Point Chevalier is a close-knit community, and many residents will recognise the name of Derek von Sturmer, who has been selling real estate in the suburb since 2005.
The former circus acrobat, and past coach of the Mexican national rugby team, is passionate about the neighbourhood – and the property where he currently lives with wife Gina and their three small children is situated in a cul-de-sac at the quiet end of Dignan Street, with views across the estuary.
It’s just metres from where the pair first met, while walking their respective dogs – on Valentine’s Day in 2012. “And the rest is history,” they say.
89 Dignan Street has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and off-street parking for two vehicles. It has a June 2021 RV of $3.125 million and will be sold at auction on January 26. Marketing the property are Josh Kumar and Simon Abbott of Ray White Remuera.
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Purchased by the couple in 2017, the 1920s bungalow had been renovated, and a top storey – with two bedrooms, a walk-in wardrobe, bathroom, and balcony added.
According to OneRoof data, the property sold for $2m in 2017.
“The very bright paint colours in most rooms weren’t really our cup of tea,” Gina says, pointing out that practically all of the interior walls have been newly repainted this year, in classic, versatile, white.
The property has a 2021 RV of $3.125m and has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and off-street-parking for two vehicles. Photo / Supplied
She, Derek and the children are enthusiastic animal lovers, with two dogs, plus a cat and several rescue rabbits, so the 655sqm section has been put to good use by family members with four legs, as well as those with two.
It’s potentially subdividable so they’re selling the property complete with plans, should a new owner wish to proceed along those lines.
Downstairs a spacious sunny kitchen has fabulous water views, enabling the family to decide at short notice if it’s a good time to take kayaks out.
A separate laundry and two bedrooms, one of which is shared by the boys, plus a spacious family bathroom, are complemented by a semi-separate dining area and living room, with an open fire.
This part of the house opens to a secluded, private deck, tucked behind the front fence and security gates.
Gina says that the neighbourhood is incredibly friendly. “The people next door are adopting our cat when we move to our new place, a few streets away – with a larger section for the children and pets.”
The spacious, sunny kitchen downstairs has fabulous water views, enabling the homeowners to decide at short notice if it’s a good time to take kayaks out. Photo / Supplied
Homeowner and real estate agent Derek von Sturmer says his decision to relocate fits in nicely with the current stage of his professional life. Photo / Supplied
Derek says that the decision to buy a new property and relocate, fits in nicely with the current stage of his professional life.
“After 17 years selling real estate with my brother, I was given the opportunity to work alongside Megan Jaffe, supported by her senior leadership team to learn from the #1 international Ray White office,” he says.
“Their agents have the most unbelievable admin support with the best systems and processes, and it’s something I’ve never had during my career. I now have more time to spend with my family and am very grateful to Megan for the opportunity.”
Derek adds that while it felt like time for a change, he’s still very much a local dad: connected to the community, a Point Chevalier specialist, with an extensive local database and he firmly intends to stay that way.
“We haven’t had enough quality properties in this suburb to meet demand for a number of years now – and to be honest, that’s still the case.”
Derek says that his and Gina’s home is going to auction on January 26 with a disclosed reserve, for transparency.
“Naturally, we’d like to get more than that, but we are very excited about our new home and, personally, I’m just looking forward to spending more time with my family.”
