Things are heating up on The Block … literally!

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Nothing says "cosy" quite like gathering around a wood fireplace, so it's little wonder that some contestants on The Block have installed fireplaces in their stunning Phillip Island abodes as a lovely gathering point for family and friends.

As famous as Phillip Island is for its surf beaches and little penguins, it's also synonymous with chilly winters, and The Block contestants knew that installing an aesthetically pleasing fireplace would really enhance the look, feel — and sale price — of their special homes.

A trusted supplier to the show since 2020, this year's contestants went straight to Stoke Fireplace Studio, Australia's leading fireplace providers, to help them elevate the design and comfort of their living spaces.

Offering a full range of gas, wood and electric fireplaces designed for modern construction homes, Stoke's expert advice and world-class service was pivotal in helping three of this season's duos source beautiful wood fireplaces to complete their living spaces.

"We chose a wood fire [to complement] the environment we find ourselves in here in Phillip Island," says Madeleine Harry from House 1.

"There's such a connection to nature and the beautiful, earthy landscape here [and] we really wanted to bring an element of nature inside. There is nothing quite like the smell and feeling of a real wood-burning fire."

The unanimous decision to go with Escea's inbuilt and free-standing indoor wood fireplaces was a no-brainer, considering they boast revolutionary Direct Vent Technology, which sees the firebox take air to fuel the fire from outside the home and the exhaust air returned to outside the home, meaning unparalleled heat without the drafts of the fireplaces of yesteryear.

"We chose the Escea TFS1000; it not only offers great functionality, but its form allowed us to make it our living room centrepiece [thanks to] its sleek appearance sitting on top of dekton stone plinth board," says Haydn Wise from House 3.

"It was the base of designing our entire space. Nothing beats the aesthetics or natural heat of a wood fireplace."

Escea's larger viewing windows and minimalist frames makes them a sophisticated addition to any living area.

"Our fireplace is the perfect balance of functionality and style. Its exterior is sleek and stylish, while also being super easy to use," Madeleine says.

"The beauty of having a door is that it keeps all the mess inside and also contains the smoke so you're not getting smoked out as you enjoy the warmth and ambience."

For Kylie and Brad Baker, who hail from mostly hot Far North Queensland, a warming fireplace is not something they have ever had to add to their own home.

"Two people from Cairns that have never chosen a fireplace before, knowing to trust in the recommendations and the quality [from Stoke] was amazing," says Kylie from House 4.

"We wanted seamless style and a sexy high-end brand that suited our home aesthetic, and you just can't beat the look and smell of a wood fire."

For clubhouse Week, Stoke Fireplace Studio also supplied an Escea EK Outdoor Wood Fire, perfect for sharing campfire stories, toasting marshmallows or using as a professional cooking appliance.

Keen to take a leaf out of The Block's designs with a wood fireplace for your living area? Head to the Stoke Fireplace Studio to see all of the fireplaces used in The Block for creative inspiration for warming your home.