Jeff Skoll, the former president of eBay and a billionaire philanthropist, has purchased a $17 million property in McLean, Virginia, just outside Washington DC
The purchase includes two parcels of land totaling nine hectares, containing a newly built mansion and a historic estate.
One site already includes a newly built $10.5 million mansion built by Artisan Builders on an acre of land in McLean’s West Langley area, which was listed in August.
Skoll will also raise more than $6.5 million for Elmwood, a 20-acre estate next door that was owned by the family of the late TV news anchor Roger Mudd, who died in 2021.
Skoll, who became part owner of the Washington Capitals NHL team in 2022, purchased the property to be closer to the team’s Washington, D.C. stadium.
“I decided it would be great to have a house nearby so I could be there more often,” he shared WJ.
The main building was finally completed earlier this year.
The home is an 11,600-square-foot mansion of Scandinavian-inspired architecture with five bedrooms, a pool and an open, modern design with bluestone and wood accents.
Skoll plans to live in this new home while restoring the adjacent historic estate known as Elmwood.
Jeff Skoll, the former president of eBay and a billionaire philanthropist, has purchased a property worth $17 million in McLean, Virginia
The home is an 11,600-square-foot mansion with Scandinavian-inspired architecture
Jeff Skoll, the former president of eBay, became part owner of the Washington Capitals NHL team in 2022, purchasing the property to be closer to the team’s Washington, D.C. stadium
The property also includes a circa-1905 residence, log cabin and stables, and is said to be of historical significance, having served as a Civil War encampment and hospital.
“The last thing I wanted to do was tear down all that history and put something modern in there that wouldn’t really fit the vibe of the place,” Skoll told WJ who hopes to preserve Elmwood’s historic charm.
Located 11 miles and a 22-minute drive from downtown DC, McLean is quickly becoming known for its high-end real estate market. ,
The area has seen significant price increases in recent years, with demand for luxury homes increasing sharply.
Artisan Builders, who built Skoll’s new mansion, note how homes that sold for about $4 million a few years ago are now fetching $9 million or more.
McLean has seen some sales in the $18 million to $30 million range.
“Everyone is very optimistic about the market,” said broker Mark McFadden of Compass. “And now with the new incoming administration… we think we’re going to be very busy in the capital region.”
Artisan Builders, who built Skoll’s new mansion, note how homes that sold for about $4 million a few years ago are now fetching $9 million or more
The mansion has an open, modern design with plenty of natural light flooding into the house
In the newly built country house, sliding doors lead to a swimming pool in the backyard
The house is spread over 11,600 m² with several reception rooms and a fireplace
The house has blue stone and wood accents
Even the place where guests and homeowners leave their shoes and coats looks stylish
The Scandinavian-inspired design features a dramatic staircase with glass sides
The house has five bedrooms with very clean lines and wooden furnishings
In addition to his real estate projects, Skoll is known for his philanthropic work through the Skoll Foundation and Capricorn Investment Group, as well as his contributions to impact-driven media through Participant Media.
His decision to move to McLean part-time is in line with his increasing involvement in Washington’s sports and business communities.
The purchase of McLean is a new addition to Skoll’s impressive portfolio of homes.
His primary residence is still in Manalapan, Florida, where he owns an estate purchased in 2021 for nearly $90 million.