Former AFL star Nic Naitanui and his wife Brittany Bown are rebuilding their Sorrento home, revealing ambitious plans for a new coastal residence dubbed Vale23. The couple purchased the character-filled property earlier this year, initially drawn to its mid-century features like solid jarrah floorboards and a leadlight window. As the first home reportedly built on the street, the location held significant appeal, even though they weren’t originally sure about keeping the structure.
Construction on Vale23 is being managed by AMG Home Builders, with interior design handled by Sarandis Design. The architectural plans show a contemporary two-storey home that replaces the existing four-bedroom house. Design elements include a sweeping curved staircase and a kitchen centered around a richly veined marble island. Expansive glazing is designed to draw ocean views and natural light into the living spaces, while the material palette relies on warm neutral stone.
The project also includes facilities tailored to family life, such as a lap pool, gym, and outdoor court set within landscaped gardens. AMG Home Builders describes the home as being designed around “the everyday rhythm of family life.” The team has submitted the plans for developmental approval, marking a significant step toward the new build replacing the original structure.
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Leaving the past behind
The transformation of the Sorrento site means the original home will be demolished to make way for the modern residence. The existing property featured timber-panelled walls, bay windows with built-in seating, and original cabinetry, which gave it a warmth that is increasingly difficult to recreate today. The decision to rebuild rather than renovate reflects a broader trend among homeowners who prioritize a custom layout over preserving older features.
For Naitanui and Bown, the move to Sorrento was driven by the desire to raise their children closer to the ocean and extended family. The beach is just a short walk from their new address.
While the new renders promise a spectacular outcome for the family, the demolition of the original home highlights the trade-offs involved in coastal development. Renovators often face the difficult choice of whether to preserve the “bones” of a property or demolish it entirely to build something new. In this case, the couple appears to have chosen a blank canvas to create a space specifically tailored to their family’s daily needs.
