When Jaguars rookie star Travis Hunter toured a sprawling estate in Deerwood Country Club recently, an unexpected guest swooped in — a regal owl that had long visited the property.
For seller Angela Stringfellow, the moment felt like more than coincidence. To her, it was a sign that Hunter had found more than just a house, but a true sanctuary.
“On his second visit, Travis stayed for hours,” Stringfellow told The Citizen. “Deer were roaming, and then the owl showed up. You could see how much he valued the privacy and nature here.”
On May 30, Hunter officially closed on the 8,125-square-foot, two-story estate, set on 7.5 secluded acres in Deerwood’s exclusive Estates section. The $3.275 million property includes five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a pool, tennis court, four-car garage, and a winding private driveway. Built in 1995, the home was designed with space and seclusion in mind.
Hunter, the No. 2 overall draft pick and 2024 Heisman winner, purchased the home with his wife, Leanna De La Fuente. After signing his $47 million rookie contract, he toured 16 properties across Duval and St. Johns counties — including Glen Kernan, where Tim Tebow resides, and several waterfront homes to suit his love for fishing — before deciding Deerwood was the perfect fit.
When Hunter visited the property with his wife, brother, and friends, he knew instantly he had found his retreat. The Stringfellows, who raised their three children in the home, said the sale felt more like handing over a family treasure than a transaction.
Faith played a role too. The home features subtle spiritual touches, including framed portraits of Jesus, which Hunter requested to keep as part of the purchase. “That really meant a lot to us,” Stringfellow said. “It showed he would care for the home the way we did.”
The estate also carries sports history, once owned by Jacksonville native and Packers Hall of Famer LeRoy Butler. With Hunter’s arrival, he joins other Jaguars alumni who have called Deerwood home, like Josh Scobee and John Henderson.
Hunter’s path to the NFL has been meteoric, with his rare two-way ability as both cornerback and receiver making him one of the most electrifying prospects in recent memory. The Jaguars’ bold move to trade up for him highlights the franchise’s hopes for a new era.
For Hunter and his wife, the home is more than just real estate — it’s a place to settle into Jacksonville life. And for the Stringfellows, now in Ponte Vedra Beach, there’s comfort in knowing the estate is in the hands of someone who values its serenity, legacy, and even the owl that gave its blessing.
Information from: https://sjcitizen.com/the-inside-story-on-travis-hunters-3-275-million-home-purchase-and-how-an-owl-helped-close-the-deal/
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