How Karstan and Maxine Turned a $40K TV Win Into a Million-Dollar Nomad Life
They started with a $40k win on The Block and built a million-dollar nomad life from there, here’s how they did it.
I’ve been watching more travel YouTubers lately, especially ones who live on the road with kids. It helps me imagine what life could look like if I ever take that leap. That’s how I found Karstan and Maxine, a couple from Australia traveling full-time in a self-built truck with their daughters.
They started their YouTube channel, Karstan and Maxine, in 2014 but only began posting regularly in early 2022. Their first nomadic vlog was titled “CAMERON CORNER with a BABY!”. Today, they’ve built a loyal audience with over 43,000 subscribers and more than 4 million views. Watching their journey gave me hope that small steps can grow into something life-changing.
Quick Takeaways
- Karstan and Maxine are Australian YouTubers who transitioned from renovating homes to full-time travel life.
- They were contestants on The Block: Glasshouse in 2014 and earned a $40,000 profit from the show.
- They later flipped two homes for a combined profit of over $1.8 million.
- Their current home is a custom-built Oka expedition truck that cost nearly $300,000 to complete.
- They travel full-time with their daughters, Zuri and Zena, documenting family life on the road.
- Their YouTube channel has over 43,000 subscribers and features off-grid travel, parenting, and vanlife content.
- They were once accused of cheating on The Block, but no rule-breaking was ever proven or confirmed by the show.
- Their story is about building freedom from small beginnings and living a life filled with purpose and adventure.
Who Are Karstan and Maxine?
Karstan Smith (born ~1988) and Maxine Stokes (born ~1990) are high-school sweethearts from Newcastle, Australia. They rose to fame as contestants on The Block: Glasshouse in 2014. What made them especially memorable was their surprise wedding, which took place during the show’s finale episode.
G’day… 👋🏻 we’re Karstan, Max and Zuri! We are full time on the road and just seeing where each day takes us! We love going to remote and unique destinations and sharing the reality of life on the road.
Karstan And Maxine
Family, Kombi Van & Life on the Road
Their daughter Zuri was born on October 22, 2019. In 2023, they welcomed their second child, Zena. Before becoming parents, they explored Asia and Europe in a vintage 1968 Kombi van they bought in 2009. That van became their travel companion for years before they upgraded to something more rugged.
Now, they travel in a self-built Oka expedition truck, which cost them nearly $300,000. Karstan, who is a skilled carpenter, custom-designed the interior with timber finishes, marble benchtops, and leather seats. Their truck isn’t just a vehicle, it’s home.
Their Time on The Block (Drama & Wins)
Before they hit the road, Karstan and Maxine were on The Block: Glasshouse in 2014. They were 26 and 24 years old at the time, and they actually got married on the final day of the show. That episode doubled as their wedding ceremony.
Their apartment sold for $1.71 million, just $40,000 above the reserve price of $1.67 million. Compared to the season winners who made $435,000, their gain was modest. But it became a launching pad for bigger wins later.
They also faced accusations of rule-bending, especially around budget and labor. Some rumors included a “hidden room” advantage and questionable tiling costs. While these were reported in media, no official proof or penalties were issued. The couple denied all claims, and the show producers made no formal findings.
After the show, they flipped two homes in Newcastle, one for a $1.35 million profit and the other for $550,000. Today, they’re mortgage-free and living their dream.
How Much Are They Worth?
Although their exact net worth isn’t public, the couple earned over $1.8 million through real estate flips after The Block. Their YouTube channel also generates passive income, with an estimated $188 monthly from ad revenue. Most of their financial freedom comes from their earlier home renovation ventures, not content creation alone.
Where to Follow Them
They post regularly about their adventures on social media. Their Instagram is full of breathtaking outback views, parenting moments, and renovation snippets.
FAQs
Did Karstan and Maxine cheat on The Block?
No official cheating was ever confirmed. Some contestants and viewers raised concerns about how they managed labor and budget, and auditors were brought in during the season. But the show’s producers never found evidence of rule-breaking. Karstan and Maxine have always maintained that they played fair.
How much did they win on The Block?
They earned $40,000 in profit after their apartment sold for $1.71 million, just above the reserve price of $1.67 million. While it was a modest win, it helped launch their property journey, which later brought them millionaire success.
What season of The Block were they on?
Karstan and Maxine were part of The Block: Glasshouse, which aired in 2014. It was one of the more dramatic seasons, and their surprise wedding on the finale made headlines.
My thoughts: Their story showed me that it’s okay to start with small wins. Even when things feel disappointing, like their $40k from The Block, you can still build something big. I’m not there yet, but watching them helps me believe it’s possible.
If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling with your family or building a life outside the norm, their journey is worth following. And if you know any other YouTubers like this, let me know, I’m always looking for stories that make the dream feel closer.
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