The Block’s $3 million Daylesford auction will see five identical dream homes compete for glory in the franchise’s most daring finale yet. Image: Nine
Five identical dream homes, one showdown in the heart of the country: The Block’s Daylesford experiment is about to undergo the ultimate test.
The five carbon-neutral properties at Middleton Field, each worth between $3 million and $3.3 million, will go under the hammer this Saturday in what is expected 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 hottest real estate market.
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House 1 – Emma and Ben Cox – 5 Cedar Lane
Emma and Ben Cox transformed their Daylesford home into a warm, mid-century-inspired retreat, complete with a moody underground wine cellar. Image: Channel 9
Price guide: $3 million – $3.3 million
Agent: Aaron Hill & Jamee Favorito, Ray White Sunbury
High school students Emma and Ben Cox came in as seasoned renovators and finished as the season’s sentimental favorites.
After seven years of auditioning, the Melbourne couple finally made the choice – just as they discovered they were expecting their first child.
Their mid-century, country design delivered standout wins for the guest suite and backyard and pool, earning praise for native landscaping and a moody underground wine cellar that the judges described as “a beautiful retreat for adults.”
The Melbourne couple balanced pregnancy, precision and design flair to create one of The Block’s most heartfelt family homes.
“It was the ultimate test of teamwork and trust,” said Emma.
We were proud of what we produced every week, even when we missed out on the win.”
Ben said their focus was on livability.
“We wanted a home that a real family could enjoy. It had to feel comfortable and not artificial.”
Aaron Hill from Ray White Sunbury said the buyer connection was immediate.
“This property walks the line between family and prestige,” said Hill.
“You have craftsmanship, warmth and sophistication – buyers from Melbourne’s east and northwest are already circling.”
House 2 – Han & Can – 4 Cedar Lane
Han and Can’s bold “Flow Estate” design – with its sculptural amber resin bath – became The Block’s most talked-about statement.
Guide: $3m-$3.3m
Agents: Natalie Fagan & Ashlee McKee, Belle Property Daylesford
Perth creatives Han Thetford and Can Wood became the artistic risk takers of the season.
Their ‘Flow Estate’ home was a masterclass in bold design, flowing curves, gold accents and an amber resin bathtub that glowed like honey in the afternoon light.
The Perth couple’s fearless creativity and bold finishes turned their identical floor plan into a unique masterpiece.
They scored wins for their Main Ensuite and Rumpus Room and weathered one of the fiercest debates of the season over that bathtub, which divided judges and fans alike.
“We wanted to make people feel something,” they said.
“That’s what design is for, emotion, not just approval.”
Natalie Fagan of Belle Property Daylesford said the individuality of the house set it apart.
“Every inspection feels like walking into a gallery,” Ms Fagan said.
“Design-conscious couples from Melbourne and even Sydney have been drawn to the sculptural quality and bold aesthetic.”
House 3 – Britt & Taz Etto – 3 Cedar Lane
Britt and Taz Etto’s tranquil, cohesive ‘Modern Organic Luxury’ home captured the Daylesford dream in stone, wood and light.
Guide: $3m-$3.3m
Agent: Mark Nunn, Buxton Ballarat
Western Australian police officers Britt and Taz Etto produced one of the most cohesive houses of the season.
Their Modern Organic Luxury design mixed natural stone, wood and layered neutral colors to create a calm, restorative feeling.
They achieved the most wins (four in total), including Kitchen Week, Kids’ Rooms and Back-of-House.
The Western Australian duo delivered one of The Block’s most complete and consistent builds, receiving rave reviews for the flow and finish.
Their living and dining space, centered around a sandstone fireplace and wood-paneled ceiling, was hailed by critics as one of the best in the show.
Mark Nunn said the investigation was ‘off the charts’.
“House 3 meets all the requirements,” he said.
“It’s cohesive, consistent and completely ready to live in. The feedback is strongest from professional couples and families moving from Melbourne who want peace and quiet without sacrificing sophistication.”
The Herald Sun contacted Britt and Taz for comment.
House 4 – Sonny and Alicia Aplin – 2 Cedar Lane
Sonny and Alicia Aplin’s Daylesford home combines familial warmth with investor appeal, led by their striking cabana and front lawn triumph.
Guide: $3m-$3.3m
Agents: Tom Shaw, Biggin & Scott Daylesford
Queenslanders Sonny and Alicia Aplin battled through adversity to finish strong. Their victory in the Front Garden – with the rustic kangaroo sculpture ‘Rusty’ – and a cabana with sauna and kitchenette were major highlights.
The Queensland couple’s resilience and craftsmanship were on display as they built a functional, valuable home under pressure.
Despite stricter assessments, their home stands out as a surprise investment project of the season, with the highest tax depreciation benefits of any Block property.
The property is being offered through Tom Shaw of Biggin & Scott Daylesford, which has attracted 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 and Mat Johnson – 1 Cedar Lane
Robby Lippett and Mat Johnson’s “contemporary country home” impressed with an underground wine cellar, pickleball court and large outdoor space.
Guide: $3 million – $3.3 million
Agent: Kim McQueen, McQueen Real Estate Auctioneer: Tom Panos
Adelaide best friends Robby Lippett and Mat Johnson started as self-described greenhorns – one a hairdresser, the other a hairdresser – and ended up as serious contenders.
Their “contemporary mansion” combined luxury with warmth: an underground wine cellar, a pickleball court and an expansive outdoor space with a stone fireplace.
“Everyone saw two barbers and assumed we were going to have a hard time,” Robby said.
“We built for the buyer, not just for the judges.”
Adelaide’s best friends went from reno rookies to serious contenders in The Block’s $3 million Daylesford auction.
“It’s the hardest thing we’ve ever done, but we’re proud of every stone,” Mat said.
Kim McQueen, director of McQueen Real Estate, said the plot’s location and views of agricultural land have made it one of the most sought-after properties in the region.
“This house has real prestige appeal,” Ms McQueen said.
“We have had interest from Melbourne, Geelong and regional buyers seeking a turnkey rural lifestyle.
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