Image: Supplied by Steph and Gian Ottavio
Winners of The Block 2023, Steph and Gian Ottavio, may have moved on to new projects – from their Bexley renovation, sold in 2024, to their current family home – but the Japandi-style house they created on the series still holds a special place in their hearts.
The couple returned this year with the newest addition to their family, their four-month-old daughter, Ilaria. Speaking to Home Beautiful exclusively, they shared what it felt like to be back where their Block journey began.
“It’s a surreal experience,” says Steph. “We walked past the place and our hearts sort of ache. We have a part of our soul that’s been left there, in the best possible way. I feel very emotional.”
Although they’ve visited before, this time was different – it was the first time bringing their daughter along. “It’s so beautiful to be able to take Ilaria there,” says Steph. “To take her into the girl’s room we designed and have a rock in the rocking chair, it was a full-circle moment.”
The new homeowners warmly welcome the Sydney-based couple whenever they’re in Melbourne. The All Stars have been back several times, even hosting a home tour with 2024 contestants Kristian and Mimi, and sharing their tips for success on The Block.
While new owners often leave their own mark, this home remains remarkably unchanged. “The best part about it is that the house and the homeowners are wonderful,” says Steph. “They nurture the house and take care of the garden. All of the decor, furniture and everything we put so much hard work into, they’ve kept.”
It’s a testament to the timeless design they delivered – a home that helped put Japandi style into the spotlight. That signature aesthetic has since evolved into their homewares brand, Japandi Estate, with new pieces and a rug collection launching this year.
No matter how busy life becomes, returning to their Block house is something they’ll always make time for. “We’re so blessed to be able to go back every now and then,” says Steph. “I think we’ll forever do that.”
How much did Steph and Gian make on The Block?
Not only did Steph and Gian take out the 2023 season of The Block, they smashed records with their winnings. The Japandi-style home created by the couple was sold at auction to entrepreneur Adrian Portelli for $5 million. This scored them the record-breaking winnings of $1.65 million profit plus $100,000 in prize money. “In a split second, Adrian Portelli literally changed our lives,” Gian shared at the time.
The only other Block contestants who have come close to topping this win were sisters Maddy and Charlotte, who were just $100k short of this. They sold their home to Adrian Portelli in 2024 and walked away with $1.55 million plus $100k prize money, shared between them.
Since then, Adrian Portelli has famously declared he won’t return to the auctions on Channel Nine’s The Block. Instead, he’s working with Channel 7’s My Reno Rules, which is airing in 2026 and also stars Neale Whitaker, along with fellow judges Simon Cohen and Julia Green, with Dr Chris Brown as host.
What did Steph and Gian do after The Block?
It’s been a busy few years since Steph and Gian first appeared on The Block in 2023. They’ve been guests on the reality renovating series every year since, cementing themselves as All Stars. The pair have ridden the wave, staying active on social media and sharing their renovating journey, launching their brand Japandi Estate and keeping busy designing houses – Steph is a registered architect, after all.
Have Steph and Gian had a baby?
Another major development since their win on The Block is obviously the birth of their new baby girl, Ilaria, at the end of 2025. It wasn’t the easiest start, with the pair sharing it was “one of the most challenging weeks of our lives”. Steph was taken to intensive care after an emergency caesarean and only days later had an emotional reunion with her daughter. “We have been inseparable ever since,” she said.
