From TV drama to divine design: The Block star buys historic rural church
One of The Block 2025's fan favourites is gearing up for his next challenge after buying a rustic church in a rural pocket of South Australia.
Adelaide-based hairdresser Mat Johnson, who appeared on the latest season of Channel Nine's reality TV show alongside best mate Robby Lippett, has purchased a former Anglican church in the suburb of Brinkworth, less than two hours from Adelaide CBD.
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Cotality records reveal the property sold for $250,000 after 50 days on market.
Mat announced his property buy on Instagram this week with the caption: "Lifelong dream and new journey loading. Follow @mjs_church for the ride".
"Join me on a fabulous journey transforming a country church into a vibrant home!," he wrote.
"Expect laughs, drama and fabulous vibes!"
Sold with listing agents Connor Young and Shane Hawkins from Ray White Clare Valley, the heritage property dates back to 1910.
It was previously sold in May 2023 for $145,000, according to Cotality.
Built as an Anglican church, known as St Mary Magdalene's, the listing described the property as "a stunning example of period craftsmanship and architectural elegance".
There is plenty of scope to breathe new life into the old church.
Constructed from ironstone with red brick dressings, the gable roof features distinctive ridge vents with lancet head openings.
Timber-framed windows with leadlight glass add charm.
The arched entrance has double timber doors opening to a spacious interior with Baltic pine floors and quasi-hammer-beam timber roof trusses.
Set on 1,012 square metres, the agents said the property offered both space and potential to restore or adapt the building.
Mat and Robby were one of three teams that successfully sold their home on The Block this year, fetching $3,099,999.10 at auction.
The winning bidder was TheBlock regular Danny Wallis who plans to rent out the property.
Mat and Robby walked away with a profit of $109,999.10, but were visibly disappointed by the result after they were tipped to take out the competition with their luxury Daylesford home, which included an underground wine cellar.
As the only non-couple on the show, the pair had to split their winnings evenly at $54,500 profit per person.
"Look, it's not a great outcome but ... it is what it is," Mat said after the auction.
"It's not about the money but it's about the money. Just to cover my costs for not being in the business or the work that I said no to, it wouldn't even cover that."
They met 15 years ago when Mat cut Robby's hair and the pair has remained best friends ever since.
Mat has built a reputation as one of South Australia's top hair stylists, running his own salon, MJ Hair, which has amassed more than 41,000 followers on Instagram.
During his time on The Block, Mat revealed he had never watched an episode of the show in its 21-season history.
According to Cotality, the median house price in Brinkworth is $349,000.
Originally published as From TV drama to divine design: The Block star buys historic rural church
