We’re finally at the final Block 2024 room (well, front yard) reveal, and while we won’t be touching on the walk-off drama in this recap, we do have all the pix and the judges’ comments for you!
Courtney and Grant (First place)
“Lush, expensive and inviting,” said Darren, with Dave adding this was a “totally coastal” front garden with every plant he had hoped to see – plus magnolias framing the entrance, Lili Pilis flanking the sides and a soothing water feature.
The high contrast of the palette with the black and white James Hardie cladding and Travertine Almond Blend Tumbled French Pattern paving from Beaumonts, was incredible, the judges agreed. The garage might have been a little underdone, but walking across the steppers to the front door they were impressed again by the pop of colour, perfect handles and the well-planned lighting.
“A dream entry,” Marty said (despite the missing grout Dave pointed out) capped off by the planter box with a Kalamata olive tree. So ‘Moditerranean’!
Ricky and Haydn (Second place)
The most obvious addition to any garden this year was Ricky and Haydn’s massive palm tree, stopping the judges in their tracks as they walked to House 3. “What a statement!” Darren said, “Incredible!” Dave added, “Beyond phenomenal!” Shaynna summed up. And it set the tone for a garden all judges loved, from the Bar Crusher in the driveway, the bright pink garage door, complemented by a vintage pink flamingo in the garden and matching front door.
The Phoenix Geostone driveway was perfect, servicing the Grafico-heroed garage with all the Daiwa fishing gear and beside a well-planned and planted garden complete with a coastal-style boardwalk. Marty loved the Freedom Ataman and Boree outdoor sofas but still wasn’t a fan of the front entertainment space and Food Cubes he was scared would be neglected, but overall, this was very marketable, he said.
Kristian and Mimi (Third place)
With side boat storage – unique on The Block Island – and a front porch stocked with Camerich rope chairs and a day bed, House 5 has “an amazing Aussie porch” Marty said… even though it doesn’t have a ceiling.
The front yard was simple, Dave said, but well-executed and an inviting entrée to the home, but it was the upstairs balcony that won them over. Ideal for taking in the ocean glimpses, with the stunning Wolf BBQ and a separate dining table plus planters for extra privacy, this was a space to love. It could have used an outdoor fireplace, the judges agreed and Shaynna was still worried about the layout (a dining table next to a dining table, she pointed out), but overall, it was a space to take in the view of The Block Island… and it doesn’t get much better than that!
Maddy and Charlotte (Fourth place)
“What a façade!” said Shaynna as she walked up to House one and took in the different colour tones. For Dave it was the Moonscape Geostone of the driveway that caught his eye, while Darren was taken by one of the best-styled garages he’s seen on The Block… complete with an e&s dryer ready for a family returning from the beach.
The Fronius inverter, BYD battery and electric car charger are definite drawcards, they agreed, as were the Grafico beach wallpaper mural and The Block Shop Havana beach chair that added to the fun. The front garden however, looks a bit sparse, with more plants needed and perhaps a splash of colour on the door, Shaynna added. The façade is all important, Marty said and this one needed a bit more.
Kylie and Brad (Fifth place)
A breathtaking façade with great buyer appeal, the judges said of House 4, with a mirror on the front porch that hit the spot style wise, a beautiful deck (with a view of the neighbour’s giant palm!) and a BBQ area complete with a generous outdoor table that has great scale and a Block Shop Circle Cane Chair… even though it’s unfinished. As was a lot else, the judges added.
With scarce plantings there was almost no privacy, Shaynna pointed out. The landscaping was underdone and harsh, Dave said and the seating area seemed strange… almost on the street. No lounge area was a missed opportunity, Marty added. But the side plantings made up for any shortfalls, they said, especially the private entrance to the tennis court. A master stroke, Marty said and one that could pay off at auction.
Images via The Block Shop, where you can shop what you see each week, and nine now.
