“A 25,197-square-foot lot has just hit the market for $5.6 million, next door to the French Ambassador’s residence”

Photo credit: HomeVisit

From a press release:

“A 25,197-square-foot lot has just hit the market for $5.6 million, next door to the French Ambassador’s residence. Known for its lavish parties and famous neighbors, the French government is selling the unused land. The available lot is a combination of three parcels, totaling just over one-half acre of property. The lot borders Kalorama Circle NW. Alex Venditti of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage’s Dupont/Logan Circle office has the co-listing.

“This is the first time in four decades that I’m aware of when residentially zoned, raw land has been available for purchase in Kalorama and is being offered on the open market,” said Vendetti.

Photo credit: HomeVisit

The residence and property located at 2221 Kalorama Road was acquired by France in 1936. Built in 1911 and designed by Parisian architect Viscount Jules Henri de Sibour, the home was designed for large-scale entertaining. After its construction, the adjacent lots were purchased for added privacy. In 1941, under a new ambassador, additional lots were purchased that overlooked Kalorama Circle.

Extensive renovations took place over the years to the French residence in an effort to convert the English style home into a residence fit for French art de vivre. The surrounding land added an air of seclusion to the diplomat’s property.

“This sale is part of the overall strategy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to free up resources for future investments. This is the case for this piece of land, which is not essential to the activities and prestige of the French ambassador’s residence,” said

Emmanuelle Lachaussée, press counselor and spokesperson, Embassy of France in the United States.

“This property allows a buyer the opportunity to build their own image in a prominent neighborhood that has had its fair share of notable residents including past presidents, celebrities and royal dignitaries,” said Venditti. “This is a great opportunity for newcomers to create their home in DC.”