Fessenden House, the Crown Jewel of Washington, D.C., Sells in Just Under Six Months

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Fessenden House, which was listed for US$22 million, has sold in under six months to an undisclosed international buyer. The announcement was made today by Christie's International Real Estate and its exclusive Affiliate, Long & Foster Real Estate. Offered for sale for the first time since its construction and renowned as one of the grandest homes in the Washington D.C. metro area, Fessenden House is the area’s most expensive single family home sold in 2015.

“Fessenden House epitomizes 'architecture as art,' making it an ideal property to be represented by the Christie’s brand and marketed globally through Christie’s International Real Estate,” said Kathleen Coumou, the company’s Senior Vice President. “We were delighted to work with our Exclusive Affiliate, Long & Foster Real Estate, to find the next steward for this important property.”

“It has been an honor and privilege to represent Mr. Samuel Lehrman in the sale of this extraordinary residence,” said Nancy Itteilag of Long & Foster Real Estate, listing agent for the local Christie’s International Real Estate Affiliate. “Washington's crown jewel will continue to host generations to come in a magnificent and spectacular setting.”

Long & Foster Real Estate also represented the buyer in the transaction.

Capturing the finest elements of 18th century neoclassical architecture, this exquisite residence reflects authentic inspirations of the highly respected 18th century architects Robert and James Adams, heralded for their influence on English architecture adapting a lighter and more refined type of Georgian aesthetic.

Designed by Chatelain Architects in collaboration with Interior Designer Anthony Childs,
the construction of Fessenden house incorporates the highest quality in residential home building. Gibson Builders under the supervision of Jim Gibson, Buddy Zeigler and Harold White undertook the task of executing to exacting detail the construction of the home. The grounds were artfully designed by award winning landscape architect James Urban (ASLA Medal of Excellence), allowing the home to be enveloped by the beauty and splendor of both formal and informal English gardens.

Additionally, the residence incorporates terraces and a sweeping curved staircase to overlook a swimming pool, pool house, and loggia with stunning views of acres of parkland. The result is a refined and outstanding estate home, a verdant retreat in the sought after Forest Hills neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Located just a few blocks from Marjorie Merriweather Post’s famed Hillwood Estate, east of Connecticut Avenue, Fessenden House is less than fifteen minutes from downtown Washington, D.C. and the White House.

Continuing its “Adamesque” style, the integrated architecture and finishes of the home’s rooms, ceilings, fireplaces, fixtures, and furnishings result in a residence that flows seamlessly from one living area to another. Grand formal rooms provide ample entertaining space. This four-level home offers seven bedrooms including a sumptuous master suite, secondary bedrooms, an ample guest suite, and private staff quarters. A private elevator, along with two grand stair hallways and rotundas complement the interior architecture of the home.

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About Christie’s International Real Estate
Christie’s International Real Estate is an invitation-only Affiliate network composed of the world’s most proven and qualified real estate specialists in the luxury residential sector. The company has offices in London, New York, Hong Kong, Beverly Hills, Chicago, and Palm Beach, and more than 135 global Affiliates with 25,000 real estate professionals in 45 countries. For additional information about Christie’s International Real Estate, please visit www.christiesrealestate.com.

About Long & Foster Real Estate
Long & Foster Real Estate, exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, is the largest family-owned real estate company in the United States. Known for having among the largest market share of upper bracket sales in the metro area, Long & Foster has set sales records in multiple years, with the sale of the Evermay Estate in Georgetown for $22 million, and the Gore Estate (Ted Leonsis) for $20 million. Long & Foster’s over 200 offices and more than 11,000 agents provide a wealth of experience and market exposure that is unsurpassed in the region.