Details from The Block that viewers may have missed but 'pop' in real life

It’s often the little things in life that put a pep in your step or stir something within you, and that ultimately, can seal a deal.

The same rule applies to property. I am not a real estate agent – house tours by me will usually start in a kitchen, go via the bathroom and along the way, I’ll lose myself in a gorgeous little nook and will then usually forget all professionalism and just stay there, yacking away with a guest and enjoying the space.

But that, my friends, is what happens when a property stirs emotion.

This has been happening to me a lot at The Block of late. So here’s my list of the little (and not-so-little) features about this year’s houses that might not pop from the TV screen but that in person, made me absolutely swoon.

• Virtual tours of The Block properties are now live on Domain. Take your own private tour of each house.

1. The scale and size of House 3 has to be seen to be believed.

It’s big and it’s proud, perched high on the hill. This house has amazing bones and that translates into spaces that are generous and with rooms that ooze elegance with soaring ceilings and windows capturing views that stretch for days.

2. The kitchen of House 5 has the best kitchen sink I have ever seen (yes, really!).

And there is the most beautiful supersized window that swings onto the entertaining zone. It’s brilliant and any future owner will no doubt want to have everyone they know over for Sunday lunch.

3. All the little spaces the houses have.

It feels like architects have really figured out the new way that people are living; less formal rooms, but lots of little spots or snugs to pause in, have a cup of tea, make a call, or just be still. I love them.

4. The fireplace in House 1 is a work of art.

And yes, it works having it in the middle of the room – trust me, the space is so enormous it can handle it and the result is a wonderful way of creating a subtle zone between the living and kitchen.

5. Scotty’s pool house that came from a 3D printer.

Arguably the curviest house I have seen in some time and undoubtedly, it is the most stylish pool house ever – in particular, the bathroom is just so heavenly.

6. However big the deck of House 4 may appear on TV, double that and then double it again.

That deck is just glorious and the flow from the inside to the outside is seamless.

7. The floors and ceilings of House 2.

Not only does the polished concrete look uber stylish and luxe, the underfloor heating (surely one of the modern world’s best inventions) takes the edge off the coolness of the concrete and makes it feel lovely and toasty. And although the concept of the floor being on the roof (blackbutt timber panelling lines the ceiling) sounds extraordinarily strange, it’s a masterstroke.

8. The work-from-home space of House 1 is wonderful.

Bathed in natural light, copious amounts of space and deliciously quiet – no one would be disappointed with a snap lockdown if you could tuck yourself away here. Also, brilliant functionality with the opening of the big downstairs door and the way it links to the main house – have both doors open and there would be little worry as to what the teenagers are up to (but make sure you lock that incredible wine cellar).

9. A bath for your dog as seen in the laundry of House 5.

It is a true example of a feature you never knew you wanted nor needed in a house but that is actually divinely sweet.

10. Transition points.

When one has a big internal footprint to work with, there is the luxury of transit areas or landing pads between spaces. House 2 does it beautifully as you move from the living space to the bedrooms – it just feels generous and welcoming (and if a family buys the house it will be the perfect mini-stage for impromptu concerts by young children).

11. Wallpaper.

From the shadows of the gracious Macedon Rages, to the smart tartans, contrasted with beautiful subtle prints and, of course, the crazy colour bomb of wallpaper in Scotty’s powder room, wallpaper is a hero this season. I especially love House 4’s beautiful and calming field of animals.

12. Something you don’t physically see in the houses, but is one of the most important attributes of all; these houses are all ahead of their time in that they are all completely off grid.

So you see, whoever the lucky buyers of these houses are, they will have more than enough reason to sleep well.

• The Block 2022 listings are live, and updated weekly. See them here.