Ex-senator Helen Kroger, Bob Hawke chief of staff Graham Evans sell
It was second-time lucky for Ms Kroger who sold her Hawthorn home for $2.488m recently, after an earlier attempt in spring last year.
Holding off helped score a better result for the Australian senator who held office from 2008-2014, who had the three-bedroom, two-bathroom property listed for $2.2m-$2.4m last year.
Marshall White's Nicholas Franzmann took over the listing from another agency earlier this year and said the property's size, single-level design, access to transport and a renovation had been key for the young couple and a professional who contested it.
While he declined to comment on the vendor, Mr Franzmann said the sale had demonstrated growing buyer confidence.
'We certainly have better connections with people since the two rate drops, so while a few 0.25 per cents is not life changing, it does send a positive message,' he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Evans who had a distinguished, 27-year career in the public service that included time as the secretary for the Department of Transport as well as for Department of Primary Industries and Energy, as well as a three-year stint as Mr Hawke's chief of staff.
But he said his proudest achievement, which also earned him the accolade of Officer of the order of Australia, was his work in micro-economic reform especially in transport and communications — ultimately paving the way for digital radio and TV as well as for mobile phones to reach their ubiquitous use today.
The former public servant is selling the Port Fairy home he's used as a regional base for 17 years.
While the local golf links have convinced friends and family to join him and his partner on visits to the property over the years, it's also a convenient walk to most of the towns key features — and neighbours regularly use their private jetties for kayaking and fishing trips.
Mr Evans said after growing up in Colac they had bought the Gipps St home in 2008 with past holidays to the coastal town in mind, but had come to love regular music festivals and town events.
'People probably see it as holiday place with a lot of those sort of attractions, but having lived there for a while there are a lot of things that make it a great place,' he said.
He said the water views from the spacious living zones of the ground level as well as two of the bedrooms upstairs were a constant hallmark of the home's relaxed lifestyle.
Charles Stewart's Penny Adamson said the home was one of only a handful in the town with a lawn stretching all the way to the water and its own jetty.
Its relative rarity, open-plan lay out, 575sq m allotment and a build by locally renowned Mick Hearn have enticed interest from buyers including Melburnians looking to relocate, locals looking to downsize, and farmers looking for a town residence.
It is listed for sale at $2.8m.
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