Neale Whitaker Secures New Country Retreat on NSW South Coast
Renowned real estate personality Neale Whitaker, famous for his role as a judge on The Block, has acquired a picturesque country getaway on the New South Wales South Coast. Located approximately 143 kilometres from Sydney in the charming town of Berry, Whitaker purchased the property alongside his long-term partner, stylist David Novak-Piper, for a substantial $2.15 million.
Historic Cottage with Modern Comforts
The beautiful vintage cottage, constructed in 1916, offers four bedrooms and two bathrooms, blending classic charm with contemporary updates. Situated just a block away from Berry's main street, the home last changed hands in 2013 for $825,000, highlighting significant appreciation in value over the past decade. Whitaker described their new rural escape to The Wentworth Courier as a 'lovely traditional old weatherboard' and revealed plans for a decorative renovation to enhance its character.
Despite several modern updates, the property retains many of its original features, including a classic façade that exudes timeless appeal. Inside, highlights include high ceilings, Baltic Pine flooring, skylights, and multiple working fireplaces, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The home also boasts a covered entertainment deck, a sunroom adjoining the formal dining room, and a second dining area off the rustic kitchen, which features an antique Younger No. 2 fuel stove as a centrepiece.
Profitable Property Move and Lifestyle Shift
This purchase follows a highly profitable sale of Whitaker and Novak-Piper's previous property in the same region. The couple offloaded their classic farmhouse earlier this month, which they had bought in 2018 for $1.8 million. The property recently went under the hammer, fetching an impressive $4.5 million and netting the pair a hefty profit of $2.7 million. Both Whitaker and Novak-Piper are well-known figures in the Berry area, making this property transition a notable local event.
Externally, the new cottage features a built-in pool with a covered deck and extensive, manicured gardens that include a sanctuary and BBQ area, perfect for entertaining or quiet relaxation. These amenities complement the home's historic charm, offering a blend of leisure and rustic elegance.
Personal and Professional Updates
Whitaker's property move comes amid significant personal and professional developments. In 2024, he made headlines by dramatically quitting The Block, a show he had been associated with for years. He took on a limited judging role in the previous season to support his partner, David, who was facing serious health challenges. Whitaker explained on social media, 'In 2023 – as many of you will know – I took a break from The Block to spend more time with my partner David, who was dealing with some serious health issues.'
The couple, who have been together for over two decades, announced their engagement in 2021, though they were already legally married in Britain. Whitaker previously shared with Yahoo Be that he was allowed to marry in Australia at the British Consulate General, reflecting on the importance of marriage equality. He noted, 'The older I get, the more important it becomes,' and expressed that not being able to legally marry in Australia before same-sex marriage was legalised in December 2017 felt 'so wrong.'
Future Television Ventures
Looking ahead, Whitaker is set to appear in Seven's upcoming show, My Reno Rules, produced by MasterChef creators Endemol Shine. The series is poised to rival Channel Nine's The Block and will feature four teams of renovators competing on two neighbouring rundown houses in Melbourne. This move marks a new chapter in Whitaker's television career, following his departure from The Block and his focus on personal priorities.
With this new country cottage, Whitaker and Novak-Piper have secured a serene retreat that combines historical allure with modern comforts, all while capitalising on a lucrative property investment. Their story underscores the dynamic nature of real estate markets and the personal journeys that often accompany such significant life changes.
