be allowed to have a rooftop terrace at their own expense. A shock demand from Matt and El’ise resulted in Andy and Deb paying $5000 to the couple for the right to have their rooftop terrace.

While the two had originally intended on keeping the original architect’s plans reasonably intact, Andy and Deb were advised by Josh and Jenna during All-Stars week to move the placement of the void in their home to allow more natural light to filter through to all the floors. This proved a masterstroke, with the judges remarking that House 3 had firmly embraced being the middle house.

While they were pegged as frontrunners by the judges at The Block auction back in 2019, Andy and Deb’s terrace ended up selling for $3.42 million, placing them third in terms of total profits. Now, in February 2024, it’s back on the market with a price guide of $3.3 million to $3.6 million. Interestingly not the much more than it sold for five years ago.

Property records show that the four-bedroom home has most recently been leased out for $2300 per week. It has been listed by Alex Schiavo, Campbell Kilsby and Shantelle Francis of Kay & Burton, with expressions of interest closing on March 5.

You can see the property listing here.

On the market

Take a tour of Andy and Deb’s house from The Block

Week 1, Guest Bedroom

Andy and Deb’s spirits fell in week one when they failed to deliver the first room of the season. When the redo room challenge rolled around, Andy and Deb got a second chance to finish this guest bedroom, turning it into “a more confident, polished and grown-up version of this previous space,” in Neale’s words.

Week 1, Guest Bedroom Ensuite

Despite their rocky start to the build, Andy and Deb quickly bounced back by creating a calming ensuite for their guest bedroom which instantly won the judges over and netted them the win.

Week 1, Guest Bedroom Ensuite

The judges loved the tactility of the hand-made tiles as well as how the patterned floor tile added some much-needed colour into the space.

Week 2, Formal Lounge

For formal living room week Andy and Deb sought to make the fireplace the hero feature of the home, keeping the red-brick intact. The brick creates warm contrast to the white walls and ceilings, as well as the pale blonde timber flooring.

Week 2, Formal Lounge

The earthy colour cues in the space were drawn from the hero artwork in the room. Opposite the fireplace, the hallway wall has been painted a sage green.

Week 3, Master Bedroom

Aiming to experiment more with colour in the master bedroom week, Andy and Deb painted the room a soft sage green and paired it with a grey button-hole bedhead as well as velvet berry-toned bedding. The woven rug adds a coastal-style textural element.

Week 3, Master Bedroom

Tucked behind the bed is a generous walk-in wardrobe that features ample storage. The ceiling-to-floor mirror accentuates the natural light in the wardrobe, while also magnifying the sense of space within.

Week 4, Main Bathroom

Hoping to replicate their success in the first ensuite reveal with their main bathroom, Andy and Deb continued their relaxed neutral theme, pairing hand-made tiles with a timber vanity and gold tapware.

Week 4, Main Bathroom

The couple created a nib wall next to the freestanding bathtub, as well as a separate powder room.

Week 5, Guest Bedroom

In the all-stars guest bedroom week, Andy and Deb teamed up with Josh and Jenna to create this calm bedroom space. The walls feature a patterned wallpaper with animal motifs, and they added colour to the space through the vibrant bedhead and peach sheets that reminded Neale of a prawn cocktail.

Week 6, Master Ensuite

Keeping their design choices consistent throughout the house, the master ensuite features more gold tapware and fixtures for a glamourous contrast to the warm neutral and timber palette.

Week 7, Kitchen

Realising that the original floorplan would result in minimal natural light permeating through to the first floor, Andy and Deb spent kitchen week strategically moving their void to maximise the natural light in the kitchen, living and dining area.

Week 7, Kitchen

The kitchen itself features a generous kitchen island oriented to maximise the length of the space as well as ample kitchen cabinetry for storage.

Week 8, Living and Dining

Making the most of their kitchen layout, Andy and Deb placed their dining table alongside the kitchen island in living and dining week. As one of only two houses to choose this kitchen layout, Darren praised the clever use of space.

Week 8, Living and Dining

Earthy tones and rich textures continued into the living area.

Week 8, Living and Dining

A statement artwork by Indigenous Australian artists Miimi and Jiinda is the hero feature of the room.

Week 9, Courtyard

Feeling the pinch of their dwindling budget, Andy and Deb opted for a laid-back approach to courtyard week. The couple chose to create an in-built timber bench and timber batten garden bed, with a series of vertical gardens adding visual interest up high. The judges loved the versatility of the astroturf but wished Andy and Deb had included more furniture in the space.

Week 10, Studio

Andy and Deb brought Shaynna Blaze to tears in Studio week with their relaxed bedroom space. Choosing to cut down on costs the couple chose to remove the ensuite from their studio plan. As a result of this, their bedroom space fell short of providing the extra functionality that the other houses did.

Week 11, Verandahs

Andy and Deb ditched their preferred neutral palette in favour of charcoal tones and black furniture to complement the colour of the façade. The judges were disappointed they didn’t stick to their style by including a crochet hammock and some colour.

Week 12, Hallways, studies and media rooms

In the hallway, white walls are warmed up with natural timber finishes, textured pendants and a beautiful floor runner. To pay homage to the original building, Andy and Deb chose to leave some of the original brickwork exposed but painted over it to make it blend in seamlessly with the new plasterwork.

Week 12, Hallways, studies and media rooms

Andy and Deb’s decision to extend their void right through to the ground level may have compromised the size of their study, but it has allowed natural light to flood into their kitchen and throughout their whole home, making it feel larger while creating a beautiful ambience.

Week 13, rooftop terrace, garage and redo rooms

Having one of the larger rooftop terraces allowed Andy and Deb to create a generous outdoor entertaining space decked out in fabulous furniture, festoon lights, lush palms and an impressive outdoor kitchen.

Week 14, front gardens

From the statement rocking chairs on the front terrace to the ceramic planters by the front door, Deb’s coastal-inspired styling got the judges’ tick of approval yet again.

“In the 1900s when these verandahs were built, you could actually see to the ocean so this actually was a seaside house and now it feels like that once again,” said Shaynna.

The post Inside Andy and Deb’s house from The Block 2019 — that is for sale! appeared first on Homes To Love.

It’s an aesthetic that was quickly endeared by the judges, who repeatedly praised the SA-based pair for their consistency, pared-back palette and luxe inclusions (hello, Venetian plaster!). It’s fair to say that, while the couple were the source of a fair amount of controversy alongside neighbours Leah and Ash, their sophisticated style remained very well-liked indeed.

Just as was expected from the two Brighton locals who bought Kristy and Brett’s house at The Block auction, the five-bedroom property is now available to rent! It has been listed for a whopping $2500 per week (with a $15,000 bond!) and will be available from February 2.

There is the option to rent the property fully furnished just as Kristy and Brett had it, or rent it unfurnished for $500 less per week. You can find out more and book an inspection here.

On the market

Reserve: $2.97 million

Winning bid: $4.3 million

Total Profit: $65,000

With two of the biggest bidders (notably Adrian Portelli, who fell in love with the couple’s home at the Domain Challenge weeks earlier) opting out of House 3, Kristy and Brett’s sleek, minimalist magnum opus struggled to crawl beyond the reserve. It eventually sold for a $65,000 profit to Dr Fady Tossoun and wife Amy Tossoun, two Brighton locals who planned to use it as an investment property, as reported by Domain.

Auction result

Unlike some of their friendly and…not-so-friendly neighbours, these two are something of strangers to a reno site when they came on the show. But luckily, Kristy’s management background and Brett’s experience as a tiler fared them well as the season went on.

Unfortunately for Kristy and Brett, there have been a few not-quite-wins throughout; finishing a point below top spot, cheeky gnomes stealing the title and very, very awkward ties. While the pair stole entrepreneur/2022-auction-personality Adrian Portelli a.k.a. Lambo guy’s heart and vote during the Domain Open House Challenge, viewers were surprised to see that he refrained from bidding on the house in the end.

• Tour Kyle and Leslie’s house
• Tour Eliza and Liberty’s house
• Tour Steph and Gian’s house
• Tour Leah and Ash’s house

See more of The Block 2023 houses

TOUR KRISTY AND BRETT’S HOUSE ON THE BLOCK 2023

Studio bathroom

A curved niche within the shower, a peachy nude day spa-esque palette, brass hardware, and a built-in benchseat were some of the highlights of Kristy and Brett’s guest studio bathroom. While it was beautiful, overall the judges felt it was quite “bland,” with all three noting that the couple had played it a bit too safe.

Guest studio

With the perks of a double-storey, this “New York”-style guest studio was designed to allow an influx of warm sunlight to drift through the windows and submerge the room in light. Despite Kristy and Brett’s bright idea, the judges didn’t respond particularly well, with Shaynna commenting that it had “zero connection” to the previous week’s Moroccan-style bathroom. All three agreed that it was missing something to take it to the next level.

Working-from-home space

Laminex panelling, walls of sheer drapes, and herringbone flooring are but a few of the gorgeous examples of craftsmanship in Kristy and Brett’s working-from-home space. While judges raised concerns about aesthetic cohesion — “We’ve got Morroccan, we’ve got New York and then [this],” said Marty in the episode. If the couple were to choose one look from the three for the pair to stick with moving forward, the judges agreed this modern, minimal vibe was it.

Downstairs bathroom

For Kristy and Brett, the downstairs bathroom was a small turn for the better. The judges fell in love with the understated colour palette and thoughtful design. Shaynna was particularly enamoured and adored the use of gorgeous terazzo floor tiles with the “olivey grey” kit kats and the couple’s “measured” and “luxe” approach.

Living area

A simple colour palette strikes again in Kristy and Brett’s living room, where earthy rust tones collide with warm beiges and sandy pinks. However, the highlight of this room for the judges was not just its aesthetics, but the fact that it is an excellent room in equal measure for both relaxation and entertaining thanks to clever furniture placement.

Dining area

In a controversial move, Kristy and Brett decided to unveil their dining area alongside their kitchen, instead of the week before like the other teams. It meant that the couple had to deliver a kitchen, butler’s pantry, laundry and dining room all at once. Luckily, the judges adored their minimalist style (with the exception of the chairs!).

Master bedroom

It’s safe to say that the judges were huge fans of Kristy and Brett’s master bedroom. “It sort of gives you a big hug, doesn’t it?” said Marty of the cosy space. The floor plan, Venetian plaster and layout were highlights of the room, with Darren taking a particular liking to the curved fabric bedhead and rust-toned rug.

Kitchen

Spy that gorgeous magenta-red kitchen island? While it was a risky choice on Kristy and Brett’s part, the judges absolutely loved it during the reveal, alongside the creative rise-and-fall splashback and “a butler’s pantry that makes sense”. Unfortunately, the laundry was a miss for the couple, condemned for its mismatched layout.

Master ensuite bathroom

Finally, the room that gave Kristy and Brett a win (even if it was tied with House 5…)! “Clean,” “elegant,” “functional,” and “contemporary” were just some of the praises thrown by the judges at the couple’s main ensuite, who loved everything from the sleek kit-kat tiles to the perfectly-placed shower grates.

Kids’ bedroom

With a brief to create a room for a three-year-old who loves jungles, Kristy and Brett’s first kids’ room was greeted with praises from all the judges. “It’s so lovely and so clever because the application is so removable,” said Darren. “It has a sophisticated playfulness to it; it’s not overdone,” added Marty.

Kids’ bedroom

The second kids’ bedroom featured a floral wallpaper wrapping across the ceiling and a single wall in the room, causing the judges to gasp as they walked in. There was a breathless “woah” from Shaynna; “As someone who doesn’t like wallpaper, I really like this,” exclaimed Marty, and Darren said “It’s like I just got punched in the face.” But apparently that was a good thing.

Kids’ bathroom

Kristy and Brett’s attempt at their kids’ bathroom started off innocently enough. That is, until the judges started touching things. An unplumbed toilet and sink — the latter which almost collapsed when Darren leaned on it — left the judges disappointed and unimpressed. “I’m certainly not going to touch anything, because I’m worried that it’s all going to come crashing down,” said Neale.

Re-do room (studio bathroom)

This week was a tough one for Kristy and Brett. After trying to pull together a revamp of their studio bathroom, the final product was one left in shambles. Unfinished tiling and to Shaynna’s dismay, explanatory Post-Its stuck across the space, left the judges shocked at the couple’s efforts. “This is not the time in The Block when you want to be faced with an extra problem like this,” said Neale. “This isn’t a re-do room, this is an undo room,” agreed Darren.

Backyard and swimming pool

Kristy and Brett didn’t have any time to stir trouble with their neighbours this week, having issues of their own with their landscaper. And it seems it showed. While the judges had good things to say at first about their private and spacious backyard — which is technically located at the front of the property — guest judge Dave Franklin was “bored” and felt like, while it ticked boxes, there was nothing design-worthy or interesting about it. He didn’t like the stone mulch, or the travertine tiles running through the lawn, and was irked by the pool fence.

Facade and front yard

After their backyard garden debacle, the judges’ reaction to their facade and front yard was a welcome relief to the couple. Dave Franklin’s immediate comment was simply, “wow,” while Shaynna thought the unique entry, charred black palette, timber decking and landscaping was “a great celebration of the space.” Marty and Darren were both fans as well, with the latter exclaiming: “It’s just so lovely and linear. I love what I’m looking at here.”

Entry hallway

The entrance hallway was another hit with the judges, who finally saw the value of Kristy and Brett’s unique floor plan. A minimal timber and white palette for the interiors gave the space a light and airy feel. “It’s amazing for those older children that are still living at home,” said Marty of the home in its entirety. “Literally every generation could live comfortably in this house and be independent of each other,” agreed Darren.

Second living room

The second living room, which was promised by Kristy and Brett weeks prior, was finally delivered and maintained their minimal colour palette, while creating a warm and inviting social space. “There’s nothing in this entire property that will really turn any buyers off…Appeal to the masses and you tend to get the highest amount of money come auction day,” said Marty.

The post Take a tour of Kristy and Brett’s house on The Block 2023 appeared first on Homes To Love.

Andy and Deb became fan favourites on The Block in 2019, and they went on to bag an impressive $430,000 profit when their St Kilda Block home sold at auction. The pair has since launched a renovation series called DNA of Design on YouTube, where a tour of the South Sydney ­Rabbitohs star’s home is featured in a short video.

“Our first celebrity client, and what a brilliant one to begin with!,” says Deb. Latrell was named 2023 NRL Man of the Year, is a two-time Premiership-winner, Indigenous All Star, State of Origin and Australian representative. And he’s only 26.

Andy has known Latrell all of his life, as he and Latrell’s father are cousins. “They’re more like brothers, they grew up close. We all came from Taree,” says Deb, a town nearly 4 hours drive north of Sydney. “Latrell was nine or ten when Andy said ‘this guy is going to play for the country’. There are many reasons to be proud of him,” she says.

It seemed like an easy solution for Andy and Deb to help the Sydney ­Rabbitohs NRL star and his partner Brielle decorate the interior of their new house, which has been recently refurbished and painted.

“The house was pretty finished,” says Deb. “But they needed a few pieces of furniture and they had empty walls. They wanted it modernised and lighter and brighter.” It was a simple job but it still required a lot of work, says Deb. She started by adding texture from the ground up with new rugs, light fittings, artwork and a few textural details.

“Latrell was so grateful and happy to work with us, he did interviews on camera with us, so fun. He was born for TV. Maybe after football.”

Take a peek inside Latrell Mitchell’s new home, designed by Andy and Deb

latrell Mitchell kitchen

Both families has kids running around the project while they were working and meeting, says Deb. It did feel like working with family, in a good way. “The kids were around, and we were putting them to work. It was easy going,” she says.

Latrell and his partner were easy to communicate with even though they’re so busy, and particularly because the project began at a busy time of year for Latrell. “All those things considered we were able to keep it rolling and communicate well … We delivered digital concept boards so they could see my vision for the space and present what they wanted.”

artworks

“There are a couple of [First Nations people] artworks in the updated house. We worked with Urban Road and they did the art and some of the furniture,” says Deb. One of the rugs we used had Indigenous [Australian] art cut into it. There is lots of texture. It was a warm and neutral colour palette with plenty of ochre and tan, mustard and pink.”

In this “fun” project, Deb used art to bring out and highlight certain elements and to create a cohesive look. This is necessary when it’s a small redesign rather than a big renovation, she says. “If you’re not changing the flooring, bring the colours you like in the flooring to eye level to create repetition in design. When you look at a room and it looks and feels right, it’s often because of the colours and tones, and the scale. It was important here to make sure the artwork didn’t overpower the console for example. It should feel calming rather than jarring.”

deb and andy latrell house

“They say art should be eye level,” says Deb. “But Latrell’s eye level is different to mine! So I went 1500mm from the centre of the artwork to the floor. Andy and I did a lot of measuring on site. We had the dimensions but there’s a lot to think about when you’re actually in the house.”

Latrell and his partner Brielle were “on the same page”, says Deb, and there was “nothing too unique or quirky in their brief”. “When people come to us they often like something we’ve done before, they align with our style. Brielle has a lovely style.”

latrell Mitchell family

Celebrating their “win”, Andy and Deb sit with Latrell and their close friends and family. The project took about a year, says Deb. “It ran long due to commitments we all had. It all flowed well, but the hands-on time needed to be aligned between us all. [Latrell] was so easy and was amazing at making himself available.” Watch the full episode of Latrell’s project on Deb and Andy’s DNA of Design YouTube channel.

The post The Block’s Andy and Deb scoop NRL star client Latrell Mitchell appeared first on Homes To Love.

As the first architect to appear on The Block, all eyes were on Steph and Gian this season. And their start was…well, a bit bumpy to say the least. But even after placing last by a long mile in the House Decider Challenge, the young newlyweds still managed to secure their first choice in House 4.

Once they found their groove, the race was on. With a fair few $10,000 room wins, a $20,000 wardrobe upgrade, and $50,000 from the Domain Open House Challenge firmly tucked under their work belts, the young couple made history on auction day.

WANT TO WIN STEPH AND GIAN’S HOUSE?

When Adrian Portelli was announced as the successful buyer of Steph and Gian’s house on auction day, we all knew that meant it was only a matter of time before it became a prize on his online promotions and giveaway platform, LMCT+.

And that time has now come. While entry membership to the platform starts at $19.99 (billed monthly) and includes discounts to selected partners including Interior Secrets and Zanui, you can also buy a one-off entry for as little as $10! Find out more here.

Last year a couple from Ballarat won Sharon and Ankur’s house, so you could be in with a chance too!

AUCTION RESULT

Reserve: $3.35 million

Winning bid: $5 million

Total Profit: $1.65 million (plus $100,000 winner prize money)

While they were clearly intimidated by their reserve, fan favourites Steph and Gian really had no reason to fear. Set to make a profit from the first figure off the bat, the nail-biting bids eventually rose to $4,000,000, before Adrian Portelli swooped in by raising it by another astonishing million, leaving the couple with a gigantic (record-breaking, we might add) profit of $1,750,000.

Overall, Steph and Gian have been praised by the judges for their consistency throughout the build. Their aesthetic — “Japandi”, a mix between Japanese and Scandinavian styles — combines a soothing and neutral base with loads of earthy textures and natural elements like the Taj Mahal quartzite natural stone that features throughout. On countless occasions, judge Shaynna Blaze has specifically talked of the incredible career trajectory she sees for Steph following the show.

Main selling points include their master bedroom and walk-in wardrobe, which is the biggest in The Block‘s history at a whopping 37 square meters (and that doesn’t even include the ensuite). According to the property listing, the couple also heeded to the advice given to them by Domain property expert Alice Stolz and included eight original artworks by Australian artists, solar panels and solar storage batteries in their home.

While the young couple have certainly faced criticism from their neighbours for their obsession with all shades of beige, it was impossible to ignore the saleability of their home to the mass market. And it seems that the hardworking couple has had the last laugh come auction day.

You can see the full listing for 20 Charming Street, Hampton East, here.

SEE MORE OF THE HOUSES FROM THE BLOCK 2023

• Tour Kyle and Leslie’s house

• Tour Kristy and Brett’s house

• Tour Eliza and Liberty’s house

• Tour Leah and Ash’s house

TOUR STEPH AND GIAN’S HOUSE ON THE BLOCK 2023

Studio bathroom

Steph and Gian watched their dream studio bathroom wash down the drain early on in the week, facing countless hurdles and problems. But it wasn’t all bad news come feedback time with all three judges praising their floorplan and choice of finishings. Until they looked up. “Those beams…nup,” said Darren. “It’s a dog’s breakfast, it’s a mess. It doesn’t look rustic, it looks unfinished.”

Guest studio

Steph and Gian’s guest studio already stood out from the rest as it was the only space located within the original home, with both internal and external access. The judges praised the room for its cosy, warm and welcoming feel (and not just thanks to the gas fireplace). “And now the beams work,” added Marty, noting the architectural feature Steph had stuck to her guns with, but took on the judges’ feedback and chose to plaster them this week, giving them the win.

Working-from-home space

Steph and Gian took out two wins in two weeks thanks to their sophisticated working-from-home space. The judges all thought the custom joinery concealing a television screen was “slick”, the colour palette was on point, and Shaynna noted that “The consistency of what we’ve seen so far is unbelievable.”

Downstairs bathroom

Steph and Gian decided to present a powder room for their downstairs bathroom, as they already have another bathroom downstairs in their connected studio space. And while Keith wasn’t a fan of their giant Taj Mahal quartzite bench, the judges loved it. Other ticks were given for their French-style floor tiles and concealed cabinetry. And while Darren had issues with the position of the dunny, Marty noted that buyers were unlikely to have a problem with seeing a toilet in a powder room…

Dining room

Steph decided to flex her architectural muscles this week, choosing to reposition her living, dining and kitchen spaces on her floorplan. And while the judges were skeptical at first, they eventually came around to the new galley-style raised dining room, which set aside more room for the kitchen in coming weeks. What they didn’t love so much was the “very crowded” rendition of Japandi styling which included multiple pendants, ceramic vases and two seemingly obselete armchairs at the end of the table (which Domain photos show they’ve since removed).

Living area

Steph and Gian coped a fair bit of criticism for their living room, which the judges likened to a “high-end show room” saying it lacked comfort. It looks like the couple took their comments on board, though, with Domain images showing they’ve swapped the “outdoor furniture” armchairs with something a bit softer.

Master bedroom

Steph and Gian’s master bedroom and walk-in wardrobe is the biggest in the history of The Block. The judges were enamoured with the sky-high cathedral ceiling, but unsure about the choice to continue the ceiling beams upstairs. They felt the full furniture set and fireplace really “sold the dream” while the choice of sculptural lighting and colour palette made the room feel like a very high-end, luxury hotel.

Walk-in wardrobe

Having won a $20,000 upgrade with Hafele earlier in the competition, it’s safe to say the judges were blown away with Steph and Gian’s walk-in wardrobe. The judges loved how the couple had continued the Taj Mahal quartzite from elsewhere in the house, and noted that some people don’t have kitchens as spacious as this wardrobe.

Kitchen

The judges had nothing but words of adoration for the aesthetic of Steph and Gian’s kitchen, featuring swathes of — you guessed it — the same Taj Mahal quartzite stone. When it came to the functionality, however, things quickly came crumbling down. Neale said it felt like it had been designed by someone who doesn’t cook, naming the stovetop on the island bench and main storage all the way behind in the butler’s pantry as two of the main flaws.

Butler’s pantry

Stepping into the butler’s pantry, the judges once again couldn’t fault anything aesthetically, describing it as like a store they’d want to shop at. But “the [kitchen] layout has come at a cost of the ubiquitous butler’s pantry,” said Darren, and that in turn cost them a functional kitchen.

Master ensuite

Shaynna once again praised Steph and Gian for their consistent aesthetic after stepping into their spacious master ensuite, but Marty thought it looked like a “quarantine facility”. Ouch. They all agreed that perhaps the use of James Hardie wall panelling instead of tiles may have needed some softening of sorts, and that the floorplan had the vanity on the wrong side of the room.

Kids’ bedroom

The judges were blown away by Steph and Gian’s first kid’s bedroom. It remained cohesive with the rest of the house while still introducing pops of colour and a sense of play. “It has the consistency, the architectural detailing…their colour palette,” said Marty. Shaynna loved the hanging cane chair, while Darren loved the subtle wall decal that blended into the curved bedhead.

Kids’ bedroom

And the judges were equally impressed with Steph and Gian’s second kid’s bedroom. The loved how all the architectural details continued in this space, the recessed reading nook, how the twin beds were styled and the “custom” wallpaper made using individual wall decals. Marty couldn’t pick a favourite, but thankfully Shaynna reminded him he didn’t need to, “because when you buy the house, you get both.”

Kids’ bathroom

The couple’s Jack and Jill style kids’ bathroom was a hit with the judges, who felt it tied it beautifully with the home’s overall sense of elevated luxury. Despite some critiques on functionality, Neale still called it the “most luxurious kids’ bathroom I’ve ever seen.”

master ensuite

Re-do room

Steph and Gian’s delivered their master ensuite as their re-do room, much to the judges’ delight. In fact, it elicited a “wow” from Neale right off the bat. Replacing the original cladding with Venetian plaster and the choice of a chic black bench were highly praised. Though, Shaynna still felt a big lack of functionality with the absence of face-level storage.

Backyard and pools

Steph and Gian had a whopping $140,000 to spend on their landscaping, which is a good thing considering they had the biggest outdoor space on The Block this year, at 230sqm. They decided to break their backyard up into three different “zones”: a decked alfresco dining area with BBQ and bar; the lawn, swimming pool and sauna; and an undercover “pizza kitchen” tucked around the corner. Safe to say it blew the judges away, with landscape designer Dave Franklin noting that you could tell they’d hired a horticulturalist, and real estate agent Marty Fox predicting the home was on its way to smashing Hampton East’s price record.

Facade and front yard

When the word “showstopper” is used by one of The Block judges, you already know that this home’s already going to be a tough one to beat. Steph and Gian’s facade and front yard was the recipient of this compliment, and for good reason. The stackstone chimney, mature magnolia tree, “old school” stepping stones, and annual plantings were gorgeous choices that elevated the home to another level. Talk about kerb appeal!

Entrance hallway

While the front yard was a hit, the magic began to wear off as the judges entered the hallway and closed the front door behind them. “In a light, bright, massive, big, gorgeous house with a big backyard and a big front yard…this entry isn’t bright and light and inviting,” said Darren. Despite that, Marty felt that the soul of the home was still intact, and that it would be one to watch during auction day.

The post Inside Steph and Gian’s winning house on The Block 2023 appeared first on Homes To Love.

One of the individuals with a vested interest is host Scotty Cam. Year after year, we’ve seen Scotty walk around various construction sites in his work boots offering nuggets of reno wisdom as he readies himself to shout ‘tools down’. 2022’s Gisborne season even saw him renovate his own home, ‘Camalot’, which is currently listed for sale. “I love historic homes and bringing them back to life,” he told Homes to Love at the time.

But as a builder with 40+ years of experience who lends a hand creating The Block‘s increasingly luxurious homes every year, one has to wonder: where does Scotty Cam live?

Well, there’s no single answer to that question. Turns out, Scotty Cam has (perhaps unsurprisingly) gathered a portfolio of real estate over the years worth millions, incuding a Narrawallee holiday property, the $2.2 million Melbourne challenge apartment from The Block‘s 2016 season, a home in Rosebery that he apparently rents out, and a farm near Mudgee, which he reportedly just sold for $3.1 million.

But the place where he rests his head (when he’s not filming The Block), along with his three kids and wife, Ann, is a Mediterranean-style pad in Sydney’s exclusive suburb of Vaucluse (also home to Hamish and Zoë Foster Blake). The purchase dates back to 2012 (two years after his debut on The Block) and was then worth $4.6 million. More than 10 years later, the property is now worth an estimated $9.26 million, according to Domain‘s property estimate. Not bad, Scotty, you could even beat Steph and Gian’s 2023 win!

Inside the Vaucluse home where Scotty Cam lives

Scotty Cam’s impressive four-bedroom, three-bathroom, Mediterranean-inspired Vaucluse home was first listed in 1996 for $2.6 million.

Terracotta tiling flows throughout the home, including this second dining area. Whether or not Scotty kept it is unknown, but we kind of hope he did!

The tiled lavish living area features lots of light, a fireplace and plantation shutters, and looks to have direct access out to the large outdoor living area.

The “casual” breakfast area overlooks the garden and swimming pool. At the time of purchase, the kitchen was decked out with Smeg appliances.

We can just picture Scotty enjoying his idea of the perfect steak and a Better Beer on this expansive entertainer’s balcony.

It wouldn’t be a luxury celebrity home without a swimming pool, now would it? Scotty Cam’s includes a spa and is surrounded by a lush and private garden.

The home sits just moments from the picturesque shores of Vaucluse Bay — and it has the views to prove it.

The post A look at the multi-million dollar properties of The Block’s Scotty Cam appeared first on Homes To Love.

Who will the new contestants be? Could there be returning fan favourites? What will the homes look like? Will The Block 2024’s island location bring a level of drama akin to what we saw in Gisborne in 2022? Will Marty Fox return, or will Neale Whitaker resume his permanent position? While we don’t have definitive answers to all of these questions (yet), what we do have is an open line with some of your favourite past contestants.

We recently caught up with still fresh-off-The–Block Steph and Gian and 2021 winning couple Mitch and Mark to ask them to dish the dirt on something we’ve always wondered: what actually happens before The Block kicks off?

When do contestants find out they’re on The Block?

Although auditions for the following year’s season traditionally come to a close in October, it turns out it takes a while for producers to get in touch with successful contestants. In fact, they really let it get down to the line.

“It was only 3 to 4 weeks between getting the call to let us know we’d been selected to be on The Block and walking onto the building site,” say Mitch and Mark.

“It was so close!” concedes Gian. “We’d had all the interviews, we’d done all the questionnaires, and then the casting director was like, ‘Hey I had a meeting with the exec team and I just have a few more questions. Can you jump on a call?’. We just thought we hadn’t given them enough.”

Do contestants find out anything about the season before filming?

Short answer, no. Like the rest of us, contestants-to-be are reliant on the rumour mill for their season’s location, and the actual site itself is not unveiled to them until they physically set foot on it.

“When we did the Fans vs Faves season, we really didn’t feel like we needed to go digging to find the site,” say two-time contestants Mitch and Mark. “We just wanted to enjoy the whole experience.”

Are contestants allowed to prep before going on The Block?

Once the phone is hung up, the contestants are left to comprehend the news, tie up loose ends and make some phone calls of their own.

“We had to start planning for time away from our corporate careers, and time away from family. You have to keep it quiet, which is so hard. We had no idea what to expect,” admit Mitch and Mark. “The first time we went on the show, we were told not to arrange anything prior to walking on site…so we didn’t. Once we arrived at The Oslo we realised all the other contestants had been very actively making arrangements. We did do research online about the development applications in the St Kilda area, and found the proposal on the council website, but it didn’t really help as The Oslo was so big.”

“For Fans vs Faves we did contact our amazing builders, Jason and Stevie, ahead of time to see if they wanted to do The Block with us….and their immediate answer was a big ‘Yes’. Then we hit the gym five mornings a week to build up our strength and conditioning — we knew fitness was the best preparation for what lay ahead!”

Steph and Gian, however, took a slightly different tact. “They told everyone we would need 30 outfits,” shares Steph, who also performed a site analysis on what was, at the time, the rumoured location of The Block 2023. “I think everyone else thought it just meant ‘go pack your bags’ but we went out and curated our wardrobes.” Now that’s some smart branding.

“The second thing I did was put together a mood board, which was thrown out day one.” And the third thing the young couple did was contact their future auctioneer, Tom Panos. “We were like ‘We’re on The Block!’. He had already received a few calls from others saying the same thing — none of them were the actual contestants — so he probably didn’t know how legitimate our call was. But we were like, ‘No, we’re 100% on The Block!'”

“We also looked at the planning approvals that had been submitted for the five homes,” says Gian. “And in House 1, 14 Charming Street, there was actually an approval for townhouses, and I just thought ‘Here we go, were going to be up for townhouses; four houses per block’. But that’s how The Block goes. You think you know what you’re entering into, but no matter how much forward planning you’ve done, you’re probably looking in the wrong direction.”

What happens when the contestants arrive?

While we are led to believe that the contestants arrive on site totally clued in — and ready to film the promo in their Wild West/1950s get ups — this is far from reality. Usually, share the former contestants, they’re put up in a location nearby for a few days before they’re allowed to actually visit the site. Ever-clever Steph and Gian, though, got ahead of the game.

“We wanted to understand the types of people that were walking through the streets, the vibe of the place, so we actually walked down Hampton Street a few days before we started filming. We wanted to know whether it was more family-based and how people were living their lives,” they say.

“When we arrived, we literally met all of the contestants in the judging room, not on site. They said: OK this is what you’re building, you have to do a kids’ room, here are the other eight contestants, now drive to The Block.” No wonder it took them a hot second to find their feet.

What do we know about The Block 2024?

While little has been revealed about next year’s season, what has been confirmed is the The Block 2024 filming location, Victoria’s picturesque Phillip Island. Will contestants be able to handle what is surely set to be one of the biggest builds yet? Time will tell.

The post What happens before the cameras start rolling on The Block? appeared first on Homes To Love.

In one of the most controversial decisions of the season, Mitch and Mark decided early on that they would turn the original plans for the Oslo on its head.

Instead of the bedroom-and-studio configuration The Block‘s own architect had designed, they transformed the entire third floor into the ultimate entertaining zone. This resulted in House 1’s controversial designation as the “Party House”.

ON THE MARKET

Mitch and Mark’s home from The Block 2019 is back on the market! Whatsmore, it has been listed by new judge Marty Fox’s WHITEFOX Real Estate. The Palm Springs-style “party house” was bought at auction by serial buyer Danny Wallis for $3.374 million. He’s now listed it with a price guide of $3.2 million to $3.5 million, not much more than he bought it for four years ago.

As for why he’s selling, Danny cited the proposed changes to Victoria’s land tax payment threshold, saying he will no longer be able to make a “decent return” on the investment. He also said the residential tenancy regulations introduced in 2021 — which allow tenants to install things like flyscreens and picture hooks or paint walls without landlord permission — didn’t help either. “[They’ve] made it impossible to have control over your own property,” Danny told news.com.au.

He added that he would definitely consider offloading other properties he’s purchased from The Block as well. Could this be why he didn’t buy any of the houses at this year’s auction?

As a result of this, the judges spent the bulk of the season alternating between considering the change a genius move, while also wondering if it would end up limiting the appeal of the house on the market.

In the ultimate trial by fire, Mitch and Mark won the Buyer’s Night vote, reiterating that their major changes were likely to pay off and bolstering their spirits. And while they didn’t win that year, they did walk away with the second highest profit — $384,000 — thanks to serial buyer Danny Wallis.

Throughout the season the highly-organised couple were supported by their phenomenal building team ensuring that they were consistently ahead of the rest and resulting in high scores for almost all of their rooms.

TOUR MITCH AND MARK’S HOUSE…

Week 1, Guest Bedroom Mitch and Mark aimed high in week one’s guest bedroom reveal, seeking to show-off their bold style, with their signature chandelier taking pride of place. Despite receiving some pretty positive feedback for this room, Mitch and Mark chose to redo this room towards the end of The Block, pairing back their styling to create a more refined look.

Week 1, Guest Bedroom Ensuite During the second half of week one, the couple opted to create a walk-in wardrobe in their guest bedroom that leads into this chic ensuite that Neale described as “Hollywood glamour!” during the ensuite reveals.

Week 2, Formal Lounge Continuing to channel this Hollywood Glamour aesthetic, the formal living room saw Mitch and Mark pair rich textures with bold colour throughout the space.

Week 2, Formal Lounge Burnt orange velvet curtains add a burst of colour and contrasts beautifully with the indigo carpet in the formal living room.

Week 3, Master Bedroom As a result of their dramatic floor plan changes, Mitch and Mark did not present a master bedroom this week, instead showing off the beginnings of their master plan. On the third floor, the couple have created an additional living area that includes a striking cathedral ceiling.

Week 3, Master Bedroom Striking wallpaper lines the wall opposite the fireplace in the secondary living room, adding a playful element to the space. Mitch and Mark won Week 3 for their incredible room.

Week 4, Main Bathroom Once again, instead of presenting a main bathroom like the rest of the houses, Mitch and Mark instead presented an ensuite and a laundry space. The ensuite features tactile patterned tiles, warm timber, and brass fixtures.

Week 4, Main Bathroom Their laundry space features ample room for storage, but the judges weren’t a fan of the way it had been segmented.

Week 5, Guest Bedroom As part of their master plan, Mitch and Mark decided to transform the designated studio space in their house into the ultimate master bedroom. Instead of presenting a guest bedroom, they created a luxurious master bedroom that features their signature use of texture and colour.

Week 6, Master Ensuite Finishing off their third floor party level, Mitch and Mark spent week six creating a practical kitchenette and ensuite. The kitchenette features all the appliances and amenities you would need to keep the drinks flowing during an evening of entertaining.

Week 6, Master Ensuite In a Block first, Mitch and Mark completed their waterproofing on a Tuesday in a mammoth effort to make sure they completed their ensuite and kitchenette in time for the room reveal. Aiming for a playful touch, they opted for vibrant yellow tiles in the ensuite, paired with a decorative mirror and skylight.

Week 7, Kitchen As a result of their dramatic layout changes above on the third floor, Mitch and Mark’s first floor featured minimal natural lighting which proved an obstacle during kitchen week. Seeking to combat this, their kitchen features a back-lit Caesarstone splash back and island bench.

Week 8, Living and Dining Narrow bricks clad the fireplace in Mitch and Mark’s open-plan living space, with a plush blue rug making a bold statement.

Week 8, Living and Dining In a house nicknamed the ‘Party House’, Mitch and Mark fittingly kitted out their terrazzo-topped dining table with a full table set-up that’s ready for entertaining. Blue velvet chairs echo the rug in the open-plan living area.

Week 9, Courtyard The same narrow bricks used to clad the fireplace in the living room were brought outdoors into the courtyard space to clad the in-built bench seat and barbecue during courtyard week. The judges loved the playfulness of the neon ‘The Oslo’ sign and the low-maintenance nature of the fake plants, and succulent plantings throughout the courtyard.

Week 9, Courtyard The dramatic palm tree print in the courtyard is the same as the one used in Mitch and Mark’s elevator shaft, continuing the Palm Springs aesthetic from indoors to outdoors. The judges loved how the palm tree print naturally draws the eye upwards and accentuates the height of the courtyard.

Week 10, Studio Mitch and Mark used studio week to finish the rest of their master wing with the creation of a luxe master ensuite as well as a generous walk-in wardrobe. The gold accents add a luxurious element to the navy and white palette in the bathroom.

Week 10, Studio For the perfect finishing touch to their master wing, Mitch and Mark created a generous “strut-in” wardrobe that had Shaynna Blaze swooning. They also created a clever nook that’s perfect for makeup application.

Week 11, Verandahs “It somewhere where you live life,” said Neale of Mitch and Mark’s Level 2 verandah. “It’s an extension of the home and I think we are so good at doing that in Australia – we kind of lead the world in terms of our outdoor rooms – and this is a really good example.”

Week 11, Verandahs Upstairs, a 12-seater table takes up most of the space servicing the entertaining level that Mitch and Mark have created.

Week 12, Hallways, studies and media rooms Walking into Mitch and Mark’s home the judges were alarmed, to say the least, by the blue striped tiles at the landing of the stairs on Level 1, likening them to a danger zone warning. But that’s the only thing they could fault.

Week 12, Hallways, studies and media rooms Instead of a study or a media room, Mitch and Mark completed their home’s third bedroom this week complete with a walk-in wardrobe, study nook and external lightwell that they filled with plants to create a lush outlook.

Week 13, rooftop terrace, garage and redo rooms After winning hallway week and a luxurious weekend away, Mitch and Mark returned to The Oslo ready to get stuck into their rooftop terrace, only to discover they had run out of money! Mitch and Mark’s terrace was significantly smaller than the other homes which, luckily for them, meant less labour and less money spent on furniture.

Week 14, front gardens Mitch and Mark were the only ones to include a small section of lawn in their front garden, which the judges all agreed would appeal to potential buyers with pets.

Week 14, front gardens With its large statement plants and colourful styling, the judges all agreed the front garden that Mitch and Mark created complemented their Palm Springs style home perfectly.

The post See inside Mitch and Mark’s house from The Block 2019 — which is for sale! appeared first on Homes To Love.

See The Block 2023 houses like you’ve never seen them before, beautifully styled and photographed just for this collector’s edition magazine.

Shop all the best homewares, furniture, appliances and artwork featured on The Block this year, and find out what the judges really thought of all the houses.

You’ll also find each team’s detailed kitchen and bathroom checklist, including all the finishes, hardware and appliances they used (and where to buy them) plus, detailed floorplans, before-and-after shots, budget recommendations and renovation tips, advice and inspiration from the five renovating couples.

Veteran Block fans will also love the Birth of a Block-buster feature (p.28) which tells the fascinating story how the iconic TV show came about. Plus, we take a trip down memory lane and highlight the biggest highs and lows of 20 fabulous years of a program that’s captivated households across the nation.

WHERE YOU CAN BUY THE BLOCK MAGAZINE

The Block magazine is available now for $13.99 at supermarkets, newsagents and via Magshop.

The post The Block 2023 magazine is on sale now! appeared first on Homes To Love.

The multi-millionaire was at the centre of plenty of controversy after The Block‘s treechange season, where he made his debut on the renovation show by engaging in a bidding war against none other than serial Block buyer Danny Wallis, a habit that he would come to repeat at the 2023 auctions.

During his first stint on the show, Adrian’s opening bid on the winning property was a whopping $4.5 million (the reserve was $4.08 million), although he ultimately lost out to Danny, who won the home with a bid of $5,666,666.66. However, he came back with a vengeance in 2023 and by the end of the night would land him self not one, but three Hampton East properties.

But who actually is Adrian Portelli, and why does he have a penchant for pot stirring? We take a closer look.

WHO IS ADRIAN PORTELLI?

In 2018, Adrian Portelli founded auto enthusiast club LMCT+, a promotions and giveaway platform with a focus on luxury vehicles and prestige houses. Members can subscribe to LMCT+ packages starting from $19.99 a month to enter the regular giveaways, or buy one-off tickets.

Now affectionally known as ‘Lambo Guy’, the ultra-successful 34-year-old businessman has an eye-watering portfolio of 20 homes — not including the three purchased at the 2023 auctions — and more than 40 cars, estimated all together to be worth upwards of $1 billion.

He most notably made headlines in 2021 for purchasing Melbourne’s most expensive apartment, a $39 million luxury penthouse in the Sapphire by the Gardens twin-tower CBD development.

If that wasn’t already enough, he then proceeded to crane a $3 million McLaren Senna GTR into the living room of the 57th floor apartment, which he admits will only be a “weekender”.

While there were accusations that Portelli was a dummy bidder, and only participated in the 2022 auction to drive up the bids for Omar and Oz’s home, the multi-millionaire proved naysayers wrong by later snapping up fellow contestants’ Sharon and Ankur’s home for a whopping $4.25 million in a post-auction deal. And if there was any remaining doubt, we think The Block‘s 2023 auctions will put it to bed.

Sharon and Ankur’s home was then offered up through his promotions company LMCT+, where a raffle determined the winner of the $4.25 million mansion, and we expect the Charming Street homes of this year will face a similar fate.

ADRIAN ‘LAMBO GUY’ PORTELLI’S RETURN TO THE BLOCK 2023 AUCTIONS

In the lead up to The Block 2023 auctions, the question on everyone’s lips was: would Adrian Portelli be making an appearance? Will he bid on any homes?

Never one to shy away from the spotlight, Adrian Portelli announced his plans to return to The Block 2023 early on, promising he would bid to buy every house offered for auction.

“I’m going to cause a bit of a ruckus this year,” he told realestate.com. “I’m happy to bid on all of them and I’m happy to buy all of them, but I’m not going to overpay on any of them. At least people know I’m a serious bidder this time.”

Serious, indeed. Adrian Portelli’s auction behaviour in 2023 would prove to blow last year’s out of the water. He started off strong at Steph and Gian’s House 4, where he jumped a whole million (and one cent) from Danny’s bid of $3,999,999.99 to $5 million, winning him the auction — and Steph and Gian the title of The Block 2023 winners. And he was just getting warmed up. Adrian would then go on to purchase two more homes on Charming Street, first Eliza and Liberty’s for an eye-watering $4.3 million, then Kyle and Leslie’s for a slightly more ‘modest’ sum of $3.1 million. That’s a total of $12.4 million.

Many of us watching on were confused by the Young Rich Lister’s willingness to bid against himself on more than one occasion — perhaps he was trying to taunt Danny, with whom he exchanged more than a few sideways glances, or maybe he was trying to prove dummy bidder naysayers wrong. Whatever the case, we expect this was not the last we will see of Adrian Portelli. Watch out, Phillip Island.

The post Who is Adrian Portelli, The Block’s mysterious ‘Lambo Guy’? appeared first on Homes To Love.

But no matter how turmoil-ridden, how theatrical, how contentious season 19 of The Block proved to be, nothing could have prepared us for the rollercoaster that was auction day and the shock results that followed.

With that all being said, perhaps come final ‘tools down’ we should have seen it written in the stars. After multiple challenge and countless room reveal wins, the Hampton East auctions saw Sydney couple Steph and Gian take out the title. And not just the title of The Block 2023 winners, but $1.75 million in winnings, a sum that totally smashes last year’s record, set by Omar and Oz, out of the park. It’s a result that the judges predicted in an interview with Channel 9; Shaynna even declared she would be “shocked” if this were not the case.

Producers are no doubt thanking their lucky stars (and the deep pockets of auction-goers, one familiar face in particular) that this year’s auction results were far from as dismal as last year’s. However, that’s not to say that the dreams of every hopeful team would come true, nor that all of the homes would successfully bring down the hammer.

THE BLOCK 2023 AUCTION ORDER

The Domain leaderboard was not a part of this year’s competition, and so, in a first, the auction order was put to contestants to decide under advice from real estate expert Alice Stolz, who warned that the market was in a “very mixed state”. Every team, aside from Steph and Gian, wanted second place — but as Scotty pointed out, each property had interested parties prior to auction and buyers for Houses 4 and 5 would probably very different to Houses 1, 2 and 3. After reserves were revealed, much discussion, and some extra advice from Alice, this is what was finally agreed upon:

1. Steph and Gian

2. Eliza and Liberty

3. Kristy and Brett

4. Kyle and Leslie

5. Leah and Ash

THE BLOCK 2023 WINNERS: STEPH AND GIAN

Well, he threatened to cause a ruckus, and that’s exactly what high-roller Adrian Portelli did, starting with the purchase of Steph and Gian’s ‘modern Hamptons’ home.

This year’s youngest contestants got off to a rocky start, with their House Decider Challenge Disney-themed kids room declared, quite simply, a “fail” by judge Neale Whitaker. It all came as rather a shock to seasoned architect Steph, who had hoped her expertise would put them a stride ahead of the others from the get-go.

But clearly, it didn’t take long for the high school sweethearts to find their Japandi-style groove, and they quickly won the hearts of the judges (especially Marty Fox — toot toot!), earning them numerous $10,000 room wins, a $20,000 wardrobe upgrade, $50,000 at the Domain Open House Challenge and, finally, the enormous sum of $1.75 million at auction. Queue tears, tears and more tears.

We have a sneaking suspicion that this determined pair of renovators are about to make a name for themselves, so watch this space.

TOUR STEPH AND GIAN’S HOUSE HERE

AUCTION RESULT

Reserve: $3,350,000

Winning bid: $5,000,000

Total profit: $1,650,000

Total winnings: $1,750,000

SECOND PLACE: ELIZA AND LIBERTY

Every season has an underdog, and every season has to have a couple of comedians. This time around, both positions were filled by Melbourne sisters Eliza and Liberty. We expect the pair, who told KIIS 101.1 they had “no chance in hell” of winning, will be pleasantly surprised by their silver medal-worthy spot — and the healthy $1.05 million that came with it.

But who, we hear you ask, had a spare $4.3 million lying around? Well, it was actually (at this point) a casual $9.3 million and it came from the seemingly bottomless bank account of Adrian Portelli, who had just made the successful bid at House 4’s auction that would see Steph and Gian come out on top.

Like the true battlers they proved themselves to be, Eliza and Liberty slogged it out week after week, despite not knowing the difference between nails and screws, and surprised everyone (including the judges) with their ever-developing finesse for spatial planning, “timeless” styling, and knack for functional design (foot niche, anyone?).

Their rooms may have been called “juvenile” at times, their infamous “sheer disaster” moss wall might have elicited a few laughs, but guess who’s laughing now — and straight to the bank, mind you.

TOUR ELIZA AND LIBERTY’S HOUSE HERE

AUCTION RESULT

Reserve: $3,250,000

Winning bid: $4,300,000

Total profit: $1,050,000

THIRD PLACE: KYLE AND LESLIE

It took five attempts for Western Australians Kyle and Leslie to land themselves a spot on The Block, but one man to successfully end it all. Yep, Adrian Portelli was back for round three — and when Australian Financial Review Young Rich Lister Adrian Portelli raises his The Block-branded bid paddle, you know things are about to get real.

It was 12 weeks of exhilirating highs and excrutiating lows for the couple in House 1 as they constructed their Mediterranean-style home of curves and sophisticated, pared-back material palettes. They first appeared to be the team to beat, taking out the studio bathroom win way back in week 1, but soon lost faith as a lack of wins failed to give their bank account a much-needed boost. While they had their simplistic but beautiful aesthetic nailed from the very start, Kyle and Leslie’s achilles heel proved to be the all-important ‘F’ words of renovating: floor plan and functionality.

However, their “Instagrammable” style clearly garnered a fair few fans, and as Marty predicted, won them a lot of interest come auction day — and in the lead up too; theirs was the most-viewed home on Domain, after all. But unfortunately for Kyle and Leslie, the interest didn’t equate to anything above $130,000.

TOUR KYLE AND LESLIE’S HOUSE HERE

AUCTION RESULT

Reserve: $2,970,000

Winning bid: $3,100,000

Total profit: $130,000

FOURTH PLACE: KRISTY AND BRETT

If Eliza and Liberty were the comedians of The Block‘s 19th season, Kristy and Brett were the controversy.

However you feel about this tell-it-like-it-is couple, there’s no denying that they presented a home that brought cohesion and saleability in spades. Although they started off with “bland” beginnings (in the form of their studio bathroom), their minimal and measured approach quickly took shape. And while it didn’t see them coming out on top often, with a few very near-misses and even a stolen win, the judges became fast fans of their clever planning and style, which Marty predicted would “appeal to the masses”. We just hope they finished off that re-do room!

Although they managed to sell, the auction of House 3 reaped some disappointing results, results that even saw the show’s executive producer, Julian Cress, feeling a bit down-and-heavy. “I feel terrible for them that they had to go through that, after just watching their neighbours make a million plus,” he said. It also may have come as a surprise to the couple that Adrian Portelli, who so willingly dug deep to purchase three other homes, didn’t step in and back theirs, which he had previously voted for in the Domain challenge.

TOUR KRISTY AND BRETT’S HOUSE HERE

AUCTION RESULT

Reserve: $2,970,000

Winning bid: $3,035,000

Total profit: $65,000

FIFTH PLACE: LEAH AND ASH

It was touted as a “crazy party cake”, as “effing phenomenal”, as the home buyers would “have to have”. But sadly, that was proven not to be the case for Queenslanders Leah and Ash come auction day. It’s not the first time broken hearts have plagued the couple this season, but the fact that their home, which failed to attract a bid above $2.9 million (perhaps due to the fact that their most interested buyer fainted during House 4’s auction), was passed in surely hit the hardest.

Much like the couple themselves, the pair’s house proved divisive from week-to-week. However, if you can say one thing for Leah and Ash, it’s that they stuck to their style guns. From the pink, Venetian-plastered living room and the wildly playful kids’ rooms, to the scallop-ceilinged main bedroom suite, not once did we see them shy away from their “psyche-deco” signature. But perhaps House 2 was too polarising after all?

Despite talk of TV’s Dave Hughes bringing his wife back for a viewing, at this stage, Channel 9 reports that Leah and Ash’s home is still open to purchase offers (hopeful buyers can find the Domain listing here). At least they’ll be driving away from it all in their very shiny Ford Mustang Mach-E.

TOUR LEAH AND ASH’S HOUSE HERE

AUCTION RESULT

Reserve: $2,970,000

Winning bid: $0

Total profit: $0

The Block 2024

Just when we thought The Block couldn’t go any bigger, the producers splash out on an entire island. Well, OK, maybe not an entire island, but a sizeable slice of one — Phillip Island, in the western part of Cowes, to be specific.

After rumours ran rife for months, The Block‘s executive producer, Julian Cress, just recently confirmed that Channel 9 had secured the purchase of a 2.5 acre holiday park for the shows milestone 20th season. All for the neat reported sum of $9.58 million. What a steal!

“We’ve purchased a holiday park just around the corner from the world famous Penguin Parade, and so far the community has shown huge support for us and we are hoping for a really warm welcome for our new crop of contestants in the 20th year,” said Julian.

Find out what we know about The Block 2024 here.

The post The Block 2023 auctions result in heartbreak and disbelief appeared first on Homes To Love.

Their house just sold for a staggering $5 million at The Block auction, which was $1.65 million above their reserve price. As the biggest profit, they’ll also be walking away with an extra $100,000 from the show, taking their total winnings to a cool $1.75 million.

Their striking Japandi-inspired home had the lowest price guide of the bunch this year, at $2.2 to $2.4 million. But with the biggest parcel of land – at a sizeable 703 sqm – they also had the highest reserve at $3.35 million. While for most this would be a recipe for disaster, the young architect and her hubby had a clear vision from the start, a knack for staying out of the drama, and somewhere in the realm of $150,000 extra to spend thanks to the challenge and room reveal wins they scored along the way.

“It’s an incredible feeling. We are so overwhelmed right now and can’t believe it. It was such a surreal day, and to end on such a high like this after all the hard work is amazing,” says Steph. “This will change our lives. It’s going to clear our debts in Sydney. It’s going to set us up for whatever the next stage is. It’s just unbelievable.”

THE BLOCK 2023 AUCTION ORDER & SALES

1. Steph and Gian – $5,000,000

2. Eliza and Liberty – $4,300,000

3. Kristy and Brett – $3,035,000

4. Kyle and Leslie – $3,100,000

5. Leah and Ash – PASSED IN

Who are Steph and Gian?

Who can forget the ever-stylish Steph walking onto The Block back in week one with her high-vis vest rolled up to reveal her midriff? As a registered architect she certainly had a lot to say about how to design a home, and it was clear her sweet-hearted husband Gian was going to do whatever it took to bring her vision to life. And while they may have taken a week or two to find their groove, once they did, it became evident that catching up with the newlyweds from New South Wales was going to be near impossible.

While Gian works in finance for a start-up back in Sydney, he has had some experience on the work site, with the couple only recently completing the renovation of their own home. But throughout the season, he was consistently praised by foremen Keith and Dan for his work ethic, becoming known for putting his head down and ‘just getting it done’.

The beautiful, beige-obsessed couple met on the school bus back in year seven, and wed last year in a lavish ceremony in front of their family and friends. While they quickly became known for being all sweet and smiley, they were also serious game-players throughout the season.

They will certainly be remembered for being the first contestants to ever buy a gnome off another couple, to gift part of their winnings to another team, and for the utter strength and determination they displayed when both of them received separate phone calls from home within a week telling them that their grandfathers had sadly passed away.

Who bought Steph and Gian’s house on The Block?

Steph and Gian’s house was one of three bought on the day by controversial character, Adrian Portelli. Earlier in the week, he had opened up about his intention to bid on all the properties and “cause a ruckus” at the auction, and considering serial buyer Danny Wallis didn’t secure any of The Block houses, it appears he did just that.

Last year, Adrian secured Ankur and Sharon’s house from The Block after the auction for $4,250,000. He then ‘gave it away’ through a raffle on his online promotions and giveaway platform, LCMT+. Tickets started from just $20.

“I think with the three houses I bought, there is only a small percentage of Aussies who can afford something of this value,” says Adrian. “To be able to buy them and potentially give someone else a chance to win it in my promotion means a lot.”

Why Steph and Gian won The Block

It’s really no surprise that Steph and Gian won The Block 2023. They were both the judges’ and fan favourites. They were voted the favourites at the Domain Listing challenge (which saw them nab an extra $50,000), and they were the top pick when we asked four former teams from The Block who they thought would take out the top place at auction.

Standing in their stunning backyard just a few weeks ago, judge and real estate agent Marty Fox said he thought their home had the potential to break a Hampton East price record. And that they did. (A quick Google search reveals that the average house price in Hampton East is around $1.4 million and that the current suburb record was actually set when the show purchased Steph and Gian’s original home for $3.5 million.)

They also won the most rooms of any of the teams this year: studio guest bedroom, working-from-home, master bedroom, kids’ bedrooms, and their backyard. (And there were also plenty of challenge wins.) And with each of these wins came bonus cash to add to their budget. One even included a $20,000 Kinsman upgrade for the wardrobe in their master bedroom (which they then, of course, also won).

TAKE A FULL TOUR OF STEPH AND GIAN’S HOUSE ON THE BLOCK

Designed with a unique ‘Japandi’ aesthetic, Steph and Gian’s beautiful home sits on the largest block of any of the houses this year, at 703 sqm. There is a sauna in the backyard, a master suite bigger than most Sydney apartments, and a sweet Jack-and-Jill bathroom adjoining two kids’ bedrooms. Take a full tour of the home here.

With all this extra cash to splash, Steph and Gian’s house is the only one to include a sauna in the backyard and the only one to put solar panels on the roof. They were also able to employ a horticulturist to help design their landscaping which meant they could deliver outstanding outdoor spaces that Dave Franklin said had “something for every season”. (Meanwhile, some of their neighbours’ budgets could barely even stretch as far as a few strelitzias.)

Having an architect on the team also served Steph and Gian very well. As soon as Steph got her hands on the plans for their home, she made a massive change: switching around their kitchen, living and dining rooms. The move was later validated by the judges, who said it was without question the right thing to do.

They were also consistently commended for the, well…consistent design throughout their home. Each room felt like it belonged to the one beside it. Even their kids’ bedrooms, which were a massive step out of Steph and Gian’s comfort zone. “It has the consistency, the architectural detailing…their colour palette,” said Marty of the space.

But of course, as history has shown, anything can happen come auction day, and the best house doesn’t necessarily always win. In fact, even the house that sells for the most doesn’t always win. (Flashback to Kirsty and Jesse on The Block 2021.) The auction order, the reserve price, the market, who is there to bid on the day and how far their budget will stretch – all of these elements contribute to who will win The Block auction, and in 2023, they all aligned for Steph and Gian.

THE BLOCK 2023 AUCTION RESULTS

This season of The Block was definitely defined by drama and auction day was no exception. Catch up on everything that went down while potential bidders were raising their paddles here.

The post To absolutely no one’s surprise, Steph and Gian win The Block 2023 appeared first on Homes To Love.

Although neither party are seasoned renovators, nor do they work in the industry, the quiet and hardworking couple quickly worked their way into the hearts of Australians and fellow contestants alike. And as week 1 on the show would reveal, the same could be said for the judges, who fell for their luscious curves and easy, Mediterranean-like style — so much so that they earned themselves a win.

AUCTION RESULLTS

Reserve: $2.97 million

Winning Bid: $3.1 million

Total Profit: $130,000

While the agent tried to sweet talk Frank Valentic into bidding on House 1, the buyer’s agent refused to budge and palmed off Kyle and Leslie’s Mediterranean-inspired home to serial bidders Adrian Portelli and Danny Wallis, who in proper form, tried to outbid each other until Adrian set and secured the price at $3,100,000.

Unfortunately, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing over at 14 Charming Street, and while Kyle and Leslie started with a few consecutive highs (their studio bathroom, work from home space and downstairs bathroom), they quickly tumbled down to some real lows. But, as their real estate agent Michael Townsend told Homes To Love, “You can win rooms and garden gnomes but at the end of it, we need a house we can sell.”

With its flexible floorplan and light-filled spaces, this is a home that begs a vibrant family to reside within it. The entryway leads into a large living area (yes, large, Domain photos show that the couple redo their once “studio-apartment-sized” room), bright kitchen fitted with luxury appliances, including a Vintec wine fridge, and butler’s pantry. Of course, the backyard provides extra convenience with the guest studio, and the upstairs area houses three of the four bedrooms.

Even if the couple’s curves and pared-back colour palette are not to your taste, it’s hard not to be endeared by their gentle nature and fun-loving vibe — although we think their style will indeed have more than a few fans, faring them well come auction day.

You can see the full listing for 14 Charming Street, Hampton East, here.

SEE MORE OF THE HOUSES FROM THE BLOCK 2023

• Tour Kristy and Brett’s house

• Tour Eliza and Liberty’s house

• Tour Steph and Gian’s house

• Tour Leah and Ash’s house

TOUR KYLE AND LESLIE’S HOUSE ON THE BLOCK 2023

Studio bathroom

Kyle and Leslie started with a bang, their “curvalicious girl” of a studio bathroom earning them the win in week 1. The largest of the bathrooms presented, the couple won the judges over with their toned-down style and well-proportioned planning. “The feel, the functionality, the wow factor… you don’t get that in week 1!” said Shaynna.

Guest studio

House 1 stood out from the crowd once again, presenting a huge guest studio that featured a bedroom, oodles of storage and a reformer pilates room. Although the space was beautiful, its lack of functionality fell short with the judges. “They’ve missed the opportunity to be self-contained,” said Marty of the lack of kitchenette. “It looks great but it doesn’t really do much,” summed up Shaynna.

Working-from-home space

It may have been simple and low-budget, but Kyle and Leslie caught a near-win with their coastal-style working-from-home area back in week 3. Consistency in style proved key here, as the pair’s elegant but relaxed aesthetic shone through. “They’ve essentially got a panelled wall…four pieces of furniture, and we’re here saying ‘this is amazing,'” said Marty.

Downstairs bathroom

Kyle and Leslie’s downstairs bathroom is actually the ‘SRIBH’, a.k.a. the smallest room in Block history. But what it lacked in size, it more than made up for in style, and the judges were truly enamoured. The harmonious space featured a curved wall of kit kat tiles, gorgeous Nood Co pedestal and very fancy smart toilet.

Living area

Although the living area Kyle and Leslie presented was called “really tiny”, “constricted”, “crowded” and a “poor use of space” by the judges, Domain photos suggest that the pair may have chosen to give it another shot come redo room week. Consistent with their breezy style, the space features curves and lots of natural light.

Dining room

The star of the show on living/dining week for Kyle and Leslie was this custom-made, lazy-suzan-style Christian Cole dining table, which cost the couple a whopping $16,000. We can only hope it was given a bit more room to shine when the couple redid the living area.

Master bedroom

Kyle and Leslie sought to increase the size of their master bedroom by axing a rumpus room in its favour. Unfortunately, this didn’t prove enough to satisfy the judges, who felt it was more “Instagrammable” than liveable. Regardless, the room is calm and beautiful, with plenty of storage thanks to the well-equipped walk-in wardrobe.

Kitchen and butler’s pantry

Neale praised Kyle and Leslie’s addition of skylights in their curved kitchen ceiling, calling it “stunning”. And thankfully, the rest of the room was also a hit. Luxury appliances and gorgeous details earned the pair a 25/30 score, the only shortcoming being the (unecessary?) butler’s pantry.

Master ensuite

The couple’s “striking” master ensuite earned brownie points initially amongst Shaynna, Darren and Marty, but things soon took a turn due to the “poky” shower. Regardless, the room is beautiful and very much in-keeping with the rest of the home, a point that Marty believes would sit well with buyers. “Room by room, it just feels like the same house,” he said.

kids bedroom

Kids’ bedroom

The royal blue colour palette and strong basketball theme of the kids’ bedroom was “off-piste” from the pared-back Mediterranean aesthetic Kyle and Leslie been creating in the rest of the home. But Shaynna didn’t think that was a problem: “Kids’ bedrooms are supposed to be all about them.”

kids bedroom

Kids bedroom

Walking into the second kids’ bedroom, the judges loved its light colour palette and arched features that felt much more in line with Kyle and Leslie’s overall aesthetic in the home. “The neutral colour palette with the green is non-gender specific, which I think is super smart in all respects,” added Darren.

kids’ bathroom

Kids’ bathroom

Unfortunately, Kyle and Leslie’s kids’ bathroom seemed to rub the judges the wrong way. The toilet was the subject of Shaynna’s derision, who didn’t like its placement relative to the bathtub and door. Neale also jumped in with criticism at the lack of liveable design choices, saying that “they make great decisions, then put them in the wrong place.” Harsh.

re do room

Re-do room

While the kids’ bathroom was a low, the re-do room seemed to be a small light in the tunnel for Kyle and Leslie. For what was once named a “disaster,” Kyle and Leslie’s transformation of their living and dining area was something of a blessing for the couple. While it had been previously criticised by the judges for being too “crowded”, the room was successfully transformed into an open, delightful space that brought their aesthetic and floorplan together harmoniously.

backyard and pool

Backyard and swimming pool

Unfortunately for Kyle and Leslie, throwing the entire rest of their budget at their backyard and swimming pool would not prove as fruitful as they had hoped. Although the initial impact of their outdoor area was a positive one, the judges were quick to decide that the space was not at all child-friendly (particularly the floating steppers up to the raised pool) and exhibited some poor planning.

facade front yard

Facade and front yard

To the relaxing sound of a glorious water feature, the judges strolled into Kyle and Leslie’s front yard and first impressions were good, “solid” even, said Marty. Darren loved the juxtaposition of the white cladding, but the judges weren’t a fan of the painted brickwork and the heap of strelitzias that surrounded them.

hallway

Entrance hallway

Described by Shaynna as “elegant” and “architectural, Kyle and Leslie’s hallway ties together the curved, minimalist (or “Instagram-able”) elements they’re known for to beautiful effect . As for the complete home’s chances on auction day? “You’ll get a lot of interest from buyers wanting to just see how this translates in reality,” Marty said.

The post Take a tour of Kyle and Leslie’s house on The Block 2023 appeared first on Homes To Love.

Noel Susay, of Buxton Real Estate Hampton East, reckons buyers in the area are typically priced out of inner-city Melbourne hubs such as St Kilda and Prahan, and they desire more land. They want value but they’re not shopping for run-of-the-mill suburban houses. “We are still close to the city and very close to the beach,” explains Noel, who’s representing House 2. “We’ve got nice golf courses and some of Melbourne’s best private schools.”

THE BLOCK 2023 AUCTION ORDER AND RESERVES

1: Steph and Gian, House 4 ($2.97 million)

2: Eliza and Liberty, House 5 ($2.97 million)

3: Kristy and Brett, House 3 ($2.97 million)

4: Kyle and Leslie, House 1 ($3.35 million)

5: Leah and Ash, House 2 ($3.25 million)

Unlike previous years – and perhaps for the first time this year – the contestants were asked to have a cordial conversation to decide on the auction order.

Having worked on four seasons of The Block, agent Michael Townsend is most excited about this campaign because it’s “more conducive to natural buyers”. Michael will be selling House 1 for Kyle and Leslie, via McGrath St Kilda.

“Recent auctions have been dominated by high-net-worth individuals such as Danny Wallis and other new players,” says Michael. “But we anticipate this year’s buyers to be real local families, not rusted-on investors whose accountants told them to buy more property.” Touché.

Why are the price guides different for some houses on The Block?

Eliza and Liberty’s House 5 comes with the biggest price guide of $2.7 to $2.85 million, while Steph and Gian’s House 4 is expected to fetch the least, with a price guide of $2.2 to $2.4 million. (Still a lot of moolah.) The three remaining properties are all priced at $2.5 to $2.75 million. Why the gap?

“A lot of it is based on the land size that’s being offered,” explains Domain’s National Managing Editor, Alice Stolz. “My understanding is that Eliza and Liberty have the biggest block. Contrary to that, I believe Steph and Gian have a smaller land size and they don’t have a completely self-contained granny flat.” Kristy and Brett’s House 3 also features a granny flat, or studio, that is attached to the main dwelling, but Alice says it “feels more standalone”.

All of The Block properties offer a double garage and a pool, which if done right can boost the value of a home. One team ups the ante with a sauna.

It’s also important to note that with these current price guides, The Block is potentially facing a massive loss this season. If the properties sell at the lower end of these guides, The Block will only make roughly $12.4 million, compared to combined $14.3 million the spent acquiring the five properties.

Will the price guides for The Block houses change?

“They can possibly change,” says Alice. “But in Victoria, it’s a legal requirement for any houses advertised for sale to have a ‘statement of information’, which is effectively a price guide.” The statement of information must include comparable sales — similar properties that have sold recently in the area — which ensures visibility, explains Alice. “It shows how the agent arrived at that price. What can happen is, over the next few months, there may be sales in the area that are higher or lower which might impact the price.”

The Block house prices can also be affected by the market generally, which Alice concedes is somewhat uncertain. “We’ve obviously seen prices recover all around the country this year, but Victoria, for example, hasn’t recovered as well, price-wise, as New South Wales,” she says.

Oh, and in case you’re wondering, the median house price for Hampton East is $1.55 million. Just saying.

Avoiding auction-day disappointment at all costs

In 2022’s shocking auction finale, the hammer didn’t fall on all of the country homes on The Block. One house was offloaded to an investor in the days following the auction, while another languished on the market for a couple of months. No doubt this season’s plucky contestants are hoping that The Block producers try to avoid a similar upset in 2023.

“Scotty often says he wants them all to do well,” says Alice. “But ultimately a property is only worth what a buyer is willing to pay for it, and The Block is not immune to market conditions or buyers feeling the crunch of higher interest rates. That’s irrespective of how amazing a property is, how good an agent is and how incredible a campaign is.”

And that’s what makes the auctions the most “real” moments of the reality TV show, she says. “There is no doctoring what happens… The properties go to the market and the buyers basically decide.” While Alice can’t predict who will win The Block 2023, she believes it all hangs on the floorplan. “Oz and Omar’s house last year had a great floor plan. That’s what speaks to buyers. You watch some contestants obsess and sweat over cushions and it’s, like guys, this is bigger than that,” she laughs.

House 1: Kyle & Leslie

As the northern most house on The Block, 14 Charming Street affords heaps of natural light, according to real estate agent, Michael Townsend. Predominantly wrapped in white cladding, architect Julian Brenchley describes Kyle and Leslie’s house as “a new rural barn”.

On the ground floor, a portico and entryway leads you to an open-plan living, dining and kitchen zone, with a separate study and much coveted butler’s pantry. The backyard terrace links to a spacious self-contained studio apartment. Upstairs, the hero is a palatial parents’ retreat, two bedrooms and a main bathroom.

Michael was engaged as early as January 2023 to help Kyle and Leslie create a marketable home. “You can win rooms and garden gnomes but at the end of it, we need a house we can sell.” He says the buyers of House 1 will be able to grow with the property and utilise its flexible floorplan.

Check out Kyle and Leslie’s listing here.

House 2: Leah and Ash

The Block house that’s been likened to an iPhone due to its curvy floorplan — echoed by the organic rounded timber cladding on its exterior — has been priced at $2.5 to $2.75 million. For that you get a small pool among lush and idyllic landscaping, two full bathrooms and a luxurious ensuite, a walk-in robe that any Kardashian would approve of and, of course, the detached studio apartment.

“Most people who’ve been watching The Block already know that this is not the first time that Leah and Ash have done something like this,” says listing agent, Noel Susay. “They’re in the business, so the execution and finishes of what they’ve done is of a really high standard. It’s going to be well received locally.”

Also setting House 2 apart is the fact that Noel is the only agent based in Hampton East. “I sell about 50 to 60 per cent of all properties [here] and I know what buyers want and where they’re coming from, and I’m not sure if the other contestants have thought about that.”

Check out Leah and Ash’s listing here.

House 3: Kristy and Brett

According to its real estate listing, 18 Charming St boasts the biggest footprint on The Block and, according to architect Julian Brenchley, the biggest and boldest façade. While retaining some of the original 1950s house on the side, Julian opted to, “smack it out of the park and do a ginormous Farnsworth-style pavilion” cantilevered on the first storey. (Take a closer look here.)

“This 4-bedroom plus studio, 4-bathroom residence is the embodiment of designer living, commandingly poised to reveal exceptional scale and unparalleled luxury that effortlessly caters to every family desire,” declares the listing. That’s a lot of bathrooms.

On the ground floor, a traditional terrace-style floorplan reveals a separate living space, an eat-in kitchen and a family living space looking onto the deck and pool. An additional courtyard space is a selling point, as is the above-garage studio with its own entrance (so buyers could lease it to a Fonzie-esque boarder if they felt inclined). Essentially half of the second floor is dedicated to an opulent parents’ retreat… with a fireplace.

Whether Kristy and Brett hit a home run on auction night remains to be seen.

Check out their listing here.

House 4: Steph & Gian

Lovers of Japandi flavour will flock to 20 Charming St, safe in the knowledge that on site is a bonafide architect in contestant Steph. It’s not Steph and Gian’s first rodeo, either, having recently renovated their own home in Sydney. With a lower price guide than the other properties on The Block, will buyers be getting better value for money?

The land parcel isn’t miserly, at more than 700 square metres, and with five bedrooms — including the attached studio with separate entrance — it should be ample for a growing family. House 4’s secret weapon may be the extravagant walk-in robe, which is large enough to warrant its own postcode. Downstairs, a formal dining room harks back to the home’s 1950s origins while the kitchen boasts a long island bench and walk-through butler’s pantry.

Making Steph and Gian’s house especially hot property is a sauna in the backyard, as well as a pool. And a pizza oven. The neighbours should brace themselves for years of phenomenal parties.

Check out Steph and Gian’s listing here.

House 5: Eliza & Liberty

Not to be outdone by Steph and Gian’s place, House 5 is described on the real estate listing as, “Absolutely breathtaking with its volume of scale, sumptuous finishes and 7-star energy efficiency.” With 4.5 bathrooms — one sports a living moss feature wall — zoned ducted heating/cooling, an alarm system, sensor lighting and automated blinds, 22 Charming St might have enough bells and whistles to set it apart on auction day.

On the ground floor, a grand foyer leads to a generous kitchen, dining and living space, with a wide pergola, pool and separate studio apartment in the backyard. The first floor boasts a retreat or second living space, as well as a parents’ retreat that, while not as palatial as those of other houses on The Block, isn’t to be sniffed at.

Nor are Eliza and Liberty. Sure, they’re the 2023 season’s renovation rookies but anything can happen on The Block… and usually does.

Check out their listing here.

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