Childhood sweethearts Steph and Gian Ottavio really are just like the rest of us, despite their record-breaking win on The Block.
The married couple are currently having a debate over Gian’s dream of buying an expensive car!
Despite taking out a monster prize, the fan faves are as down-to-earth as ever.
(Image: Supplied) (Credit: (Image: Supplied))“Absolutely not!” declares sensible Steph.
The couple shared an old VW Beetle for years before Steph had a car accident just before The Block auctions and they were forced to buy another vehicle.
“We traded it in for a second-hand BMW,” she reveals.
“I don’t know what I’m going to buy, but I’m on the electric vehicle train,” insists Gian, 28, who seems only too happy to ignore Steph’s protests at this extravagance.
‘We’re millionaires… but we haven’t changed’.
(Image: Supplied) (Credit: (Image: Supplied))Staying grounded
Gian and Steph, who celebrates her 28th birthday on December 28, flew to a Fijian island earlier this month for some well-deserved downtime after a “whirlwind” year that has seen them become both rich and famous.
The Sydney couple – whose beautifully renovated Hampton East home sold for $5 million and made a record-breaking profit of $1.75 million – have been together ever since they met on a train on the way home from school when they were just 13 years old.
“We have so many things on our plate, but we think it’s really important to attack that with a level head, which is why we went away to destress and unBlock,” Steph tells Woman’s Day.
The pair paid for their second-hand car and luxury holiday out of savings they had before appearing on The Block, and they were quick last week to reassure their 40,000 Instagram followers that they were flying economy and taking a boat rather than an expensive helicopter to the island.
“We’re not going to lean into this luxury lifestyle – I don’t want to get a taste for that life,” laughs architect Steph, who says they haven’t splashed out on any “luxury items at all”, but felt they both deserved a week of snorkelling, swimming and unwinding.
“We don’t see ourselves as celebrities. We are just normal, everyday people, and I think we will forever have that grounded mentality.
Some people say, ‘What are you going to do with the money?’ and I say, as easy as the money came is as easy as it can go.
“We’re just going to keep on with our goals and passions and renovating and buying property. It is an expensive hobby!”
Gian says people at their local shops now occasionally do a double-take when they see the popular Block stars grocery shopping.
“We’re not these uptight celebrities. We’re really just these approachable people,” he tells. “I just hug everyone!” adds Steph.
The Sydney couple won a whopping $1.75 million on The Block.
(Image: Supplied) (Credit: (Image: Supplied))Block baby?
Steph’s devoted Greek parents and Gian’s big Italian family haven’t been shy about wanting grandchildren, but for now they are keeping mum on their plans.
“I can’t believe how many people are wanting me to have a child,” laughs Steph.
Right now, they’re busy preparing to launch an online homewares store, however, there are also rumours they’re set to return to the show that kickstarted it all for them, which they neither confirm nor deny.
“I don’t think we could ever say no to The Block again. It was the best experience of my life and Steph’s despite the stresses,” teases Gian.
For now, Gian and Steph are just happy with their fur baby!
(Image: Supplied) (Credit: (Image: Supplied))