Image: Trudy Pagden
Showing they’ve got what it takes in the real world as well as on TV, winners of The Block 2023, Steph and Gian, have sold their freshly renovated and extended Federation-style Bexley home that spearheaded their journey to win the competition. With a price guide of 1.7 million, the couple over-achieved yet again to close on a price of $1.825 in a private sale following the auction on 6th April.
There was plenty of market interest in the four-bedroom Bexley bungalow they started upgrading with their signature Japandi style before being snapped up as contestants on the Nine Network series. During the show we saw the couple rise like cream to the top from the start. As an architect, Steph’s high standards shone through and she wasn’t afraid to switch up floorplans or make waves to achieve what she wanted.
The childhood sweethearts were a force to be reckoned with: organised, on time and stress-free (well, as much as you can be on the whirlwind that is The Block!), the pair pulled off a stellar room week after week. It seems life imitates TV and the pair have confirmed the “end of an era” on their Instagram feed, sharing their joy in the news that the home has been sold.
Fans of the show fell in love with their Japandi style which resulted in a knock-out final home. It won them the show and they walked away with an impressive $1.75 million.
There was no rest for this renovating power couple as they went home to continue renovating their Sydney home and list it for auction on Saturday,6th April 204. See the listing here. Take a tour with us below and fall in love with their excellent taste for interiors all over again.
Inside Steph and Gian’s Bexley home
It’s understandably mixed emotions for Steph and Gian who are putting their home up for auction, but the pair will continue doing their thing. “We really love this home, we’re very attached to it,” Steph shared with Domain. “It holds a really special place in our hearts but we are excited for the next chapter – we want to keep designing and building and learning.”
The home has retained its original charm, with steps flanked by columns alongside trending terracotta tiled steps. Original bricks remain, with details painted in a tasteful cream and green combination. The ‘Berrima’ house name is a lovely touch.
The hallway has been painted in crisp white, with organic styling elements such as the rug runners on the hardwood floors. An archway gives a glimpse of the modern extension at the back.
Kitchen
In a nice contrast to the original section of the home, the modern extension has burnished concrete floors. The kitchen is contemporary yet cocooning, with dark custom-built cabinetry housing pantry staples and soft curves in warm tones making the island a hero piece. The kitchen has all the mod cons, including Fisher & Paykel appliances and Astra Walker tapware, plus stylish details such as a Rosa Zarci marble bench.
Dining
The dining area sits alongside the island bench with plenty of space for dinner parties or a big family.
Living area
Cathedral ceilings make the open-plan living, dining and kitchen area feel even bigger. It has indoor-outdoor appeal, opening up to the leafy back terrace.
Soft light shines through sheer curtains running along the expanse of the walls, over acoustic-rated aluminium windows. Seven skylights throughout the home bring in extra light.
Bedrooms
There are four bedrooms, with versatility built in. Whether the new owner has young children, likes to have guests visit or needs to work from home, the substantial Californian bungalow has flexibility.
Many of the home’s Art Deco elements have been kept and bring a lot of character, with modern details such as practical cabinetry integrated seamlessly.
The fireplace in one of the bedrooms gives a cosy feeling, along with tactile details such as the overhead pendant and curved bedhead.
Bathrooms
The property has two bathrooms. An ensuite off the bedroom is beautifully minimal yet still warm and inviting. It has double sinks and a freestanding bath.
Outdoor area
There’s no doubt The Block 2023 alumni Steph and Gian have done a beautiful job, blending the original with the new in this circa 1937 home.
The view of the extension from the back of the home is a thing of beauty with its sleek dark hue and sharp lines.
The outside terrace is a leafy oasis, with a mature frangipani tree and other lush plants adding an extra layer of privacy.
