Most Expensive Sales in 2023

The most expensive sale in DC in 2023 was the Swedish ambassador’s residence at 3900 Nebraska Ave.  Listed for $19,700,000, it sold for $17.3M is slightly more than a month.  Situated on 6.7 acres of mature gardens and tree covered grounds, this Mediterranean style villa has interior spaces inviting both grandeur and cozy family life. A graceful circular driveway leads arrivals through a tree lined fence and gated entry to reveal the lovely terra cotta roofing of this estate, built in 1925. Most recently the home of the Swedish Ambassador, this residence is ideal as a cozy retreat by the hearth or for diplomatic calibre entertaining. Featuring seven bedrooms, seven full and three half baths, family and friends are easily and comfortably accommodated in these expansive and spacious rooms, which feature gorgeous hardwood floors and large light filled windows. The commercial grade kitchen is ideal for large scale entertaining, as is the wing provided for support staff. A formal library, ballroom and paved terraces provide the stateliness requisite for such events.

The most expensive condo sold in DC in 2023 was a newly constructed penthouse at the Amaris, located at 601 Wharf St SW on the Washington Channel.  With 5790 square feet of space and four bedrooms and six full baths and two half baths, it sold for $12,762,000.

The most expensive property on the market in DC that listed in 2023 but hasn’t sold yet is 2400 Foxhall Road, Brett Baier’s home.  2400 Foxhall Road is on the market for nearly $32 million. The property, inspired by the Château du Grand-Lucé in central France, was built by developer Michael Banks with architect David Jones, In addition, landscape architect Richard Arentz and interior designer Thomas Pheasant added their skills over the course of three years to create this home on 1.47 acres. According to the listing agent, Daniel Heider of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, if the property goes for asking price, it’ll be the most expensive residential sale in DC history.

In addition to the16,500 square feet of living space, the 1.47 acres of 2400 Foxhall Road include mature landscaping sourced from around the country, two three car garages, a fifty-six-foot heated pool, and just beyond the pool, a private chipping and putting green.  These all go nicely with the interior spa and fitness facilities, including a professional two-story indoor sports court and golf simulator.

2023’s most expensive sale in Montgomery County was 8913 Holly Leaf Lane, Bethesda in the Avenel community, listed by RLAH. 8913 Holly Leaf Lane in Avenel was on the market for $10M and sold for $9,185,000. The property comes with an indoor basketball court, tennis court with stadium lighting, a pool with pool house, four car garage, six bedrooms and eight and a half baths. It  was the home of a former Wizards basketball player, Bradley Beal, who is now playing for the Phoenix Suns.

The sports theme continues in Montgomery County with the most expensive home on the market in 2023 (and still on the market).   Dan Snyder’s house at 11900 River Road, in Potomac is listed for $34,900,000.   This property has been on the market for nearly a year and was originally listed for sale for $49,000,000.  Talk about taking a price reduction!

2545 N Ridgeview Road with four finished levels was the most expensive sale in 2023 in Arlington, VA. This was a new construction craftsman home with options for an elevator and a pool.  The home had a main level library with a full bath and walk in closet giving the option of a first floor bedroom.  The property sold in February 2023 for $4.25M.

410 Chain Bridge Road in McLean is a carry over from 2023 that has not sold yet.  Listed for $9.2M, this property is 5,420 square foot (above grade) contemporary with five bedrooms and five and a half baths.  Designed by architect Mark McInturff and built by Added Dimensions Constructions, this home exudes European elegance.  With soaring 25-foot ceilings, the Great Room sets a grand and sophisticated ambiance. The chandelier by Manooi, adorned with Swarovski Crystals, adds a regal touch.  The gourmet kitchen has Gaggeneau appliances, and custom Boffi Italian cabinetry. The spacious primary suite offers a sitting area, walk-in closets, and two luxurious baths with a soaking tub, fog-free mirror, and steam shower. The meticulously designed hardscape includes a travertine lounge patio with a gas fire pit and BBQ station, overlooking lush parklike gardens and a picturesque creek. A saltwater waterfall infinity-edge, heated swimming pool adds to the private oasis.  The property includes hydronic radiant heating and a geothermal system.

210 Duke Street gets the title of the most expensive sale in Alexandria in 2023.  Built in 1787, this exquisite restored and renovated historic property is the former residence and medical office of George Washington’s personal physician, Dr. James Craik.  Dr. Craik attended to President Washington in 1799 on his death bed at Mount Vernon, 8 miles south of Old Town. His medical office was the first room of the house, just left of the front entrance. Classic Georgian style architecture melds with elegant modern upgrades, expanded living space and carefully preserved original features. 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, original heart pine floors, exquisite moldings, arched doorways, built-ins and 8 handsome fireplaces. The kitchen adjoins a sunny family room overlooking the meticulously planted garden. An attached flounder house with many windows and exposed beamed ceilings serves as an office or artist’s studio. The remarkable garden area can be viewed from numerous rooms. A long grass panel softened with flower beds is surrounded by a reconstructed stonewall that once was the foundation of a former outbuilding on this property. The gracefully-carved steps were said to be salvaged from the Blair House during a mid-20th century remodeling and brought to 210 Duke. There is a swimming pool at the rear of the garden. Off-street parking is accessed through remote-controlled grey wood double gates.

811 Prince Street is the most expensive carry over from 2023 in Alexandria.  This historic home was built in 1854 and is on the market for $8,000,000.  With four bedrooms, four and a half baths and a double lot with walled gardens  the Bayne-Fowle home was built by a successful merchant. This 8,600 square foot home exemplifies the finest in 19th century architectural design and craftsmanship. Additionally, it has benefitted from a spectacular recent renovation.

Chain Bridge Road is home to many expensive homes.  A bit further out Chain Bridge Road from 410 Chain Bridge is the most expensive sale in Fairfax County in 2023.    This property at 1163 Chain Bridge Road sold for $13,250,000 in June. Next to the iconic and historic Hickory HilI (Bobby Kennedy’s home), this European styled property has a gated entrance with an arrival court surrounded by immaculate landscaping including Coral Bark Maples for all-season interest. The living room has an antique limestone fireplace, coffered ceilings and antique doors from France that discretely retract into the walls. The dining room has custom pattern ceiling created by artist David Wiggins, a matching set of mirrored doors, custom chandeliers and French doors that lead to a courtyard with an antique water fountain. The Lower Level is designed to entertain with a wet bar with wine cellar, Recreation Room with a stone fireplace and a surprising retractable TV Wall separating the Theater Room, Billiard Room, Wrapping Room, Fitness Room and Bedroom with full Bath. Outdoors features an infinity Pool with a waterfall, Firepit, Cabana with Kitchen and Full Bath, numerous terraces and covered terraces overlooking the expansive lawns and mature landscaping that ensures year-round privacy. A separate Guest House with a garage has a Main Level Office, Upper-Level Living Room, Bedroom, Bath and Kitchenette.

The most expensive hold over from 2023 in Fairfax County is 7020 Green Oak Drive in McLean listed for $50M.   Set on over 5 acres, this riverfront contemporary will be built with  30,000 sq ft of space .    The property is also available for sale without the construction for $12M.  The property will be built with Lush landscaping, extensive stone walls, water features and fountains, and 425 feet of Potomac River access, give the property a serene ambiance. This property will have two elevators, motion sensor lighting, internet-connected security cameras, automatically adjustable thermostats, programmable shades that open and close at sunrise and sunset, and a walk-in safe/ panic room with a comfortable living-space. Luxury amenities will include rooftop putting green, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, multi-purposed sports arena, bowling alley, exercise suite with yoga studio, sauna, spa, and Turkish Hammam, children’s game room with slide and rock-climbing wall, private disco pub with full bar and cigar room, beauty salon, temperature-controlled 3000-bottle wine cellar, and a crystal Champagne room with glittering glass display cases. There is a second kitchen and third outdoor kitchen, along with a private home manager’s/ house keeper’s quarters.

If you are interested in looking for a new home in the DC metro area, just give us a call at 240-401-5577 or email us at lise@lisehowe.com.  We look forward to talking with you!