Friday 19th August

Time’s up! The Block goes to Auction!

This weekend marks the Auction of Melbourne’s most viewed houses with The Block homes going head to head at auction.

Competing for the highest auction price, couples Josh and Jenna, Polly and Waz, Tania and Rod, and sisters Katrina and Amie, will be in the running to win a tidy $100 thousand. However, it is possible to have smiles all round, as any profit made on each house, goes directly into the pockets of its respective designers.
 
With five kids between them, Katrina and Amie are no strangers to the building scene, having each built new homes in the past. Katrina, having also renovated a 1930s dwelling, benefits from her career in real estate. 
“Being sisters, their similar sense of style and ability to get along has enabled them to be on the same page with a lot of decisions,” says agent Jodie McCarthy.
 
Tania and Rod, the most experienced renovating team on The Block series this year, have renovated and built several homes previously, most notably a 50-square house they built from the ground up, complete with tennis court and pool, that they did most of the work themselves. 
“A Sheet Metal worker in his real life, [the couple] are very hands and have a keen eye for detail and an obsession for quality and getting it right the first time. They have been able to save a lot of money on labour, and instead sink it into quality fittings and fixtures for the house,” says Clayton Smith.
 
Hands-on country couple, Josh and Jenna, are the youngest couple ever to appear on The Block, and have won the most ‘Rooms of the Week’ titles of the series. 
“[Jenna and Josh] have done an amazing job and have found their niche in life – renovating houses! This home includes a master bedroom with a walk in robe which Carrie Bradshaw would die for, and an ensuite that has been claimed as the best room ever on any of The Block series,” says Agent, Ruth Roberts.
 
City girl Polly and country boy Warwick, or Waz to his friends, have been an item for three years and pride themselves on their competitive spirit and their capable nature. 
“Polly and Waz are a delightful couple. They’re vibrant and excitable and a pleasure to work with. They really are just what they’re like on television,” says agent, Russell Cambridge.
 
Watercress Productions bought the row of rundown Victorian and Edwardian terraces in Richmond after they passed in at auction last November for $2.85 million. They ultimately paid $3.6 million for all four properties, making each one owe them nearly $950 thousand, after stamp duty.
 
To view Polly and Waz’s property video, click here.
To view Katrina and Amie’s property video, click here.
Or click here to view all listings on Thehomepage.

Historic Darriwill expects over $11m

Dougal and Nellie Ramsay are selling their property north of Geelong, in Sutherlands Creek, for over $11 million.

Dougal, a celebrated illustrator, has his works in many private collections in both Australia and overseas. His illustrations have also appeared on some of the clothing by his daughter, prominent fashion designer Arabella Ramsay. The couple are also behind the ‘Darriwill Farm’ line of stores, who specialise in unique and exclusive gourmet food, giftware and boutique wines.
 
An historic landmark in the area, ‘Darriwill’ is spread across five titles, totalling an impressive 960 acres. The property features a gracious Victorian Bluestone homestead, built in 1856, which has featured in Country Style and Vogue Living.
 
The spacious, stately grounds feature expansive lawns and beautiful mature trees, with a pond, pool, lakes, bluestone woolshed, cattle yards, olive grove, a 10-acre vineyard, three separate charming fully renovated cottages, and a one-bedroom flat with studio and office. It also includes five stables and a stallion box with hayloft and coach house, all in superb original condition with stunning cobblestone floors.
 
For further information, find it on Millionplus.

Melbourne estate is right on Kew

 A stunning estate in the prestigious Melbourne suburb of Kew is for sale this month, with expectations above $6 million.

Set within the esteemed Yarra Bend area, the 1930’s home has been graciously transformed by award winning architect Phillip Mannerheim, who won three awards at 2010 HIA, and took out the ‘House of the year’ award in 2007.

“A stunning example of classic architecture with exemplary appointments throughout providing the ultimate in indoor and outdoor lifestyle,” says Agent Peter Vigano.

The family-style home spans over 70 squares and is set amidst beautiful landscaped gardens that offer absolute privacy within resort style surroundings. The home features a palatial Master suite with dressing room, double ensuite, and a secluded sun terrace. It includes four further bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple entertaining spaces, full home cinema, separate gym, and parking for four cars.

The property also includes a tennis court and a sumptuous heated pool.

For further information, find it on Millionplus.

P!nk upgrades to a family abode

American singer-songwriter and Pop Star extraordinaire, P!nk, is selling her home in California for $4 million.

The singer, who’s non-stage name is Alecia Beth Moore, paid $2 million for the Spanish-style home in 2002.

Built in 1946, the very private home includes a double-gated driveway, which leads to an impressive entry with antique hand-carved double doors. Beyond these are four bedrooms, four bathrooms, formal dining  room, formal living with  vaulted ceiling and open fireplace, games room with a flagstone chimney breast,  family room with built-in bookcases, and an eat-in kitchen with commercial stainless steel appliances.

The outdoor areas include numerous entertaining terraces, swimming pool, grotto-style spa, built-in fire pit, and alfresco dining area with a built-in barbecue.

P!nk and her husband, professional motocross racer Carey Hart, welcomed a son, named Willow Sage Hart,  into the world last year and have already moved onto a very grown up $11.8 million family pad.