While the Melbourne-based businessman initially expressed plans to keep the residences and potentially host events there, it became clear he wanted to offload all five properties. After a seemingly unsuccessful search for a buyer, Adrian created a second Block giveaway and announced the five winners over the weekend.

According to realestate.com.au, the winners were 43-year-old teacher Parvin, 22-year-old West Australian Josh, a woman named Martha, a mother named Donna, and 50-year-old Sydney-based father, Jason.

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In the lead-up to the giveaway, Adrian shared a video showing the changes he has made to the Phillip Island compound, including adding security cameras, increasing the fence height and installing heat pumps for the swimming pool.

Who won The Block 2024 giveaway?

The winner of Adrian Portelli’s original The Block giveaway in 2024 was 34-year-old Holly from Ballarat, who decided to take the $8 million cash over the Phillip Island resort.

Adrian’s company, LCMT+, originally decided against another giveaway of the resort due to the cost of promoting and running one. “I think everyone forgets that the resort is one half of the cost. So to run a promotion like that costs double the amount we have paid for it in marketing expenses and running it and permits,” Adrian said.

However, the billionaire changed his mind after being unsuccessful in his search for a buyer for all five properties, leading to another giveaway of each of the properties in November 2025.

When was The Block 2024 giveaway?

After buying up all five houses at The Block auction in November, Adrian announced his first mega giveaway a few days later via Instagram.

“Under New Management! And as mayor of Portelli town, I would like to announce a world first. LET’S GIVE AWAY A FKN RESORT!!!” he wrote on Instagram. “1 Giveaway – 1 Prize – Winner takes the whole resort OR take $8,000,000 Instant Tax-Free Cash! Let the games begin.”

While the huge prize was set to be announced via live stream – and even in-person attendance at 119 Justice Road, Cowes – on 26th December 2024, Adrian made a last-minute change due to “technical difficulties”. It was then scheduled for 27th December 2024, at 8:30 pm AEDT, and live-streamed via the LCMT+ Facebook page.

We didn’t see that coming…or did we?

Why did Adrian Portelli give away The Block?

This is not the first time Adrian Portelli has given away his purchases on The Block. In 2023, he was the buyer of Steph and Gian‘s record-breaking Japandi home, which he then gave away in a similar competition via his promotions and giveaway company, LMCT+. In 2023, he also purchased Eliza and Liberty’s house for $4.3 million and Kyle and Leslie‘s house for $3.1 million.

Eliza and Liberty‘s house was also raffled off, but the winner chose instead to take the $2 million cash on offer, leaving Adrian to sell the home via more traditional methods. The house sold at auction in April 2024 for $3.245 million, considerably less than what Adrian paid.

In 2024, Adrian announced that the 20th Block season would be his last appearance on the show, and that he wanted to “go out with a bang.” Now, the billionaire is set to appear in the new Channel 7 series, My Renovation Rules.

The post Billionaire Adrian Portelli finally offloads ‘The Block’ resort on Phillip Island appeared first on Homes To Love.

Britt and Taz’s four-bedroom, three-bathroom modern-organic home blends architectural sophistication with country charm. It was awarded best bath on The Block, and enjoys an award winning kitchen, a wellness room, a one-of-a-kind outdoor entertaining area and a serene outdoor sanctuary.

Step inside:

Tour Britt and Taz’s winning Block home

While it hasn’t been listed yet, there are plenty of incredible Daylesford properties that you can book right now on Airbnb. We’ve found a few of our favourites.

Best Airbnbs in Daylesford

01

Bally Blonde

Daylesford

Sleeps: 10 guests

A serene escape nestled in the beautifully landscaped hills of Daylesford, this luxurious two-storey home is the ultimate nature escape. It enjoys uninterrupted views across Wombat State Forest and Lake Daylesford and plenty of seating to soak in the incredible views. It’s not often available, so if you see it – book it.

Key features:

• Five bedrooms
• An average 5-star rating
• Just moments from Daylesford

BOOK Now

02

The Bayleaf Country House

Daylesford

Sleeps: 8 guests

The Bayleaf Country House is an an expansive country estate just a stone’s throw from Daylesford. With large windows that frame sweeping views and shared delightful living areas with wood fireplaces, you’ll truly feel like you’ve stepped into another world.

Key features:

• An average 5-star rating
• Four bedrooms
• Meticulously renovated

BOOK Now

03

Highstead House

Daylesford

Sleeps: 8 guests

This sleek and spacious property promises to be a year-round retreat: warm and cosy in winter and cool in summer with an oversized mineral pool that’s heated to 28° all year. Surrounded by towering eucalypts and backing on to Doctor’s Gully Reserve, it is a peaceful country escape you’ll never want to leave

Key features:

• Four bedrooms
• Heated mineral pool
• An average 5-star rating

BOOK Now

The post ‘The Block’s’ winning Daylesford home is being listed on Airbnb – see it before it books out appeared first on Homes To Love.

The police officers turned renovators took home an incredible $520,000 in prize money and profit, after their Daylesford home sold for $3.41 million during Sunday night’s nail-biting auction finale.

Hailing from Newman, a small mining town out in the Pilbara, Britt and Taz made history as the first team from WA to ever win The Block. The couple won over both viewers and judges throughout the season with their strong and teamwork, consistent aesthetic and contemporary country style.

“It’s phenomenal to walk away with a reward like this for all the hard work we have put into it. This is life-changing for us, it’s incredible. It’s our mortgage paid off,” revealed Britt after the auction results were finalised.

Their victory followed a dramatic day of emotional highs and heartbreaking lows, with two out of the five homes placed under the hammer ultimately passed in.

And while Britt and Taz’s home set the tone straight out of the auction gate with the biggest sale of the day, the momentum – sadly for Emma and Ben, and Han and Can – wasn’t to last.

“It’s mixed emotions though as we really wanted everyone to walk away a winner and sell their houses,” she said of the disappointing end result for the rest of the contestants.

“I thought our auction set the tone for everyone else. We took it upon ourselves to do that, and we were shocked more than anything. We had worked as a team right to the end, so it’s just a bit hard for us to see what has happened today.”

Inside Britt And Taz’s Winning Home

Positioned as House 3, Britt and Taz’s overall design struck the balance between rural warmth and modern restraint. Their home featured soft neutral palettes, timber textures, and elegant contemporary touches that resonated strongly with both judges and buyers.

Throughout the season, they impressed judges and viewers alike with their unmatched attention to detail – from their spa-like ensuite to their light-filled kitchen framed by natural stone. The final auction results confirmed what the experts had observed from the start: a cohesive vision that felt timeless, yet distinctly Daylesford.

Taz, who initially took convincing to apply for the show, said he couldn’t be prouder of his wife. “We had put it on the back burner for the last few years, but it got to the point where I couldn’t say no to Britt anymore,” he said of the decision to apply one last time. “She never faltered from day one. She had a vision and she did it.”

And as it turns out, Britt’s persistence more than paid off after ensuring they’ll forever be known as the young couple who won The Block 2025.

“I’m so proud of Taz too,” Britt added. “He worked so hard. We sacrificed so much to be here and to get this result. While our hearts are breaking for our team mates we are also so proud of ourselves.”

Scott Cam’s take on The Block finale

Host Scotty Cam praised the pair for their professionalism and teamwork throughout the season: “Congratulations to Britt and Taz on their very well deserved win and the beautiful home they created.”

“Today was more realistic of what mums and dads are going through when they are selling their homes. Some are successful and some are not. But we want all of our contestants to be successful,” he added.

“It’s bittersweet to see two coppers from the Pilbara make half a million dollars at auction, which is amazing,” note executive producer, Julian Cress, who expressed his disappointment in the mixed 2025 auction results.

But while The Block 2025 auction results might have been a mixed bag of emotions, Britt and Taz’s win was more than deserved – and we can’t to see what lies ahead for the couple as they head home to celebrate with their family and friends.

The post Britt & Taz take home ‘The Block’ win after emotional finale appeared first on Homes To Love.

Five brand-new country homes went under the hammer on Sunday October 26, with all the contestants hoping to turn months of renovation risks into life-changing results. But as the first hammer fell, it was clear not everyone would walk away victorious.

But it was Western Australian couple Britt and Taz from House 3 who took home the crown as winners of The Block 2025.

Below, we recap all the highs and lows of The Block 2025 auction results.

The Block 2025 auction order and reserves

In a rare move, all five teams agreed on their auction order ahead of time. However, the show of solidarity quickly dissolved once the auction day reserves were finally revealed: a uniform $2.99 million, except for one team who earned a $50,000 discount.

Picking up on the tense atmosphere, Shelley attempted to shift the nervous energy to something more positive, sharing: “This is our 21st auction day, and we have seen everything happen over that time.”

But not everyone was feeling quite as optimistic as the long-running host with Mat joking, “looks like my manifesting didn’t do much, did it?”

“It feels rough to me too,” admitted Scotty as he addressed the room of crestfallen contestants.

The Block Auction Order 2025

1. Britt and Taz: House 3
2. Robby and Mat: House 5
3. Emma and Ben: House 1
4. Sonny and Alicia: House 4
5. Han and Can: House 2

The Block 2025 winners: Britt and Taz

Britt and Taz kicked off proceedings in House 3 and immediately set the pace for the day. The bidding was fast-paced with serial Block buyer Danny Wallis making an early play for the property with a bold first move. However, even without his biggest competition – Adrian Portelli – there to counter his signature scattered bids, the eccentric entrepreneur fell short of pocketing the keys.

Instead, it was a mystery purchaser who managed to secure the winning bid of $3.410 million from afar, earning the young parents a massive $420,000 profit and the resulting overall win.

“It’s phenomenal to walk away with a reward like this for all the hard work we have put into it. This is life-changing for us, it’s incredible. It’s our mortgage paid off,” the winner’s shared.

“You held true and you should be proud of yourselves!” beamed Scotty as he celebrated with the couple – who won The Block 2025 – after the paddles were packed away for the final time.

Britt and Taz’s auction result

Reserve: $2.99 million

Winning bid: $3.410 million

Total profit: $420,000

Total winnings: $520,000

Second place: Sonny and Alicia

In House 4, Sonny and Alicia entered with a reduced reserve of $2.94 million (thanks to a week 12 win) and a strategic vendor’s bid of $3.10 million.

The Queensland couple found success thanks to buyer’s advocate and Block regular, Frank Valentic, who secured the property for his client at the final price of $3.05 million – netting the parents a tidy $120,000 profit.

Sonny and Alicia’s auction result

Reserve: $2.94 million

Winning bid: $3.05 million

Total profit: $120,000

Total winnings: $120,000

Third Place: Robby and Mat

Buoyed by a big Britt and Taz win, Robby and Mat entered the auction suite feeling like anything was possible. As the familiar face of Danny Wallis flashed across the screen, their chances were looking good. That was, until bidding stalled and despite their agent’s best attempts to revive it, was finally called at a (relatively underwhelming) price of $3,099,999 to – you guessed it – Danny Wallis.

“Well that was disappointing,” said Robby as the final hammer fell. “It sucks… but we had a blast doing it,” offered Mat in an attempt to lift the mood as the House 5 contestants grappled with the reality of their result.

“I’m gutted,” said Robby. “It’s not a great outcome, but it is what it is.”

“You know what? It’s a beautiful house and we had the best time we’ve ever had in our lives,” they both agreed. And while it might not have been the number they were hoping for, walking away with over $50,000 each was still a hefty profit.

Robby and Mat’s auction result

Reserve: $2.99 million

Winning bid: $3,099,999

Total profit: $109,999

Total winnings: $109,999

Passed in: Emma and Ben

As young Melbourne couple, Emma and Ben sat in the observation suite to hear The Block 2025 auction results, momentum began to slow.

The new parents from House 1 struggled to attract the interest needed for multiple offers, with bidding stopping shy of the reserve at $2.97 million. Despite the nail biting push for a last-chance vendor bid of $3.10 million, the beautiful house was eventually passed in.

“It’s just a bit devastating,” said Emma, before picking herself up, thanking Scotty for the opportunity, and praising her husband for his ongoing support. “I’m so proud of Ben – always so proud of him,” she beamed.

The optimistic couple held each other as they smiled through the tears, with Ben expressing his gratitude for the experience. “I love my life. My beautiful wife. My beautiful baby boy. Nothing else matters,” he reiterated, before heading back to meet the others.

Emma and Ben’s auction result

Reserve: $2.99 million

Winning bid: Passed in

Total profit: $0

Total winnings: $0

Total winnings: $0

Passed in: Han and Can

Finally, Han and Can in House 2 faced immense pressure but were met with silence from bidders. Their home was also passed in after a vendor bid of $3.10 million.

Han and Can’s auction result

Reserve: $2.99 million

Winning bid: Passed in

Total profit: $0

Total winnings: $0

Total winnings: $0

What happens to The Block homes that don’t sell at auction?

While both Han and Cam, and Emma and Ben, leave Daylesford without a sale, their properties will re-enter the market – and history shows that post-auction deals often deliver happy endings.

Host Scotty Cam described the finale as a reflection of real-world conditions: “Today was more realistic of what mums and dads are going through when they are selling their homes. Some are successful and some are not. But we want all of our contestants to be successful.”

“We filmed with them for three months and got to know all of them so well, but unfortunately Em and Ben and Han and Can weren’t able to do it today. But they still have the opportunity to be rewarded for their hard work as the houses go back on the market,” he added.

Executive Producer, Julian Cress, echoed Scotty’s sentiment, adding: “Auction day is hard for all of us. There is no other day of the year we wake up feeling physically ill when we go to work. We are worried sick because we get so close to our contestants over the months and we want everyone to do well.”

“It’s bittersweet to see two coppers from the Pilbara make half a million dollars at auction, which is amazing, but then to watch a young couple like Emma and Ben, who just had a baby, pass in, as well as Han and Can. It was an up and down and sometimes very tough day for some.”

Despite mixed outcomes, the five couples recorded a combined winnings total of $749,999, pushing The Block’s overall prize tally to more than $40.3 million since the series began in 2003.

The post High drama in Daylesford as ‘The Block’ auctions deliver big profits and heartbreak appeared first on Homes To Love.

But who is Danny Wallis, and why does he love buying properties featured on The Block?

Dubbed “The man who bought The Block“, by The Block Shop blog Insider Style, Danny has spent over $30 million buying 11 Block properties since 2012. This includes  $1,586,666.66 for the country property worked on by 2022 winning contestants Omar and Oz, as well as a total of $12.2 million at the 2021 auction.

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Danny Wallis is an IT entrepreneur who founded information communications technology services company DWS Limited in 1991.

After expanding his company over the years to operate throughout Australia and New Zealand, the CEO and managing director sold DWS to tech giant HCL Technologies for $126 million in September 2020.

Since then, the real estate mogul has bought and sold a steady stream of properties both on, and off, The Block.

How did Danny Wallis make his money?

The 2022 series of The Block also featured Danny Wallis outside of auction day, when he presented a gnome to the house he liked best during guest bedroom and re-do room week. Tom and Sarah-Jane’s House 1 was eventually bestowed with that honour, which was no surprise, as the house – which was tipped to win on auction day – was also a favourite with judges Shaynna Blaze, Neale Whitaker and Darren Palmer.

He also bid on all five houses in The Block 2020, eventually walking away with three of the five properties at a total cost of $11.8 million.

Did Danny Wallis bid at The Block 2025 auction?

While Danny hasn’t placed a successful bid in a few years and was notably absent from this year’s Domain Listings Challenge, Scotty Cam has hinted at a return for 2025.

“Danny Wallis was sniffing around so he may be a starter at [auction],” he told Today in the lead up to 2025 auctions.

“We’re very happy for Danny to turn up and buy one, that will create a bit of competition.” And with questions about whether or not Adrian Portelli will bid on The Block in 2025, his presence might be even more important.

And luckily for Robby and Mat, he was indeed an influential part of The Block 2025 auction results – ensuring they left the show with a profit of $109,999 after making one of his trademark bids.

Did Danny Wallis buy any of The Block properties in 2023 and 2024?

While he bid on two of The Block 2023 properties, Danny Wallis ended up walking away empty handed. Instead, the winning bids – which were for Steph and Gian’s property and Eliza and Liberty’s property – went to fellow serial Block buyer Adrian Portelli.

Before the auction, there was no indication of which house Danny preferred — and he was noticeably absent from the Domain Listings Challenge. But he and Adrian Portelli stole the show with their bidding war, before Danny conceded by saying “He can have it”, which was a nod to what Adrian said at the 2022 auction.

In 2024, Danny showed early interest in Kristian and Mimi’s Phillip Island home by offering a bid of $2.1 million, only to be out-bid by his bidding nemesis, Portelli.

What does Danny look for in a Block house?

The millionaire entrepreneur gave us a few insights into his thought process for buying property when he dropped by Kyle and Leslie’s ‘winners’ dinner’ during the 2023 season.

Hosted at the country home Scotty Cam renovated alongside contestants on The Block in 2022, Kyle and Leslie took the opportunity to ask him what he looked for when buying a home.

“It’s got to have a flowing floor plan. Nice clean lines, cleanly done, simple. Less is better,” he explained.

What does Danny Wallis do with the houses he buys?

Some of the homes Danny has purchased on The Block have been donated to charities or used by them free of charge, including Ronald McDonald House and My Room Children’s Cancer Charity. Others have been investment properties with tenants.

This includes two of the three properties he purchased in 2022, which hit the rental market for just under $3000/week in March 2023.

This appeared to be a change in strategy for Danny, as he initially said in an interview with Melbourne radio station 3AW that he intended to keep “one for myself to grow vegetables and to grow fruit trees in the backyard, and to have a little holiday.”

As for another, “I’ve been talking to [CEO Margaret Zita OAM] from My Room about suitability for having a resort up there for the kids.”

And while he favoured Omar and Oz’s House 5 in 2023, he also recognised that it would be the most appropriate for the kids because of the basketball and tennis court. “Kids don’t really like a winery…that’s not going to be much use to them,” he added of Rachel and Ryan’s property.

The Block houses purchased by Danny Wallis

Robby and Mat’s House 5

After being out-bid for Britt and Taz’s winning home during the 2025 auctions, Danny Wallis made a final play for Robby and Mat’s modern country masterpiece with great success. Returning to the show after a brief hiatus, Danny kicked things off with a trademark bid of $3,099,999 that won the best friends a profit of $109,999 and third place overall.

see robby & mat’s full house tour

Tom and Sarah-Jane‘s House 1

The Block 2022

Fan and judge favourites Tom and Sarah-Jane looked slated to win their season of The Block, their stylish but personality-filled modern country home taking out more weekly room reveal wins than any other team by a mile. But, shockingly, while Danny Wallis saved the day by purchasing their home for $4,100,000.99, the couple walking away with only $20,000.99, placing them in third place.

Rachel and Ryan’s House 2

The Block 2022

Despite being latecomers to The Block’s 2022 blockbuster season, the Southern Sydney couple delivered quality rooms week after week, creating a luxurious contemporary farmhouse that would quicken the pace of any treechanger’s heart. But it was Danny Wallis who purchased the couple’s home for a total of $4,249,999.50 on auction day, sending them off with a profit of $169,000.50.

Omar and Oz’s House 5

The Block 2022

After a nail-biting auction that resulted in both highs and heartbreak, Omar and Oz won the Gisborne-based season thanks to Danny, who dished out a whopping $5,666,666.66 for the modern country-style home.”We’re absolutely stoked that we took out the win this year — we had a plan and stuck to it,” said Omar, who split the $1,586,666.66 worth of winnings with best mate Omar.

Mitch and Mark’s House 2

The Block 2021

Mitch and Mark won The Block in 2021 when Danny forked out $4,044,444.44 on the modern Hamptons-style home. “We never had expectations or even hopes for that amount,” said Mitch following the auction. The couple walked away with a total winnings of $744,000.

Tanya and Vito’s House 3

The Block 2021

Tanya and Vito’s mid-century home, which featured a retro-inspired sunken lounge and double-sided fireplace, placed third on auction day. Danny bid $3.8 million for the home. He also said he planned to donate it to My Room Children’s Cancer Charity.

Kirsty and Jesse’s House 5

The Block 2021

Neale Whitaker described Kirsty and Jesse’s house as “the best house The Block has ever produced.” Unfortunately, it failed to perform on auction day, and Danny snapped up the two-storey home for the bargain price of $4.4 million.

Buyer’s agent Greville Pabst weighed in on the sale: “Kirsty and Jesse’s house – while it’s a great family home – is not as good, in my opinion, as an investment. You’ve got so much land and so much maintenance,” he said.

Harry and Tash’s House 1

The Block 2020

Father-and-daughter team Harry and Tash’s House 1 was also purchased by Danny for $4 million. Buyers’ advocate Greville Pabst said that the 2020 auction results were spectacular, “but the reality is, if Danny wasn’t there, and Danny didn’t bid, all the houses would have fetched between $3.5 – $3.8 million.”

Sarah and George’s House 2

The Block 2020

Sarah and George’s 1940s-era home came second in 2020 after Danny’s $4 million bid. The couple’s home won kids’ bedroom week, while their exterior facade – complete with restored heritage windows and a brick entryway – tied with Jimmy and Tam’s for first place.

Daniel and Jade’s House 3

The Block 2020

Daniel and Jade’s home was purchased by Danny in 2020 for $3.8 million. He donated the home to My Room Children’s Cancer Charity in honour of the couple’s daughter who has a rare genetic disorder.

Mitch and Mark’s House 1

The Block 2019

During The Block Oslo season, Mitch and Mark’s townhouse – decorated with vibrant colours and patterns – was a judge favourite. It was also the only house Danny purchased that year, fetching $3.4 million and earning Mitch and Mark fifth place.

Mike and Andrew’s House 2

The Block 2012

The first house Danny purchased on The Block was back in 2012. It had been renovated by brothers Mike and Andrew and was the last to go to auction. Danny snapped it up with a bid of $1.4 million (or $1,400,001.01 to be precise). It was used by Ronald McDonald House Charities until 2016, when Danny sold it for $1.73 million.

The post Who is Danny Wallis, The Block’s serial buyer? appeared first on Homes To Love.

It was an emotional race to the finish line for the couple from Melbourne, who presented a “spectacular” front yard and facade to finish, with the couple even managing to welcome their first baby in between tools down and auction day.

Spurred on by the unanimous praise received from The Block judges Shaynna Blaze, Darren Palmer and Marty Fox throughout their television journey, Emma and Ben bid farewell to The Block on an all time high.

Who are Emma & Ben?

High school sweethearts and long-time Block hopefuls, Emma and Ben are ecstatic to finally be competing on The Block 2025 after seven application attempts. “We have applied so many times! We can’t wait to get to Daylesford and get started,” says Emma.

The husband-and-wife duo are from Melbourne, where Emma, 33, is a pole dance teacher, small business owner and high school teacher, and Ben, 32, is a civil engineer and aspiring firefighter. They have renovated two houses and built another in the past, so with the most building and renovation experience of all the teams, they might just be the ones to beat.

For this build, the pair will aim to create a mid-century-themed home with a subtle country nod.

Ahead of The Block 2025 auctions, take a look back through the young couple’s standout Daylesford property.

See every home on The Block 2025:

• Tour House 2 – Han & Can
• Tour House 3 – Britt & Taz
• Tour House 4 – Sonny & Alicia
• Tour House 5 – Robby & Mat

Tour Emma and Ben’s house from The Block

Front yard

Entering Ben and Emma’s property elicited an overwhelming round of praise from all the judges. Especially, and perhaps most importantly – from guest judge Dave Franklin, who applauded the couple’s choice of plantings: “You’ve got a garden here that’s quite thought out.. it’s actually hard to beat.”

Shaynna was equally as impressed, shouting out the couple’s landscaper Colin Hyatt for his considered approach. “You see the value in a landscape designer,” she reiterated, going on to point out the elevated details throughout the garden. “Everything’s planted to perfection!”

Shaynna couldn’t stop gushing about the design details, calling out each of the considered spaces as she spotted them. “You have this little grassy knoll that comes up with a sculpture and lighting against it… the way the boulders are the way they work with the mounds and how they’ve made everything just work.”

She also expressed her approval of the garage door: “I love the fact they’ve picked very simplistic garage door because everything is about the planting and greenery against that black.”

Marty doubled down on his praise of the couple’s facade, stating that he thought the new homeowners would feel very house proud. “That’s what the new owners want. It’s a massive part of the marketing campaign for all of these contestants – getting that front facade popping on the Domain app, is what draws that further enquiry in,” he exclaimed.

Entry

Marty was wowed by the presence of the facade as a whole, calling the experience of entering the property “so grand”, and the rest of the judges agreed. However, it was the inclusion of the home’s nameplate – surprisingly, the first of its kind on The Block – that scored the couple some serious props.

Marty was quick to point out that their strategic plantings would pay off in years to come, providing a much-needed noise barrier between the property and the nearby pub once they reached full maturity.

“Landscaping is always important,” noted Darren. “But in Daylesford, it’s particularly important.” Adding: “I would wager, that whoever wins for their landscaping, will win The Block.” Whether Darren’s prediction comes true or not, all eyes will be on the new parents come auction week – especially in light of the rumours circling around Adrian Portelli’s surprising return.

Backyard

Emma and Ben’s backyard won the unanimous tick of approval from all the judges this week on The Block, taking out a win by 1/2 a point over Robby and Mat. All three loved the undulating lawn and native plantings, which reminded them of the rolling hills of Daylesford. But hiding in plain sight, it was the surprise inclusion of a genius wine cellar that cemented the win for the Melbourne-based couple this week – and what a room it was. Inserted under the southern wing of their home, the couple made every square metre count with a cosy adult’s retreat that brought a slice of Victoria’s best vineyards to their doorstep.

Pool House

The couple chose to push the boundaries this week with a 3D-printed cabana that drew the judges in with its cool, contemporary design. The 3D-printed pool house included luxury amenities such as a steam sauna, air conditioning and powder room, offering potential homebuyers the wellness area of their dreams.

Wine cellar

Robby and Mat weren’t the only Blockheads who decided to add a wine cellar; Emma and Ben made the strategic move too, which was praised as a game-changing value add by the judges. The couple kept the styling simple, opting for timber shelving and a rustic stone feature wall.

Terrace

Showing off their home’s elevation and views, Emma and Ben created an exceptionally functional alfresco terrace perfect for year-round entertaining. Equipped with electric blinds and heaters for winter and an adjustable slatted roof for summer, Darren thought the space offered the best of both worlds, although it lacked some of the softness present in their other rooms. Shaynna thought the black furniture made the space feel “heavy”, while Marty put his real estate agent hat on and commented that there was “a lot to sell, and a lot to buy” in the first outdoor area reveal thus far.

Shed

Emma and Ben split the space in their shed, creating a practical area for tools and gardening equipment upon entrance, which leads into a super luxe golf simulation space. All the judges loved both spaces. The combination of two areas so conceptually different appealed to Shaynna, Darren and Marty, who all loved the practicality of the tool shed married with the over-the-top golf simulator, which comes with a local golf club membership to boot! A slight oversight was the inclusion of skylights in the golf simulator; however, overall, the judges loved the strategic nature of Emma and Ben’s choices.

Back of house

Laundry and butler’s pantry

Filled with natural light streaming in from the large window, this combined laundry and butler’s pantry makes a great initial impression. The judges were unanimous in their praise for Emma and Ben’s elevated washer and dryer, and the practical inclusion of hip-height basket drawers beneath each. Darren loved their use of hanging space in a dead corner and was effusive in his praise for the considered palette of warm wood, creamy white slashbacks and two-toned floor tiles. Shaynna agreed about the palette, but wasn’t totally sold on the functionality of the space. She questioned the need for two sinks, especially as they cut into valuable bench space in the utilitarian area. Marty agreed, pointing out the reason for a butler’s pantry is to have a workable space to make mess.

Back of house

Mudroom

Aesthetically pleasing and finished with Emma and Ben’s signature olive green paintwork and russet-hued cushions, the mudroom lacked practicality and the requisite sense of Daylesford luxury. The hat hooks inserted above the bench seat were largely ornamental, and the judges couldn’t understand why there wasn’t storage space for muddy boots and winter coats. Shaynna suggested swapping out the internal shelving for hanging space to make this zone more workable, and Marty wanted to see more luxury with some leather covered cushions.

Back of house

Powder room

“It feels like stepping into a jewellery box,” said Darren Palmer, on entering this sweet little powder room. The burgundy and pink room featured the same two-toned floor tiles seen in the laundry/butler’s pantry and wallpaper wrapping around around the feature wall and onto the ceiling. Shaynna loved the feature basin, calling it “divine”, and the wallpaper on the ceiling.

Back of house

Garage

Finishing off the ‘back of house’ challenge was Emma and Ben’s garage. The judges loved the larger than life image of Lake Daylesford reproduced on the back wall, but everything else failed to register. While the black flooring looked good, Shaynna pointed out that it would be impossible to keep clean while enjoying a country lifestyle. Marty wanted to see “more storytelling in the styling” as Daylesford is a touring location with lots of wineries and restaurants.

Guest suite

This week, Emma and Ben created a luxurious-feeling guest suite complete with a bedroom, walk-in wardrobe, ensuite and kitchenette. The light-filled space was grounded with a mid-tone green accent wall, a shimmery velour bedhead and lush brown curtains. The couple really considered their layout, choosing to rearrange the space to accommodate more amenities. The key change was the addition of a false wall to create the walk-in wardrobe at the back of the room, which allowed them to include a large galley-style kitchenette in the entry hallway. Although the time-pressed couple didn’t have time to perfect all the details (most notably with some poor cutting-in), the judges were happy to overlook these shortcomings because of the overall impression and quality of the space. Shaynna said the suite had the feeling of a boutique hotel suite, without feeling too unattainable.

Guest suite

Marty Fox loved this “little gem” of an ensuite, with its “palatial” proportions and natue-inspired colour scheme. Emma and Ben repeated the curved nib wall from their main bathroom, which lent a sense of continuity to the room, while the gem-like green tiles spoke for themselves. Proving once again that you can definitely make non-traditional colours work in a bathroom, Emma and Ben’s execution was slightly less than perfect, but the overall effect was of a calm and luxurious space with great amenities and plenty of natural light.

Kitchen

Once again, Emma and Ben impressed with their signature warm colour choices and the scale of their space. All three judges noted the harmony of their palette and materials, and how appropriate these were for the Daylesford setting. The couple from Melbourne kept their styling simple, creating a scale and spaciousness that was noticeable and in harmony with the adjoining living/dining area. Marty Fox thought that their hard work “rectified the spaces.”

An overall success, one detracting factor for the judges was the position of Emma and Ben’s fridges, which when open, block entry to the main bedroom. Once again, in this season of The Block, spatial planning takes centre stage, with Darren stating that without this mistake, Emma and Ben would’ve created “the perfect kitchen.” A warning example for those of us at home dreaming of our own kitchen renovation, and for Emma and Ben going forward into week eight.

Rumpus room

This week Emma and Ben weren’t playing it safe, and their layered, colourful approach paid dividends. While being “savvy” with their budget, the soon-to-be parents selected a large, colourful artwork by a local artist as their hero. The abstract work, featuring pink, green and red tones informed all their other choices – including a rust brown retro-style couch, deep green occasional chairs and walls in textured pink and an olive green.

The judges noted the room wasn’t very kid-friendly, but overall, they were impressed by the couple’s attention to detail and their use of colour, delivering a room that is enveloping and delivers on the high-end Daylesford brief. “Emma and Ben are back!” concluded Darren.

Living and dining room

This week Emma and Ben struggled to create wow-factor in their living and dining room. Their usual attention to detail was missing and the judges weren’t impressed with their styling, or the placement of their furniture. Instead of looking out to the view, they closed off the space to make the TV the focal point. Their colour choices remained a strength with the exception of the orange-toned bench seat, which looked out of place with their cool toned herringbone flooring.

Main bedroom and walk in wardrobe

Fresh off the heels of last week’s ensuite success, Ben and Emma decided to dip back into burgundy for their main bedroom and walk in wardrobe reveal. But rather than opt for another colour-drenched dose, they instead chose to incorporate a burst of the bold hue as part of a soothing, more restrained palette. What resulted was a berries and cream dream punctuated by swathes of calming eucalyptus and soft oak, that came together to produce, what the judges called, a “close to perfect” room.

Although the judges were tickled pink by the room’s hotel-like look and feel, they were equally as impressed by the sheer scale of the space, further emphasised by the sprawling island that spanned the entire length of the oak-lined wardrobe.

Main bedroom

With some of the biggest bedrooms we’ve seen on The Block so far, this year’s contestants had their work cut out for them when it came to furnishing with form (and function) in mind. Emma and Ben opted for an integrated sitting area centred around the Stoke holographic fireplace and the Rosso Levante-topped wall unit. The Block Shop Fossil Face artworks are a nod to the room’s nature-inspired palette, while tactile pieces like the Few & Far occasional chair and button-shaped ottomans add an inviting touch.

Main bathroom

Dubbed “mid-century western” by the judges, Emma and Ben’s earthy colour choices prove you can definitely use non-traditional colours in a bathroom. Their sophisticated warm-toned palette features three complementary tile choices, a timber vanity and copper tapware. Curved lines repeat throughout the space, softening its hard edges, while giving the space a fresh, modern feel.

Main bathroom

Emma and Ben’s exceptional time-management skills came to their rescue this week. With the most renovation experience among the five teams, Emma and Ben progressed through the ensuite challenge without breaking a sweat. Smart choices, like wallpapering instead of painting, left the couple with time to finesse the details (which most notably included a hand-finished planter to match the wall tiles). A perfectly finished, curved feature wall in the shower recess showed off their superior planning and execution skills.

Kid’s bedroom #1

Emma and Ben’s first kid’s bedroom features a moody palette of navy blue, accented with mid-tone brown shades in the bedhead and chequerboard rug. A spacious design, the judges appreciated the couple’s use of texture, the unique circular niche, excellent execution and well-considered finishes. “That bed is absolutely beautiful,” says Darren Palmer. “You wouldn’t usually see this much detail in a kid’s room.”

Kid’s bedroom #2

Emma and Ben’s second kid’s bedroom is a sweet pink-hued affair, featuring fairy decals, soft pinks and burgundy accents. The downfall of this room was not in its design, but in its execution. The panels of slatted walnut (installed to disguise a short fall with the statement wallpaper) expose the less-than-perfect functionality of the space. The wood panels detracted from the beautiful wall sconces and made it hard to open the wardrobe doors. This features reminds all home renovators of the importance of measuring everything twice.

While it’s easy to get swept up in how a room looks, Emma and Ben’s choices show that functionality is just as important as aesthetics. They cut corners with basics, like allowing enough swing room for the wardrobe doors and creating sufficient storage for two occupants. Our advice would be to sacrifice the built in desk area to maximise storage space and, if possible, the use of more space efficient bedding solutions, like bunk beds, for a small spaces.

Bathroom

Emma and Ben’s bathroom is a colourful take on contemporary Australian design with mid-century influences. Blending clean lines, brass hardware and natural materials with the muted green of the basins and shower tiles makes for a cohesive space with functionality at its core. This room uses hardware and shapely forms to hit the brief of mid-century minimalist, while the nature-inspired palette helps it to remain timeless.

While their styling was simple, the success of Emma and Ben’s bathroom came down to their big-ticket items like the dramatic skylight above the shower recess, flooding the room with ample natural light. Alongside the minimal shower screen, a luxurious bath sits parallel to the length of the room. Continuous large-format tiles create a sense of heightened spaciousness and continuity.

See their full listing at 5 Cedar Lane, Daylesford VIC 3460.

These images were originally published on nine.com.au/TheBlock.

The post See inside Emma & Ben’s finished home from ‘The Block’ 2025 appeared first on Homes To Love.

Scroll on to see Sonny and Alicia’s finished Block house.

Who are Sonny & Alicia?

The Block’s Sonny and Alicia are a married couple and parents to three kids from the Gold Coast. Sonny, 44, is a plumber, and Alicia, 42, is a dental practice manager.

The couple were on the shortlist for last year’s season on Phillip Island, but received the exciting call this time around for Daylesford. “I was really upset last year that we just missed out, so when we got the call to say we were in it was an amazing feeling,” Alicia says.

While the pair aren’t experienced renovators, they did build their current family home and have renovated a granny flat in the past. 

See inside all The Block 2025 homes

• Tour House 1 – Emma & Ben
• Tour House 2 – Han & Can
• Tour House 3 – Britt & Taz
• Tour House 5 – Robby & Mat

Tour Sonny & Alicia’s house on The Block

Front yard

After weeks of being pipped at the post, Sonny and Alicia finally secured their first win with their “quintessential Aussie front yard.”

Upon stepping out into the garden, the judges immediately spotted ‘Rusty the Kangaroo’, a life-sized lounging roo sculpture by Matt Hill. Darren noted that while sculptures can look clunky in a front yard, Rusty (and his huge biceps) works.

Featuring a generous lawn and a number of mature Chinese Elm trees, the judges also loved Sonny and Alicia’s simple but effective landscaping, which Marty described as feeling “established.” The extra driveway, caravan space and two gates also earned the pair points in terms of versatility.

Shaynna had just one note: to add a hedge around the guest suite’s seating area to create privacy. Otherwise, the couple created a “pretty faultless” front yard.

Backyard

“It’s so simple, and yet, looking out, it’s a textbook backyard,” Marty said upon seeing Sonny and Alicia’s completed garden. Darren had to agree, describing the lawn, swimming pool and multiple dining areas as a “good, proper Aussie backyard.”

Set beneath an arbour, the outdoor dining space earned plenty of praise from the judges and is set to only get better once its wisteria plants begin to climb and flourish above it. The judges were also impressed by the round sauna.

Cabana

Sonny and Alicia’s poolside cabana was a lot more than just a room with a couple of chairs. The judges quickly discovered the space had a daybed, air conditioning, a kitchenette and a toilet.

Marty described it as the “highest-spec” cabana of all the Block houses, while landscaper Dave jokingly labelled it “a great dog house.”

Terrace

There was one detail in Sonny and Alicia’s terrace that all three judges were absolutely in love with, and that was the brick.

“That is the best material on The Block,” Marty exclaimed upon seeing the walls and the brick-encased outdoor kitchen. The other two judges were in total agreement, with Shaynna describing the detail as “incredible” and Darren simply commenting, “Yum.”

Featuring a pizza oven, fridge, barbeque, sink and two built-in heaters, the outdoor kitchen and dining space truly impressed.

Terrace

Sonny and Alicia’s styling earned plenty of praise from the judges this week, with Marty, Shaynna and Darren all agreeing that the space felt decidedly soft and warm, thanks to the inclusion of outdoor rugs.

The choice to include a lounge area rather than dedicating more space to the outdoor kitchen may have been a risky move, but the judges deemed it to be the right choice, with Marty aptly saying: “Lounging is living.” And, to be honest, we couldn’t agree more.

Shed

Offering both a games area and an abundance of storage, Sonny and Alicia’s shed ticked all the boxes.

Inside, the pair included a workbench that doubles as a pool table, a darts board and plenty of tools, which the judges thought was very practical and versatile.

“It’s a good old functional, Australian Stratco shed and I am here for it,” Darren said.

Laundry and pantry

The judges loved the material selection, particularly the checkerboard tiling, in Sonny and Alicia’s warm-toned laundry and pantry, but were unsure about the layout of the space.

“It’s just slightly odd because it’s doing two things at once,” Darren said of the laundry and pantry combination, while Marty was quick to point out a lack of storage in the adjoining hallway. Nevertheless, the judges had to concede that everything looked “amazing”, and the inclusion of the drying cabinet and fridge scored them points in practicality.

Powder room

Darren’s jaw was on the floor when he saw the couple’s powder room, where deep burgundy walls meet a jaw-dropping viola marble counter. “That is hot,” Shaynna said. “This is unfaultable,” Marty agreed.

Mudroom

The home’s blush-toned palette carries on into the mudroom, where storage has been cleverly designed above and below a bench seat, earning the tick of approval from functionality-focused Marty.

Garage

While not nearly as flashy as the others, the inclusion of the Daylesford wallpaper was hailed as the hero of Sonny and Alicia’s very “functional” garage.

Guest suite

Sonny and Alicia went big on colour once again this week, and their “brave” choice paid off. Upon entering the aubergine-hued guest suite, Darren described the colour-drenched space as “heaven”, while Shaynna was quick to praise the wallpaper Alicia had designed from a previous challenge; “This is professional-level design.”

Marty noted that although the guest suite doesn’t have a kitchenette, there are still plenty of amenities, including a coffee nook and bar fridge. His only suggestion was for the pair to add doors to cover the exposed storage positioned beneath the TV.

Guest suite

Continuing the warm pink tones, the guest ensuite features a peachy wall colour, tiled feature wall and a floating walnut timber vanity. “I finally feel Sonny and Alicia have got their groove,” Shaynna said.

Kitchen

Not only did Sonny and Alicia complete a full kitchen installation this week, but they also completely redesigned the neighbouring living room, which was heavily criticised by the judges a couple of weeks ago. Implementing the judges’ notes, they sought to redeem the integrity of the room as a whole by resolving the colour palette and spatial layout of both zones. Picking up on the dusty blue tone of the kitchen cabinetry, the living room now boasts a smoky aubergine feature wall and reoriented furniture that spotlights the feature fireplace to its best advantage.

Although the couple from Queensland have often struggled with spatial planning, this week they knocked it out of the park. Darren Palmer, who was “besotted” with the kitchen in general, said they’d landed in the “Goldilocks” zone of spatial planning with a spacious and functional layout that was well thought out and perfectly executed. Shaynna Blaze loved that the space “had heart”, while Marty Fox wasn’t quite as taken with the space, saying he thought it wasn’t very ‘Daylesford.’ All agreed Sonny and Alicia’s hard work had rescued their home…for now!

Rumpus room

There was nothing half-hearted about Sonny and Alicia’s room reveal this week. The Gold Coast duo chose ‘Witching’ as their hero colour, and they went all in, drenching every centimetre of the walls, shelving and ceiling in the same rusty shade. They selected furniture and decor in complementary, neutral shades, which allowed their colour choice to take centre stage. Far from boring, Sonny and Alicia’s execution of this room shows how interesting and layered a simple palette can be and how choosing the right colour for the right room makes all the difference.

Shaynna loved the purposeful effect of the full colour, saying it felt enveloping, like a nook. Darren Palmer was “besotted” with their treatment of the room, noting that it was on-trend and perfect for the Daylesford market. Marty Fox pointed out the one defect with the room, the stark white light fittings and air conditioning vents. On the whole, a great week for the Queenslanders, who ended with a podium finish for the first time since week two.

Living and dining room

The judges thought the allocation of space was “interesting” and noted the couple had struggled with spatial planning in past challenges. Darren said, “The orientation and location is all wrong.” The highlights of the room were undoubtedly the fireplace, which features the same brick as the home’s external cladding, and the incredible artwork. Darren thought the brickwork was a beautiful link from the exterior facade and Shaynna enthused over the rich blue and earthy tones of the painting.

A takeaway for prospective home renovators is to start with a strong concept and a layout appropriate for the space available to you. Sonny and Alicia tried to create a homely feeling, but ignored the realities of the expansive home they have to work with. This disconnect between concept and execution created a living and dining room that felt better suited to a small apartment than a large country home.

Main bedroom

Blending timber, chocolate brown velvet and warm beige tones, Sonny and Alicia’s main bedroom emanates warmth and was style-stamped by Darren as “elevated country”. But, while the decadent colour palette, cosy fireplace and velvet curtains were a hit with the judges, there was still room for improvement. “Everything is teetering on the rug,” Shaynna pointed out, echoing the same feedback she gave to Robby and Mat. The execution of the timber feature wall was also a miss for the pair, as was the walk-in wardrobe, which could have been made bigger and provided with more enclosed storage, Marty suggested.

Bathroom

Sonny and Alicia’s second bathroom was somewhat of a departure from the bolder colour palettes seen in their previous rooms. Featuring large grey tiles, a dark timber vanity and a concrete bathtub with matching sinks, the space’s minimalist styling and neutral palette achieve a sense of zen. Its layout, however, wasn’t quite right, according to the judges. “You’ve got this massive wall that’s just been wasted,” Marty criticised.

Bathroom

What worked and what didn’t in Sonny and Alicia’s bathroom

“This has the makings of a perfect 10,” judge Marty said of Sonny and Alicia’s grey, minimalist bathroom. Large format tiles, copper hardware and a statement concrete Nood Co bathtub with matching sinks culminated in a simple yet refined space that reminds us that concrete can be chic.

But while the couple’s pared-back styling hit the mark, the layout forced the vanity, shower, bathtub and toilet into the various corners of the room, creating unnecessary dead space in the centre. As the judges pointed out, reshuffling the layout would create more space for a larger vanity and also make the toilet less visible.

Kids’ bedroom

Splashed with various shades of blue, Sonny and Alicia’s bold boys’ room impressed the judges. Darren Palmer was “enamoured” by the gingham wallpaper and gallery wall, which leans right into the country aesthetic with its equestrian theme. However, the judges agreed that the other side of the room, which was painted white and featured a wall-mounted TV, could have done with more of that wallpaper to create a cosier and more cohesive feel.

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Three styling ideas to steal from Sonny and Alicia’s kids’ bedrooms

Sonny and Alicia received some positive feedback this week with their cosy, country-inspired kids’ bedrooms. “The use of colour is divine,” Shaynna said of the boys’ room – and we’d have to agree! Here are the three styling ideas we’re stealing from the pair’s Block bedrooms:

• Gingham wallpaper: Is there any print more country than gingham? We particularly love how the pair used the wallpaper in both the boys’ room and the girls’ room to inform the bold blue and pink colour palettes.
• An equestrian-themed gallery wall: Comprised of old art prints depicting horses in a bush setting, the gallery wall nails the country-inspired, Australiana aesthetic and feels right at home in a country kids’ room.
• A cohesive palette based on one colour: From the wallpaper to the accent cushions, throws, drapes and wardrobes, Sonny and Alicia have achieved a varied yet cohesive palette based on one colour repeated throughout each room. The result is two spaces full of depth and warmth.

Kids’ bedroom

Using the same gingham wallpaper, but this time in pink, Sonny and Alicia created a pretty, peachy girl’s bedroom. But, although the judges loved the use of colour, they felt it wasn’t quite on brief. “I’m in an adult’s bedroom,” Shaynna said. Nevertheless, the space achieves a strong sense of warmth and elegance thanks to its soft layers, timber tones and bold pink treatment.

Bathroom

Darren was “besotted with this bathroom and this aesthetic”, and particularly loved the bronze hardware, which ties in with the warm, pink-hued palette and dark timber vanity. However, Shaynna was quick to point out that the timber vanity was too high for her liking, and that the lighting plan needed some work.

Bathroom shower zone

The couple opted for a screen-free shower, emphasising the sense of spaciousness and creating a luxe, spa-like feel that earned high praise from the judges. A small timber stool adds an element of country style to the bath and shower space.

See their full listing at 2 Cedar Lane, Daylesford, VIC 3460. These images were originally published on nine.com.au/TheBlock.

The post Tour Sonny & Alicia’s finished home from ‘The Block’ 2025 appeared first on Homes To Love.

How did their predictions pan out?

See The Block final auction results here

Block property expert Alice Stolz agrees, saying that the top contenders are Houses 3 and 5, but that there could still be a surprise twist.

“I think Britt and Taz will win The Block this year – House 3. If not them, then House 5, Robby and Mat. I think they’ve created a house that’s got very broad appeal,” Alice said.

“The dark horse will be Han and Can. Just the other day, we took agents through and they were going absolutely gaga for House 2. So now I’m thinking we might be underestimating that impact.”

Even Frank Valentic, the property advocate who has worked closely with potential buyers throughout the years offered his two cents, saying his clients are leaning towards House 3.

His buyers specifically enjoyed the way Britt and Taz’s house connects and flows”, “the energy”, and the “wellness theme”.

He added that Robby and Mat’s came in as a close second, thanks to its aspect with the view over the farmlands and parklands, how it was the most private, and resort-style outdoor zone complete with pickleball court and wine cellar. “But as always, auction order can determine who wins The Block.“

Tour the Block houses:

• Tour House 1 – Emma & Ben
• Tour House 2 – Han & Can
• Tour House 3 – Britt & Taz
• Tour House 4 – Sonny & Alicia
• Tour House 5 – Robby & Mat

See the full video here:

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From Matt and Kim’s infamous “crime scene” bedroom, to Han and Can’s mystifying spa room – these are seven rooms that will leave you wondering what went wrong.

The Block’s most controversial room reveals

01

Matt and Kim’s Jackson Pollock-inspired bedroom

They were aiming for artistic, but in 2013, Matt and Kim took their paint-splatted theme too far according to the judges. Former Block judge, Neale Whitaker, famously said the room looked like a “crime scene” and the couple from WA eventually opted to repaint the room during a room re-do later in the season.

02

Hayden and Sarah’s brass bathtub

Back in 2018, Hayden and Sarah’s black and brass master ensuite had the judges conflicted. Coming in at $75,000, it’s the most expensive room to be revealed in The Block‘s 22-year history. The massive overspend was mainly down to an $8,000 brass bathtub, which left the judges conflicted. Former Block judge, Neale Whitaker, thought the golden-hued addition was “vulgar”, whereas Darren Palmer said, “I wouldn’t choose it, but it didn’t ruin the bathroom’s appeal.”

03

Han and Can’s Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa room

This year, Han and Can’s creation for the Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa in Daylesford, Vic, had guest Block judge, Neale Whitaker, making comparisons to Matt and Kim’s infamous “crime scene” room from 2013. The clashing tri-coloured herringbone floor tiles, marble wall tiles and copper pressed tin ceiling overwhelmed the senses, as did the suspicious yellow colour liquid in the bath.

04

Mark and Duncan’s urinal

Back in 2013, best mates Mark and Duncan decided the most practical approach to a family bathroom was to include a urinal, allowing multiple family members to use the bathroom at the same time. The pair, who had eight children between them thought it was a great idea. The judges disagreed, and so do we!

05

Leah and Ash’s cubist-inspired walk in robe

In 2023, The Block judge Darren Palmer described this room as having an “argument with itself.” Leah and Ash, known for their bold sense of style, included so many competing elements that this mater suite and walk in robe felt oppressive. The most offensive features were a hand painted accent wall in shades of pink and a clear wardrobe accented with purple LED lights.

06

Ankur and Sharon’s disastrous hallway

Block judge, Shaynna Blaze said Ankur and Sharon’s hallway looked like a “cheap film set” with it’s black pressed tin detailing on the walls, black chandelier and black frames mirror. Competing in 2022, this hallway was missing the drama of the couple’s other rooms and missed the mark as far as styling goes – especially with the off-centre buffet, cat lamps and artificial plants.

07

Eliza and Libert’s busy studio bedroom

Busy doesn’t even begin to describe Eliza and Liberty’s multi-functional studio bedroom, also from 2023. They ultimately won the season, but this room missed the mark in the eyes of The Block judges. Marty Fox described the styling as “juvenile” and Shaynna said the room looked like “a really cheap motel.”

Related articles:

• Want to be on ‘The Block’ 2026? Applications are officially open – here’s how to apply
• Where are your favourite former contestants from ‘The Block’ now?
• What really happens between final ‘tools down’ and ‘The Block’ auctions?

The post The 7 most controversial ‘Block’ rooms of all time, according to H&G editors appeared first on Homes To Love.

Who will lose The Block 2025 auction?

There’s no easy way to say it – where there are winners, there have to be losers, but thankfully we don’t have to make that call ourselves. We’ll leave that unenviable task up to Dan and Dani who are surprisingly in agreement in their pick for who’ll fare the worst at auction: House 2 Han and Can.

“I think having a flat roof is a disadvantage, I don’t think their inside matches their garden, and I think their backyard wasn’t as good as everyone else’s,” Dan says.

“I have to agree,” says Dani “I think theirs is something I would potentially see in a city versus in Daylesford.”

“Despite so much of the inside being really well done – some weeks, they were in a league of their own – but we do have to consider where we are and what people might want out of either a holiday home or a primary residence. I think maybe they might have missed the mark a little bit there.” Ouch!

Who will win The Block 2025 auction?

And as for the winners, who would have thought, they’re in agreement again! The house Dan and Dani believe will win The Block auctions for 2025: House 5 Robby and Mat.

“There are elements that I don’t love necessarily – their kitchen is not my favourite, their living room is not my favourite – but I think the way that property presents when you first come in it is going to hook people,” says Dani. “People are going to come back for more and more.

“They’re going to be able to imagine themselves in that house – that’s whats going to get them across the line.”

“I agree,” says Dan. “I also think their positioning of their house – they’re furthest away from the main road – their landscaping, and the wine cellar! It’s just so Daylesford. You want your own wine cellar to bring your friends for a weekend.”

Tour The Block 2025 houses

• Tour House 1 – Emma & Ben
• Tour House 2 – Han & Can
• Tour House 3 – Britt & Taz
• Tour House 4 – Sonny & Alicia
• Tour House 5 – Robby & Mat

The post Foreman Dan and Dani reveal who’ll win (and lose!) ‘The Block’ auctions appeared first on Homes To Love.

How to apply for The Block 2026

Registration for The Block is a lengthy process, a fact they warn you of from the outset — but so is a renovation, so take it as your first challenge. Applicants need to apply via The Block‘s official application portal and thoroughly read the guidelines and requirements while they’re there. The deadline for applying for The Block is Friday 31st October 2025 at midnight.

As we’ve seen with past contestants, applying for The Block is not necessarily a one-and-done process. Kyle and Leslie (of The Block 2023) applied a whopping five times. In fact, after Elle and Joel’s shock walk-off in 2022, Scotty let slip that 45,000 people had applied that year alone. So our best advice? Make sure you stand out from the rest! Don’t be afraid to really show ’em all the tools on your belt, so to speak.

Again, this is a long list, but in short:

• You and your teammate will need to be available for 12 weeks from February 2026
• You won’t be able to work during this period, but you will be paid a nominal fee to cover the cost of living (more on this below)
• Previous reno experience is a plus, but not a must
• You and your teammate will need to complete all aspects of the application, which includes a video

How to qualify for The Block 2026

Where is The Block 2026?

Whispers began swirling that The Block would be headed back to the country for its hallmark 22nd season, to a very familiar location, and now it has been confirmed by the one and only, Scotty Cam.

Mt Eliza is the confirmed location for The Block 2026. Given 2024’s complete chaos on auction day, which took place just a stone’s throw away in Phillip Island, it would be a brave move. But what is The Block if not one of the boldest TV shows on air in Australia?

How much do you get paid to be on The Block?

What is this ‘nominal fee’ they speak of? According to fan favourite from The Block 2022 Sarah-Jane, the amount is $100 per day, per person, or $200 per team. This means contestants are putting all of their eggs in the prize money basket. It all comes down to auction day!

“[After childcare], straight away we were left with $80 combined to cover all of our bills at home — our rates, mortgages, utilities, pay for food for ourselves the whole time, feed and clothe our daughter, just everything,” Sarah-Jane explained in an Instagram post, adding that they drew upon an estimated $40,000 of their savings throughout the show.

What to know before applying for The Block 2026

We’ve all seen the tears. The drama. The tension between teams. The torrential rain, the mud, the delays, the unexpected issues cropping up left, right, and centre. In short, we’ve all seen the unglamorous reality of it all. Make no mistake, The Block is not for the faint-hearted, and any previous contestants would tell you as much.

But don’t take it from us. When asked what being on the popular show was really like, ex-contestant Shannon Vos wasn’t backwards in coming forward. “Let me be clear: there is no help, no tradies, no stylists, no catering, no coffees and no breaks. The pace is relentless,” he said. However, while he named it as “the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life”, he also said that “the reward far outweighed the work”. And given some of the success stories we’ve seen (like Oz and Omar’s enormous $1,686,666 profit and Steph and Gian’s even larger $1,750,000), we tend to agree.

Looking for more advice to ready you for The Block experience?

• Get sleep, wherever and whenever it may be. “Otherwise, I would have been a zombie – we did three all-nighters and that was enough,” says Ronnie, who starred on the show in 2017 and again in 2021 with his wife, Georgia.

• Double, triple and quadruple check your budget. “Maintain a spreadsheet of your outgoings and make sure you update it every day to keep track of your shopping and spending,” says Sarah, who was on the 2017 season with her husband, Jason.

• Beware of the villain edit. “Remember you’re being filmed, and what you say and do has a pretty good chance of making it onto the show,” says Bec, who joined her partner George in 2014 on the show.

• Make Keith (and now, Foreman Dan) your BFF. “If you get on the wrong side of him, run!” says Alisa, of Alisa and Lysandra, who starred in 2013 and 2014.

Advice from past contestants on The Block

Still keen? Here’s the application form for The Block 2026.

The post Want to be on ‘The Block’ 2026? Applications are officially open – here’s how to apply appeared first on Homes To Love.

Former Block contestants

Maddy and Charlotte

The Block 2024

Crowned the winners of the 2024 season, yes that same season where it was revealed that Adrian Portelli was the secret buyer behind all of the houses, Maddy and Charlotte were the two underdogs who walked away with a staggering $1.65 million in profit.

In the time since the two young sisters have had a whirlwind year, purchasing their own renovation project and launching their YouTube series @MaddyandCharlotte where they attempt to renovate the entire house in just 13 weeks. “We pulled it off on @theblock, so surely we can do it again… right?!”

Courtney and Grant

The Block 2024

Courtney and Grant, known for their signature Mod-iterrraean design ended up walking away in second place with a profit of $1.35 million.

In the time since the show, they have continued their interior design and styling business The Lazy Stylist, announced the upcoming arrival of their first child, and revealed their newest renovation project. “This time we’re going for a Spanish Revival feel – old world charm with a good dose of Mediterranean influence,” they shared.

Steph and Gian

The Block 2023

Steph and Gian’s win on The Block 2023 was a milestone, seeing the pair leave with an eye-watering sum of $1.75 million in prize money. In the short time since their departure from Hampton East, the couple completed the renovation of their home in Sydney and started their very own homewares brand, Japandi Estate.

After selling their home (for $1.8 million, mind you!), Steph and Gian have been providing their Instagram followers with sneak peeks of their latest project, the revival and renovation of a rundown home in Sydney’s inner west. They’re also documenting their renovations on their Youtube channel, @stephandgian with their series The Real Renos. They also made a special guest appearance on The Block 2025, joining Emma and Ben for their on-screen baby shower! Now with their first baby on the way, they’re sure to take their foot off the pedal we hope – for a few weeks at least!

Leah and Ash

The Block 2023

Leah and Ash’s experience on The Block in 2023 was embroiled in drama and controversy, but that’s certainly not to say the pair are rookie renovators. Their bold ‘psyche-deco’ home on Charming Street in Hampton East was the source of much anxiety on auction night after it was passed in. In fact, it took until February 2024 to bring down the gavel, finally selling for $3.125 million.

Since, the couple has been operating under their build and renovating business, The Milton Project, which they started well before they ever set foot on any Block site. Under The Milton Project, they spent five years renovating an old weatherboard home, transforming it into an entertainer’s paradise. It seems their luck had turned since The Block auctions, as they ended up selling the 1930s Queenslander home for $2.25 million more than they bought it for. Aside from tackling the challenge of their own family home, the pair have been working on the side with AFL legend Josh Dunkley and his partner, netballer Tippah Dwan, to breathe new life into their “beautiful Queenslander”, a project which began in the bedroom.

Tom and Sarah-Jane

The Block 2022

Tom and Sarah-Jane won the hearts of both fans and judges during their stint on The Block in 2022. While they were well-loved for their cracking jokes, candid moments and, of course, their style, the pair walked away slightly disappointed with a profit of only $20,000.99, landing them in third place.

Despite a hugely demanding 12 weeks spent renovating and building in freezing, rainy Gisborne, this Melbourne-base pair have barely slowed down. First came the renovation of their beloved caravan, in which their family has spent many a holiday both before and since. Then, in April 2023, the couple announced that they were expecting a new baby via a celebratory Instagram post.

Both Tom and Sarah-Jane have also spent time fostering personal projects; Tom has reappeared as a Hipages ambassador and resident plumber The Block, while Sarah-Jane launched a successful podcast alongside Block-bestie, Rachel Carr.

Kirsty and Jesse

The Block 2021

Despite hailing from Wangi Wangi, Kirsty and Jesse were no strangers to a property flip, having caught the reno bug while they were still teenagers. Although the judges loved just about every room the country couple created in The Block‘s 2021 Fans vs Faves season, the pair placed fourth in the final auction, which came as a shock to many. Regardless, they still took home a generous sum of $301,523.67 in prize money.

Since the show wrapped, Kirsty and Jesse have taken on another personal project in the creation of their dream home. Located in Lake Macquarie, the duo’s “asbestos shack”, now dubbed The Lake House, is currently receiving a huge makeover, with plans to add a pool, entertaining cabana and elevated front verandah.

Jimmy and Tam

The Block 2020

The Block 2020 winners Jimmy and Tam were a cut above during their season, winning five out of 12 room wins, impressing the judges with their excellent craftsmanship and ability to truly channel the mid-century design brief their home demanded.

While they were crowned the winners of the season, their celebrations were short-lived. The winning bidder’s offer quickly fell through, and after months of uncertainty, Jimmy and Tam’s house finally sold in June 2020 for a reported $3 million.

Luckily, the drama hasn’t deterred them from sharing their talents with the world. The pair opened their very own homewares store in Pomona QLD, Velzy Lane, and more recently shared their stunning backyard and outdoor entertaining area transformation.

Mitch and Mark

The Block 2019 and 2021

The stylish Sydney grandads returned as contestants during The Block 2021 Fans vs Faves season and were tasked with renovating a home with a Queen Anne exterior facade. They were the ultimate winners of the season, taking out a whopping win of $744,444.44 in prize money. They first appeared on the show in 2019, however, where they ended up coming last, taking home a total winning of $384,000.

The pair further realised their passion for homes and interiors in late 2020 when they launched their own homewares and fragrance brand, Mitch and Mark Home. They’ve also launched their own podcast, designed a range of gender-fluid fashion, become the hosts of Location, Location, Location Australia, started a renovation on their “hot mess” 1970s home in Newport, and most recently, have listed their Potts Point apartment for sale.

Tess and Luke

The Block 2019

Underdogs Tess and Luke shocked the nation when they won the 2019 season of The Block. Despite their enthusiasm, the Cairns couple struggled through the season, landing the bottom score five times during the competition. In the end, they had the last laugh walking away with $650,000 at auction and the $100,000 prize money.

Since their time on The Block, the couple have been busy starting a family and improving on their home styling talents with Tess even enrolling in Three Birds Renovations popular Reno School. At the beginning of 2023, they embarked on the exciting new build of their forever home in Cairns, which is now in its final stages.

Andy and Deb

The Block 2019

Mid-north coast couple Andy and Deb were fan favourites during The Block Oslo. In 2021, Andy and Deb made a return to our screens with their own show on 9Life called Renovate or Rebuild, where they appeared alongside other former Blockheads including Bec and George, Jesse and Mel, Michael and Carlene, and Jess and Norm.

They also sold their luxury lakefront holiday home, ‘Bask at Green Point’ and launched a new web renovation series called DNA of Design, where they’ve so far shared two beautiful home renovations: a luxe Gold Coast home with a bright and breezy aesthetic, and relaxing bush retreat-style home.

Josh and Elyse

The Block 2017

Winners of The Block 2017, Josh and Elyse, made headlines not just for their success on the show but for who they sold their home to. Funnyman Dave “Hughsy” Hughes was the successful bidder on their renovated Elsternwick home, snapping up the property for a cool $3,067,000. The best part? He only decided the day before the auction that he was going to place a bid!

After The Block wrapped up, the couple renovated and sold their Coburg home in 2017, achieving a tidy $1.63 million sale price. The couple now live in Byron Bay and have welcomed two children, Sunny in March 2021 and Zaii in May 2023. The pair are engaged and continue to pursue their passion for building, running their own construction company, J&E Projects.

Ronnie and Georgia

The Block 2017 and 2021

Seasoned renovators Ronnie and Georgia breezed through their time on The Block 2017, picking up plenty of room wins along the way. Prepared to go to all lengths to win the competition, the couple quickly became known as the black sheep of the competition that fans either loved or hated. Like Mitch and Mark, Ronnie and Georgia returned to our screens in 2021 as contestants, taking out a considerable number of room reveal wins, but ultimately placing fifth.

Since then, the pair have hosted a renovation show, Quick Room Flipsy, in 2019, and Ronnie appeared on Celebrity Apprentice in 2022. They also completed a renovation of their own home, a 1920s cottage in WA named Rosebery Cottage, and flipped and sold a once-asbestos-ridden bungalow in Embleton, WA.

Kyal and Kara

The Block 2014

Central Coast power couple Kyal and Kara first landed on The Block in 2014 during the Fans vs Faves season. Up against veterans Alisa and Lysandra, and Brad and Dale, the pair took home more room wins than any other couple that year. Despite their popularity with the judges, they placed third on auction day, behind Steve and Chantelle, and Alisa and Lysandra.

Kyal and Kara haven’t stopped renovating since! The pair have now completed over 30 renovation projects (and counting). Their most memorable include their Toowoon Bay home, their Long Jetty renovation, and the construction of their dream family home, the Blue Lagoon Build. Their most recent project, Bay Builds, also saw the pair build two side-by-side properties, which are currently on the market.

Alisa and Lysandra

The Block 2014

Twins Alisa and Lysandra have appeared on two seasons of The Block, taking out the win during the Sky High season. They returned in 2014 to compete in The Block Fans vs Faves, where they placed second.

Shortly after their time on The Block, the twins left their former profession as police officers to enter into careers in design full-time, founding Alisa and Lysandra Interiors in 2014 and their own personal care range, al.ive body in 2020.

In 2018, they produced their first online renovation series The Design Duo, which documented their Albert Park project. In 2022, they filmed another season of the show, a luxe waterfront build on the Gold Coast. Their most recently completed Design Duo project saw them each design and renovate side-by-side properties (their ‘forever homes’) in seaside Adelaide.

Michael and Carlene

The Block 2014

Gold Coast couple Michael and Carlene arrived on The Block: Glasshouse with an ace up their sleeves. Michael, a project manager and carpenter by trade was ready for the high-pressure environment of the show. Carlene’s eye for design led them to take home four out of 11 room wins. But, in the end, favourites Michael and Carlene and Darren and Deanne placed equal fourth, taking home a mere $10,000 each after months of hard work and time away from their families.

The lousy auction result hasn’t stopped Michael and Carlene from pursuing their dreams in the interior design and construction space. The couple hosted their own renovation series ‘Ready Set Reno’ in 2017. In the years since the show, they founded design business Cedar and Suede, renovated a classic Queenslander, and completed the renovation of their own home in Tallebudgera in 2020, as well as Carlene’s sister’s New Farm home.

They’re also well known for refreshing vintage caravans, with examples including one named Dolly, one called Milly, and another named Goldie. They’ve even released a book on restoring caravans, called This Old Van.

Dan and Dani

The Block 2012

You might recognise Dan as foreman Keith’s sidekick. But before he was foreman/foreboy, Dan was just a regular competitor on the show. Dan appeared on the show alongside his partner Dani first in 2012 before returning in 2013 to compete in The Block: Allstars.

After years working as a master builder and foreman on other people’s builds, in 2021, Dan and Dani have knuckled down to build their own home, Blairgowrie House. While the modern minimalist home took the couple five years to complete, they have since sold it and are on the look out for their next project.

Dan and Dani are also the co-founders of recently rebranded Manna Made, a design and construction company where Dani serves as the CEO and Dan serves as the construction manager. Dani is also a co-host on TV show, Healthy Homes Australia, and her podcast All Manna of Things.

Josh and Jenna

The Block 2011 and 2013

Josh and Jenna were just 23 and 24 years of age when they first landed a spot on The Block. While auction day wasn’t quite the success they had hoped for (they took home just $50,000 for their efforts), it’s still a day the pair remember fondly, as it’s when Josh proposed live on air! They returned as contestants for The Block: All Stars in 2013 where they placed second.

Josh and Jenna are yet another post-Block success story. In the years since, they launched Design School, an interior decoration course with a hands-on practical approach. More recently, they launched Plan Proofing, a pre-build consultancy.

Until 2021, the couple resided in inner-Melbourne with their two children in a renovated cottage, which they later sold. The move was spurred on by a listing on Facebook of a crumbling homestead in rural Victorian Rutherglen, which they have since purchased and are currently restoring. The pair also renovated an old RV, Sundancer.

The post Where are your favourite former contestants from ‘The Block’ now? appeared first on Homes To Love.

• House 1: Emma & Ben
• House 2: Han & Can
• House 3: Britt & Taz
• House 4: Sonny & Alicia
• House 5: Robby & Mat

Catch up on The Block 2025

What happens between the final tools down and The Block auctions?

The contestants’ rooms are (mostly) all built, furnished and finished, but what’s not seen is the juggernaut that is the rest of the build, for which they use this time to fix up, make any repairs, or redo any spaces as needed.

The common areas, the exterior and the rooftop works keep on keeping on, with tradies on site for weeks following the contestants’ departure as they scramble to finish on time for the ever-looming auction.An admin of Facebook group ‘2023 Charming Street “The Block”‘ claimed that a Nine in Six builder informed him that it’s “normal” for the homes to be repainted after inspections. “Even worse, he said that in past seasons there were times they had to repaint twice per day after house inspections,” they wrote.

“At The Glasshouse in Prahran, there were up to thirty or more tradies for about three months, after we had left, finishing off the outside of the build,” explains Shannon. “They worked literally up ’til the auction day, and there was still work left to be done after that. It’s an immense and thankless job, one that doesn’t get too much air time but is crucial to the contestants’ results at the end of the show.”

“These workers are the backbone of The Block, we got to know many, and though they’re not part of the Channel Nine crew, were a huge part of our lives on the show.”

What happens when The Block stops filming?

During the show, you may see the contestants’ previous rooms, covered up, full of rubbish and tools, and generally looking like a war zone. This is the ugly part of the build.

The beautiful rooms are finished, clean and absolutely perfect (well, that’s debatable), but after judging day and when the filming of each room had been finished, these once-pristine rooms become the tool-sheds, the rubbish piles and the stock rooms for all the spaces that are coming up.

“It’s a heart-breaking thing to see a finished room look like this, but it’s a dirty necessity to have to use these spaces in order to build whatever is on the cards for that week,” says Shannon.

“Back when we had finished our master bedroom at The Glasshouse, our pristine master suite lasted all of two days before the walls were torn down and the carpet ripped up to accommodate structural steel that needed to be put in place for the exterior facade.”

“This probably should have been done weeks before we got there, but a lot of the time the structural builders have trouble keeping up with the contestants’ relentless pace. We absolutely flipped our lids, seeing our room torn up like that, and while eventually it was rebuilt, it’s hard to say whether it was to the standard that our ‘super builder’ Moz had finished it to.”

As you can imagine, it’s a never-ending struggle to keep the apartments and houses clean on The Block. Builders, camera crew, runners, and producers all leave their mess and they all leave their mark. Walls get trashed, floors get scratched and there’s a never-ending layer of dust over everything.

“The trick is to cover everything up and put everything away,” says Shannon. “Eventually, everyone leaves once the show is finished and it’s only then you can get back to rebuilding your rooms to the standard they were judged.”

Ahead of The Block auction day

Shannon says the real-estate agents treat your home or apartment like any other sale, meaning the place is constantly being photographed and there’s an endless stream of buyers coming through and cocktail parties are thrown to schmooze any investors.

“There’s plenty of meetings with the agents to nut out any strategies and directions for sale, the trick is juggling all this with all the other responsibilities thrown at you.”

Inside The Block houses before auction day

What you may not know is that after the cameras stop rolling, the homes are usually turned over to the sponsors to grab their own footage and make it all worth their while. Of course, the juggernaut that is The Block relies on sponsors and the apartments continue to represent the offering of the brands.

“So you go along, you smile, you pose for endless selfies, it’s very tiring but its also good fun as it’s a chance to enjoy your space as it was designed for, entertaining,” says Shannon.

“It’s endless radio interviews, TV crosses and phone calls with journalists,” tells Shannon. “Every time we ‘won’ a room on TV, Channel 9 flew us down to The Block for a live cross the morning after the reveal was televised.”

“It’s exhausting, but its a fun peek into the entertainment world. There’s plenty of ‘celebrity’ (another loose term) events, sponsor endorsements and the odd perk of fickle fame.”

• Everything we know about The Block 2025
• Will Adrian Portelli be attending The Block auctions again?
• Wait, did the dates of The Block Auction Day just get leaked?
• The location of The Block 2026 has been revealed

Want more Block?

The post What really happens between final ‘tools down’ and ‘The Block’ auctions? appeared first on Homes To Love.

See more Block houses:

• Tour House 1 – Emma & Ben
• Tour House 3 – Britt & Taz
• Tour House 4 – Sonny & Alicia
• Tour House 5 – Robby & Mat

Tour Han and Can’s house from The Block

Front yard

Han and Can’s final week was a rollercoaster, but you wouldn’t be able to tell from their garden. Featuring a custom Christian Cole door, Torii gate, bamboo groves and a pottery water feature, it was a Japanese-inspired oasis. Though receiving feedback that it felt disconnected from the rest of the home, they didn’t let that get them down. Overall, Han and Can’s front yard felt ambitious and beautiful, which landed them in third place – a strong result for the young couple.

Outdoor area

Han and Can set out to design a zen garden, complete with Japanese maples under Japanese Torii gate-inspired arbours and serene Asian-influenced pockets. But when tools down finally came, it turned out to be an arbiter of stress rather than serenity. “Han and Can often seem to put a lot of effort into things that use up resources and time at the expense of finishing their rooms,” observed Shaynna. Because, as she pointed out, a lot was unfinished.

Alfresco area

An area that was lacking in love, Han and Can’s outdoor space fell flat with the judges. Though a promising outdoor kitchen, well-appointed and with a strong colour scheme, it was incomplete. With missing tiles, scattered styling choices and strange layout, plus a Japanese garden that ended up being more of a headache than serene space, the impact was ultimately lost.

Kitchen

Han and Can decided on a white-on-white scheme with pops of metal and stone. Their restrained palette teetered on the edge of being ‘too safe,’ according to Shaynna, yet the high-quality fixtures and functional floor plan brought it to life. From the creamy stone across both the island and splashback to the herringbone floor and brass accents, the overall impact is glamorous without being ostentatious.

Kitchen

The arched cooking niche is a standout feature, with its curved design and built-in rangehood adding drama and stylistic flair. It was an addition that Marty thought was highly marketable for potential buyers as it instantly softened what could have been just another row of standard joinery. That said, good design can’t exist without function: the ‘too-low’ rangehood caused some practical issues. Combined with feedback that the kitchen doesn’t fully reflect its Daylesford setting, Han and Can’s design ultimately divided the judges

Butler’s pantry

The checkered flooring continues in the walk-in butler’s pantry, where soft LED strip lights and warm chrome hardware give a subtle, welcoming glow. Another well-designed room according to the judges that was just lacking in some all-important storage – but it wasn’t a deal-breaker.

Living room

Han and Can’s living room is inviting and comfortable, yet it borders on safe. They’ve chosen creamy tones for the flooring, fireplace, furniture, and décor to create a harmonious palette, punctuated by warmer hues that break the uniformity and add depth. At the heart of the room is the built-in fireplace – a sculptural element that carries the space’s visual weight and offers renovators a lesson in how a functional piece can also deliver significant style dividends.

Dining room

Han and Can carry their warm colour palette seamlessly from the living space into the dining area, using complementary tones and soft furnishings to unify the open-plan room. Overhead, a chandelier elevates the scheme, adding a touch of glamour to an otherwise earthy aesthetic. The dining chairs echo the rounded forms of the living room furniture, reinforcing a sense of cohesion and softness throughout.

Rumpus room

Han and Can’s clear design direction was a hit with the judges this week, who praised the pair for their furniture choices and styling alike – earning them the best feedback they’ve had all season. Marty noted how marketable the room was with its family-ready sofa and luxe, lived-in feel, but it was the pared back palette that elicited a resounding round of approval.

The B2C Cloud sofa, sourced from The Block Shop, was a perfect fit for the family-ready retreat, while soft furnishings in caramel and toffee tones created a sweet sense of harmony.

Rumpus room

Han and Can took the expert feedback from living room week and ran with it in this week’s rumpus room reveal. Sticking with their signature curved silhouette, the couple opted for a television area flanked by built-in bookshelves adorned with snacks, games and home cinema essentials.

Here are the three methods Han and Can used to bring their rumpus room to life in their Block home.

1. Choose a hero feature that anchors the space

Pick one show-stopping element: a dramatic artwork, bold rug – or in Han and Can’s room, a sculptural sofa – that will instantly draw the eye. Then give it space to breathe by adding negative space around it. This ensures the surrounding decor supports it visually, rather than competes with it.

2. Balance boldness with restraint

If your hero feature has a distinct colour, texture or shape, you can opt for more pared-back complementary colours, textures or shapes for the supporting pieces around it. This will help your hero feature to shine without overwhelming the space.

3. Layer in thoughtful details

Now that you’ve got the basic framework, you can finish the look with lighting, accessories and finishes that subtly echo the hero element. This will ensure the space feels cohesive and intentional.

Mud room

A beautiful yet functional mudroom, this delightful space perfectly meets the needs of family life with plenty of spaces to store the essentials. The light wood flooring pairs well with the neutral colour palette, and the layout is well though out. A “safe” design, the judges thought, who were perhaps looking for more of a wow-moment.

Laundry

With a clear cohesion between rooms, the laundry offered more of the soft, warm palette that the judges loved, along with the “delicious” Dekton Targa benchtops that made the whole space feel sophisticated.

Main bedroom

Han and Can’s bedroom is a space that’s big on personality, but it’s not without its risks. The most striking is the turquoise ribbed arch wall behind the bed. Bold, eye-catching and undeniably the focal point of the room, it introduces form and architectural intrigue. However, styled with the navy blue rug, teal cushions, jewel-toned throw and various warm neutrals, it’s the perfect representation of “too much”.

Main bedroom

This colour palette and the sheer number of focal points here – from the turquoise arch wall to the mismatched artworks and the ribbed panelling – can read as chaotic and verges on sensory overload. The lesson here for renovators is that restraint is essential when working with hero elements; choose two or three eye-catching features and hold back on the others.

Walk-in wardrobe

Their walk-in wardrobe feels like another world entirely. Sleek, modern and timeless, Han and Can took an entirely different approach in this space. The deep tones in the joinery and the rich colours in the marble vanity and metallic seat offer a feeling of luxuriousness that’s at odds with the adjoining room, and it has us, and Shaynna, wondering: what happened in the main bedroom?

Main ensuite

Han and Can’s main ensuite is a stellar example of how to weave in statement pieces without sacrificing daily usability. The hero, a retro, amber-hued glass bathtub with matching basins, reframes the entire room and draws the eye to where, elevated on a platform, it sits as a dramatic sculptural centrepiece. For renovators wanting to introduce a bold or unconventional feature, the secret is in the surrounding styling. Here, the brushed gold fixtures and terracotta panelling complement the bath’s warm tones, the timber cabinetry with circular mirrors nods to the bath’s Mid-Century design, and muted stone tiles ground the room with a neutral base. This bathroom offers tonal harmony, where the fixtures and fittings all work together to tell a singular visual story. But it’s not to everyone’s taste, with many likening the eye-catching bathtub to a certain brand of amber-coloured shower body soap. Well, at least they’re in the right room for it!

Guest suite

In the guest suite, Han and Can continued to do what they do best: designing a colourful room with recessed curves, soft furnishings, and gentle, ambient lighting. The ribbed terracotta feature wall, awash in a warm glow, brought the drama, which they softened with an upholstered, curved bedhead and burgundy and blush-toned soft furnishings. A moment where less would have been more, their off-centre, patchwork rug clashed with the other colours in the room, highlighting the importance of editing. But it was the study nook that raised eyebrows; Marty thought that swapping it out for a bar fridge and coffee station would have made the whole room self-sufficient and much more attractive to prospective buyers, but Darren disagreed. Plenty of people still need to join online meetings while they’re away, he argued.

Guest bathroom

Though unfinished on judging day, they loved Han and Can’s guest ensuite, swathed in maroon – particularly the fluted resin vanity basin and layout. The matching curves offer a spatial cohesion, while the soft glow makes it feel warm and inviting. This room proved a winner, helping the duo to score some much-needed points.

Neutral nursery

Han and Can’s nursery is an exploration into designing for longevity. The beige-on-beige tonality and natural materials present as a luxurious guest suite instead of a traditional nursery, allowing the room to transition seamlessly throughout the child’s adolescence or change into a guest bedroom at the drop of a hat without too significant of a renovation outlay. When designing in tonal colours, it’s important to give the room enough visual intrigue through architectural features so that the styling does not fall flat, which Han and Can successfully achieved through their repetition of curves. From the half-moon wall detailing and skylight, to the rug, wardrobe hardware and other styling choices, it makes the space feel cohesive with soft playfulness. The gentle lighting exudes a calming ambience that is perfect for a young family.

Pastel kid’s bedroom

Han and Can’s playful pastel kid’s bedroom is another clear example of a design that is suitable for right now and into the future. The combination of fixed architectural elements, like the curved wall detail and skylight, paired with more playful styling additions means that, as the child grows and matures, so too can their room. Mustard, pink, purple, and blue tones, along with the whimsical decor punctuate the bedroom and introduce a gender-neutral sense of fun. Every element feels considered, down to the matching pendant lights and brass desk lamp. A standout feature is the built-in desk and wardrobe combination. It’s a space-saving design feature that adds permanence and a custom-made feel. It’s a room that exemplifies an approach worth considering: invest in timeless built-ins so you can play with the easily interchangeable layers.

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Styling tip: How to use colour in a kids’ bedroom

Han and Can chose to avoid the common cliche of overly colourful kids’ rooms, instead utilising colour blocking and a pastel theme in one room, and a pared-back tonal approach for the other. They carefully toed the line between versatile, luxurious suites and playful kids’ bedrooms, a risky move for the on-screen renovators.

For home renovators, there’s a clear lesson here: think about the shell of the room first and invest in the architectural details and built-in components that will serve you for years. Then, you are able to swap out age-appropriate decor and detailing as the years go by.

Shower and bath

Han and Can utilised every inch of space in their bathroom to create a room that invites pause. From a curved tiled wall that wraps gently around the shower zone, to the show-stopping skylight that floods the room with natural light, every detail feels cohesive and intentional. Here, Han and Can embraced a tonal scheme of blues, greens and creams with enough visual difference not to appear one-note, and used natural stone to ground the area. Pops of brushed brass punctuate the zone, and the curves of the freestanding bath mirror the curved shower wall, creating visual harmony. Plus, a flush-to-wall bathtub means no unreachable nooks and crannies where grime collects that you can’t clean.

Double vanity

Making use of the large stone-look tiles on both the walls and the floor further increases the room’s visual cohesiveness and softens the bold contrasts of the shower tiles and vanity colours. Curves are seen once again from their floating double vanity to mirrors and doorway, a feature that not only adds softness but creates architectural interest. The pared-back styling of reed diffusers, candles and soft towels nods to self-care, while the wall sconces placed either side of the mirrors add practicality and a soft glow. Ultimately, Han and Can’s bathroom epitomises timeless appeal, honouring both form and function to create a sense of calm.

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Garage

The monochrome garage, with the hexagon lighting system and black-and-white checkered flooring, gave the judges the all important impact, but would bringing the wow-factor in this one room be enough? The judges loved the layout and the colour palette, with Marty remarking that it would be hard for buyers to forget.

Art studio & tool shed

Choosing to gamble on an art studio-meets-tool shed left the judges scratching their heads. While they acknowledged the ‘bougie’ styling, they felt it was a poor use of resources – especially since it was yet another unfinished space. With light-on styling choices compounding the issue, it’s little surprise Han and Can ended up at the bottom of the ladder.

Who are Han and Can?

Couple Han and Can are the duo renovating House 2 on The Block 2025. Geologist Han (Hannah) is a 29-year-old from the UK, while marketing analyst Can (Candice) is a 31-year-old who hails from Perth.

See their full listing at 4 Cedar Lane, Daylesford VIC 3460. These images were originally published on nine.com.au/TheBlock.

The post Tour Han and Can’s completed home on ‘The Block’ 2025 appeared first on Homes To Love.

Who are Robby and Mat?

The Block contestants Robby and Mat are best friends from Adelaide. Robby, 37, is a barber and business owner, and Mat, 41, is a hairdresser, stylist and business owner. The pair met 15 years ago when Mat cut Robby’s hair, and they’ve been best friends ever since.

Before becoming a barber, Robby was a soccer player in the National Premier League, and Mat was one of Australia’s top figure skaters.

It was Robby’s idea to sign up for The Block, and interestingly, Mat has never watched an episode before – but that doesn’t mean the pair aren’t fierce contenders.

Read More

• Tour House 1 – Emma & Ben
• Tour House 2 – Han & Can
• Tour House 3 – Britt & Taz
• Tour House 4 – Sonny & Alicia

Inside Robby and Mat’s house on The Block

Front yard

Unlike the other Block houses, Robby and Mat’s front yard ditched the turf and mature trees in favour of gravel, mulch, Australian natives and some very large boulders to create a garden that Marty described as “very different.”

While Shaynna loved the sculptural elements of the garden, including the water feature and boulders, and garden guru Dave Franklin praised the front yard as likely the most sustainable on The Block, Darren wasn’t so on board. In fact, he was underwhelmed.

“I can see once it’s done, once all of these big mounds grow out, and we have all the kangaroo paws and all the lovely Australian natives in here, it’s going to be breathtakingly beautiful, but right now? There’s not enough in here for it to be really stimulating as a native garden,” Darren said.

The boys had to concede; with not much left in the piggy bank, they had little choice but to go for the younger plantings, leaving them toward the bottom of the scoreboard. Hopefully, come auction day, their front yard will be looking a little fuller.

Backyard

“This is very Doctor Seuss, very magical,” Shaynna said of the garden’s curved pathway, where the judges and landscaper Dave Franklin continued on down to admire the colossal Trendz outdoor fireplace, which was said to be one of the biggest in the region.

While Marty was impressed with the sheer size of the feature, he raised valid safety concerns around the fireplace blocking the view of the pool from the deck. Fortunately, Robby and Mat decided to add security cameras overlooking the pool area with mobile connectivity, so parents can keep an eye on the kids from their phones.

The judges also loved the sustainable landscaping, centrepiece Boab tree, pickleball court, and, as Darren said, “the serenity.”

Cabana

Featuring a sauna, the poolside cabana offers yet another space to sit and relax in Robby and Mat’s expansive backyard. However, the judges weren’t blown away.

“It’s great, but it’s not as luxurious as some of the other cabanas we’ve seen,” Darren said, with landscaper Dave adding that the sauna feels like it had been “plonked” there.

Swimming pool

Situated beside the pickleball court is the boys’ swimming pool, where the inclusion of a retractable shade cover went down a treat with the judges.

Terrace

Shaded by a louvred patio, the terrace is cosy, but not too heavy and enclosed, thanks to Robby and Mat’s choice of light timber furnishings.

Shaynna loved how well the space connected with the home’s interiors, while Marty was head over heels for the Trendz fireplace.

Darren pointed out that while it may be the smallest deck of the day, that’s because the boys’ highly anticipated wine cellar lies beneath it…

Shed

Fitted with a timber workbench, all the tools you could ever want and plenty of storage, the judges were impressed with the simplicity and functionality of the shed.

Gym

“Can I say this is perfect?” Shaynna said upon entering Robby and Mat’s home gym. Complete with weights, a bench press and a reformer machine, the gym ticked all of Darren’s boxes and was praised by Shaynna as not too “blokey.”

Wine cellar

After seeing the terrace, home gym, and shed, the judges headed on down to the underground wine cellar, where socks were promptly knocked off.

“The joinery is classy, it’s elegant, it’s expensive, and it justifies the existence of this wine cellar,” Shaynna said.

From the timber joinery and moody lighting to Robby’s very own wallpaper, all three of the judges were besotted with the space.

“They swung hard, but this is a home run,” Darren said.

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5 top tips on designing your own wine cellar

Designing and building your own wine cellar is, unfortunately, not quite as easy as putting in some shelves and filling them to the brim. To maintain the quality of every bottle of wine, make sure to keep these top tips in mind:

• Placement: Ground floor is ideal but not the only option.
• Environment: Keep the temperature between 12 and 15 degrees – a dedicated wine cellar cooling unit can do this
• Insulation: Create a safe haven for your wine to thrive
• Look & feel: Timber racking tends to look and function best
• Lighting: Keep it low and UV-free

Butler’s pantry

Simple, sleek and packed full of storage, the butler’s pantry wowed the judges, with the French pattern tiles and farmhouse sink earning plenty of praise.

As for practicality, the butler’s pantry has it in spades, thanks to an integrated fridge, coffee machine, oven and plenty of shelving.

Euro laundry

It wasn’t an unfinished room that cost Robby and Mat points this week, but rather a… European laundry?

As much as the judges loved the storage and styling in the boys’ butler’s pantry, they were quick to express their disdain over the choice to keep the laundry compact and hidden behind cupboard doors.

“In Europe, a lot of properties don’t have the space to have a proper laundry. This has the space, and we are looking at a Euro laundry. Makes no sense,” Marty exclaimed.

“It is form before function,” Darren agreed.

Although the space offers a small sink and some storage, it seems the classic Australian laundry room, with its abundance of space, is what buyers have come to expect and when you’re working with plenty of square footage, rightfully so. To improve the functionality of the Euro laundry, Marty suggested losing the doors, and we’d have to agree.

Powder room

Robby and Mat’s jungle-style powder room certainly packs a punch. From the chandelier to the botanical wallpaper, the space is an unexpected burst of colour.

“It’s a little bit Hepburn, it’s a little bit Daylesford. I really like it,” Shaynna said.

Mudroom

Keeping with the earthy tones, the mudroom features green accents, including a tiled wall that Marty described as “a strange addition.”

As for storage, Shaynna wasn’t sold. “We need hooks, we need a rail, we need something to hang,” she commented.

Garage

Featuring statement hexagonal lighting, the garage is certainly…flashy. But unfortunately for the boys, the judges had already seen the lighting feature in Han and Can’s garage, not to mention the sports car. Nevertheless, their inclusion of a car cleaning kit was deemed a strong value-add by the judges.

Guest suite

Robby and Mat’s guest bedroom was a symphony of warm and bright colours that harmonised perfectly with their choice of rich textures and a generous layout. Inspiring the colours, textures and lines of the room was, of course, the hand-painted abstract botanical mural at the far end of the room. Compared to their otherwise neutral home, this room is more saturated in colour and richer in texture, but it’s not so off-brand that it doesn’t work with their contemporary country theme. Choosing to keep their layout simple, Robby and Mat installed integrated wardrobes in the entrance hall and reserved much of the floor space for a sitting area/TV zone.

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Robby and Mat’s guest suite misses the brief

From the outset, Robby and Mat have said they wanted their home to be an entertainer’s dream, and last week’s kitchen reveal cemented that dream as a reality. Unfortunately, this week wasn’t quite so successful for the pair from South Australia, who realised early on that they weren’t going to finish their bathroom. The result was a guest suite that was less a suite and more a bedroom.

Starting the week with confidence, Robby and Mat wanted to push their creative boundaries for this room reveal, deciding to add a little modernity to their contemporary country theme. They chose a hand-painted, abstract botanical direct-to-wall artwork as the hero of their room, complemented by cream grasscloth wallpaper, two green velvet occasional chairs and bed linen in harmonious orange and green tones. Robby and Mat decided to include a sitting area rather than extra amenities, like a bath or kitchenette, and Marty Fox thought that was a missed opportunity. Darren Palmer disagreed, and Shaynna loved the hand-painted wall.

Guest suite

Heartbreakingly, Robby and Mat’s guest ensuite remained unfinished for the room reveal this week. In a cruel twist of fate, all the judges agreed that the pair’s material selections and layout were spot on. Everything, from their choice of finger tiles to the walnut vanity and mirrored cabinetry, was praised by each judge. Marty Fox thought that from a design and functionality perspective, the room could’ve been a real success. But in what Scotty Cam dubbed “hell week”, the best mates didn’t organise their time, or their trades, well enough to finish everything on time. A reminder to all home builders of the the importance of excellent communication skills, and a contingency plan for when things go wrong.

Kitchen

This week, Robby and Mat revealed a kitchen in complete harmony with their existing living and dining areas. Darren Palmer said the room was “luxurious, but not pretentious”, and Marty Fox said the area was “really hard to fault.” Adorned in harmonious, neutral tones, the kitchen cabinetry meshed with the flooring and dining table, while the matching chandeliers added drama and sophistication to the modern country aesthetic.

Visually, the kitchen, living and dining spaces were defined, but not separate. Each zone functioned well for its intended purpose, but still enjoyed a pleasing flow, due mainly to the unified colour palette and well-executed floor plan, which was both generous and practical. The only downside to this show-stopping kitchen was the inclusion of Murphy Doors leading into the primary suite. A great idea in theory, but the swing room required for each door necessitated a gap when closed – meaning there was no proper sound barrier between the two spaces.

Rumpus room

What was supposed to be a simple room with clean lines and uncomplicated furniture ended up being one of Robby and Mat’s worst room reveals to date, according to the judges. Marking the half-way point of competition, this week Shaynna Blaze, Marty Fox and Darren Palmer weren’t impressed with the “low effort” room that, they said, fails to draw you in. Robby and Mat’s main failing was their omission of a centre piece to anchor the decor, colour scheme and furnishings.

Marty thought the room lacked warmth and missed the Daylesford brief. Shaynna was upset that the room didn’t evoke emotion, saying she though the colour and styling wasn’t up to standard. Darren Palmer agreed the room wasn’t right for Daylesford, which is a destination, not a suburb.

Living room

An entertainer’s dream, Robby and Mat’s living room is expansive, inviting and well laid out. Catering to the room’s oversized proportions, the best friends chose a massive modular sofa and two feature chairs to frame the space. To bring their neutral, pink-leaning colour palette together, they commissioned an show-stopping artwork in complementary tones from friend who is a fourth generation indigenous artist based in South Australia. Shaynna thought the far wall should’ve been finished in a biscuit tone to make the artwork pop.

Dining room

An extension of their living room, Robby and Mat’s dining area is perfect for entertaining large groups of friends and family. Their earlier decision to alter the layout of this space gave them the freedom to embellish the table with large vases and two unexpected wingback armchairs. This space shows the importance of planning and earnt the best mates top spot in week five.

Main bedroom

Robby and Mat’s main bedroom is filled with natural light, space, and airiness, thanks to its grand proportions and cathedral-like skylights positioned above the four-poster bed. The textured wall finish was a hit with the judges, and complements the Australiana-inspired palette of the room. However, Shaynna rightfully pointed out some styling errors: the rug is too small for the space, and the boys could have dialled back the Bromley artworks.

Bathroom

Clad in square travertine tiles, Robby and Mat’s second bathroom is a serene dream, complete with plenty of natural light thanks to more of those Velux skylights. “It feels like a high-end hotel,” judge Marty said upon entering the space. Judge Darren particularly loved the grasscloth – as do we – which adds a tactile element to the space.

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Three details we loved in Robby and Mat’s Block bathroom

Although Robby and Mat’s bathroom didn’t take home the win this week, there was still plenty to love about the neutral-toned space. These are the three details that impressed us:

• The grasscloth wallpaper: While not to everyone’s taste, there’s no denying that grasscloth wallpaper adds plenty of texture to a space, and in the case of Robby and Mat’s bathroom, a dash of colour too. We particularly liked how the duo chose a soft lavender shade to complement the soft and subdued palette.
• The travertine tiles: This week, the boys chose to clad their bathroom in 100x100mm travertine tiles – 3000 of them in fact – and it was totally worth it. Filled with subtle variation, the beige square tiles make the wet zone look incredibly refined and spa-like.
• The dark timber vanity: Contrasting against the soft tones of the lilac grasscloth and the travertine was a dark timber floating vanity and a matching mirrored cabinet, which grounded the space.

Kids’ bedroom

Bathed in neutral tones, Robby and Mat’s kids’ bedroom feels calm and warm, however, a little too mature for a children’s bedroom, where colour and playful styling are encouraged. Judge Marty Fox went as far as to describe the room as an ‘upmarket nursing home’. The judges also pointed out the odd placement of the floor lamp beside the table lamp, which creates an unbalanced lighting scheme.

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How we would style Robby and Mat’s kids’ bedroom

A beige palette and lack of playfulness in one of Robby and Mat’s kids’ bedrooms saw the team at the bottom of the scoreboard this week, and while they missed the mark, we think the pair could easily dial up the fun with the right styling. Here’s what we would do differently:

• Brighten the palette: Beige certainly has its place; however, we think a brighter hue, even a fresh shade of white, would instantly uplift the pair’s second kids’ bedroom.
• Incorporate pattern: Whether that’s in the form of bedding, cushions or curtains, the incorporation of pattern such as stripes, floral prints and gingham would add instant visual intrigue to the room and lean into the home’s country locale.
• Space out the light sources: Rather than placing a floor lamp beside a table lamp, we would disperse the lighting. As Darren Palmer says in his guide to interior lighting, every light needs to work as part of the overall scheme.
• Opt for more whimsical art: As noted by the judges, the floral artwork was a little dated for the space. We would choose a more whimsical print or painting with plenty of colour to bring in some more playfulness.

Kids’ bedroom

Featuring a sage green wardrobe, whimsical bedding and colourful rugs, this room achieves the sense of playfulness that was lacking in the other bedroom. The judges particularly loved the fun styling of the space, but criticised the placement of the beds, saying that one was too close to the wardrobe.

Bathroom

Clad in Travertine-style tiles and awash with soothing beige tones, Robby and Mat’s bathroom exudes spa-like serenity. A floating timber vanity with a stone benchtop adds to the grounded textural palette.

Bathroom

Dubbed “the Goldilocks bathroom” by the judges, Robby and Mat’s bathroom ticks the practical boxes with their perfectly placed vanity, multiple towel rails and spacious shower. Another standout feature was the bathroom’s skylight, which invites lashings of light in to illuminate the soft pinks of the tiles.

See their full listing at 1 Cedar Lane, Daylesford VIC 3460. These images were originally published on nine.com.au/TheBlock.

The post Tour Robby and Mat’s complete home on ‘The Block’ appeared first on Homes To Love.

Britt and Taz’s style playbook

Britt and Taz’s modern-organic luxe home isn’t simply about decor and paint choices – it’s about architecture. Embracing a warm palette of creams, golds, and earthy tones and textures, they prove that the right material choices can bolster a home’s overall look and feel, and chose to design character-filled spaces that exude a sense of calm. Their success lies in material choices – textiles, timber, and warm metals – and a tight rein on colour, both of which give a sense of depth and luxury without feeling excessive. They’ve taken a minimalist approach to their design which, when it works, creates a sanctuary, but when it doesn’t, it risks blandness. Learning from Britt and Taz’s Block home so far, renovators can see that the key to a minimalist-luxe home is wielding restraint over the colour selection and textural choices, while also knowing when to let loose.

See more Block houses

• Tour House 1 – Emma & Ben
• Tour House 2 – Han & Can
• Tour House 4 – Sonny & Alicia
• Tour House 5 – Robby & Mat

Britt and Taz’s house from The Block

Front yard

Britt and Taz put up a good fight, but this week their creative risks fell flat where they should have soared. From a Grafico printed door that lacked cohesion and a lack of lush plantings, the judges found themselves searching for depth and finding none. Not even the dry creek bed or moonlight cinema could make things better as it took valuable time away from other, more impactful things. In the end, they landed at the bottom of the leaderboard, clearly not they way they wanted their last few weeks to go.

Outdoor area

From the multiple arbours, the lush, multi-zoned garden, to the outdoor lounge, pool and spa, and chic cabana, everywhere the judges looked in Britt and Taz’s outdoor area they saw amenities worthy of a high-end wellness resort. With a fireplace, sauna, ice bath, hot tub, games area, and even a chicken coop, every inch of their space was designed and considered. But, despite creating one of the most impressive and layered outdoor spaces of the season, the judges thought their design dipped slightly into “too much” territory. Go figure!

Alfresco

Britt and Taz’s alfresco looked every bit the entertainer’s dream, with a teppanyaki plate, barbecue, outdoor fridge and a generous dining zone. But without an essential piece of hosting furniture – a lounge – the judges couldn’t with a clear conscience call the space complete. Still, clever styling and comfortable amenities won them a few extra points.

Kitchen

The ceiling is the star of Britt and Taz’s sculptural kitchen. Punctuated by skylights and swathed in timber, the eye is instantly drawn upwards, emphasising the exaggerated ceiling height and making the room feel larger. Below, the workspace is swathed in stone and neutral tones, with material choices anchoring the kitchen in warmth and tactility. H&G’s stylist, Sophie Wilson agrees, advising that renovators should look to create balance in a kitchen. “Balance hardworking surfaces with gentle curves and colours,” says Sophie.

Kitchen and dining

Their kitchen offers impeccable layout and zoning, with their functionality a clear standout. From the oversized bench with waterfall stone edges, which offers flexibility for family living, to the island kitchen layout, which ensures flow between rooms, it is a carefully planned space that promotes connection across the open-plan living areas.

Open-plan living and dining

Britt and Taz’s open-plan living and dining area feels grand and expansive without losing its intimacy. The timber-lined ceiling, punctuated by skylights, draws the two rooms together and creates a sense of unity, while the repetition of neutral and wooden accents seen throughout the rest of the home reinforces this cohesion. This is a valuable lesson that, when it comes to styling large spaces, a consistent material palette can imbue a sense of continuity and warmth.

Living room

Though Shaynna questioned the layout, Britt and Taz delivered a serene living room that they felt captured the essence of Daylesford. A stacked-stone feature wall paired with timber details evokes a country sensibility, while the neutral palette aligns with their modern organic-luxury brief. Functionally, the built-in bench makes smart use of an otherwise redundant corner, adding both practicality and charm.

Dining room

Meanwhile, the dining space is a strong space, with an oversized timber table that echoes the tones of the detailed ceiling above. A hanging pendant adds a touch of softness that perfectly matches the dining furniture it hangs above. This room illustrates how thoughtful proportions and restraint when styling can make a room feel luxurious.

Pantry

Britt and Taz’s very aesthetically pleasing pantry was awash with neutrals to match the kitchen, from the large floor tiles to the rattan styling of the open-plan shelving, which gave the space a calming feel. Praised for its sensical layout and plentiful shelf space, this room was an easy winner for the judges.

Laundry

A space that Darren couldn’t help but describe as “sexy”, their choice of appliances and gorgeous styling made this laundry both functional and practical. Delivering on storage, functionality, and polish, and commercial-grade washer and dryer units to boot, this was an impeccably designed laundry that potential buyers would love.

Garage

Next was the garage, a true “wow” moment for the judges, with gold-painted walls, Bromley artwork, and an impeccable lighting plan that saw Darren, Shaynna and Marty’s eyes light up. But it wasn’t just beautiful, Britt and Taz saw to it that the dirt- and grease-resistant floor panels were as functional as they were beautiful.

Wine cellar

Britt and Taz’s shed, split into two with a tool zone on one side and a well-finished speakeasy on the other, was a winner with the judges. An excellent way to try the local drop, and a space that Marty described as “pretty bloody cool”, the interior was dark, sexy and true to the look and feel of country Daylesford. But it wasn’t without one major fault, as Shaynna questioned the room’s compliance.

Water closet

A beautiful water closet, this showstopper space embraced the pink hues from the marbled stone vanity to the colour-drenched walls to create a cohesive design. More art-like lighting pieces tied the whole space together, placing Britt and Taz on a high.

Main bedroom

Britt and Taz’s main bedroom champions natural textures and showcases a mastery of materiality, anchored by the sweeping bedhead in a rich golden fabric. Styled with complementary tones, curved lines, ribbed wall panelling and soft furnishings, the room feels anchored and intentional, proof of the impact a single, well-chosen feature piece can have. Though neutral in palette, the layering is deliberate: variations in texture, from the velvet armchair to the ribbed walls, create depth and invite you in. A skylight fills the room with natural light, while pendants above the armchair and additional lamps build warmth and defines zones.

Walk-in wardrobe

The adjoining robe continues the theme: refined yet luxurious. What could have felt purely utilitarian is softened by the fringed chandelier overhead and the flush cabinetry with minimalist detailing. For renovators, the lesson here is restraint: simplify your joinery to allow for textures and proportions to do the heavy lifting.

Main bathroom

Britt and Taz’s main bathroom uses the layout to create two separate, luxurious zones. In a considered floor plan, they chose to have the shower tucked away behind a fluted glass door in an expansive wet room, featuring a curved seat, large skylight and retro-inspired tiles. This layout transforms the bathroom from purely functional into a secluded personal retreat. The muted tones, different textures and natural materials further reinforce the serene feeling of this room. They’ve chosen a single warm, earth-toned colour palette that ranges from pale blush walls to deep terracotta floors to create cohesion throughout. This complements their material execution, where fluted glass, the timber vanity, ribbed ceramic tiles and handmade-style wall tiles combine to create a tactile richness.

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Styling tip! How to design a luxurious bathroom layout:

1. Create distinct zones without closing off the space

By dividing their room into two main areas: the vanity and wet room, Britt and Taz have made the functional space feel like a secluded escape. If you have the space, consider creating zones within your bathroom for a more serene experience.

2. Integrate features to increase your footprint

Smartly integrated elements can make a bathroom feel bigger and more open. Consider features like Britt and Taz’s skylight or their integrated shower seat, both of which remove visual clutter and make the floor plan feel more generous.

3. Use complementary finishes to create a visual flow

Finishes, fixtures and details should work together across the whole space – including from one zone to the other. Carrying the same materials from the vanity area to the shower zone will create visual cohesion and make the two areas feel connected.

Guest suite

Britt and Taz took a layered approach to styling their guest suite, expertly playing with tactile finishes, soft curves, and a material palette that feels cocooning and sophisticated. A standout feature, to mixed reception, was the rustic timber panelling around the perimeter of the bedroom: some loved it while others thought it unnecessary. The bedside tables were a crowd-pleaser and the tonal harmony of the muted terracotta bedhead, twin lounge chairs and sandy walls an expert colour pairing. But, the undersized wardrobe storage let them down. The blows kept coming, with the unfinished bathroom cementing their last-place result.

Guest kitchenette

A perfect inclusion for any renovator looking to add value, their guest kitchenette – complete with fridge, microwave, kettle, and toaster – meant that the whole suite could eventually be fully self-contained. With its calming palette and restrained under-cabinet lighting, the kitchenette is the perfect spot for guests to make a morning coffee or sneak a midnight snack without disturbing the rest of the house.

Wellness retreat

While not a rumpus room in the traditional sense, Britt and Taz’s take on this week’s room was arguably just as retreat-worthy as their fellow contestants – despite what the judges said. Cautioning the couple against their choice to sacrifice a second living area in favour of a self-contained Pilates studio, the judges expressed their concerns about what it meant for their overall floor plan. Draped in undulating fabric from floor to ceiling, the wellness retreat created by Britt and Taz sought to cement their point of difference from the rest of the group and delivered just that with this luxurious look. “A bold move, however we believe this elevates House 3,” says local real estate agent, Buxton Ballarat’s Mark Nunn. “A wellness room is the perfect luxury item if you have the space. We believe this room is a real point of difference for House 3.”

Wellness retreat

Two arched full-length mirrors offer the ultimate home-gym experience in the couple’s wellness retreat, replete with ample natural light, built-in television and its own hydration station. Whether you’re a Pilates regular, or just a casual class goer, the room is inspiration enough to get back into the gym with gusto.

Kids’ bedroom

The perfect space for two young kids, Britt and Taz’s kids’ bedroom combines traditional patterns with modern elements to create a timeless look. From the striking checkered wallpaper to the muted camel palette and warm timber elements, this bedroom feels fresh, inviting and certainly age-appropriate. The repetition of soft materiality in the textiles, plush green rug and cushioned ottomans make the room feel comfortable, and choosing two single beds ensures flexibility and create a sense of symmetry. But overall, Britt and Taz’s decision to pair the typically traditional pattern in the wallpaper with more modern and playful styling elements is what gave the room the visual impact it needed and helped tie it all together.

Big kid’s bedroom

For a more grown-up take on a kids’ bedroom, Britt and Taz’s second bedroom centres around the feature mural in undulating shades of terracotta, an ode to beautiful rolling landscapes. These curves are seen again in the bedhead, wavy full-length mirror and wardrobe door handles, which, when paired together, creates a sense of continuity and flow. A palette of blush, rust and creamy neutrals, and the sheer curtains with soft diffused light creates a serene atmosphere, making it a space you’d want to retreat to after a long day. Britt and Taz expertly use form and colour to create a sense of movement and tranquillity, where curved lines and organic shapes make the room feel, at-once, soothing and on-trend.

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Styling tip! How to make a kid’s bedroom feel more playful:

1. Pair traditional elements with modern styling. A kids’ bedroom doesn’t have to be 100% playful to feel youthful, it can be a mix of traditional elements, unique styling pieces, and pieces that reflect the child.

2. Don’t shy away from a feature element. One bold element can anchor the entire room, adding instant depth and personality. Consider choosing a feature element that isn’t too trending as these can become dated quickly.

3. Embrace the curves. Soft, rounded waves, curves and arches work extremely well in kids’ bedrooms, adding a sense of whimsy, softening the lines of a room and helping it feel safe and cosy instead of sleek and harsh – perfect for winding down at night or for playtime.

Bathroom

Britt and Taz’s bathroom feels both luxurious and liveable, and is filled with natural light thanks to the oversized skylight overhead. The couple curated their material choices for a rich, layered effect, from the fluted glass shower screen to rough hand-finished tiles and smooth stone vanity, and the result is a sensory experience that doesn’t rely on a bold colour palette for its visual impact. Complementing the subdued colour palette, the fluted timber vanity introduces warmth to the room, which, paired with soft LED lighting and reflective material choices, creates a luxurious, calming atmosphere. Taking the same floor tiles from the bathroom into the shower merges rather than delineates the two zones, making the whole room feel larger and more cohesive. That, paired with the gentle curve of the wall mimicking the curves of the freestanding bath, gives the room a sense of visual continuity. But watch out for the gaps between the bath and the wall; such a tight space can make it impossible to clean.

Who are Britt and Taz?

The pair charged with renovating House 3 on The Block 2025 are police officers, Britt and Taz. Both aged 30, they are a married couple from Newman, a town in Western Australia, and parents to their two young kids: Carter, 4, and Myla, 2. From day one, they’ve defined their style as ‘Modern Organic Luxury’, but how well does that translate in real life?

See their full listing at 3 Cedar Lane, Daylesford VIC 3460. These images were originally published on nine.com.au/TheBlock.

The post Tour Britt and Taz’s winning home from ‘The Block’ 2025 appeared first on Homes To Love.

What date is The Block 2025 auction?

It’s confirmed – we can finally announce that The Block auctions will be held on Saturday 25th October and aired this Sunday 26th October at 7PM on Channel 9 and 9Now.

“Auction day is the most nerve-racking day of the year,” said Scotty Cam. “This is a life-changing weekend for our teams and they have all put in the effort to deserve an incredible result.”

As well as being confirmed by the network, we had an inkling it would be held on those dates, from an accidental leak from celebrity Block auctioneer Tom Panos – “The 25th of October, all eyes are on house number five,” he revealed in a Youtube video – to the due-date of Emma and Ben’s Block baby. Yes that’s right, we based our prediction on a baby’s due-date.

Emma and Ben’s baby boy, Bailey Colter Cox, who was safely delivered happy and healthy five weeks early on September 25th, was supposed to be due on the day of The Block auctions. “He really just didn’t want to miss the auction!” joked Emma. But, if you take that date and count forward five weeks, you have the weekend of the 25th and 26th of October. That’s pretty darn concrete, we’d say.

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‘The Block’ experts predict who will win on auction day

Want to be on ‘The Block’ 2026? Applications are officially open – here’s how to apply

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Foreman Dan and Dani reveal who’ll win (and lose!) ‘The Block’ auctions

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What are The Block 2025 price guides?

By virtue of the Block-builds each having identical floor-plans, all five auction price guides hover around the same number; just a small bid of $3 – $3.3 million will get you in the game.

Who will be bidding at The Block 2025 auctions?

Though the infamous Adrian Portelli is rumoured to be skipping the auctions amid (disputed) claims of Block-enforced bans, he was spotted making a covert visit to the Daylesford site just a few days ago. Repeated bidder, Danny Wallis is also likely to attend, which Scotty Cam not-so-subtly alluded to in a recent radio interview.

See all The Block 2025 listings

Think you’ll stop in to raise a paddle? Check out all the Block homes featured on Domain via the link below.

• Emma & Ben: 5 Cedar Lane, Daylesford
• Han & Can: 4 Cedar Lane, Daylesford
• Britt & Taz: 3 Cedar Lane, Daylesford
• Sonny & Alicia: 2 Cedar Lane, Daylesford
• Robby & Mat: 1 Cedar Lane, Daylesford

Tour all The Block 2025 houses

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The post When are ‘The Block’ auctions for 2025? Everything we know about Auction Day appeared first on Homes To Love.

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A post shared by Jamee Favorito | Ray White (@jameerealty)

From the black light fixtures to the stone wall feature, we’re certain the notorious Block buyer was in House 1. What’s more is that both agents, Favorito and Hill, attended The Block Domain Challenge and celebrated Emma and Ben’s win.

Last year, Portelli made it clear that he was ready to put the paddle down. “It’s time to say goodbye to The Block and this Dummy Bidder is going out with a f**kng Bang! 7pm Tonight,” he wrote on Instagram, before proceeding to buy not one, not even two, but all five of The Block houses. But, it appears Portelli may be back for 2025 and could have a strong interest in House 1.

Portelli’s covert visit to the Daylesford Block site also follows the announcement of his involvement in Channel 7’s reality TV show My Reno Rules, which is set to air in 2026.

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While we can’t say for certain whether or not Portelli will be back on The Block with a paddle in hand, we do know that auction day will be interesting with early expert predictions already in play.

The post Wait, did Adrian Portelli make a covert visit to ‘The Block’?  appeared first on Homes To Love.

Who is Adrian Portelli?

Adrian Portelli, also known as ‘Lambo Guy’, is an ultra-successful 35-year-old businessman with a portfolio of over 20 homes — not including those purchased through The Block — and more than 40 cars, collectively estimated to be worth upwards of $1 billion.

Portelli founded the promotions and giveaway company LMCT+ in 2018 at the age of 29, with a focus on luxury vehicles and prestige houses. Members can subscribe to LMCT+ packages starting from $19.99 per month to enter regular giveaways or buy one-off tickets. He is currently facing 19 charges relating to allegations he was running “unlawful lotteries in South Australia” through his company’s giveaways, all of which he has pleaded not guilty to, according to ABC News. The verdict of the trial, which took place in September, is yet to be reached.

The billionaire is also the co-founder of energy drink Flipside, a brand he announced was stocked in 7-Eleven via his Instagram account in August 2024. In July 2025, he also announced his involvement in Channel 7’s new renovation series My Reno Rules, which is set to air in 2026.

Portelli famously made headlines in 2021 for purchasing what was at the time Melbourne’s most expensive apartment: a $39 million luxury penthouse in the Sapphire by the Gardens twin-tower CBD development. If that wasn’t 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”.

Will Adrian Portelli return to The Block this year?

Despite declaring that 2024 was his last ever Block auction, Portelli was recently spotted on The Block, namely in Emma and Ben’s wine cellar via a TikTok and Instagram video alongside Ray White real estate agents Jamee Favorito and Aaron Hill. Maybe billionaire’s Block auction days aren’t behind him after all.

What is Adrian Portelli’s net worth?

According to the 2023 AFR Young Rich List, Adrian Portelli has a net worth of $1.03 billion. The Australian entrepreneur and property investor gained billionaire status in 2023 through his investments and business LMCT+.

How many Block houses has Adrian Portelli bought?

Portelli has bought a total of nine Block houses. The billionaire property investor bought all five in the 2025 auction, three at the 2023 auction and one from the 2022 auction. In total, Portelli has spent around $31 million on his Block property portfolio over the years.

Portelli’s Phillip Island properties, acquired from last year’s auctions, are still up for sale, after the winner of the entrepreneur’s ‘Block resort or $8 million’ giveaway decided to take the cash.

In 2023, Portelli was the buyer of Steph and Gian‘s record-breaking Japandi home, which he then gave away in a similar competition via his promotions and giveaway company, LMCT+. In 2023 he also purchased Eliza and Liberty’s house for $4.3 million, and Kyle and Leslie‘s house for $3.1 million.

Eliza and Liberty‘s house was also raffled off, but the winner chose instead to take the $2 million cash on offer, leaving Adrian to sell the home via more traditional methods. The house sold at auction in April 2024 for $3.245 million, considerably less than what Adrian paid.

In 2024, Portelli announced the Philip Island auction would be his last appearance on The Block, and that he wanted to “go out with a bang.”

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

When will The Block 2025 auctions take place?

The biggest moment on The Block calendar is finally here, with auction day set to reveal the winners of season 21 on Sunday October 26 at 7pm.

As with every other year, we won’t find out the reserve prices or auction order until just before the bidding starts – but we’ll be updating our 2025 auction guide with everything you need to know in the meantime.

Who will win The Block 2025?

While the wait between final tools down and The Block auctions has us desperately wondering what the future has in store for this year’s contestants, there are some notable experts who have shared predictions of their own.

Drawing on their years of experience, Foreman Dan and Blockhead Dani have revealed who they believe will take out the auction day win. According to the couple, House 5 contestants Robby and Mat are the team to beat once bidding starts, and they’re not the only ones.

In the week leading up to The Block finale, property expert and judge Marty shared his two cents, backing Britt and Taz and Robby and Mat as the contestants most likely to walk away with the big numbers.

Of course, without a crystal ball, it’s all conjecture at this point, and if last year’s results have taught us anything, it’s to expect the unexpected.

Tour the completed houses from The Block 2025

• Tour House 1 – Emma & Ben
• Tour House 2 – Han & Can
• Tour House 3 – Britt & Taz
• Tour House 4 – Sonny & Alicia
• Tour House 5 – Robby & Mat

Will Adrian Portelli attend The Block 2025 auctions?

After it was claimed that The Block regular Adrian Portelli had apparently been banned from attending this year’s auction, Scotty was quick to clear up the false narrative, confirming: “We didn’t ban him – that’s just something he’s said. It’s a public auction, anyone can turn up.”

“We just kindly said, ‘Look. you’ve had a good run – what do you think about leaving it to families to buy the houses?’ It doesn’t mean [serial bidder] Danny Wallis won’t turn up either.”

“He’s a good bloke, Danny. He makes a lot of those houses available on My Room, which is the equivalent of Ronald McDonald House, for sick kids’ families. If he wants to buy another house that’d be terrific for those kids.”

So, between Portelli’s covert visit to The Block and Danny’s appearance on the pre-auction Channel 9 trailer, could this year be shaping up to another record-breaking showdown?

Who are the contestants on The Block 2025?

This year’s contestants are a mix of couples and friends from across Australia: husband and wife duo, Britt and Taz from WA; high school sweethearts, Emma and Ben from Melbourne; Perth couple, Han and Can; best mates from Adelaide, Robby and Mat; and Gold Coast married couple, Sonny and Alicia.

You can find out more about The Block 2025 contestants here.

What’s different about the 2025 season of The Block?

Like seasons past, this iteration of The Block saw the return of our beloved judges Shaynna Blaze, Darren Palmer and Marty Fox and involved plenty of renovation madness; however, there was one big difference this time round. This season, instead of renovating existing homes, they were building entirely from scratch. Yes, you read that right! Not only that, but new level of competitiveness arised when it was revealed that every house had the exact same floor plan – no advantages here! And the final twist, tools down means tools down – no all nighters allowed.

As Scotty revealed in the promo, which saw hosts Scotty Cam and Shelley Craft driving giant trucks and Darren, once again, sans shirt, our new Blockheads faced entirely new challenges in the Daylesford site. According to the show’s executive producer and creator, Julian Cress, this was in an effort for The Block to go back to basics for season 21.“What the audience can expect is a classic Block series,” he says. “We have a really diverse cast of hard-working people who are very competitive, engaged with their design, and of course we will have some high and lows.” 

Where was The Block 2025 filmed?

Channel 9 executives, producers and showrunners officially confirmed the 21st season of The Block is in Daylesford, Victoria, an hour and a half out of Melbourne. Rumours had been flying for years that The Block could be set to return to the Victorian countryside, but despite purchasing five parcels of land at 9 Raglan Street, Daylesford several years prior, council delays and some degree of local outrage made it unlikely. Fortuitously for the producers, they were finally able to get the go-ahead to film in the small country town of Daylesford in 2025.

The official home-base of the 2025 season was the housing development Hygge Property’s Middleton Field. “Daylesford’s newest neighbourhood Middleton Field is busy with home construction!” the online listing reads. “The Block homes and The Village townhouses are underway, along with new builds at the entrance.”

Daylesford is listed as Visit Gay Australia’s ‘gay capital of regional Victoria’, as well as being closely located to the nearby Hepburn Springs spa region, plus wineries, regional parks and trails.

You can find out more about The Block 2025 location here.

Where will The Block 2026 be filmed?

Not to get ahead of ourselves… (oh who are we kidding!) the location of next year’s Block has already been revealed – and its set to be glorious. If you too can’t help yourself, here’s everything you need to know about The Block 2026 location.

Did Emma and Ben have their baby?

After announcing their pregnancy midway through the Block season, Emma and Ben took to Instagram to reveal the happy and healthy arrival of their little boy, Bailey. It was due on the day of The Block auctions – “He really just didn’t want to miss the auction” joked Emma – but he arrived five weeks early on September 25th.

When was The Block 2025 filmed?

Courtesy of a very dedicated Facebook group (seriously, is the FBI hiring? We know some worthy applicants…), we knew that filming began at the Raglan Street site in early March. Executive producer Julian Cress confirmed these suspicions, telling newspaper The Local, “We start filming in March and we’ll finish in June.” And, right on time, Foreman Dan confirmed in an Instagram post shared on June 1 that season 21 of The Block had just finished filming, which Dan described as “one for the books”.

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Who are The Block sponsors?

In a departure from previous years, where the key hardware sponsor was Mitre 10 alongside Scotty Cam as their brand ambassador, The Block announced a new lucrative partnership in 2025 between the reality show and the hardware giant, Bunnings Warehouse.

“Our team can’t wait to support contestants through their 12-week home renovation journey and hopefully inspire viewers to get stuck into their own projects,” says Bunnings managing director Mike Schneider.

“When we were presented with the opportunity to partner with The Block, we jumped at the chance to provide 2025 contestants with everything they need from the front gate to the back fence.”

The sponsorship sees an on-site Bunnings Mini Store plus an on-site plant nursery for contestants to seek expert advice, and grab last-minute supplies and plant supplies.

On ending the twelve-year partnership, Mitre 10 said, “We believe it’s the right time to explore new opportunities to showcase the strength of our brand and the exceptional experiences our stores deliver to our customers every day.”

“We part ways with The Block with great respect for the program, its producers, and Channel 9.”

Did Foreman Dan return to The Block in 2025?

Yes, The Block’s very own Foreman Dan was confirmed to be returning to The Block 2025 ahead of production. In an emotional Instagram post, Dan’s wife, Dani Wales, confirmed that they would be returning to Daylesford while navigating the “insurmountable grief” surrounding the recent passing of their young daughter, Billie.

“Today, we (me, Hazel and Olive) relocate to Daylesford to be with Dan while he films the next Block,” she wrote. “As you can imagine, this next period was supposed to be something it’s now not.”

“Being away from friends and family it hits so differently now.”

Will Foreman Keith return to The Block?

It’s been a few years since we’ve been able to call him Foreman Keith. In 2024, after a 10-year stint on the show, the beloved foreman made a difficult decision to step back from filming, citing the difficulties of travel and wanting to prioritise his family. The 2025 season shaped up to be no different after a hip infection from a recent operation landed the former foreman in hospital.

“Ten years ago I had a full hip replacement,” Keith shared in a post on his Instagram at the time. “Last Friday I was diagnosed with an infection in that hip and I was rushed in for a 3 hour operation to remove the components that were easy to remove and those components were replaced.”

“Fingers crossed the antibiotics beat the infection otherwise I’m in serious trouble.”

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When does The Block 2025 air?

The Block airs on Monday to Wednesday at 7.30pm and Sunday at 7:00pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

The official premiere date was Sunday, July 27, at 7.00pm.

The post All about the 2025 season of ‘The Block’ appeared first on Homes To Love.

Where does Scotty Cam live?

Well, there’s no single answer to that question. As it turns out, Scotty Cam has (perhaps unsurprisingly) gathered a portfolio of real estate over the years worth millions, which he doesn’t even live in himself most of the time, renting out properties near the filming locations of The Block each year for months at a time. “If you’ve got a house in Mt Eliza I could rent, give me a call!” joked Scotty Cam in a recent radio interview, referring to the 2026 location of The Block.

His multi-million dollar property portfolio includes a Narrawallee holiday home he bought for $670,000 in 2012 (which, accounting for capital growth, is likely to be worth around $1.1 million today), the $2.2 million Melbourne challenge apartment from The Block‘s 2016 season (that is likely valued at more than $3.5 million by now), and a home in Rosebery he apparently rents out, that was purchased in 2001 for $750,000. Given Rosebery’s 6.5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) – the area’s average – it could be valued at $3.5 million today.

He also had a farm near Mudgee, which he reportedly sold in 2023 for $3.1 million, nearly double what he paid just seven years earlier when he purchased it for $1.35 million.

But as for the place he and his beloved wife Ann rest their heads (when he’s not filming The Block of course), it is a Mediterranean-style mansion in Sydney’s exclusive suburb of Vaucluse. The purchase dates back to 2012 (two years after his debut on The Block) when it was purchased for $4.6 million.

Inside Scotty Cam’s Vaucluse home

Scotty Cam’s impressive four-bedroom, three-bathroom, Mediterranean-inspired Vaucluse home was first listed in 1996 for $2.6 million. 14 years later and Scotty and his family signed on the dotted line for $4.6 million.

Sitting on the corner of the popular Vaucluse streets, the towering home cascades down several stories onto the street level.

Boasting terracotta interiors and distinctly Mediterranean flavour, this grand family residence is an established home that has plenty of stories to tell.

More than 10 years later, Scotty Cam’s Vaucluse property is now worth an estimated $10.3 million, according to Domain‘s property estimate. Not bad, Scotty, you could even beat Steph and Gian’s 2023 win!

Scotty Cam outdoor area features a spa, a series of alfresco terraces, a lush and private garden, and it wouldn’t be a luxury celebrity home without a swimming pool, now would it?

The post Behind the scenes of Scotty Cam’s multi-million dollar property portfolio appeared first on Homes To Love.

Built in 1934, the original home was a single-storey, relatively untouched weatherboard house, with a bright blue kitchen, wraparound verandah and positioned on a lovely, quiet corner block in the shade of lush trees. Now, after undergoing several major renovations and structural changes, it is now completely unrecognisable.

Clearly unafraid of a major overhaul, the couple added serious value by lifting the original home to create an entirely new ground floor, one that spills out onto a generously-sized backyard, entertaining patio and mineral pool, turning the once-humble cottage into a spacious family entertainer. Now, completely rebuilt with multi-generational living in mind, the five-bedroom, four-bathroom Queenslander home at spans 991 square metres and embodies the character of the local area. “Along the way we’ve uncovered stories of the family who first built her, and we’ve added our own chapter to that history,” they say.

As for what’s next for the pair, the couple plan to continue on their renovation journey says Alec McEwan, and have already purchased another fixer-upper home just around the corner.

Tour Leah and Ash’s 1930s Queenslander

View from the street

Positioned on a leafy corner block, the signature Queenslander home on its 991 square metre block enjoys an impressive 55 metre street frontage.

The rear

A true entertainer’s delight, Leah and Ash’s outdoor area, with a tiled patio, mineral pool and spa, and manicured lawn, is the perfect place for both young children and keen hosts. Upstairs, the vaulted back deck with soaring ceilings makes the perfect vantage point to keep an eye on those down below.

The kitchen

Enjoying idyllic water views from its enviable bayside position, the kitchen is full of natural light and prevailing breezes. Fitted with a stone countertop, five-burner gas cooktop, and integrated dishwasher, it has all the mod-cons you could possibly need.

Kitchen

A galley kitchen with the dining room tucked behind, it was designed to capture the stunning north-east views.

Entertaining area

Downstairs, the open-plan entertaining area with soaring ceilings and wall mouldings is fitted with a stone dining table, bar/kitchenette, and herringbone flooring, and leads directly to the manicured gardens and pool area just outside.

Bedroom

One of five bedrooms, including two primary suites with luxurious ensuites, they all feature built-in storage, air conditioning and ceiling fans, perfect for the Queensland heat.

Pool

It wouldn’t be a Queensland home without a pool!

The post ‘The Block’ alumni Leah & Ash smash price records on their 1930s Queenslander reno appeared first on Homes To Love.

Who will be at The Block auctions in 2025?

Following Adrian’s shock announcement last year that he will be saying goodbye to The Block, the question on everyone’s lips is: who of The Block’s other big investors will be returning in 2025? “We may see more traditional buyers stepping forward,” Alice says. “The agents will be actively nurturing and following up every lead, separating the tyre-kickers from serious buyers. It’s also their role to help nurture prospective buyers and convert them into people willing to bid.”

But, given the recent increase to land tax in Victoria, it’s uncertain if investors will continue to see The Block as prosperous an endeavour as they have in the past. “When you look at just how taxed it is around property at the moment, what it’s done is push investors out, and they’ve looked elsewhere,” says Alice. “I think it’s a very inhospitable environment [for investors] in Victoria, and there’ll be a period where it is a sizable problem for people.”

“But, a lot can change in the weeks leading up to the auctions.”

How to make the most profit on The Block

Even though The Block houses each have the same price guide of $3-$3.3 million, it’s clear that on auction day they’ll all fare very differently. Alice says there are three main components that affect your sale price at auction: “accessibility, the size of the land and location”, but considering that The Block homes each sit on near identical blocks, it’s the interiors that will make all the difference on the day.

Learning from last year’s results, while 2024 winners Maddy and Charlotte’s external-access guest wing “undoubtedly helped them do better at auction” it was their design neutrality that benefitted them the most. “Maddy and Charlotte’s property probably had the most neutral and universal appeal – it was neutral, unpolarising both physically and on paper.”

“They had an understanding of not adding your own personality and how that can really work in your favour,” the property expert muses. “It’s really hard when renovators just can’t look away from what they love themselves. Really successful renovations, even a lot of flip properties, are possible because people can step back and say, ‘This is not about me’.”

Is regional property a harder sell?

While the Phillip Island holiday resort proved a challenge to sell, Alice predicts an easier road ahead for the Daylesford auctions. “Regional can be more challenging, simply because most of our population is based in capital cities, but the dream of living in a place like Daylesford is stronger than ever.”

“What made it challenging last year was that it was in a more remote location that just wasn’t as obvious to investors. Melbournians see [Daylesford] as a much more commutable area: it’s near the airport, it’s not as far from the city, the roads and infrastructure there are more established, and it’s definitely a more obvious tourist destination. Investors are always looking at those elements: infrastructure, proximity, location, and travel time,” Alice says.

“Regional areas are getting better and better. These homes are in a unique location, and offer something completely different from anything else that has ever been on the market there, so you never know where an eventual buyer will come from. It could be a family making a lifestyle change, a downsizer looking for something turnkey, or a passive buyer who is not even currently in the market, but sees one of the houses, falls in love and knows they have to have it. I’m constantly astounded at how often this happens in property.”

Who will win The Block 2025?

When asked who she thought could take out the prize on auction day, The Block insider Alice refused to name names. Rather, she said, “It will be the house that attracts the most genuine and emotional buyers. That comes down to how well the contestants have planned, executed and been disciplined but also creative. It’s a fine balancing act!”

So, what does this mean for you?

The popularity of The Block is no coincidence; it’s indicative of Australians’ keen interest in renovation, property flipping, and the art of creating a life that you will enjoy. As Alice puts it, “A home is not just about the value, there’s a quality of life that comes with it. How you live in that place changes everything – to me, that is priceless.”

Tour The Block 2025 houses

• Tour House 1 – Emma & Ben
• Tour House 2 – Han & Can
• Tour House 3 – Britt & Taz
• Tour House 4 – Sonny & Alicia
• Tour House 5 – Robby & Mat

The post ‘The Block’ insider reveals the winning formula for auction day success  appeared first on Homes To Love.

Scotty Cam summed it up: “This is the time you find out if your design choices appeal to the market,” and right he is. So far, the contestants have had to rely on the less-than-consistent judging from Shaynna Blaze, Marty Fox and Darren Palmer, but this week they found out how each of their homes are received by actual buyers.

“It’s a stark reminder to contestants that while styling and design are incredibly important, the ultimate test is to actually sell these houses – and ideally for a big sum over the reserve,” says Alice Stolz, Domain’s National Property Editor. “This is the first time potential buyers get to step inside the homes, and it’s always fascinating to hear what people actually think in person. For the contestants, that feedback is invaluable – it’s a reality check on how their vision stacks up in the real market.”

For the challenge, each of the five teams created online listings, staged their homes and welcomed 100 potential buyers who would inspect and vote for their favourites. It is an illuminating occasion for many, and gives plenty of insight into how each couple could fare on auction day. Like Marty Fox said: it’s all about appealing to the Daylesford market.

Who won the Domain Listing Challenge?

With a massive 24% of the total votes, high school sweethearts and long-time Block hopefuls Emma and Ben were the well-deserving winners of the Domain Listing Challenge. Coming in a close second were Robby and Mat with 23% of the votes, and former-favourites Britt and Taz trailed in third place with 21%. It was a contentious win though, with Emma and Ben’s plans to build a wine cellar and a kids’ games room a key contributor to their success – yes, the very same secret weapon wine cellar that Robby and Mat have actually already built.

The Domain Listing Challenge official results

• Emma and Ben: 24% of votes
• Robby and Mat: 23% of votes
• Britt and Taz: 21% of votes
• Sonny and Alicia: 19% of votes
• Han and Can: 13% of votes

See the full home tours

• Tour House 1 – Emma & Ben (winners of the Domain Listing Challenge!)
• Tour House 2 – Han & Can
• Tour House 3 – Britt & Taz
• Tour House 4 – Sonny & Alicia
• Tour House 5 – Robby & Mat

The post Who won ‘The Block’ Domain Listing Challenge? appeared first on Homes To Love.

Just a stone’s throw from Phillip Island where the infamous holiday houses were built, next year our favourite Block-heads will be touching down in Mount Eliza for the 2026 season of The Block. More specifically, following rumours of an $11 million purchase by the show, realestate.com.au reported that the series will be filmed at the development site of 109 Old Mornington Road, Mount Eliza, Victoria.

A plot of land that measures 13,451-square-metres and sits just minutes from Mount Eliza beach, the development has been divided into ten lots, six of which have reportedly been purchased by the network. It was sold by former racing driver and Porsche enthusiast Rusty French, who purchased the site for $2.8 million in 2007.

The Block 2026 location

Recently subdivided into ten neighbouring blocks, the proposed architectural plans seen on the listings were designed with lifestyle in mind, promising “spacious layouts, high-quality finishes, and seamless indoor-outdoor living”, all within an exclusive gated community. Enjoying sweeping water views, luxury finishes, and swimming pools, the modern homes epitomise relaxed Australian living. However, it’s unlikely The Block will stick with these architectural renders; it is a renovation show, after all.

Where are all The Block locations?

It’s no surprise that The Block loves Australia’s southernmost mainland state: Victoria. The television series has bounced around a fair bit from year to year, but in recent years hasn’t failed to stay within Victoria’s state lines. From Daylesford to Gisborne, these are the previous filming locations of The Block over the years:

• The Block 2025 location: Daylesford, VIC
• The Block 2024 location: Phillip Island, VIC
• The Block 2023 location: Hampton East, VIC
• The Block 2022 location: Gisborne, VIC
• The Block 2021 location: Hampton, VIC
• The Block 2020 location: Brighton, VIC

Why is The Block only filmed in Victoria?

A combination of factors influence The Block’s Victorian stronghold. These include the more forgiving building and planning regulatory environment, the more accessible and plentiful selection within the property market, and the simple fact that Victoria is where the majority of the crew currently lives.

Catch up on this season of The Block:

• Everything we know about The Block 2025
• Meet the contestants for The Block 2025
  • Tour House 1 – Emma & Ben
  • Tour House 2 – Han & Can
  • Tour House 3 – Britt & Taz
  • Tour House 4 – Sonny & Alicia
  • Tour House 5 – Robby & Mat

The post The location of The Block 2026 has been revealed appeared first on Homes To Love.

So if you’re just jumping in, or keen to know more, let us introduce you to this year’s contestants.

Who are The Block 2025 contestants?

With every new season of The Block, comes another batch of keen contestants ready to reach for their renovation dreams. This year’s contestants are: couple Britt and Taz from WA, couple Em and Ben from Victoria, couple Han and Can from WA, best mates Robby and Mat from SA, and Sonny and Alicia from Queensland.

Here’s everything we know about The Block 2025 and the five teams competing for auction glory this year.

Who are Britt and Taz from The Block 2025?

Hailing from Western Australia is married couple Britt and Taz. Britt, 30, and Taz, also 30, are both police officers based in Newman, a small mining town out in the Pilbara, and have two kids, Carter, 4, and Myla, 2.

Britt has long been a fan of The Block: “I wanted to apply for The Block for years, but it was never the right timing,” she says. “The timing now is right.”

Taz (real name Taran) was raised in Campbelltown, Sydney and moved to Perth to play football in the WAFL.

Although the pair are amateur renovators, they’ve done plenty of DIYs at their home in Newman, and are ready to tackle the challenge of The Block and imprint their home with their signature style: ‘Modern Organic Luxury’.

Let’s just hope the West Aussies have a smoother ride than their predecessors, Perth couple Jesse and Paige, who made a shock exit in last year’s season.

See their progress so far, here.

Who are Emma and Ben from The Block 2025?

After seven applications, high school sweethearts from Melbourne, Emma and Ben, have achieved their goal of making it to The Block: “We have applied so many times! We can’t wait to get to Daylesford and get started,” Emma says. 

Emma, 33, is a pole dance teacher and business owner, and her husband Ben, 32, is an engineer and aspiring firefighter.

The pair are no strangers to a toolkit; Emma and Ben have renovated two houses and built another in the past, giving them the most renovation experience out of all the teams. For this build, the pair will be creating a mid-century-themed home with a Daylesford country touch.

According to Nine, the couple are looking to start a family, and there may be more news on that front as the season unfolds.

Who are Han and Can from The Block 2025?

Perth couple Han and Can (Hannah and Candice) may be in the process of renovating their Californian bungalow in Perth, but it was The Block that they were really after: “I have always wanted to do The Block but never had anyone to do it with,” Han says – that was until she met Can just over a year ago, and quickly discovered that they both wanted to sign up for the show.

Han, 29, is a geologist from the UK, while Can, 31, works in marketing and social media.

On The Block, Han is set to look after the project management side of things, applying the skills she gained from her past home renovation work with her father, while Can will steer the creative direction.

Who are Robby and Mat from The Block 2025?

Our next contestants are best mates from Adelaide, Robby and Mat. Robby, 37, is a barber and business owner, while Mat, 41, is a hairdresser, stylist and business owner. The pair met 15 years ago when Mat cut Robby’s hair, and have been best friends ever since. “We are just two best mates, a hairdresser and a barber, gay and straight,” Robby says.

Before becoming a barber, Robby was a soccer player in the National Premier League, and Mat was one of Australia’s top figure skaters.

It was Robby’s idea to sign up for The Block, and interestingly, Mat has never watched an episode before – but that doesn’t mean the pair aren’t fierce contenders. We’re also predicting that the best mates from Adelaide might just be this year’s lovable larrikins, providing some much-needed comic relief during tense times, like the infamous ‘Waterproof Wednesday’.

Who are Sonny and Alicia from The Block 2025?

From the Gold Coast is married couple Sonny and Alicia. Sonny, 44, is a plumber and Alicia, 42, is a dental practice manager, who have three kids together: daughter Aria, 12, and sons Boston, 11, and Koa, 8.

The couple were on the shortlist for last year’s season on Phillip Island, but got the exciting call this time around for Daylesford. “I was really upset last year that we just missed out, so when we got the call to say we were in it was an amazing feeling,” Alicia says.

While the pair aren’t experienced renovators, they did build their current family home and have renovated a granny flat in the past. Throughout the season, Alicia will tackle more of the shopping and be ‘the mum of The Block’ while Sonny is set to manage the site.

Who are The Block judges for 2025?

It appears that Darren Palmer, Shaynna Blaze, and Marty Fox are back for another season of judging on The Block, with host Scotty Cam sharing happy snaps of the four of them celebrating queer pride at Daylesford’s ChillOut Festival back in March.

It’s not confirmed whether or not Neale Whitaker will rejoin this season as a guest judge. Last year, Neale stepped down from his full-time judging duties to support his husband through his health issues.

Tour The Block 2025 houses

• Tour House 1 – Emma & Ben
• Tour House 2 – Han & Can
• Tour House 3 – Britt & Taz
• Tour House 4 – Sonny & Alicia
• Tour House 5 – Robby & Mat

The post Meet the new contestants for The Block 2025 appeared first on Homes To Love.

The couple initially brought the coastal pad to market back in September with a price guide of $9.5 million, before lowering price expectations by a whopping $1 million. The stylish pair purchased the home in 2015 for $2.98 million and have given the home a transformational renovation befitting their elevated tastes.

The formerly rundown property began life as a single-story Californian bungalow, but, after suffering a series of renovations, it had been bestowed a ‘higgledy-piggledy’ floorplan, Darren told Home Beautiful, the original layout of which included an above-garage granny flat that became his Hyams Beach holiday home. Now light, bright and open, the property is a product of Darren’s vision — and living proof that the judgement he passes on The Block is well-justified.

The home spills across four bedrooms and four bathrooms over two levels, reaching a total of 375 square metres. It’s the perfect abode for someone who, like Darren, enjoys sunny days and long, Baywatch-style runs, with the instantly recognisable Bondi Beach and Icebergs Pool just 400 metres away. Given its spectacular nature, we have no doubt Darren and his family’s departure will be a bittersweet one.

“This is actually the longest-term house I’ve had in my entire life, except for when I was a child,” he told Home Beautiful. “Our teenage son’s lived here most of his life. It’s definitely been a family home.”

Darren’s home at 68 Sir Thomas Mitchell Road, Bondi Beach has sold for around $8.25 million, according to The Daily Telegraph. The renovated four-bedroom, four-bathroom coastal home was first brought to market in September, 2024 and was originally slated to go under the hammer for $8.5 million — that’s $1 million lower than their initial expectations but still over $5.5 million more than what the pair paid back in 2015.

The Bondi property sold off market on July 1 with PPD Real Estate.

You can view the listing on domain.com.au

Sold!

See inside Darren Palmer’s Bondi home for sale

Dining area

Skylights above the stairwell and a floor-to-ceiling window drench the dining area in sun on a good day.

Living room

A terraced alfresco area affords the main living room a sun-drenched outlook. Two of Darren and Olivier’s dogs, Frankie and Razzie, can be spotted lapping up a life of luxury.

Winter living room

The double-sided fireplace, framed by Monreale marble, is the star of the show in the home’s ‘winter living room’.

Winter living room

The living area opens onto a grassy outdoor nook and a beautifully appointed study.

Ensuite

A double mirror and wall-to-wall timber vanity spell an ultra-functional main ensuite. The same exquisite Monreale marble makes a feature.

Ensuite

The skylight above the double shower is a standout feature in the main bedroom’s ensuite.

Main bedroom

The main bedroom benefits from a balcony and verdant outlook, as well as its very own ensuite.

Outdoor living area

Private and secluded, the outdoor areas feature an undercover lounge area perfect for all seasons.

Swimming pool

The Plungie swimming pool, which is actually in the front yard, makes the most of what was “unusable dead space”, Darren told Home Beautiful.

The post The Block’s Darren Palmer has sold his multi-million dollar Bondi home appeared first on Homes To Love.

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

The Block 2025 neighbourhood is now selling

The Block contestants are taking over Hygge Property’s new neighbourhood, alongside 60 eco-friendly properties as part of a larger project titled ‘Middleton Field’. So, if you’ve always wanted to be neighbours to a home from The Block, get in quick. Land and townhouses surrounding The Block sites are now selling, with prices starting from $365,000 and $789,000 respectively.

With a range of homesites from 597 square metres to 1252 square metres, the plots are all within walking distance of the local primary school, hospital and retail and dining precinct, as well as the Sunday Market.

“Our vision for The Village is to create a place where lifestyle, sustainability, and design coexist,” says the director at Hygge Property, Joseph Van Dyk.

What will The Block 2025 homes look like?

Group Architects were 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’.

Member of the 2025 Daylesford “The Block” Facebook group, Sally Young, shared a drive-by that shows the site is already fenced off and receiving some prep work, while other images posted in the same Facebook group reveal that veteran builders Nine in Six are on-site. A more recent photo, captured by Facebook user Megan Jane on January 16th 2025, shows the framework in place.

Belle Property Daylesford principal Will Walton, the agent behind the site’s sale to Channel Nine, told realestate.com.au that sustainable homes, as well as homes built to accommodate multiple generations, were a smart choice for the area, usually netting upwards of $1.1 million.

“Because of new town planning regulations, most properties have to have an element of higher star ratings and that sustainability,” he said. “We have a wonderful premium design and small produce community in Daylesford that we deal with as we specialise in prestige properties in all price ranges,” he later told Homes To Love.

Kim McQueen, a local agent involved in the show’s 2021 Gisborne season, told the site that, to her knowledge, $3 million was the highest-paid price for a property in Daylesford.

Tour The Block 2025 houses

• Tour House 1 – Emma & Ben
• Tour House 2 – Han & Can
• Tour House 3 – Britt & Taz
• Tour House 4 – Sonny & Alicia
• Tour House 5 – Robby & Mat

The Block location for 2025 confirmed to be Daylesford

Channel Nine confirmed the 2025 location in July 2024, just as The Block was preparing for its 20th season on Phillip Island. Executive producer Julian Cress revealed details in a statement to 9Entertainment, while the mayor of Hepburn Shire Council also released a statement.

“Council is aware of the decision by the producers of The Block to choose Daylesford for the filming of the 2025 season, at the corner of Raglan Street and the Midland Highway in Daylesford,” Cr Brian Hood said in the statement.

“Daylesford will provide a picturesque backdrop for the filming of The Block, and it is anticipated that the production will generate a boost for the local economy.”

Both the mayor’s statement and that of executive producer Julian Cress reveal plans were initially made for a 2024 season. In fact, an 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’, was initially made in July 2023 but didn’t get approved until December 2023.

“Council originally approved the five-dwelling development by developer Hygge at the October 2023 meeting, with a significant number of conditions, including the retention and protection of all Avenue of Honour trees,” the mayor’s statement said.

“This decision was appealed at VCAT by residents, after which the Minister for Planning issued a permit allowing the development.”

The post Houses at The Block 2025 site in Daylesford have been listed for sale appeared first on Homes To Love.

‘The house that Scotty Cam built’ was listed for sale in 2023 almost a year after the conclusion of The Block 2022, and sat on the market for 13 months. On December 31st 2024, it sold by private treaty for an undisclosed price.

This five-bedroom, four-bathroom cottage was reportedly asking between $3.8 million and $3.9 million; slightly lower than the reserves of the other five Gisborne homes of 2022, at $4.08 million. But what it sold for in the end is anyone’s guess, with the agent keeping the final sale price under lock and key.

You can view the full listing on domain.com.au

SOLD!

What happened to Scotty Cam’s house on The Block?

Camalot hit the market in November 2023, almost a year after the season wrapped and, a year on, had not yet found its buyer despite reported interest. The Gisborne property was originally listed for $4.1 to $4.3 million, which then dropped to offers between $3.8 million and $3.9 million.

Who helped Scotty Cam build his house on The Block?

He definitely did not renovate and build the home alone. Former contestants and experienced builders Duncan Miller and Spence Thomson joined him for the journey. Spence starred on The Block in 2018 when he renovated an apartment in the notorious Gatwick Hotel with his wife Kerrie. The carpenter quickly became known for his high-quality finishes and detailed design choices, namely the coffered ceiling he created in the living and dining room.

Duncan on the other hand put the old adage ‘third time’s the charm’ to the test, having first appeared in 2010 alongside his mate Mark. The tradesmen returned as All-Stars in 2013, however, Mark was rushed to hospital mid-season due to a health scare, and later substituted for gardening expert Dale Vine (who was given 24 hours notice to leave his landscaping business and get on The Block. Sound familiar?)

“Now according to my mathematics, which I’ve worked out, it’s 118 years experience,” Scotty said of their combined years of building experience. If they were competing, it would be safe to assume they’d have it in the bag then, right? (Especially against Ankur and Sharon who had zilch renovating cred).

But Scotty was the first to admit that he had “been a good bloke” throughout the season, offering up his trades to teams in need, even when it meant he wouldn’t finish by tools down. And of course he had his kelpie Frankie by his side, following him wherever he went (even into Beaumont Tiles and Mitre 10).

For the most part, Scotty — and let’s be real, his team — kept up with the contestants. And each week he hosted the teams for dinner, giving them the opportunity to see inside his rooms and, more often than not, be inspired by what he’d done.

Inside the house that Scotty Cam built on The Block 2022

The kitchen

Even taking into account the beautiful dark joinery, brick floors laid in a herringbone style, and clever TV-mirror, it was without a doubt the custom Christian Cole island bench with a built-in butcher’s block that prompted the most “wows” in Scotty Cam’s kitchen. We mean, just wow. Is there a better way to exemplify modern country luxe?

The living room

Centred by a beautiful wood-burning fireplace with a repurposed timber mantel, Scotty’s open-plan living room is all kinds of cosy. Plenty of the pieces were salvaged from antique and second-hand stores in the neighbouring towns, and were cleverly styled to create three distinct zones in the large space.

The dining room

Connected to the living room, this dining space screams understated elegance, with the large Christian Cole dining table and the rustic brick floor.

The main bedroom

Cosy, country styling and antique finds makes this bedroom feel chic but lived in.

The main bedroom

Dulux’s ‘Harpoon’ was splashed across the original panelled walls of the weatherboard home, providing a luxe country look. Antiques from nearby Kyneton added a charm to the space, while arguably the best way to camouflage your TV came in the form of a statement Victorian Arched TV-Mirror (yes, that’s a television and a mirror) by FRAMING TO A T over a working fireplace.

The main ensuite

We’re not sure whether Scotty was inspired by some of the contestant’s bathroom designs or if it was the other way round, but the basin, square shower tiles and painted blue panelling in this space was almost smack-bang to what was delivered to the judge’s in some of the homes just up the hill. Either way, we love it.

The guest bedroom

We’re not sure what we love more — the bold use of colour or the choice to style antiques in this space. Oh, or the beautiful Robert Gordon wall light. This might have also been the first time we saw the stunning carved oak and rattan bedhead from Provincial Home Living on the season, but as you know, it most certainly wasn’t the last.

The kids’ bedroom

Scotty’s kids’ bedroom was wrapped in a pretty pink pinstripe wallpaper and dressed with playful posters sourced from local homewares haven, Kabinett. Textured bamboo and wood bedside tables were topped with a pair of fun wavy lamps and nestled against a softly cushioned custom velvet bedhead from The Block Shop.

The garden and pool

Well, we wouldn’t mind hanging out around this swimming pool in Scotty’s backyard, under the shade of some beautiful mature trees. A glass pool fence ensures you can see the landscaping and beautifully restored cottage exterior at all times, while two frilled outdoor umbrellas provide the perfect spot to take in the views. And don’t get us started on the elevated spa.

The post The house that Scotty Cam built on The Block 2022 has finally sold appeared first on Homes To Love.

Following the listing of Darren and Olivier’s $9.5 million family home in Bondi, which has since been pulled from the market, the pair sold their Suffolk Park holiday home in December 2024 for an undisclosed price. The four-bedroom, two-bathroom house initially had a price guide of $3.1 to $3.3 million, which was dropped to $2.55 million to $2.8 million in November. Darren and Oliver purchased the home in 2022 for $3.85 million.

Sold!

“We were looking at another property which kicked us into gear in terms of organising ourselves,” explains Darren, but unfortunately they missed out on that sale. Fortuitously, friends of theirs in the area noticed a house down the road going up for sale, and the couple jumped.

“We’d actually stayed in the house as a holiday rental about three years ago,” says Darren, who instantly saw potential in the property. “When Olivier did the video walkthrough for me, though, he was less than enthused.”

The home is situated on a 720sqm block, and currently boasts four bedrooms, two bathrooms, multiple living rooms, a dining space, and a “tidy, functional kitchen.” Perhaps the most enticing element though was the already approved DA to expand the kitchen, knock down some of the internal walls, and create a larger opening to the outside.

And it’s not hard to see why you would. An eight-metre-long saltwater pool is shaded by tall trees and dappled light. The rear of the house backs onto a nature escarpment, meaning it will never be built out, and the sound of crashing waves against the shore on Tallow Beach, a mere 100 metres away, fills the air.

Off-screen and away from the cameras, Darren can take his time with styling and renovating the property, which is now referred to as Pompano House Byron Bay.

Since purchasing the property for just under $4 million at the beginning of the year, it’s been refreshed with a coat of white paint, palm-covered pillows, cane chairs, and plenty of indoor plants, and is already available to rent. But not for long.

“It’s pretty much booked solid until we are [planning to do] more construction works,” says Darren of his future plans for the property. “That will be done in manageable chunks around guest bookings, most likely from mid-2023.”

While Darren refers to the property as their “dream holiday house,” the couple will continue to live in Sydney for the time being.

Who knows what the future holds, though. Co-host of The Block, Shelley Craft relocated to the region a few years ago, in what she refers to as her “forever-for-now” home, and hasn’t looked back.

“We’ve both been visiting [the Byron area] since the early 2000s separately, and Olivier and I have been holidaying there for a decade,” says Darren. “We even renewed our wedding vows in Byron Bay in 2017, and have lots of memories tied to it.”

The post The Block judge Darren Palmer has sold his multi-million dollar Byron Bay holiday home appeared first on Homes To Love.