The Block was featured on Media Watch last night with questions around engineered stone benchtops, supplied by Spanish company, Cosentino.
Episode 41 Upstairs Bathroom and Re-Do Room Reveal
It’s 36 hours to the upstairs bathroom and redo rooms and some of the Blockheads are doing better than others.
Kristy and Brett have a disaster on their hands with their redo bathroom. All they had to do was to tile over the arch, but instead Brett removed the back wall which in turn compromised the waterproofing.
According to Foreman Dan, it was a $30,000 mistake. Rather than trying to finish the room, Kristy and Brett basically give up and present a mess to the judges. Kristy and Brett are down in the dumps, but Scott definitely thinks they could have tried harder to fix the redo room.
Our Blockheads head to a local soccer oval for a challenge for the Commonwealth Bank and win some much needed cash.
On Saturday morning Scott arrives to call “tool’s down” and all our Blockheads present finished rooms, except Kristy and Brett.
House No.1 Kyle and Leslie spent $23,898
Neale is back judging which is a sigh of relief for the contestants. The judges loved Kyle and Leslie’s new living room and how open it now was after a wall was removed. Upstairs with their bathroom though they didn’t love it, especially the placement of the toilets. Once again Kyle and Leslie were hammered for their spatial planning and they aren’t happy about it.
House No.2 Leah and Ash spent $26,118
The judges immediately loved the changes to the downstairs work from home space, which has been converted to an extra bedroom. Neale felt it compliments Leah’s bold styling choices in the living room. Very positive comments upstairs with their bathroom, one of Leah and Ash’s strongest efforts yet.
House No.3 Kristy and Brett spent $28,603
Huge disappointment from Darren initially at the fact Kristy and Brett have not presented their redo room. As they pointed out, all they needed to do was to cover the arch with tiles and that would have been perfect. Their upstairs bathroom also wasn’t finished at all. Kristy says it was out of their control, but Scott bites back and points out that actually, everything was in their control.
House No.4 Steph and Gian spent $28,603
Amazing effort from Steph and Gian to convert their redo bathroom to an incredible, luxurious room according to the judges. It’s no longer a quarantine facility. Shaynna did have a concern about the lack of face level storage. Their jack and jill bathroom was a hit with all three judges.
House No.5 Eliza and Liberty spent $28,664
The Victorian sisters really transformed their studio, it was now fitting for a luxury home in Hampton East. However for Darren they still got the layout wrong, the couch should have faced the pool and garden. The kids/teenagers bathroom was a huge hit for Darren and Shaynna, but Neale thought the styling was juvenile and tokenistic. But overall a great effort.
| Darren | Shaynna | Neale | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle and Leslie | 7 ½ | 8 | 8 | 23 ½ |
| Leah and Ash | 8 ½ | 9 | 9 1/2 | 27 |
| Kristy and Brett | 6 | 6 | 6 ½ | 18 ½ |
| Steph and Gian | 8 ½ | 8 ½ | 9 | 26 |
| Eliza and Liberty | 9 ½ | 9 ½ | 8 ½ | 27 ½ |
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Shayna tonight with her raspy voice from too much singing practice for the Masked Singer lol
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FFS these contestants shit me. They’re now carrying on about Kyle and Leslie’s backyard and of course its Leah/Ash and Kirsty/Brett. They haven’t won a week yet but they negotiated their landscaping at the start. I really hope Kyle and Leslie win this series, they are the only decent people. But with Lambo guy and Hamish Blakes big pockets it probably wont happen.
Episode 45 - Backyard and Pool Reveal
Our Blockheads work feverishly in the final 24 hours before tools down, in what will be some incredible back gardens.
Kyle and Leslie are throwing everything at this week to win the $10,000, and don’t really have a back up plan for front garden week if they don’t take it out.
Kristy and Brett have a huge argument with their landscaper Dan after a number of things go terribly wrong, including no plants delivered and terrible mulch. It gets incredibly heated, and safe to say he won’t be back next week.
For the first time in the history of The Block, Scotty has someone help him with calling “tool’s down.” Thanks to Make A Wish, 10-year-old Jordy who has muscular dystrophy calls “tool’s down” with Scotty. From Adelaide, it was his dream and it came true.
It’s time for judging and Marty, Shaynna and Darren are joined by Block landscaping royalty Dave Franklin.
House 1 Kyle and Leslie spent $41,800
Despite all of their efforts it was mixed feedback for Kyle and Leslie, with some major issues in the judges opinion. The biggest issue was that the garden isn’t child friendly, in particular the pool which isn’t suitable for younger children. They felt there wasn’t enough grass and once again spatial planning issues. Shaynna felt the styling wasn’t up to scratch. Kyle and Leslie were devastated.
House 2 Leah and Ash spent $46,360
The use of the space is incredible, all four judges loved Leah and Ash’s backyard. They thought they got the Plungie pool exactly right. The BBQ area was amazing, Dave Franklin thought it has a real xen feeling to it. Very livable for a family and marketable to the Hampton East buyer. Fantastic job.
House 3 Kristy and Brett spent $40,649
On first impressions lots of positive feedback from the judges, they loved the size of the Plungie pool. But that’s where the positive feedback stopped. Dave Franklin hated the area, he thought it was a bad design, bad choices, and not great execution. Kristy and Brett agreed with him, they felt let down by their landscaper.
House 4 Steph and Gian spent $71,704
Incredible feedback from start to finish. A real statement backyard. Marty thinks House No.4 will break the record for a house price in Hampton East. They loved all of Steph and Gian’s choices, including the plants, pool, tiles. They loved everything about it.
House No.4 Eliza and Liberty spent $55,893
Unfortunately for Eliza and Liberty, not great feedback at all. The judges were brutal. They hated the concrete, and thought it was unnecessary. The furniture choice was slammed. The BBQ area felt like a shed according to Marty. The judges had nothing nice to say. This is devastating for Eliza and Liberty.
Scotty reveals the scores and both Leah and Ash and Kyle and Leslie decide to keep their names to try and win the Ford Mustang next week.
BACKYARD LANDSCAPING AND POOL JUDGING WEEK
| Darren | Shaynna | Marty | Dave | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle and Leslie | 9 | 8 | 8 ½ | 8 ½ | 33 |
| Leah and Ash | 9 ½ | 9 ½ | 9 ½ | 9 | 37 ½ |
| Kristy and Brett | 7 ½ | 7 ½ | 7 | 6 | 28 |
| Steph and Gian | 9 ½ | 10 | 9 ½ | 9 | 38 |
| Eliza and Liberty | 7 | 6 ½ | 6 ½ | 7 | 27 |
Getting a bit sick of Steph and Gian winning every week when they are miles ahead of them with money.
I don’t understand plunge pools, can you heat them? Cause in Melbourne imagine a convertible spa that size especially as is cold there most of the time.
When the producer says to Leslie “what now?” like you’re crying again… lol I hope they win the car at least because the rest of the couples don’t deserve it.
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Ffs Leah the world doesn’t revolve around you.
The rule has always been whatever is presented with the room must be sold with the house.
(Darren and De weren’t allowed to showcase waterfilled bottles of wine in one of their seasons)
Houses 1 & 2 should not have been allowed the mustangs, especially when house 2 were getting good feedback on the car colour.
Episode 49 - Front Yard and Façade (Whole House) Reveal
It’s the last Saturday on The Block and everyone is sad and feeling nostalgic after a tough and life changing three months.
Our Blockheads are delivering their front gardens, facade, and all the insides of their houses which has been a mammoth week.
On the final night the Melbourne weather turns just as our Blockheads are finishing painting on the outside of their houses.
The gossip on the street is Leah and Ash don’t know that Kyle and Leslie sold their gnome to Steph and Gian, but everyone else does.
Is it one final jab at Leah and Ash from Kyle and Leslie? Eliza and Liberty don’t feel good about it.
So after 12 weeks of blood, sweat and tears Scotty drives up to Hampton East for one last time to call “tools down.”
There are some incredible front gardens and facades delivered as Marty Fox, Shaynna Blaze and Darren Palmer are joined by landscaping guru Dave Franklin for judging.
House No.1 Kyle and Leslie
The judges loved the turntable in front of Kyle and Leslie’s house, a great first impression. They weren’t massive fans of the grey colour of paint on the outside of the house, which was actually Scotty Cam;s suggestion. Walking into the house it all made sense for the judges now, especially the living room wall gone. Kyle and Leslie have delivered a beautiful and warm house.
House No.2 Leah and Ash
The judges loved everything about House No.2’s garden and facade. So many amazing compliments from the choice of colours, the fence, plants and painting. Walking into the house they were amazed how it all came together, including an incredible staircase that wowed the judges.
House No.3 Kristy and Brett
A very slick effort this week including the garage, which Darren was a fan of. The plant choice was great and a huge improvement compared to last week for Kristy and Brett. The space was very functional. Marty noted House No.3 is very livable and would appeal to a variety of buyers.
House No.4 Steph and Gian
An incredible effort the judges noted as they were wowed by Steph and Gian’s beautiful front garden. There was a sense of joy as they walked through the front gate and admired the garden. Inside a few questions about the lack of light in the hallway, but overall an amazing job this week.
House No.5 Eliza and Liberty
A great effort the judges noted the entrance, which they called grand. The timber garage and facade was a real hit with the judges, as was the plant choice. The judges think House No.5 is a fantastic family home, stunning.
After a very close week of judging, Scotty asks Leah and Ash to play their gnome which they did, and they then get the shock of their life when Steph and Gian play their gnome that they bought from Kyle and Leslie. It didn’t matter though, as Leah and Ash took out the win and a Ford Mustang. It’s a great way to finish The Block for Leah and Ash.
| Dave | Shaynna | Marty | Darren | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle and Leslie | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 ½ | 32 ½ |
| Leah and Ash | 9 ½ | 9 ½ | 9 ½ | 9 ½ | 38 |
| Kristy and Brett | 8 ½ | 9 | 8 ½ | 9 | 35 |
| Steph and Gian | 9 ½ | 9 ½ | 9 | 9 ½ | 37 ½ |
| Eliza and Liberty | 8 | 9 | 8 ½ | 9 | 34 ½ |
BLOCK HOUSES GO UNDER THE HAMMER
AND ‘DOMAIN OPEN FOR INSPECTIONS’ ARE BACK
Five charming 1950s homes that have undergone major renovations will be put to the ultimate test, The Block Grand Finale Auction, this Sunday, November 5, at 7 O’block on Channel 9 and 9Now.
But first, contestants will face the daunting task of impressing the public at the first “Domain Open For Inspections” in four years, tonight at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.
The most controversial season of The Block ever has seen five Blockhead couples – Kyle and Leslie (WA), Leah and Ash (QLD), Kristy and Brett (SA), Steph and Gian (NSW), and Eliza and Liberty (VIC) – battling it out on and off-camera to take home the crown for their state.
After 12 gruelling weeks of blood, sweat and tears their houses are finished, and each one comes complete with a pool and secondary accommodation. Some boast hi-tech garage turning circles, while others have size on their side. Who will be victorious?
Ahead of the OFI’s tonight, host Scott Cam said: “I think it’s the only show in the world where fans can come and see a live TV set like at the Domain Open For Inspections, and we all loved seeing them in their thousands in Charming Street. I know it’s also great for our contestants as they get to see just how much their hard work is loved by the viewers.”
As for auction day, Scott says: “I get very nervous because as I have said since day one, I want every couple to have success after months of hard work building these homes.
“This year I think there are five beautiful and five very different homes which will appeal to unique buyers. I hope they do well at auction time as they all absolutely deserve it.”
Domain National Managing Editor, Alice Stolz, said after the inspections: “The Block yet again created five dream homes and there’s nothing better than seeing fans and potential buyers check them out for themselves. It really was the ultimate open for inspections time”.
As for the auctions, she says: “The property market has clawed its way back from last year’s downturn, with the national median just a whisker away from hitting a new price record.
“Hampton East is a sleepy suburb nestled into Melbourne’s beautiful bayside and is enjoying its moment in the sun. These Charming Street houses could not look sharper nor be more perfect for an idyllic family life.
“Whatever happens come auction day, I hope these renos have inspired many Aussies to take another look at those rather plain clinker-brick houses that they once might have thought were too dull. And also to think again about the simple life of suburbia. I’m telling you, it’s great out there.”
Executive Producer of The Block, Julian Cress, agreed. He said: “There was a great atmosphere at the Domain Open For Inspections this year. After four years of not being able to do them, it was terrific to have thousands of fans turn up to see these magnificent homes.
“Most importantly for me was seeing the joy it brought to the contestants to open their homes and get such positive feedback on all their hard work.”
Looking ahead to the nailbiting auction day, Julian said: “Hotly contested is an understatement. I can’t remember a series with such competitive contestants going into auction week. I have no doubt it will deliver a finale full of drama and an auction that will have everyone, including me, on the edge of our seats.
“It’s a volatile market right now and the only guarantee is that one team will win $100,000, but as usual, we will cross our fingers on auction day and hope for the best outcome for everyone.”
The highly anticipated auction order and reserve price reveals are set to be explosive, because the all-important order can make or break a team’s chance of taking home a $100,000 cash prize on top of their profits on auction day.
Since premiering on Channel 9 in 2003, Australia’s richest reality program has awarded a total of $32,592,807.65 in prizemoney.
See full The Block listings here.
The people in the crowd at the Elvis show didn’t seem all that impressed by the show being hijacked by The Block.
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That auction… WOW!
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Just a dick swinging contest now. It is what this show has now become.
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Definitely agree, however end of the day, they make that money.
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As someone who only watches the auction finale, here’s always at least one auction each year that leaves me scratching my head and questioning how it unfolded.
The third auction tonight definitely falls into that category for so many reasons.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. For those watching now they’ll understand, otherwise I’ll add more context after it airs in other states!
EDIT: Now that it’s aired in all states it was for Kristy and Brett’s result. I had hoped they would only get a dollar but this is just as good. What awful humans they both were.
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THRILLING END TO THE BLOCK WITH RECORD AUCTION SALE
STEPH AND GIAN WIN $1.75 MILLION
After 13 weeks of intense competition, renovations and drama, the most anticipated real estate showdown of the year – The Block auctions – yesterday smashed the all-time sale record.
The highly regarded House 4 was first under the hammer, and NSW high school sweethearts Steph and Gian went on to be crowned The Block 2023 winners when Australian Financial Review Rich Lister Adrian Portelli paid $5,000,000 for it. With their reserve set at $3,350,000, Steph and Gian take home a record-breaking $1,750,000 - making $1,650,000 over reserve plus $100,000 in prizemoney.
Next up was House 5 for Eliza and Liberty, the sisters from Victoria. Their auction had three bidders going toe to toe, but Adrian Portelli snapped up his second house of the day for $4,300,000. With their reserve set at $3,250,000, the sisters won an extraordinary $1,050,000.
House 3’s auction was slow out the gate, with South Australian couple Kristy and Brett seeing it go for $3,035,000, just $65,000 over their reserve of $2,970,000.
Nabbing his third house of the day, Adrian Portelli easily picked up House 1 for $3,100,000, the one renovated by WA couple Kyle and Leslie. Their reserve was set at $2,970,000, meaning they walked away with $130,000.
However, The Block’s fifth and most eclectic property, House 2, was a heartbreaker. With their reserve also set at $2,970,000, Leah and Ash’s home failed to attract a bid above $2,900,000 and was passed in.
As of 9.00pm Sunday, November 5, Leah and Ash’s home is still open to purchase offers.
The Block 2023 winners Steph and Gian said: “It’s an incredible feeling. We are so overwhelmed right now and can’t believe it. It was such a surreal day, and to end on such a high like this after all the hard work is amazing. We are so grateful that Adrian Portelli saw something in our house which we love so much. This will change our lives.
“We have no idea what we are going to do with the money yet. It’s going to clear our debts in Sydney. It’s going to set us up for whatever the next stage is. It’s just unbelievable.”
Host Scott Cam said: “It has been a rollercoaster of a day, with ups and downs. We had the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. We had houses just above the reserves, one passed in, and then $1.65 million for Steph and Gian and over a million for Eliza and Liberty.
“I am very happy for Steph and Gian, I think they played the game beautifully and they deserve it. They stuck to their guns, they held their heads high, and they built a beautiful home.”
After watching the auctions unfold, The Block Executive Producer, Julian Cress, said: “For someone to make a million-dollar bid when the bidding is already at four million, it was an astonishing day.”
He praised the contestants, saying: “The ratings for the show say it all. It’s due to the contestants that the audience stuck by the show for 12 weeks and the ratings kept going up and up and up. It’s because of these people and the fact they were compelling to watch.
"I think Kristy and Brett are two of the best contestants we have had on the show and I feel terrible for them that they had to go through that, after just watching their neighbours make a million plus. For them to make $65,000 is pretty heartbreaking.”
After scooping up three houses, Adrian Portelli said: “I had a great day. It was an entertaining day to be part off. Life has changed so much since last year on The Block.
“I think with the three houses I bought, there is only a small percentage of Aussies who can afford something of this value. To be able to buy them and potentially give someone else a chance to win it in my promotion means a lot.”
Looking ahead to 2024, Julian Cress said: “It’s such a milestone to be able to say you are making a 20th season of a show. Scott and I and the whole crew are really excited to get into it.
“We think we have found the perfect location for an anniversary special in Phillip Island. It’s going to be an amazing 20th season of The Block.”
Since premiering on Channel 9 in 2003, Australia’s richest reality program has awarded a grand total of $35,587,807.60 in winnings.
THE BLOCK 2023 – AUCTION RESULTS
Order House Reserve Sold for / highest bid Profit
1 House 4 $3.350 mil $5.000 mil $1,650,000
2 House 5 $3.250 mil $4.300 mil $1,050,000
3 House 3 $2.970 mil $3.035 mil $65,000
4 House 1 $2.970 mil $3.100 mill $130,000
5 House 2 $2.970 mil PASSED IN
PREVIOUS BLOCK WINNERS
2003 - BONDI – Adam & Fiona, $256,000
2004 - MANLY – Jamie & Andrew, $178,000
2010 - VAUCLUSE – John & Neisha, $305,000
2011 - RICHMOND – Polly & Waz, $115,000
2012 - SOUTH MELBOURNE – Brad & Lara, $606,000
2013 - ALL STARS (BONDI) – Phil & Amity, $395,000
2013 - SKY HIGH (SOUTH MELBOURNE) – Alisa & Lysandra, $395,000
2014 - FANS v FAVES (ALBERT PARK) – Steve & Chantelle, $736,000
2014 - GLASSHOUSE (PRAHRAN) – Shannon & Simon, $435,000
2015 - TRIPLE THREAT (SOUTH YARRA) – Darren & Deanne, $935,000
2015 - THE BLOCKTAGON (SOUTH YARRA) – Dean & Shay, $755,000
2016 - PORT MELBOURNE – Will & Karlie, $815,000
2017 - ELSTERNWICK – Josh & Elyse, $547,000
2018 - GATWICK (ST KILDA) – Hayden & Sara, $645,000
2019 - OSLO (ST KILDA) – Tess & Luke, $730,000
2020 - BRIGHTON – Jimmy & Tam, $1,066,000
2021 - FANS v FAVES (HAMPTON) – Mitch & Mark , $744,444
2022 - TREE CHANGE (GISBORNE) - Omar and Oz, $1,686,666.66
