Here we are! Just one final outdoor space left, and the Block Island contestants will finally complete their homes! Though the clubhouse remains to be tackled, the teams are close to putting down their tools and admiring a finished house... assuming they can wrap it all up in time. With budgets stretched thin and energy …
Here we are! Just one final outdoor space left, and the Block Island contestants will finally complete their homes!
Though the clubhouse remains to be tackled, the teams are close to putting down their tools and admiring a finished house… assuming they can wrap it all up in time. With budgets stretched thin and energy even thinner, this week was a real challenge for some teams as they pushed to give their homes that all-important curb appeal that might secure them the win—and a brand-new Ford Mustang Mach-E to drive home!
From last-minute trees being hauled in to tackling landscaping obstacles and more, it was a race to the finish line.
1st – Courtney & Grant 38
“Lush, luxurious, and welcoming,” said Darren, with Dave noting it was a “perfectly coastal” front garden featuring all the plants he had envisioned—including magnolias framing the entrance, lilly pillies along the sides, and a calming water feature. The striking contrast between the black-and-white cladding and the creamy travertine paving wowed the judges. Although the garage could have used a bit more attention, the pathway leading to the front door was another highlight, with its vibrant accents, thoughtfully chosen handles, and well-designed lighting. “A dream entry,” Marty commented (even with a minor grout issue Dave spotted), completed with a charming planter box holding a Kalamata olive tree. So Moditerranean!
If you’d like to SHOP Courtney and Grant’s space head here.
2nd – Ricky & Haydn 36 ½
Ricky and Haydn made a bold statement with their enormous palm tree, stopping the judges in their tracks as they approached House 3. “What a statement!” Darren exclaimed, followed by an “Incredible!” from Dave and “Beyond phenomenal!” from Shaynna. This striking tree set the tone for a garden that won over all the judges, from the standout boat in the driveway to the vibrant pink garage door and matching front door, accented by a vintage pink flamingo in the garden. The sleek driveway led to a beautifully decorated garage packed with fishing gear and bordered by a thoughtfully designed garden featuring a coastal boardwalk. Marty admired the outdoor sofas but remained unsure about the front entertainment area and the Food Cubes, worried they might go unused. Overall, he felt this garden was highly marketable.
If you’d like to SHOP Ricky and Haydn’s space head here.
3rd – Kristian & Mimi 31 ½
With a side area dedicated to boat storage—unique on The Block Island—and a front porch furnished with stylish rope chairs and a daybed, House 5 offers what Marty called “an amazing Aussie porch,” even without a ceiling. Dave described the front yard as simple but well-executed, making it a welcoming introduction to the home. However, it was the upstairs balcony that truly won over the judges. Perfect for taking in ocean views, the balcony features a high-end BBQ, a separate dining table, and planters for added privacy—a space to truly enjoy. While the judges thought an outdoor fireplace would elevate it even more, and Shaynna noted a bit of layout redundancy with dining tables close together, they agreed it was a fantastic spot to appreciate the island scenery—hard to beat!
If you’d like to SHOP Kristian and Mimi’s space you can head here.
4th – Maddy & Charlotte 31
“What a façade!” Shaynna exclaimed as she approached House 1, admiring the blend of color tones. For Dave, the standout feature was the textured driveway, while Darren was impressed by one of the best-styled garages he’s seen on The Block, fully equipped with a dryer ready for a sandy beach day cleanup. The inclusion of a solar inverter, battery system, and electric car charger was a big plus for the judges, as were the playful beach mural and inviting lounge chair. However, the front garden felt a bit sparse to Shaynna, who suggested adding more plants and perhaps a bold color for the front door. Marty emphasized the importance of curb appeal, noting that this façade could use a little extra.
If you’d like to SHOP Maddy and Charlotte’s space head here.
5th – Kylie & Brad 26
The judges praised House 4 for its stunning façade and strong buyer appeal. A stylish mirror on the front porch, a lovely deck with a view of the neighbor’s towering palm, and a BBQ area with a well-proportioned outdoor table and cane chair made a striking impression—even if some elements were still incomplete. However, Shaynna noted that sparse plantings left the home with limited privacy, and Dave felt the landscaping was too stark, with the seating area positioned uncomfortably close to the street. Marty pointed out that the absence of a lounge area was a missed opportunity, but the side plantings, especially the private pathway to the tennis court, were a winning touch. Marty called it a brilliant addition that could be a significant asset at auction.
If you’d like to SHOP Kylie and Brad’s space head here.
Images owned by the Nine Network Australia, provided by The Block Shop. Photography credits David Cook Photography.
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