The inside story on Travis Hunter’s $3.275 million home purchase — and how an owl helped close the deal

When supernova Jags rookie Travis Hunter toured his future home in Deerwood Country Club a few weeks ago, a winged visitor unexpectedly appeared — a majestic owl that had occasionally visited the property for years.

For the homeowner, Angela Stringfellow, the bird’s presence wasn’t just a pleasant coincidence. It felt like a meaningful sign that Hunter had found more than just a house — he had found a haven.

“During his second visit, Travis stayed for several hours,” the real estate agent told The Citizen, noting she and her husband Gregory handled the sale. “There were deer everywhere, and then the owl appeared. It was a really special moment. You could tell that Travis really appreciated the nature and privacy here.”

Hunter closed on the regal property May 30 — a stately 8,125-square-foot, two-story estate set on 7.5 secluded acres within the gated Estates section of Deerwood Country Club.

The five-bedroom, seven-bathroom home features a four-car garage, pool, and tennis court, all built in 1995 with privacy and tranquility in mind.

The cornerback and wide receiver, drafted No. 2 overall, purchased the home for $3.275 million with his wife, Leanna De La Fuente.

Stringfellow said Hunter toured 16 homes across the First Coast soon after signing his $47 million deal with the Jaguars, considering properties in both St. Johns and Duval counties.

He looked at Glen Kernan — home to Tim Tebow — and several waterfront properties, which would appeal to his love of fishing.

But when he stepped into the Deerwood property with his wife, brother and a handful of friends, Hunter knew he had found his cocoon of tranquility.

“He’s such a sweet young man,” Stringfellow said, laughing as she recalled turning down her breathless kids’ requests to attend the showing. “We wanted to be really respectful and professional. But did they want to come? Absolutely. I had to say no.”

The home shares a long private driveway with just a few neighbors — and they’re all quietly jubilant over the new addition to the community.

For the Stringfellows, who owned the home for 15 years, the sale — which set a record for the enclave — was more than a business transaction. It was passing on a cherished family retreat to someone who would appreciate it as much as they did.

Their three children were raised in the home, which features subtle touches of faith, including two framed artworks depicting Jesus in the living room and bedroom.

Hunter’s request to keep those pieces as part of the deal resonated deeply with the family, symbolizing a shared appreciation for faith and tradition.

“It was important to us to pass the home on to someone who would truly care for it,” Stringfellow said. “That connection with Travis was very meaningful.”

The home also carries a deep local sports history. The Stringfellows bought it in 2010 from former Green Bay Packers great and Jacksonville native LeRoy Butler — a 2022 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee and Super Bowl champion.

Deerwood Country Club, founded in the 1960s as Jacksonville’s first gated country club, remains one of the city’s most exclusive neighborhoods. Hunter joins former Jaguars players like Josh Scobee and John Henderson who have called Deerwood home.

Hunter’s rise to the NFL has been both swift and remarkable. After starring at Jackson State and Colorado, the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner mesmerized scouts with his rare ability to play both cornerback and wide receiver.

The Jaguars’ audacious decision to trade up three spots to select Hunter with the second overall pick underscores the high expectations for the young star — and the longing of Jags Nation for a winner.

His rookie contract will total nearly $47 million over four years, with a fifth-year option.

Beyond the football accolades, the home represents a new beginning for the famously amiable Hunter and his wife as they put down roots in Jacksonville.

As the Stringfellow family acclimates to their new home in Ponte Vedra Beach, they can take comfort knowing their beloved home will be cared for by someone who values its peace, privacy and special touches — and who even got an owl’s quiet blessing.