The Block Daylesford homes hit $3m auction showdown

Five identical dream homes, one heartland showdown, The Block’s Daylesford experiment is about to face the ultimate test.

The five carbon-neutral properties at Middleton Field, each guided between $3m-$3.3m, will go under the hammer this Saturday in what’s tipped to be the franchise’s most unpredictable finale in recent years.

From underground wine cellars and pickleball courts to amber-resin bathtubs and golf simulators, the season transformed Victoria’s spa capital into the country’s most-watched property market.

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House 1 – Emma & Ben Cox – 5 Cedar Lane

Price guide: $3m-$3.3m
Agent: Aaron Hill & Jamee Favorito, Ray White Sunbury

High-school sweethearts Emma and Ben Cox came in as seasoned renovators and ended as the season’s sentimental favourites.

After seven years of auditioning, the Melbourne couple finally made the cut — just as they discovered they were expecting their first child.

Their mid-century-meets-country design delivered standout wins for the Guest Suite and Backyard and Pool, earning praise for native landscaping and a moody underground wine cellar described by judges as “a beautiful adult retreat.”

“It was the ultimate test of teamwork and trust,” Emma said.”

We were proud of what we produced every single week, even when we missed the win.”

Ben said their focus was on liveability.

“We wanted a home a real family could enjoy. It had to feel comfortable, not contrived.”

Ray White Sunbury’s Aaron Hill said buyer connection had been instant.

“This property walks the line between family and prestige,” Mr Hill said.
“You’ve got craftsmanship, warmth and sophistication — buyers from Melbourne’s inner east and northwest are already circling.”

House 2 – Han & Can – 4 Cedar Lane

Guide: $3m-$3.3m

Agent: Natalie Fagan & Ashlee McKee, Belle Property Daylesford

Perth creatives Han Thetford and Can Wood became the season’s artistic risk-takers.

Their “Flow Estate” home was a masterclass in daring design, sweeping curves, gold accents and an amber-resin bathtub that glowed like honey in the afternoon light.

They scored wins for their Main Ensuite and Rumpus Room and endured one of the season’s fiercest debates over that bathtub, which divided both judges and fans.

“We wanted to make people feel something,” they said.

“That’s what design is for, emotion, not just approval.”

Belle Property Daylesford’s Natalie Fagan said the home’s individuality had set it apart.

“Every inspection feels like walking into a gallery,” Ms Fagan said.

“Design-savvy couples from Melbourne and even Sydney have been drawn to its sculptural quality and bold aesthetic.”

House 3 – Britt & Taz Etto – 3 Cedar Lane

Guide: $3m-$3.3m

Agent: Mark Nunn, Buxton Ballarat

Western Australian police officers Britt and Taz Etto produced one of the most cohesive homes of the season.

Their Modern Organic Luxury design blended natural stone, timber and layered neutrals to create a calm, restorative feel.

They tied for the most wins — four overall — including Kitchen Week, Kids’ Rooms, and Back-of-House.

Their living and dining space, centred on a sandstone fireplace and timber-panelled ceiling, was hailed by critics as among the show’s best.

Mark Nunn said enquiry had been “off the charts.”

“House 3 ticks every box,” he said.

“It’s cohesive, consistent and completely ready to live in. Feedback has been strongest from professional couples and families relocating from Melbourne who want serenity without sacrificing sophistication.”

The Herald Sun contacted Britt and Taz for comment.

House 4 – Sonny & Alicia Aplin – 2 Cedar Lane

Guide: $3m-$3.3m

Agent: Tom Shaw, Biggin & Scott Daylesford

Queenslanders Sonny and Alicia Aplin fought through setbacks to finish strong. Their Front Garden win — featuring the rustic kangaroo sculpture “Rusty” — and a cabana with sauna and kitchenette were major highlights.

Despite tougher judging, their home stands out as the season’s surprise investment play, offering the highest tax-depreciation benefits of any Block property.

The property is listed through Biggin & Scott Daylesford’s Tom Shaw, who has been fielding interest from both lifestyle and investor buyers ahead of Saturday’s auction.

The Herald Sun contacted Sonny and Alicia for comment.

House 5 – Robby Lippett & Mat Johnson – 1 Cedar Lane

Guide: $3m –$3.3m
Agent: Kim McQueen, McQueen Real Estate Auctioneer: Tom Panos

Adelaide best mates Robby Lippett and Mat Johnson began as self-proclaimed rookies — one a barber, the other a hairdresser — and ended as serious contenders.
Their “contemporary country” home combined luxury with warmth: an underground wine cellar, pickleball court and expansive alfresco with stone fireplace.

“Everyone saw two hairdressers and assumed we’d struggle,” Robby said.
“We built for the buyer, not just the judges.”

“It’s the hardest thing we’ve ever done, but we’re proud of every brick,” Mat said.

McQueen Real Estate director Kim McQueen said its end-lot position and farmland views had made it one of the most enquired-on properties in the region.

“This home has genuine prestige appeal,” Ms McQueen said.

“We’ve had interest from Melbourne, Geelong and regional buyers chasing a turnkey country lifestyle.

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david.bonaddio@news.com.au

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