It’s front garden and façade week — our final reveal for The Block 2021! We’re always sad when the rooms are done and dusted because we love bringing you these weekly recaps. Minus the drama of course… good grief there was an excessive amount of drama this season, wouldn’t you agree?!
We’ve loved how different the houses have been this year. It’s made things much more interesting and given us loads of style and design inspiration.
It’s been pretty obvious, even way back in week 1, that Ronnie and Georgia’s House 1 has been our fave. We think Kirsty and Jesse have a pretty good shot at taking out top prize come auction day though!
But what about you? Which is your fave house? And which was your favourite room? Let’s chat in the comment section below!
Related article: The Block 2021: Week 11 — Garage, study and wine cellar week
Related article: The Block 2020: Week 10 — Front garden and facade reveal
Ronnie and Georgia
What a statement! Ronnie and Georgia have finished off House 1 with a bang. The judges loved their front garden and façade, with Darren calling it a, “Modern masterpiece.”
Featuring a standing-seam Colorbond clad façade with matching garage door it was chic, sleek and sure to appeal to potential buyers.
We really liked the statement brick wall as it gave the garden a more natural feel, contrasting with the beautiful modern façade of the home. However it’s a relatively low front fence so we’re a bit nervous about the lack of privacy thanks to that glass front door. This was something we expressed concern over during hallway week, however things may improve once those lovely hedges grow taller and fuller.
The judges praised the pair on their artfully-placed plantings and pathways. We loved that circular sculptural succulent garden and is that not the fanciest beehive you’ve ever seen?! We agree with the judges who called it a front yard to catch the eye.
Bravo Ronnie and Georgia, we will miss your impeccable style and endless design inspo!
Score: 27 / 30 (3rd place)
Mitch and Mark
Taking out top spot this week, Mitch and Mark finished off their beloved House 2 with a near-perfect score. After copping a bit of slack about their less than kid-friendly backyard, they made serious amends with the ideal play space for front garden and façade week.
We loved the tree-surround seat. It would be the perfect spot to watch the kids go crazy on that in-built trampoline and quirky little cubby house.
Mitch and Mark kept their fence and façade classic with what the judges described as the ‘perfect’ white picket fence and a brick paved pathway that looked worn and loved (in a good way). We’re lovers of statement front doors and thought the soft pink door was the perfect addition to this home. Get more fabulous front door inspo here.
We couldn’t help but think this would have been much better if it’d been the backyard, making it much more accessible for the kids to play. However it’s clear the couple really thought about how best to use the space they had. It’s a spectacular front garden and the judges couldn’t get enough.
“Storytelling at its best,” is how Neale summed it up. We will miss Mitch and Mark’s over-styling each and every week 😉
Score: 29½ / 30 (1st place)
Tanya and Vito
It was a simple, pared back design but executed well. Tanya and Vito completed their quirky House 3 with an equally unique front garden and façade.
With its distinctive roofline, impressive panel of windows together with that bright yellow door and cool as teal garage door, there’s no denying the house makes a statement!
We thought the crazy pave path and brick fence worked a treat and the miniature house mailbox was the cherry on top. The judges were concerned about the home having no barrier to the street, minimal lighting and small plants near the door. However they all agreed the unique style from the home had been carried through to the curb to create a, “Dream come true,” for the right buyer.
Score: 24 / 30 (5th place)
Josh and Luke
It certainly was simple. Josh and Luke finished off House 4 with a stellar effort on their front garden and house façade. The first thing we noticed was the beautiful, lush grassed space, as well as those huge concrete steps which were elegant as well as practical.
As for the white painted brick fence… we don’t feel it worked with the overall aesthetics of the space. The judges said the same. We’d have preferred to see something like the black slatted style they used in other parts of the yard. Or, perhaps painting the brick a softer colour so it was less stark.
While we thought the sectioned off workout area was clever having artificial grass, we did wonder if it was really necessary to have a separate space? And would an area like that work better in the backyard rather than out the front?
In case you’re wondering, yes… we still think that single car garage featuring a door within a door from last week is weird!
In terms of the overall space, the judges called it, “Simple, structural elegance.” We will miss the mishmash style and overuse of glass fronted cabinetry from Josh and Luke! We’re really interested to see how the house fares when it goes under the hammer.
Score: 24½ / 30 (4th place)
Kirsty and Jesse
Now this is what a front garden should be! Kirsty and Jesse have clearly thought about how a family would actually use a front garden space. And they got it bang on.
A wide driveway, big enough for a fleet of cars, and a basketball ring — tick! A sweet hanging swing, space for scooters and a game or two of totem tennis… tick, tick, tick! This would have been our pick for top spot this week because it is practical as well as beautiful.
The entry to the home via the arbour is pretty special. And once those climbing plants cover it, it will be even more beautiful. The judges were seriously impressed, taking in the large expanse of grass, separated garden beds and plants that will mature to give privacy which still maintain street appeal.
Neale went as far as to say, “This is the best property that has been delivered on The Block.” Huge praise! We can’t wait to see what buyers think come auction day.
We love how Kirsty and Jesse had a clear vision from day dot. And while it took them a few weeks to find their groove, they came in leaps and bounds producing a very Hamptons home that is sure to impress the masses.
Score: 28½ / 30 (2nd place)
What did you think of front garden and façade week? Which couple do you think will take out the auction and top prize?! And which has been your favourite room of The Block 2021? Chat with us in the comment section below!
Be sure to check out The Block Shop if you’ve spied something you love in this week’s room reveals. And you can catch all The Block 2021 goss on the nine now official website.
All imagery by David Cook Photography