In trademark Tom and Sarah-Jane style, their winning streak on The Block 2022 was anything but subtle. Taking out the first win of the season, in the House Decider Challenge, they immediately wowed the judges with their bold guest bedroom design, complete with wainscoting, ceiling roses and a colour palette inspired by the rolling hills outside.
Neale Whitaker quickly commented that, “This couple has come in here knowing damn well what they wanted to do,” and it’s true, they do. The straight-shooting husband and wife, who hail from Gladstone Park, just an hour and a half away from The Block location, have said on countless occasions that what they’re building is their dream home.
YOU CAN RENT TOM AND SARAH-JANE’S HOUSE
Dylan and Jenny’s house from The Block may have only just sold, but neighbours Tom and Sarah-Jane’s is back on the market!
The stunning five-bedroom home (which was slated to win the season) is currently available to rent for $2,800 per week. It comes partially furnished and the rent includes regular pool cleaning, septic tank services, and slashing of the sprawling 9.5 acre property, so you can focus on the panoramic views over the Macedon Ranges.
While many of the contestants have struggled with workloads this season, Tom, a self-confessed “workaholic” said he never wanted The Block to end.
(Photo: Nine)After that they went on to win the master bedroom and walk-in wardrobe week, guest bedroom and ensuite week, and the one that reputably sells homes: kitchen week, where they scored the prestigious perfect score. Oh, and how could we forget the guest bedroom during re-do week, the shed and home office space, as well as landscaping week where they took home an $80,000 Ford Ranger.
Even before the final week of The Block, the couple had such a lead on the Domain Super Power Leaderboard, that it was guaranteed they would also win that, which meant they got to choose the auction order on November 5th.
Shaynna has recommended that Sarah-Jane, who previously had no design experience, considers a future in the industry following The Block.
(Photo: Nine)The judges continuously commented that Tom and Sarah-Jane’s house was one that will tug on a buyer’s heartstrings, but as previous seasons have shown, winning over the judges during room reveals and winning over a buyer on auction day are two completely separate things.
Positioned on a 10-acre block, the five-bedroom, three-bathroom modern farmhouse-style home features a copper French-door and charcuterie fridge, a central Cheminées Philippe wood-burning fireplace, an in-ground solar-heated pool, a half basketball court and a pizza oven in the alfresco dining area. Like all the other houses, it is also completely off-grid, with a 50kW solar farm and 250,000 litres of water storage.
AUCTION RESULT
Reserve: $4,080,000
Winning bid: $4,100,000.99
Total profit: $20,000.99
On their real estate agents advise, Tom and Sarah-Jane positioned themselves second in the auction order, but were left devastated as their beloved home sold for only $20,000.99 over reserve. In an Instagram post following the auction, Sarah-Jane explained that the couple would regrettably be selling their Ford Ranger, meaning they would be walking away from the experience with $100,000 in prizemoney. Safe to say, it’s definitely not the ending we were expecting.
TOUR TOM AND SARAH-JANE’S HOUSE
the block 2022 tom and sarah-jane main bathroom
Main bathroom
Judge Neale Whitaker described Tom and Sarah-Jane’s main bathroom as “quite a debut,” in the second week of the season. The teal-blue panelling, freestanding bath, patterned tiles, brass hardware and restored chandelier, hit the perfect blend of country, heritage and contemporary for the judges.
the block 2022 tom and sarah-jane guest bedroom
Guest bedroom
Shaynna complemented how well Tom and Sarah-Jane understood texture in their guest bedroom, with a colour palette and wallpaper inspired by the landscape outside. Neale added that he thought the couple were “demonstrating a real sophistication” with their layered design.
the block 2022 tom and sarah-jane main ensuite
Main ensuite
In their main ensuite, the judges once again complemented the couple’s confident design and colour palette, which related nicely to the surrounding landscape. “They know exactly how they want their home to feel, and they know how to play to that beautiful landscape,” Neale said.
the block 2022 tom and sarah-jane master bedroom
Master bedroom
Tom and Sarah-Jane scored the first 10 of the season with their master bedroom, complete with wood-burning fire and a similar look to their House Decider Challenge room. From the wainscoting, to the heritage-sensitive cornicing, and dark green feature wall, “This is going to pull at the heartstrings of buyers,” said Shaynna. “People are going to go ‘This has emotionally got me, and I want this’.”
the block 2022 tom and sarah-jane guest bedroom
Guest bedroom
While it may have divided our Instagram community, the judges were all head over heels for Tom and Sarah-Jane’s bold tartan-wrapped guest bedroom. Darren even went so far as to call it, “That perfect Ralph Lauren country house.” They agreed that every detail, down to the salon-style arrangement of vintage artworks on the wall, looked as though they’d been put together by a very experienced eye.
the block 2022 tom and sarah-jane guest ensuite
Guest ensuite
Once again, Sarah-Jane flexed her design confidence in their guest ensuite, with a unique combination of square mustard wall tiles and textured ceramic basin. Having previously stated that she “hated” shaving cabinets, contrary to Shaynna’s advice, this week she chose to include them, in a strategic play for another perfect score.
the block 2022 tom and sarah-jane kitchen
Kitchen
Tom and Sarah-Jane’s kitchen was awarded a perfect 30/30 by the judges. They couldn’t get over the brushed rose gold French door fridge (which included a charcuterie fridge), the coloured ILVE oven, and the timber and brass accents. “The messaging to the market… is pure luxury,” said Darren.
the block 2022 tom and sarah-jane butler’s pantry
Butler’s pantry
And the luxury continued in their butler’s pantry with a sliding double barn door entrance. “Who styles a kitchen like this?! It’s so beautifully done,” said Darren of the labelled containers displayed, almost as if works of art, on the open shelving.
the block 2022 tom and sarah-jane living room
Living and dining room
Neale Whitaker said he felt like he was “staring at a magazine cover” when he entered Tom and Sarah-Jane’s cathedral-esque living and dining room. But they all agreed it lacked the warmth the couple has come to be known for, so it was the space they chose to re-do, adding more rugs and soft furnishings, as well as a larger sofa.
the block 2022 tom and sarah-jane hallway
Hallway
The judges were blown away by Tom and Sarah-Jane’s hallway, which felt like a room in itself, with a fireplace and armchairs. Shaynna adored the tartan wallpaper that connected back to their guest bedroom, and Neale noted how well they understood scale and filling a room.
the block 2022 tom and sarah-jane laundry
Laundry
The brick floor tiles, splashback and cabinetry in the laundry all scored top points with the judges, who loved how it complemented but also contrasted with the choice of finishes in their mudroom. “It’s such a luxurious layering of finishes,” noted Darren.
the block 2022 tom and sarah-jane mudroom
Mudroom
Upon entering their mudroom, the judges loved the built-in dog bed with a leather cushion that matched the bench seat. The choice of dark cabinetry and brick floor tiles was pretty and practical, with Neale adding that “It’s homely and it’s luxe but it’s also highly functional.”
the block tom and sarah-jane nursery
Kids’ bedroom
While the judges were originally wowed by Tom and Sarah-Jane’s nursery, it was later discovered that the design was very similar to a project by interior design Kate Walker. In fact, it was a direct replica, down to the rattan bassinet, sorbet green wainscoting and floral wallpaper on the ceiling.
the block tom and sarah-jane guest bedroom
Guest bedroom
Their trademark tartan wallpaper made a comeback in yet another guest bedroom in their home – this time in pink. The judges commended them on their use of layering and texture, commenting that the couple should consider designing boutique hotel rooms after their time on The Block.
the block home office tom and sarah-jane
Shed and home office
Tom and Sarah-Jane went above and beyond (yet again) in this space, delivering triple the size of what was required, including a mezzanine level for their stunning home office. The inclusion of a powder room and full kitchenette impressed the judges, with comments flying around that this space alone could win them The Block.
Landscape and home exterior
Finishing the competition in true Tom and Sarah-Jane style (i.e. in first place), the couple’s expansive landscaping design featured six mature trees that they’d won throughout the competition, a jungle gym, golf hole, pony enclosure and veggie garden. Plus plenty more we can’t fit here.
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