Seven
After announcing the sale of his Berry cottage, Neale Whitaker’s new renovation project has taken place in the same picturesque NSW town. Swapping their acreage for a home in town, the quaint new purchase comes tailored to the My Reno Rules host. The Berry property boasts four bedrooms and multiple living spaces, each packed with heritage charm.
Neale Whitaker’s Berry renovation is getting its own TV show
The former The Block judge has revealed that his latest Berry renovation will be the subject of a brand-new television series, Neale Whitaker’s Forever Home, coming to Channel Seven and 7plus in 2027.
The series will follow Neale and his husband David Novak-Piper as they transform their heritage-listed weatherboard cottage in Berry, NSW, into their dream forever home. And unlike his previous renovation television appearances, this project is particularly close to home. The couple will be sharing their own renovation journey, balancing the cottage’s original Federation charm with contemporary luxuries, energy-efficient upgrades and thoughtful design.
“Since the beginning of this year, David and I have been making a TV show,” Neale revealed in an Instagram announcement, explaining that the series will follow both their personal lives and the transformation of their Berry cottage.
The announcement comes after the couple made the decision to downsize from their sprawling South Coast acreage, choosing a more manageable property in the heart of the picturesque village. And if Neale’s previous interiors projects are anything to go by, we’re expecting one very beautiful transformation.
Inside Neale Whitaker’s Berry renovation
Neale Whitaker’s Berry renovation is officially underway, with the former The Block judge and his husband David Novak-Piper transforming their charming Federation cottage into a forever home.
Built in 1916, the four-bedroom weatherboard property is filled with original character, from its soaring ceilings and decorative mouldings to its beautiful Baltic Pine floorboards. But while the couple are keen to preserve the home’s heritage charm, they’re also making some significant changes to bring the century-old cottage into the modern era.
Renovation updates have included fresh paint inside and out, new insulation, VJ-style wall panelling in the guest bedrooms and preparations for electric fireplaces. The bathroom has also been stripped back for its makeover, while work is underway on the surrounding gardens.
One particularly thoughtful detail is the couple’s decision to find a new home for an original stained-glass window that won’t remain in the renovated bathroom.
The renovation marks an exciting new chapter for Neale and David, who decided to downsize after almost eight years at their previous South Coast property. While their new home might be smaller and easier to maintain, their plans for it are anything but modest.
And with Neale’s impeccable eye for interiors, we can’t wait to see how this historic Berry cottage comes together.
In the kitchen you’ll also find an antique Younger No.2 stove, built in to the raw brick wall.
Neale has described the home as having “good bones”, “perfect” for himself and husband David Novak-Piper, per realestate.com.au. In another Instagram post, Neale explained that he and David were downsizing to avoid the considerable upkeep associated with their previous acreage. However, he assured there was a “big renovation journey” ahead of them at their new home, the details of which he would divulge at a later date.
The design guru has since shared on his Instagram exciting updates. “Painting has started,” he tells the camera, walking through the home that is now very much a construction site.
Walking the camera through the house, Neale explains how the house has plumbers underneath, and insulation being installed. In a separate video, Neale shows off Hardie Groove VJ panelling in place in their second and third guest bedroom. In boxes, electric fire places from Charlton & Jenrick are ready to be unpacked and installed.
The main bathroom, which has been completely gutted and is ready for install, features a stunning stained bathroom that unfortunately won’t be staying in the home. “We have found a new home and life for that window,” explains Neale.
Out the back in the garden, new square pavers are being laid down. “We’re going to have an avenue of pavers leading up to that beautiful brick fireplace.” The pavers and fireplace will be surrounded by trees and grass.
Speaking to Elle Lovelock on The Edit podcast, Neale confessed he’s obsessed with an Icelandic aesthetic, including beautiful raw textures and a nature-inspired hues. Just don’t expect to find a throw blanket anywhere in his home!
“I think I would ban throws,” he said on the podcast. “I think throws can make a perfectly nice room look really scruffy.” And if there’s one thing we could never accuse Neale Whitaker of — it’s being scruffy! Listen to more interiors advice from Neale on The Edit by Home Beautiful on YouTube or anywhere you get your podcasts:
