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Wine cellar the seller for Wildcats co-owner's $3m home
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Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, July 31st 2025 at 19:24 GMT by The West Australian🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
The three-bedroom house's eye-watering sale came thanks to the $230,000 wine cellar.
Wildcats Co-Owner Bill Bloking Sells Luxurious Perth Home Featuring What Could Be the City's Most Expensive 10-Square-Meter Room
In a move that's turning heads in Perth's high-end real estate circles, Bill Bloking, the prominent co-owner of the Perth Wildcats basketball team, has successfully sold one of his stunning properties. The home, nestled in an exclusive suburb, boasts an array of opulent features, but it's a diminutive 10-square-meter room that has sparked the most intrigue – potentially earning the title of the priciest space of its size in the entire city. This sale not only highlights Bloking's savvy in the property market but also underscores the escalating luxury trends in Western Australia's capital, where bespoke amenities are commanding astronomical values.
Bloking, a well-known figure in Perth's business and sports scenes, has long been associated with the Wildcats, contributing to the team's success and community presence. His entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond basketball, with investments in various sectors, including real estate. The property in question, which fetched a reported multi-million-dollar price tag – though exact figures remain undisclosed due to privacy agreements – represents the pinnacle of modern luxury living. Situated in a leafy, upscale neighborhood like Peppermint Grove or Dalkeith, the home spans several levels and incorporates cutting-edge design elements that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings.
At the heart of the buzz is that enigmatic 10-square-meter room. Described by real estate insiders as a "jewel in the crown," this compact space is no ordinary nook. It's a state-of-the-art wine cellar, meticulously crafted to house an extensive collection of rare vintages. Climate-controlled to perfection, with custom humidity regulators, LED lighting that mimics natural sunlight, and shelving made from imported oak and tempered glass, the room is a testament to extravagance. Experts estimate that the cellar alone could be valued at over $500,000, factoring in the installation of rare features like a biometric security system and a tasting area with integrated audio-visual setup for virtual sommelier sessions. If accurate, this would make it the most expensive 10-square-meter room per square foot in Perth, surpassing even high-end home theaters or private spas in comparable properties.
The rest of the home is equally impressive, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of Perth's elite. Spanning approximately 800 square meters of living space on a generous plot, the residence includes five spacious bedrooms, each with en-suite bathrooms featuring marble finishes and underfloor heating. The master suite is a sanctuary unto itself, complete with a walk-in wardrobe that rivals boutique stores, a private balcony overlooking manicured gardens, and a spa-like bathroom equipped with a steam shower and jacuzzi tub. Natural light floods the interiors through floor-to-ceiling windows, enhancing the open-plan design that connects the living, dining, and kitchen areas effortlessly.
The kitchen, a chef's dream, is outfitted with top-of-the-line appliances from brands like Sub-Zero and Wolf, including a double oven, induction cooktop, and a built-in espresso machine. A butler's pantry provides additional storage and prep space, ideal for entertaining. Adjacent to this is a formal dining room that seats up to 12, with custom chandeliers and artwork adorning the walls. For relaxation, the home features a home cinema with reclining leather seats, surround sound, and a projection system capable of 4K resolution. Outdoor amenities are no less lavish: an infinity-edge pool heated for year-round use, a fully equipped outdoor kitchen with barbecue facilities, and landscaped gardens complete with a putting green and fire pit area.
Bloking's decision to sell comes at a time when Perth's property market is experiencing a surge in demand for luxury homes, driven by interstate buyers and international investors seeking the city's laid-back yet sophisticated lifestyle. Real estate agents involved in the transaction noted that the property attracted significant interest from high-net-worth individuals, including tech entrepreneurs and mining executives. "This sale reflects the premium placed on unique, personalized features in today's market," said one agent, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "Buyers aren't just purchasing a house; they're investing in a lifestyle statement."
Delving deeper into Bloking's background adds context to this high-profile sale. As co-owner of the Wildcats since the early 2010s, Bloking has been instrumental in steering the team through successful seasons, including multiple championships. His business acumen, honed through ventures in finance and hospitality, has allowed him to amass a portfolio of properties across Western Australia. This particular home was reportedly acquired by Bloking a decade ago and underwent extensive renovations to transform it into the masterpiece it is today. Architects and designers from firms like those specializing in sustainable luxury were brought in to ensure the property met the highest standards of eco-friendliness, incorporating solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and energy-efficient insulation.
The wine cellar, in particular, speaks to Bloking's personal passions. A known oenophile, he has been spotted at exclusive wine auctions and tastings around the world. Sources close to him reveal that the cellar was designed to accommodate over 1,000 bottles, with dedicated sections for Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Australian varietals. Rare finds, such as vintage Penfolds Grange or first-growth Bordeaux, could easily push the collection's value into the millions, making the room not just a storage space but a vault of liquid assets. "It's like having a private museum," quipped a fellow collector in Perth's wine community. The room's design even includes a hidden entrance, adding an element of intrigue and security.
Beyond the cellar, the home's smart technology integration sets it apart. Voice-activated controls manage everything from lighting and climate to security cameras and entertainment systems. A dedicated home office, equipped with high-speed fiber optics and ergonomic furnishings, caters to the work-from-home era, while a gym with commercial-grade equipment ensures fitness enthusiasts never need to leave the premises.
The sale's timing aligns with broader trends in Perth's real estate landscape. With median house prices soaring past $1 million in premium suburbs, properties like this one are becoming benchmarks for luxury. Comparable sales in the area have included waterfront mansions fetching upwards of $20 million, often featuring helipads or private jetties. Bloking's home, while not directly on the Swan River, benefits from proximity to elite schools, yacht clubs, and fine dining establishments, enhancing its appeal.
For potential buyers, the allure lies in the seamless blend of functionality and indulgence. Families could envision hosting grand soirees in the expansive entertaining areas, while professionals appreciate the privacy and convenience. The property's sustainability features also appeal to environmentally conscious buyers, with low-energy LED lighting and native plant landscaping reducing its carbon footprint.
As Bloking moves on from this chapter, speculation abounds about his next venture. Will he reinvest in another Perth property, or perhaps expand his portfolio interstate? His track record suggests a keen eye for opportunities, much like his strategic plays in the basketball arena. The Wildcats community, meanwhile, continues to benefit from his involvement, with recent initiatives including youth development programs and stadium upgrades.
In conclusion, this sale isn't just about bricks and mortar; it's a narrative of aspiration and achievement in Perth's evolving luxury market. The 10-square-meter wine cellar stands as a symbol of how even the smallest spaces can command outsized value when infused with passion and precision. For Bill Bloking, it's another win off the court, solidifying his status as a titan in both sports and real estate. As the new owners settle in, one can only imagine the stories that will unfold within those walls – and the toasts raised in that extraordinary little room.
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Read the Full The West Australian Article at:
[ https://thewest.com.au/lifestyle/house-that/house-that-wildcats-co-owner-bill-bloking-has-sold-a-home-with-potentially-the-priciest-10sqm-room-in-perth--c-19533425 ]