The Block 2021: Tour Ronnie & Georgia's House 1 Renovation

Who lives here: The Block House 1, Ronnie and Georgia

Location: Hampton, Melbourne 

Decor style: Classic contemporary

Favourite room:  "I never knew I wanted a theatre room until I created one. I was really challenged from a design point of view – making a dark and moody space while making sense with the colour palette that's happening upstairs – I think that's why it's one of my favourites."

Favourite pieces: "The artwork is my favourite and my second favourite is the really beautiful couch from Globe West. My third is the rug in the master bedroom from Rug Addiction."

Picture-perfect with its leafy streets and seaside setting, Hampton has become one of Melbourne's most prized postcodes as reality television series, The Block, introduces five new builds to the quiet cul-de-sac, Bronte Court. A competition that sees five couples compete against each other as they renovate and style a series of homes has returning contestants, Ronnie and Georgia Caceres, working their magic on House One.

Having competed on The Block in Season 13, Ronnie and Georgia wanted to bring a different aesthetic to their build this year. A classic contemporary family home with a calming, sophisticated palette that, week after week, has the judges swooning during room reveals.

"On our first season of The Block, we wanted to stick to our design aesthetic, something that was really us. This year, whilst House One is very much still our design flavour, we knew we needed to create a home that has broad appeal," explains Georgia.

HOUSE 1

Part of the challenge this year was the contestants having to design their own floorplan—a challenge that the duo embraced; a four-bedroom family home thoughtfully considered to serve a growing family.

"The overriding design aesthetic is a classic contemporary. It's a very neutral palette with luxe accents – brush brass, beautiful organic sheers, really amazing 100 per cent organic wool carpet, natural oak flooring, and Caesarstone," says Georgia. "It's quite paired back and plays on a material mix, but because the colours are all connecting, it all makes sense."

OPEN PLAN LIVING

The open plan kitchen, living and dining are defined by the soaring cathedral-like apex ceilings. The kitchen and butler's pantry features marble-inspired Caesarstone, herringbone oak flooring and a servery that flows to the outdoor entertaining zone. A stoke fireplace and four-seater lounge by Globe West is designed for relaxation, while the dining area has a more intimate ambience.

"The space is so vast with these massive lofted ceilings. I wanted to break it up and create an intimate setting for a dining room, so we built a mezzanine area above the dining room. Therefore, lowering the ceiling height of the dining room. We have this really lovely pendant over the dining table, this amazing built-in bar and gorgeous artwork," explained Georgia.

THE HALLWAY

A beautiful glass and aluminium framed door separate the public and private spaces. A hallway runs like a gallery featuring original artwork by Australian artists, including Indigenous artist Lizzy Stageman and Byron Bay local Jai Vasicek.

"When you're buying a Block House, you're not only getting the brick and mortar, but you're also getting everything that comes with it. In our hallway alone, we have $20,000 worth of artwork. It's all those extra add-ons and inclusions that set our house apart," says Georgia.

THE BEDROOMS

Then there are the bedrooms: the master bedroom stands out for its scalloped feature wall and custom bedhead. The stunning walk-in wardrobe features a fluted panelling, and the ensuite, with a ceiling that soars to great heights and oak cabinetry with marble accents, was a winner. While the guestrooms, which also got the judges' attention, have a mix and match contemporary style that set a calming mood.

"I think great design is about consistency and flow. We want our buyers to walk through the front door and feel like everything makes sense because of the design choices we've made," says Georgia.

THE NEIGHBOURHOOD 

Family-friendly Hampton has quietly evolved into a trendy, relaxed neighbourhood complete with a growing café and dining scene – a taste of suburban paradise by the sea. With its holiday vibe and beautiful homes, it’s no surprise that everyone wants a piece of this charming Bayside community.

Hampton Street, the buzzy main shopping strip, boasts more than 50 cafés, boutiques and restaurants. Then, there’s the beach. Arguably one of the best the city has to offer, Hampton Beach is lovely, safe and very much the place to be, come summertime. 

SITCHU’S FAVOURITE HAMPTON HANGOUTS

For coffee: Gateaux by Marc Frissard is a must, even if it’s purely for the delicious treats.

For breakfast: The Hamptons has a great brunch menu and baked goods. 

For lunch: Holy Bowly is the go-to for a healthy lunch.

For dinner: A local favourite is Queen Margherita Pizza 

For drinks: Hampton Wine Co is a great little neighbourhood wine bar.

House 1 Ronnie and Georgia is now selling through Belle Property Sandringham. Contact selling agent Jenny Dwyer on 0418 528 988 or email jenny-dwyer@belleproperty.com