Former professional netballers Bianca Chatfield and Carla Dziwoki have taken on the enormous task of transforming the dilapidated Gatwick Hotel in St Kilda. The local landmark, with its gritty and colourful past, is the toughest project in the show’s history. But these renovation rookies aren’t ones to shy away from a challenge. With a homecourt advantage and agents Michael Paproth and Peter Kakos coaching them through the campaign, Bianca and Carla are in a fantastic position to win gold!
After applying for the 2017 series in Elsternwick and just missing out, it seems 2018 was meant to be their year. Once finding out they had successfully been chosen – against a record-breaking 45,000 entries – the girls spent months saving photos on Instagram and Pinterest. But as Bianca admits, there were so many unknown factors, which were out of their control.
“The sleep deprivation has been horrendous, so many nights we wouldn’t sleep at all, and we could barely talk to each other we were that exhausted,” she says.
Luckily, these two are skilled in staying calm under pressure. Bianca was one of the youngest netballers ever to represent Australia and has captained the Melbourne Vixens where she played alongside Carla.
Despite their lack of experience on the tools, they have used their sportsmanship to their advantage.
“Probably more than any other team we had to work closely together for as much of the week as possible as we didn’t have trade,” admits Bianca. “On top of designing, styling and shopping we were the labourers.”
After being placed third in the 48 Hour Challenge room, Carla and Bianca excitedly picked the north-facing penthouse.
General Manager of The Agency Victoria, Peter Kakos, is confident this was the right choice, and believes the penthouse offers wide appeal attracting not only local buyers, but national and international purchasers as well.
“It is the perfect Melbourne base for those who commute between states, a luxury residence for the downsizer or even for a family looking for a low-maintenance apartment but still wanting style, quality and a home in the heart of the action,” says Peter. “To say you own a penthouse in St Kilda would be quite a statement.”
During the first week on The Block, the contestants have been busy transforming their main bathroom. Carla and Bianca created a calm and luxurious space, fitted with wooden panelling on the ceiling and a marble feature wall. The Block judge Shaynna Blaze said the girls were targeting a “corporate St Kilda market,” and that their aesthetic was an “absolute winner.”
Bianca and Carla's main bathroom has serious 'wow' factor.
Stay tuned as we will be taking you behind-the-scenes at The Block each week, all the way to auction day!
The Block room reveals every Sunday on Channel Nine at 7:30pm.
Follow Bianca and Carla at @biancaandcarla #9TheBlock.
