The auction of prominent Florida philanthropist Duane Ottenstroer’s splendorous riverfront home has set a new local sales record, The Citizen has learned.
The former Chairman of the Florida Prepaid Program and successful venture capitalist put his 12,500-square- foot mansion up for sale in a no reserve auction, and the final hammer fell on Saturday.
Platinum Luxury Auctions President Trayor Lesnock told The Citizen Thursday that ten bidders vied for the 7-bed, 8.5-bathroom Fruit Cove jewel.
“While the sales price will remain confidential until closing, we can confirm that the price more than doubled the previous, all-time sales record of $4.85 million for the city of St John’s, FL,” he said.
The final number will be released at closing in roughly 30 days.
Set on a massive 15-acre lot, broker Anita Vining of Berkshire Hathaway called the property at 2180 Eventide Ave. “one of Jacksonville’s most iconic riverfront estates.”
Vining’s listing highlights its 600 feet of river frontage, deep-water dock and sumptuously manicured grounds.
Built in 1994, the home was designed by the late architect Barry Fox of New Orleans, who was celebrated for numerous historic restoration projects in the Big Easy.
“The architecture reflects gracious charm and classical proportions reminiscent of bygone eras, offering a setting ideal for both intimate gatherings and grand-scale entertaining,” Vining wrote of the estate.
A noted donor to educational institutions and programs, Ottenstroer led Florida’s popular college funding program from 2009 to 2016.
A graduate of the University of Minnesota, he sponsors several scholarships and fellowships along with his wife, Sue, including a Bolles School initiative that allows standout teachers to conduct research projects abroad.
