St Andrew’s Anglican College principal Chris Ivey selling $2.5m home

A Sunshine Coast principal of nearly 20 years has put his $2.5m property on the market, leaving behind a home full of fond memories of his family growing up.

A Sunshine Coast principal of almost two decades has made what he describes as an emotional decision to sell his family home as a career move beckons.

St Andrew’s Anglican College principal Chris Ivey will take up his new role at Somerset College on the Gold Coast next year after leading the Peregian Springs school for almost 18 years.

Mr Ivey is now selling his home at 28 Gweneth Rd, Peregian Springs for $2.5m, which he bought in 2007 when he took up his principal role.

Property data shows he bought the property for $872,000, promising a profit of $1.625m if sold at a minimum offer.

He said his family inspected the property just a day after arriving to the Sunshine Coast from New South Wales, quickly falling in love with it.

St Andrew’s Anglican College principal Chris Ivey. Photo: contributed

More than they had wanted to spend, the family looked elsewhere but ultimately returned for its “sensational location” and perfect size for their family.

“We have seen our four children grow up, have countless birthday parties and as everyone who comes over reminds us, it is a sensational home in which you can entertain and this is something we have loved doing,” Mr Ivey said.

He labelled his time on the Sunshine Coast and at the college as a “incredible journey,” surrounded by “passionate” people, staff, students and families.

“This has been the place from where all our four children have graduated,” Mr Ivey said.

“We’ve built a phenomenal school here, both in terms of our facilities but more importantly, our culture.”

Mr Ivey encouraged the community to hold onto “the important foundations and culture we have”.

“To continue to uphold our values of respect and compassion, curiosity and courage, engagement and commitment,” he said.

The longtime principal is looking forward to the “new adventure” but will focus on and enjoy his last weeks on the Sunshine Coast.

Mr Ivey said his family was sad to leave the home that they had renovated and designed over time to become a “relaxing and enjoyable space”.

“Our hope is another family comes and enjoys this unique part of the Sunny Coast,” he said.

“It might not seem like it at first, but having the lovely granny flat where older kids have lived, as well as having the master bed upstairs has allowed the house to grow and flex depending on the age and stage of families.”

The six-bedroom, three-bathroom home is being sold by Sotheby’s International Realty.