The houses might be done, but there was still one last piece of the Block Island puzzle to complete and the Disney+ Clubhouse was revealed last night.
With a day spa, cinema, games room and more, this is the ultimate addition to the Block Island ‘village’ and was the chance for one team to win what could be the most important prize of the whole competition – $50,000 off their auction reserve price.
That was already enough to get the contestants back at their competitive best, but throw in visiting all-stars to help (and in one case take over after another walk out) and it was game on one last time!
Kristian and Mimi (First place)
Into Kristian and Mimi’s cinema room and the judges loved the Walnut Kinsman cabinets, matching floorboards from Flooring Xtra and Dekton surfaces around a mini kitchen area with E&S appliances including a state-of the art Unox Casa oven. But what was it all for?
Through a secret hidden door, they found their answer – and loved what they found. “This is not normal!” Marty said as he took in the multi-level home cinema featuring a massive projector screen, Sonos surround sound, backlit arches, HomePro acoustic curtains (with matching ceiling panels), couches for every viewer and tables for snacks. Not just a room to win the week, Marty finished: “This is one of the best rooms I’ve seen, period.”
Picks to buy: Bronze pendant light | LG MoodUp Quad Door Fridge
Jimmy and Tam – standing in for Kylie and Brad (Second place)
With Kylie and Brad back in Cairns after leaving The Block, it was up to all-stars Jimmy and Tam to finish their Clubhouse games room and the judges were quick to point out that as usual, they were up to the task.
With a huge TV for watching sports in front of a Freedom Aero couch, a pool table, games centre (including a SimWorx race simulator that features the Phillip Island track) and beautiful Kinsman cabinets with pop-up Haefele cocktail bar and Freedom Murphy stools, this was a grown-up playroom that would pull a crowd, they agreed. And the finishing touch? Hardie Groove wall panels that draw the eye up to the Channel Nine logo – a feature of every Block – made of Velux skylights in the ceiling. Chef’s kiss!
Picks to buy: Murphy counter stool | Kirsty Anne canvas print
Courtney and Grant (Equal third place)
“Oooh! Monolithic!” gushed Darren when he walked into Courtney and Grant’s beautiful day spa room. With Dekton rising out of the floor (including a heated slab of Sabbia Dekton that immediately caught his eye) this space was, he decided, serene!
“Japandi meets Moditerranean!” said Shaynna as she took in the Clay and Co wall hanging, fruit bowl and shell hook, ice baths and Nood Co raw basin. And then Marty found not one, but two surprises from Steam Saunas Australia. “How the hell did they do this?” he asked. “These saunas are actually built in!”. Add in lockers and showers for pool users, a ”magic toilet” from Reece, Unitex rendering and travertine sconces and the result is a huge value add, he said.
Picks to buy: Kaz Morton wall hanging and fruit bowl
Maddy and Charlotte (Equal third place)
With an all-stars walk of fame, huge Polito Donatello II pizza oven, sink, barbecue and indoor and outdoor dining options, the poolside dining retreat was a big hit with the judges, who loved the option for families to go out for a meal but still stay at home.
Darren loved the nautical feel: “Very coastal appropriate and I love it, love it, love it,” he said. Shaynna loved the wall sconces, sculptural pendants, custom furniture that fit perfectly and the Grafico mural but then found the icing on the cake – a kids play area with sandpit and trampoline. Exceptional work and so well thought out, Marty said. The girls really hit the ball out of the park!
Picks to buy: Elora pedestal wood heater | Donatello pizza oven
Ricky and Haydn (Fifth place)
If the judges wanted a wow factor, they certainly found it in Ricky and Haydn’s outdoor poolside bar area. With 20 Velux skylights bringing the sun though an architectural ceiling featuring huge beams over Coco Republic outdoor furniture (including two huge dining tables) on Beaumont Travertine tiles, a Stoke Escea fireplace, and huge Big Ass fans, this was the perfect place to sit while the family enjoys a swim.
Marty said it was likely to be one of the most-used spaces in The Block. Even when the weather turns, Shaynna added, thanks to the HomePro zipscreen blinds! Just roll them down, turn up the Sonos speakers and “it’s all here!” Darren said.
Picks to buy: Outdoor fireplace kitchen | Big Ass Fan
Images via The Block Shop, where you can shop what you see each week, and nine now.
