Exclusive aerial photographs of the completed Block 2026 homes at Mount Eliza have been published ahead of the Season 22 premiere, revealing a design direction that marks a clear departure from anything the show has delivered before.
A New Aesthetic: Clean Lines and Front-Yard Living
The homes stand out from previous seasons because of their clean, horizontal rooflines. Rather than the spacious backyards with pools that Block viewers are used to, this year’s season has flipped the concept entirely: pools, oversized decks, landscaped gardens and outdoor entertainment areas have been placed in the front yards.
Three of the five homes sit directly next to one another, separated only by fencing, with driveways and pools in close proximity. One front yard has gone the extra mile with a path leading to an outdoor fireplace, which will prove particularly valuable on chilly nights on the Mornington Peninsula coast.
Expert Reaction: Premium or Too Dense?
Not everyone is convinced the approach suits the local market. New aerial images of the builds have already sparked debate, with some property experts suggesting the homes feel denser and more “Melbourne townhouse” than the sprawling Peninsula estates buyers typically expect in Mount Eliza.
Others within the production have pushed back on that characterisation. Insiders have reportedly described this year’s homes as warmer, moodier and more architectural than previous seasons, leaning into textured luxury rather than the bright coastal style often associated with the Peninsula.
The On-Site Production Hub
A large structure spotted in aerial photos next to the construction site has attracted significant attention from fans and media. According to reports, the giant structure operates as both an on-site production studio and a private warehouse-style hub for sponsors and building supplies, helping the show manage its biggest logistical operation in years, functioning as a Bunnings hub as well as a filming studio.
The Location: Why Mount Eliza Matters
Channel Nine’s decision to bring The Block to Mount Eliza is widely understood as a deliberate response to the reserve price controversy that overshadowed the 2025 Daylesford season. At Mount Eliza, homes regularly transact above $3 million without controversy. The site at 109 Old Mornington Road overlooks Port Phillip Bay, and Scott Cam has called it the first water view location in the show’s 22-year history.
Reserve prices for 2026 are tipped to exceed the $2.99 million figure that attracted criticism last year. Whether the market responds more generously than Daylesford will depend on the final designs, auction conditions and the presence of motivated buyers. We will have full coverage of auction day right here at theblock.tv when it arrives.
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