A stunning $17.95 million mansion has hit the market in Washington D.C.'s prestigious Massachusetts Avenue Heights neighborhood, just three minutes away from another distinguished Embassy Row property that was listed last month for $9.5 million. The eight-bedroom estate, designed by renowned architect John W. Kearney and completed in 1931, is being offered through Daniel Heider and Jaclyn Mason of TTR Sotheby's International Realty.
The four-story residence commands nearly half an acre of prime real estate near the United States Naval Observatory and Number One Observatory Circle, which serves as the official residence of the Vice President of the United States. Architect John W. Kearney, a New York native best known for designing St. Walburga's Academy on Manhattan's Riverside Drive, created several notable houses in the nation's capital that showcase various architectural styles ranging from Tudor Revival to French Eclectic.
The regal mansion sits elegantly behind a row of mature trees, approached via a heated cobblestone crescent driveway – a luxurious feature particularly valuable during Washington's harsh winter months. The home's French Provincial design is immediately evident through its distinctive architectural elements, including French windows crowned by elegant half-moon windows and a delicate glass-and-wrought-iron canopy gracefully positioned over the main entrance.
Upon entering, guests are greeted by the opulent chateau-style interior, beginning with hand-painted murals depicting formal gardens in the entry vestibule. This leads into a grand foyer featuring rich dark-stained herringbone floors and an elegant staircase that sets the tone for the home's sophisticated aesthetic throughout.
The mansion's interior boasts soaring ceilings reaching up to 11 feet high, allowing natural light to cascade through the living, family, and dining room spaces. The spacious living room serves as a centerpiece for both intimate gatherings and large-scale entertaining, anchored by a massive stone fireplace and framed by dual sets of French doors that offer picturesque views of the surrounding neighborhood.
The home's entertainment spaces are equally impressive, with a family room adorned in printed wallpaper and convenient access to the rear patio. The formal dining room, decorated in elegant blush tones, can comfortably accommodate more than a dozen guests. The open-plan kitchen, strategically positioned between a butler's pantry and breakfast room, features modern amenities including a built-in wine refrigerator.
The second floor houses four bedrooms, with the primary suite occupying an entire wing of the residence. This luxurious master retreat includes a spacious bedroom with a private sitting area, and one of its two bathrooms features gold-toned fixtures complemented by a dreamy hand-painted scenic mural. The storage-lined dressing room provides access to an impressive trio of walk-in closets.
Additional sleeping quarters include three more bedrooms spanning the third floor, plus an additional bedroom tucked away on the lower level. The home also offers numerous bonus features including extra rooms, a walk-in safe, a recreation room, a mirrored gymnasium, and a convenient two-car garage.
The meticulously landscaped grounds showcase roomy terraces perfect for alfresco dining and outdoor lounging, along with the property's crown jewel – a stunning 36-foot oval-shaped swimming pool set alongside a row of perfectly trimmed hedges. These outdoor amenities create an urban oasis in the heart of the nation's capital, offering residents a private retreat from the bustling city life.
