Owner of the NFL’s Washington Commanders, Joshua Harrisand his wife, Marjorie HarrisThe company purchased the historic Halcyon House in Washington, D.C., in an off-market deal worth $28 million, The Wall Street Journal reported.
It’s the highest home price ever recorded in the nation’s capital, beating the Fox News anchor’s previous record Bret BaierIn 2024, his property was sold for $25 million.
The private sale was first reported on Jan. 14 by the Washington Business Journal.
About a half-dozen well-qualified potential buyers or their representatives toured the house before a final purchase, The Georgetowner reported.
The Georgetown house is approximately 30,000 square feet, with a large garden and swimming pool. It sits on half an acre and has 12 bedrooms and 22 bathrooms.
seller, scientist Sachiko Kunopurchased a property jointly with her ex-husband, Dr. Ryuji Ueno$11 million in 2011.
In recent years, Cuno has used the building as the headquarters for her nonprofit organization that supports social entrepreneurs.
“I am grateful to have served as steward of such a special property for 15 years and to have brought so many benefits to its entrepreneurs,” Cuno said in a statement to The Wall Street Journal.
mark and Hunter McFadden Compass represents the seller, and Daniel Hyde TTR Sotheby’s International Realty represented the buyer.
This isn’t the first time Cuno and Ueno have sold multimillion-dollar Washington properties. Their nonprofit organization, the S&R Foundation, is headquartered at 1623 28TH ST NW. In 2024, the couple sold the property to the foundation for $37.2 million — technically making it the most expensive sale ever, not as a residence but as a headquarters.
About the buyer
In addition to the Commanders, Harris also owns the Philadelphia 76ers and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils.
He is the founder of the investment firm 26North Partners and co-founder of the private equity firm Apollo Global Management.
A spokesperson for Harris told the Wall Street Journal that Harris grew up in Washington and spent a lot of time there because of his command of the team.
Harris and his wife plan to restore the Emerald House and turn it back into a single-family home while retaining its historic significance, the spokesman said.
A spokesperson confirmed that the Harrises’ primary residence will continue to be in Miami.
Harris reportedly bought a Miami mansion in 2021 for $32 million.
The 9,363-square-foot Mediterranean-style villa was built in 2005 and has nine bedrooms and nine bathrooms.
The Commander’s owners also own properties in New York City.
In 2017, Harris reportedly bought the 21,000-square-foot Domerich Mansion for $52 million and later converted it back into a single-family residence.
The limestone-clad building has 3,350 square feet of outdoor space, 15-foot-high ceilings and seven floors.
History of the Emerald House
Halcyon House is located on the west side of Georgetown.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the home was built in the late 1700s to Benjamin StoddettFirst Secretary of the Navy and close friend george washington.
For many years it was owned by Stoddett’s daughter, Elizabeth Ewelland her husband, thomas; albert clemensnephew mark twain;and Dorothy W. SterlingWife of the U.S. Ambassador to Sweden.
Georgetown University purchased the property in 1961 and used it as a dormitory.
In 1966, Georgetown sold Halcyon House to edmund leifus The company has been owned by the Dreyfuss family for nearly 46 years.
sculptor John DreyfusIn the 1980s and 1990s he oversaw extensive renovation and reconstruction of the house and gardens, including the construction of the lower studio and hall, and his work was recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
“Halcyon House is an unparalleled historic site for viewing the city and has hosted many wonderful events for more than 20 years, including community events, industry corporate events with guests from around the world, and philanthropic efforts,” John Dreyfuss told The Georgetowner in 2016.
“The restoration of Halcyon House…means a lot to everyone in the Dreyfuss family. We are committed to giving this federal building the structural and craftsmanship it deserves. We have gone to great lengths to restore the historic interiors and gardens.”