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120 Lancaster Ave, Melrose Park will go to auction later this month.

Sydney’s inflated property prices may make a positive difference for a change.

The proceeds from the September 19 auction of a five-bedroom house on a coveted 855sqm block near the Parramatta River will be going to cancer research.

The late owner Ian Hemming decided to give the home in Melrose Park away as his dying wish and the hope is that the frantic bidding normally associated with Sydney auctions goes to a good cause.

Mr Hemming pledged the money should go to ovarian cancer research. He was reported to have made the decision after finding out it was one of the least funded fields of cancer research.

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There is a price guide of $1.5m for the home on Lancaster Ave but the large block size and rare location on a popular strip could attract a mix of buyers and it may go for higher if the right buyer comes along.

Recent sales in the area have ranged from about $1.5m-$1.75m.

The property is in a coveted position near the water.

Mr Hemming enlisted the help of his neighbour Ros Scott to oversee the sale. She said she didn’t realise until after his death that he planned to donate the entire proceeds to ovarian cancer research.

“He was a really humble, kind-hearted man, and wanted to make a difference,” Ms Scott said.

“When (his) dad passed away some years ago, Ian started talking about what he might do with the house and said he wanted to do something positive … I didn’t know for sure he would donate the whole amount.”

Selling agent Neil Robson of Ray White-Gladesville said it was one auction where the buyers may not mind as much if it sells for a motser.

“Buyers will still come with their usual budgets and I don’t think anyone will want to pay more than they have to but I think people will be a bit more understanding this time,” he said.

Mr Robson said he appreciated the gesture as his mother died from ovarian cancer several years ago.

“This is a great opportunity for me to honour her and do something to give back that raises awareness and funds for ovarian cancer,” Mr Robson.

“It’s a big responsibility and I’m conscious of ensuring that we do the right thing and make sure we can get as much as we can for the charity.”

The late owner Ian Hemming wanted to make a positive difference.

The auction will come on the heels of another charitable real estate transaction in the region.

The owners of an Epping home decided to list their property for auction without a reserve in the hope it would sell for less. The move backfired with the home selling for about $300,000 more than expected so the family made a sizeable charity donation with the money instead.

The post Proceeds from auction of Melrose Park house to go to cancer research appeared first on realestate.com.au.

The four semis and one freestanding home at 195-203 O’Sullivan Road, Bellevue Hill sold for circa $23m to a developer.

Here’s an inspiring story — a group of five Bellevue Hill homeowners have got together and sold their properties for about $23m to an apartment developer.

Ist City principal Brad Caldwell-Eyles masterminded last week’s sale of the four semis and one freestanding house at 195-203 O’Sullivan Road, which face the golf course.

Caldwell-Eyles estimates the total price paid for amalgamated site that totals 2000sqm was between 20 and 25 per cent more than if the homes had been sold off individually.

“The homeowners are all pretty shrewd people and they knew they had R3 zoning, which allows for medium-density apartments,” Caldwell-Eyles told the Wentworth Courier.

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The purchasers of 195-203 O’Sullivan Road site were Clutch Capital, which is building Dusk apartments at 627 Old South Head Road, Rose Bay (artist’s impression).

He declined to reveal the identity of the homeowners, but property records show they include Neil Webster, Australian distributor for BRIG inflatable boats; Emeritus Professor at the University of Sydney Leo Radom and his psychologist wife, Faye; builder Carlton Bracewell of Bracewell Constructions and Michael Dinte of the Dint golfing family and his wife, Denise.

Denise Dinte is from the famous Cadry rugs family, who are known to have sold land previously to the same developers who purchased this site: Clutch Capital.

Property records show Cadrys owned one of the homes at 627 Old South Head Road, Rose Bay, where Clutch Capital is now building Dusk, a block of nine luxury apartments, which is just three months from completion.

Dusk consists of nine apartments. The O’Sullivan Road site is larger and could accommodate up to 15 apartments.

The 1st City team also put together that deal: an amalgamation of two sites totalling 922 sqm.

The O’Sullivan Road site will accommodate more apartments. It’s estimated 15 units could be built there.

Ist City was also instrumental in the sale of 520-534 Old South Head Road, now the site of the Aristocrat apartment block which is nearing completion.

They also bought a Rose Bay service station and an old Art Deco waterfront block for a developer client that netted its vendors a combined value of $23.5m. They would have sold for about $15m if sold off separately.

Caldwell-Eyles has put together a large number of the east’s highest-profile development sites.

An artist’s impression of Aristocrat, which is nearing completion at 520-534 Old South Head Road, Rose Bay.

“We are the site guys in the east,” Caldwell-Eyles said.

“Not every property or group of properties suit.

“Plainly planning controls for FSR; height and zoning are key.

“It’s not magic — simply maths.

“We have an enormous developer client base and are able to leverage our contacts to maximise our seller’s outcome.

“Our vendor clients are comprehensively educated on the feasibility prior to our offering sites to our database.”

Caldwell-Eyles is about to launch 1700sqm of R3 land in Double Bay.

He expects interest from $14m.

The post Five Bellevue Hill homeowners sell their properties to an apartment developer for circa $23m appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Emilia Clarke is saying goodbye to her Malibu home. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)

The final season may have divided the world, but it’ll be hard to find anything bad to say about the Game of Thrones’ star’s stunning houses.

Actress Emilia Clarke, aka Daenerys Targaryen, has put her oceanside retreat on the market, with an asking price of $6.87 million (US$4.995 million).

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The home is very private with large fence and trees blocking it from the street. Picture: Realtor

The pool and lounge area. Picture: Realtor

The living area has high ceilings and large open shelves. Picture: Realtor

The London-born TV star reportedly paid US$4.64 million for the modern-style property in the LA beach town of Venice in 2016.

However, she doesn’t appear to have spent a lot of time there over the past year or so, with the property being listed for rent, with the going rate to live in the Mother of Dragons’ nest listed at $25,000 per month.

Picture: Realtor

The kitchen. Picture: Realtor

Picture: Realtor

Perhaps the 33-year-old’s busy shooting schedule — both for the end of the HBO epic series, and for her appearance in “Solo: A Star Wars Story”— may not have given her much downtime on the beach.

Built in 2009 and set behind a private gate, the remodelled home has been designed with privacy in mind — hidden from the road and neighbouring homes by a walled courtyard and mature trees.

Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones.

One of the home’s two bedrooms. Picture: Realtor

The ensuite with large bath. Picture: Realtor

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Te 265 sqm living space has two bedrooms across two storeys, and is close to trendy shops and restaurants, and within walking distance to the beach.

The living area features floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and a fireplace. The open kitchen adjacent to the living area comes with custom wood cabinets, a marble backsplash, and large island with bar seating.

Picture: Realtor

Picture: Realtor

The floating staircase leads to two ensuite bedrooms including the main bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe and spa-style bathroom. The bedroom also boasts views of the pool and patio.

Other highlights of the home include a media room, 10m swimming pool, outdoor lounge space, and casual dining area.

Picture: Realtor

The post Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke is selling her Venice beach house appeared first on realestate.com.au.

PROPERTY searches by potential interstate buyers looking to snap up a new home in Tasmania have increased 29 per cent, new data shows.

It comes as local agents report an increase in inquiries from mainlanders keen to relocate to the Apple Isle or invest in their own “bug out” safe haven, free from COVID-19.

Over the past three months, realestate.com.au property search data shows that Hobart continues to attract the most attention, with Hobart City, Sandy Bay and West Hobart the most clicked on suburbs.

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Hobart City.

Buyers in Melbourne, which has been under a strict level four lockdown due to outbreaks of COVID-19, have led the charge on Tassie property searches, with six of the top 10 ‘origin of searches’ coming out of the Victorian capital.

Melbourne’s popular Southbank precinct during stage four COVID-19 lockdown. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ David Crosling

Interstate buyers in Brisbane (Inner City and South) and Sydney (City and Inner South; Inner West) are also actively searching for property in Hobart, the data shows.

***

TOP 10 INTERSTATE LOCATIONS (SA4) SEARCHING HOBART PROPERTY

1. Melbourne – Inner

2. Melbourne – Inner South

3. Melbourne – West

4. Sydney – City and Inner South

5. Melbourne – South East

6. Melbourne – Inner East

7. Brisbane Inner City

8. Melbourne – North West

9. Sydney – Inner West

10. Brisbane – South

(Source: Top SA4s where most searches have come from (origin location) in the last three months, realestate.com.au)

***

REA chief economist Nerida Conisbee said they often saw the most interest in the Hobart market coming out of Melbourne.

“I think Melbourne residents identify more with the climate, lifestyle and culture in Hobart than anywhere else,” she said.

“Whereas when you look at somewhere like the Gold Coast, it is people in Sydney who are dominating their property searches.”

17 Sonning Crescent, Sandy Bay is listed for a prices in the $2.5 million range (Charlotte Peterswald for Property)

Ms Conisbee said that while it was too early to tell if those property searches would translate into actual sales, she does believe that there will be some level of population shift, particularly if the pandemic continues to drag on.

Other popular suburbs being searched by potential interstate buyers include Lindisfarne, Howrah, Bellerive, Lenah Valley and Battery Point.

11 Fielding Drive, West Hobart is on the market for offers over $950,000 (Fall Real Estate)

It comes as social demographer Bernard Salt coined a new and emerging demographic in Australia – the VESPAs, Virus Escapees Seeking Provincial Australia.

Mr Salt said regions had, for far too long, lost their youngest and brightest to the big cities but the pandemic had forced many city-dwellers to think differently about where and how they live and work.

“Live in the regions, telecommute, start a business, come up to town as you must, once a week or, better still, once a fortnight. Members of the VESPA movement might well be surprised by the sophistication of regional living as well as the (low) cost,” Mr Salt said.

25 Malunna Road, Lindisfarne, could be yours for $550,000. Harcourts.

Median house sales prices in the Greater Hobart region have seen huge growth over the past five years, up 43.9 per cent, according to the latest REA Market Trends report for August.

That is higher growth than any other capital city in Australia, but the Tasmanian capital still offers a more affordable price point than the bigger cities.

The current median house sales price for Greater Hobart is $508,000 – almost $40,000 less than Greater Brisbane, $232,000 less than Greater Melbourne and a whopping $461,500 less than Greater Sydney.

Sydney traffic after a fire in the Sydney Harbour Tunnel. Picture: 7News

However, Hobart landlords enjoy one of the best rental yields in the nation, a solid 4.81 per cent.

Charlotte Peterswald for Property director Kim Morgan said he was not surprised by the data.

“We have been seeing this trend for six weeks, maybe longer, Last week alone I personally fielded about half a dozen inquiries (from mainland buyers),” he said.

“And I think many of them are expats wanting to come back to Tasmania.”

Mr Morgan said he believed the importance of space and lifestyle were becoming more attractive, with many workers realising they no longer needed to be shackled to a city office.

He said while Victorians were the ones making the most inquiries, he had also taken calls from would-be buyers in Brisbane.

“You always made excuses for living in the populous and congested bigger cities because you felt chained to the office, but now that has changed, so has the priorities,” he said.

“I have sold properties, sight unseen, to people who will be relocating as soon as the borders open … when those borders open I think we will see a surge of people wanting to relocate to a better place.”

Mr Morgan said Tasmania saw a ”modest” population shift when the NBN was rolled out across the state, with people relocating and working from the state, often with their employment still in the big cities.

He said with more workers unshackled from their traditional offices, and able to work remotely, that trend was expected to be amplified.

Matthew Pollock with partner Lauren Daley and son Henry 8 months who moved from interstate around a year ago and have now bought a house in Hobart. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Real Estate Institute of Tasmania president Mandy Welling said the Tasmanian housing market often boomed after major global events.

“After 9/11 and the Global Financial Crisis, when things calmed down a bit, our property market went crazy,” she said.

“The biggest concern is that we are already dealing with a massive supply and demand issue and I think there is a high chance that when the borders are relaxed we will see a massive influx of interstate buyers.

“And if prices start to take off again, people will fear they will miss out.”

***

TOP 10 SUBURBS BEING SEARCHED BY INTERSTATE BUYERS/MEDIAN HOUSE PRICE

1. Hobart $745,500

2. Sandy Bay $943,000

3. West Hobart $730,000

4. South Hobart $641,000

5. Lindisfarne $602,500

6. Howrah $570,000

7. North Hobart $608,000

8. Bellerive $700,000

9. Lenah Valley $625,000

10. Battery Point $1.375 million

(Source: Top 10 most searched suburbs from out of state in the last three months, realestate.com.au)

The post Interstate buyers looking to ‘bug out’ to COVID-19 free Tasmania appeared first on realestate.com.au.

The styling was en pointe inside the number one most-viewed listing, 1088 Killymoon Dr, Hope Island.

Spring selling season is now well underway on the Gold Coast and online search activity points to the types of properties at the top of buyer wishlists.

The latest data from realestate.com.au shows the top 10 most viewed residential real estate listings on the Gold Coast this year to date.

While beautiful homes in sought after beachside suburbs come as no surprise, the data also reveals a growing interest in acreage properties.

156 Tallai Rd, Tallai is the third most-viewed listing on the Gold Coast so far this year.

The third most viewed property listing on the Gold Coast this year is an opulent mansion in the hills at Tallai with a 16-seat cinema, a master bedroom with a roof that can open, wine cellar, pool, spa and gym among the many luxury inclusions.

First advertised for sale in February without a price guide, would-be buyers are still in the running after a contract on the 8888 sqm estate collapsed.

117 Wongawallan Road, Tamborine Mountain sold for $1.5 million.

Also in the top 10 was a five bedroom residence on 1.26ha at 117 Wongawallan Road, Tamborine Mountain which changed hands last month for $1.5 million.

Originally a BoysTown prize home, the mountain sanctuary has views of the ocean, lush manicured gardens, an established orchard, championship-size tennis court and a pool.

Beyond the hinterland, the most ogled properties are located all along the Coast.

Property lovers couldn’t get enough of 1088 Killymoon Drive, Hope Island.

The number one most viewed listing was a beautifully presented Hamptons-style sanctuary on the waterfront at 1088 Killymoon Drive, Hope Island.

That was snapped up in June for $2.51 million within a week of going to market, leaving thousands of online property peeps either disappointed or inspired.

2 Charlton street, Southport had a Hamptons-style makeover before going to market.

2 Charlton Street, Southport is now on the market.

On the central Gold Coast, another Hamptons-style palace at 2 Charlton Street, Southport continues to attract its fair share of eyeballs.

The seven bedroom stunner once dubbed the Kardashian Palace for its oppulent European style was given a coastal makeover to make it more appealing to the local market.

662 Pacific Parade, Tugun was the city’s second most-viewed property listing online.

On the beachfront, a jaw-dropping four-level mansion overlooking Flatrock beach at 662 Pacific Pde, Tugun was the second most viewed.

Expressions of interest are being sought for the Chris Clout design which features a glass-encased pool and an enviable Pacific Ocean vista.

Up the road in Mermaid Beach, an elevated 405 sqm block with upside potential at 65 Hedges Ave has been viewed over 27,000 times.

7 Tawarri Crescent, Burleigh Heads sold for $2.415 million.

An offer over $1.995 million could get you the keys to 9 Guyra Ave, Burleigh Heads.

Two new builds in the popular Koala Park pocket also clocked up the clicks —
7 Tawarri Crescent sold for $2.415 million in July while 9 Guyra Ave is listed for offers over $1.995 million.

Monaco Street in Broadbeach Waters is home to two popular properties, with a $12.5 million contract on 249-255 setting a new main river record last month while expressions of interest are being sought for a resort-style estate at 131-135.

The post Top 10 most viewed Gold Coast homes this year appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Real Estate: 289-295 Parramatta Rd, Leichhardt

A much loved inner west icon is on the market for the first time in over 20 years with a sweetener for the Sydney developers.

Built in 1934, The Albert Palais at Leichhardt boasts three street frontages across 823sqm and has played hosts to countless events and gatherings.

For many decades the venue at 289-295 Parramatta Road operated as a dance hall. In the late 1940s and early 1960s the Albert Palais was one of the most regarded venues in Sydney.

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There are two ballrooms at the venue.

In the early days the Albert Palais was renowned for playing old time dance music. Catering twenty-piece bands playing live music, the venue operated in the halcyon days where young and old danced to the sounds of Dean Martin, Tommy Dorsey, Stan Kenton and Duke Ellington.

As a dance venue, the Albert Palais was a go to place for dancing and socialising with other young people. This lead to it being dubbed the “Marriage Bureau” because so many people met and then later married there.

In 1981 the Albert Palais transformed into a venue hosting 600 guests and included musical entertainment, public speaking, food and catering, before becoming an events centre in the mid 1990s. Today, it hosts weddings, christenings, formals, debutante balls and dinners.

The foyer retains the charm of yesteryear.

The buyer has the potential to undertake a major redevelopment.

Ray White Commercial Sydney City Fringe principal Kristian Morris said while the venue was a popular evens centre, the site is perfect for buyers looking to repurpose or redevelop it.

“This landmark building is within the Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy, which means a proposed 17m height limit, and substantial uplift of the floor-to-space ratio from 1:1 to 3:1,” he said.

“In proximity to both Stanmore and Petersham train stations, the asset also offers great access to Sydney CBD and West, via Parramatta Road and City West Link.”

Real Estate: 289-295 Parramatta Rd, Leichhardt

The complex has three level and a gross building area of 1815sqm. It has four shops with Parramatta Road frontage, a function centre foyer, two ballrooms, three kitchens and access to 61 parking spaces in a council car park.

Currently it is 30 per cent leased, with the additional 70 per cent on flexible terms. Expressions of interest on 289-295 Parramatta Road close on September 10.

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The post Leichhardt’s Albert Palais dance venue on the market with development upside for developers appeared first on realestate.com.au.

No. 38 Foucart Street at Rozelle is on the market.

A 19th century bucket factory converted into an inner city oasis is shaping up to be one of the best properties to come up for sale in Rozelle this year.

Built in the 1880s, 38 Foucart Street is regarded as a local landmark, and has also been used over the past 140 years as a former mission hall and a photography studio.

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It fell into disrepair in the later part of the 20th century, before the current owners enlisted an architect to redesign the factory into a high-end residence after paying $950,000 in 2002.

The former bucket factory facade has been kept.

The finished product has kept the brick facade intact, along with interior character finishes such as the exposed roof beams, high wooden ceilings and the restored front door. The rear meanwhile is brand new with lots of glass used.

McGrath Balmain’s Cindy Kennedy said the property is one of the most unique to come up for sale in Rozelle.

“The facade is simply divine and it really captures the interest of locals whenever they walk past it,” she said.

The rear is modern.

Anzac Bridge and the city can be seen from the upper floors.

The property has been a smash hit with a number of buyers from across Sydney since it came up for sale last week, with some already eyeing the possibility of making an offer prior to the September 26 auction.

Listed with a $2.5m guide, the three-level residence has a high-end kitchen with an induction cooktop, contemporary cupboards, multiple living areas and off-street parking. It also has impressive skyline views of the city and Anzac Bridge.

Ms Kennedy said the floorplan is perfect for families, with the first floor dedicated to kids and guests, while the parents have their own level.

Downsizers, families and couples have shown the most interest so far.

The home combines contemporary style with character charm.

Other features include designer bathrooms, airconditioning, a landscaped terrace and a wine cellar.

Ms Kennedy said while the market is heading into the spring with lots of positive vibes, some buyers are becoming desperate.

“A lot of buyers are sick of missing out on homes repeatedly and are prepared to do whatever it takes to secure something,” she said.

The Rozelle suburb record is $5.7m and was set last year with the sale of a converted cottage at 6 Clare Street, according to CoreLogic.

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The post Former Rozelle bucket factory on the market after owners undertake stunning makeover appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Friends and first-home buyers Leah de Jacobi du Vallon and Sam Forssman have bought neighbouring units in Norlane. Picture: Glenn Ferguson

Two Geelong friends are looking forward to toasting their good fortune over the fence after buying their first homes next door to each other.

Affordable northern suburb Norlane proved the perfect entry point for Sam Forssman and Leah de Jacobi du Vallon to achieve the Great Australian Dream.

The pair had been househunting separately and realised after cross checking their appointment lists they were both looking at a new unit complex on the same day.

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Ms de Jacobi du Vallon said while they were both seeking different properties, the modern two-bedrooms units in Carnation Court ticked both their boxes.

After taking advantage of the government’s $20,000 first-home buyer grant for purchasing a new build in a regional area, they are set to move in later this month.

“We were looking at different properties around the same price range,” she said.

Leah de Jacobi du Vallon and Sam Forssman are looking forward to moving in next to each other later this month. Picture: Glenn Ferguson

“We both had this one on our list and we happened to like them, which worked out really well.

“It’s the best of both worlds because we get to live next door to each other but get to have our own properties.”

Ms Forssman said at one stage the pair had considered buying a house together to make it more affordable but she was able to access the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme.

It supports eligible first-home buyers to purchase with as little as a 5 per cent deposit.

This unit in the Carnation Court, Norlane complex, is still on the market for $365,000-$395,000.

Ms Forssman said she grew up in Grovedale and had hoped to stay on that side of Geelong but was impressed with the quality and location of the four-unit complex in Norlane.

“I work out that side of town and that pocket is really nice,” she said.

Harcourts, North Geelong agent Jasmine Jurkovic said for a price tag around $370,000, the woman had secured quality units in an area that was seeing a lot new development.

The quality of the new build appealed to the first-home buyers.

All the landscaping it already done at the units.

“That is a bit of shift, people are now prepared to spend a little bit more in those areas,” Ms Jurkovic said.

“The price has obviously gone up, but it’s under $400,000 so for a first-home buyer to be able to tap into the grants the government is handing out, they getting themselves something that is quality and in their budget.”

The post When good friends and first-home buyers become neighbours appeared first on realestate.com.au.

How did Harry and Tash’s bathroom score with the judges?

This season of The Block is shaping up as the most family-friendly, G-rated one yet. After 2019 was full of homophobia accusations and bitchiness, so far The Block 2020 has been peace, love and friendliness.

Luke and Keith’s dust up of earlier this week is over as soon as it began, with Keith dropping around to apologise.

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“I don’t want to fighting with you mate,” he says. “It’s been bothering me.”

“It’s been bothering me too,” Luke says and before you can say “show me some respect” there’s hugs all round (remember that one?).

Adding to the warm feelings is Keith and Dan leaping to the aid of Daniel and Jade, who have headed home to South Australia for Daniel’s grandfather’s funeral. They’re on the site early to supervise the pair’s tradies, and Dan is quickly back in a tool belt and cutting tiles to ensure they don’t fall behind.

But the G rating goes slightly out the window when Luke is asked how he feels about Jimmy and Tam finishing their bathroom 20 hours early and heading out for a free lunch from Scott Cam.

“F**k you,” he says. “Just f**k you.”

Luke and Jasmin’s guest bathroom with fluted shower screen and VJ panelling.

After judge Shaynna Blaze described their guest bedroom as the “most irrelevant” room on The Block last week, she was lucky not to cop the same, and now Luke and Jasmin are second, third and fourth guessing themselves on every decision.

They’ve chosen a fluted glass shower screen, and the decision on whether to put the hard-to-clean grooves facing into the shower or on the outside, has Jasmin hitting Google for the answer.

And then, when she gets the answer – that of course you don’t want the hard-to-clean bit on the inside, she goes ahead and does it anyway.

Then when her second choice of vanity arrives, she changes her mind again.

With vertically laid subway tiles, VJ panelling on the walls and that fluted shower screen, the vertical timbers of the vanity is just too much.

Jimmy and Tam’s guest bathroom, with entrance hidden in wardrobe.

“It was like walking into a bar code,” Luke says.

So with two hours left until power tools have to be unplugged, the search is on for a third vanity. Builder Ian miraculously comes up with a Tassie oak alternative, and it’s collected and installed with one minute to go.

Also fixed with minutes to go is the heated towel rail, which has been installed inexplicably close to the shower floor. Out it goes, and the tiles around it are replaced in lightning speed.

This time their triple guessing pays off, with the judges impressed with their choices.

Their gold fittings, timber panelling, understated grey patterned floor tiles and timber vanity are a perfect mix of 1910s throwbacks and modern style.

And the skylights get a big tick too.

The only things they got wrong? Putting the shower fluting on the inside, and the lack of a towel rail. Maybe if they’re quadruple guessed themselves they might have got full points.

George and Sarah’s bathroom has Hollywood glamour with blush pink tiles and hidden loo.

Also winning plaudits are Sarah and George, for their blush pink tribute to Hollywood glamour, plus their “deuce droppery”, tucked away behind a nib wall.

“This luxury is off the charts,” Shaynna says. “Luxury in space, luxury in scale, luxury in feel.”

They win points for underfloor heating, heated towel rail and black edging and tapware.

“It is part bathroom, part cathedral and Sarah and George have nailed the period reference,” Neale Whitaker says.

Their only gripe? The showerhead diverter is too high up for Shaynna to reach, unless she showered in her high heels.

Daniel and Jade though cop a pasting. They’ve done their bathroom in floor to ceiling marble, and have used an art deco style mirror true to their 1930s house, but the judges think those details only pay lip service to the era.

Daniel and Jade’s guest bathroom. Shaynna hated the grey laminate on the vanity and Neale felt the 1930s touches were token.

Shaynna describes their choice of grey laminate on their vanity as the worst possible and

Neale is annoyed they didn’t look to the bathroom across the hall for inspiration. The only inspiration Daniel is planning to take from that bathroom is how best to take a sledgehammer to it.

“Nothing relates to the room they delivered last week,” Neale says. “It’s a cop out. It’s a complete cop out. They have not acknowledged the period of the house. They have given us a generic bathroom.”

The judges are underwhelmed by Daniel and Jade’s bathroom

The judges admit that it’s a bathroom most buyers would love, and that’s all Jade and Daniel claim to care about.

“I’m stoked with what we’ve done,” he says.

Also copping it are Harry and Tash, for their choice of three different tiles and lack of any 1920s details.

Harry and Tash’s guest bathroom had way too many tile varieties.

Their square teal wall tiles are era appropriate, but combining them with a modern grey wall tile, and patterned grey floor tiles – which Keith had earlier remarked “I’m not a designer, but those are the worst tiles I’ve ever seen” – saw the judges mark them down.

Add to that the fact they didn’t bother with underfloor heating, their skylights and excellent finishes weren’t enough to keep them from bottom place.

The judging finished with Jimmy and Tam winning for the third time in three weeks. Their mint green square wall tiles, with matching white square tiles in sections, terrazzo floor, gold fittings, fluted glass windows, timber vanity and green basin had the judges swooning.

Jimmy and Tam’s guest bathroom was like a public pool changing room, but in a good way.

“It’s like a public pool change room,” Darren Palmer said, in what sounded like a massive burn until he followed up with: “It’s got that retro yesteryear childhood charm.”

The only thing they got wrong was forgetting to put a handle on the inside of those doors, which viewers will recall form a Narnia-like entrance as part of the bank of wardrobes in the guest bedrooms.

If this pair win the next room, surely the warm fuzzy vibe will turn to jealousy.

JUDGE’S SCORES

1 – JIMMY AND TAM 28.5

2. – SARAH AND GEORGE 27

3. – LUKE AND JASMIN 25.5

4. – DANIEL AND JADE 23

5. – HARRY AND TASH 21.5

MISSED AN EPISODE?

Episode 6-7 recap: Sack your builder: Keith slams ‘pathetic’ work

Episode 4 recap: Luke and Jasmin’s big stuff up

Episode 3 recap: “So two years ago”. Team’s boring room slammed

Episode 2 recap: Disappointment as Block houses are handed out

Episode 1 recap: Block 2020 tears start flowing early

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