For two decades, The Block has captivated Australian audiences with its high-stakes renovations, soaring property values, and the incredible transformations created by its talented contestants. As the iconic show celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, it’s the perfect time to look back at some of the most impressive post-show renovations tackled by former Blockheads.
This season promises to be a historic one, with Channel Nine revealing that the Block house will be located on the picturesque Phillip Island. But before the hammers start swinging at this seaside locale, let’s dive into the impressive renovation journeys of past contestants who have continued to showcase their skills long after the cameras stopped rolling.
Karstan and Maxine: A Modern Marvel in Newcastle 2014
Blockheads Karstan and Maxine recently scored a major real estate win when they sold their spectacular home in Newcastle. The fan favorites spent ten months converting a run-down, two-story red-brick house into a sprawling modern pad they christened “The Palms.” Located in the sought-after suburb of Merewether, this stylish beach pad features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a plunge pool, multiple skylights, and a spacious open-plan layout. Despite finishing third on The Block and walking away with a modest $40,000 (a far cry from the $736,000 pocketed by winners Steve and Chantelle), Karstan and Maxine have proven their renovation prowess with this impressive transformation.
Jimmy and Tam: A Country Cottage in Noosa
In Queensland, 2020’s Block winners Jimmy and Tam Wilkins have worked their magic on a rambling Noosa pad, converting it into a perfect country cottage. The couple, who became The Block’s first-ever millionaires, purchased the three-bedroom, one-bathroom home in 2021 for $610,000. They gutted the tired interior and transformed it into an ultra-modern open-plan space with an expansive living area. Dated fixtures and joinery in the kitchen, laundry, and bathroom were all revamped, but the highlight of their renovation is a lavish outdoor “living room” with an entertainment center.
Kirsty and Jesse: Budget Magic on Lake Macquarie
Blockheads Kirsty Lee Akers and Jesse Anderson, who made a cool $301,000 from the show in 2021, put their prize money toward their dream home on Lake Macquarie, south of Newcastle. In March, the couple shared the results of a recent budget transformation of Kirsty’s dad’s “tiny” home. With stylish design skills, they spruced up the old pad with a fresh paint job, curtains from Kmart, and new furniture to create what they dubbed a “fresh coastal look.” Prior to appearing on the show, the couple had already renovated and sold six houses, pocketing $60,000 from the sale of their very first home when they were just 18 years old.
Josh and Jenna: A Glorious Country Retreat
Fan favorites Josh and Jenna Densten, who shot to fame on the hit series in 2011, have recently transformed a derelict farmhouse in rural Victoria into a glorious country retreat. Situated in Rutherglen, 294 km from Melbourne, the couple has carefully restored the classic stone dwelling over the last two years. Plans for the home renovation included a rumpus room for their two daughters and a vineyard. The Denstens, who have bought and restored several homes since their TV debut, revealed that no one had lived on the Rutherglen site for almost a decade before they bought it.
Leah and Ash: A Luxurious Bedroom Renovation
The controversial 2023 Block couple Leah and Ash recently shared their renovation of a bedroom for Brisbane Lions player Josh Dunkley and his partner, Queensland Firebirds netballer Tippah Dwan. Highlights include a spectacular en-suite and a walk-in wardrobe with a grand arched entrance. This comes after the couple finally managed to offload their House 2 from The Block for $3.125 million in February, placing them third behind Steph and Gian, and Eliza and Liberty.
Dylan and Jenny: A Luxury Resort-Style Home
Dylan and Jenny Adams, who appeared on The Block in 2022, have launched into an amazing renovation on Queensland’s Gold Coast. Located in Palm Beach, the luxury resort-style home will boast five bedrooms, three bathrooms, cavernous open-plan interiors with chic skylights, a pool and timber deck in the backyard, and spacious living areas. The tradie couple, who own the luxury building company Smooth Sailing Designs, have been sharing sneak previews of their Palm Beach spread via artist’s impressions on their company’s Instagram page.
From the beaches of Newcastle to the rolling hills of Rutherglen, these former Blockheads have proven that their renovation skills extend far beyond the confines of the show. With determination, vision, and a keen eye for design, they have transformed ordinary properties into extraordinary homes, leaving an indelible mark on the Australian real estate landscape.
As The Block embarks on its 20th season, these impressive post-show renovations serve as a testament to the enduring impact of the series and the talent it has fostered over the years. With each new season, a fresh crop of contestants will undoubtedly leave their mark, carrying on the legacy of breathtaking transformations that have captivated audiences for two decades. The legacy of The Block lives on, one remarkable renovation at a time.
