Jeff Skoll, the former president of eBay and a billionaire philanthropist, has purchased a $17 million compound in McLean, Virginia, just outside Washington D.C.
The acquisition comprises of two parcels of land totaling nine acres, featuring a newly constructed mansion and a historic estate.
One site already contains a $10.5 million newly built mansion constructed by Artisan Builders on an acre of land in McLean’s West Langley area which was listed in August.
Skoll is also set to fork over $6.5 million for Elmwood, an 8-acre estate next door that was owned by the family of late TV newscaster Roger Mudd, who died in 2021.
Skoll, who became a part-owner of the Washington Capitals NHL team in 2022, bought the property to be closer to the team’s Washington, D.C., stadium.
‘I decided it would be great to have a home in the area so I could be there more often,’ he told WSJ.
The main property was finally completed earlier this year.
The home is a 11,600-square-foot mansion with Scandinavian-inspired architecture featuring five bedrooms, a pool, and an open, modern design with blue stone and wood accents.
Skoll plans to live in this new house while restoring the adjacent historic estate, known as Elmwood.
Jeff Skoll, the former president of eBay and a billionaire philanthropist, has purchased a $17 million compound in McLean, Virginia
The home is a 11,600-square-foot mansion with Scandinavian-inspired architecture
Jeff Skoll, the former president of eBay became a part-owner of the Washington Capitals NHL team in 2022 and bought the property to be closer to the team’s Washington, D.C., stadium
The property also includes a circa-1905 residence, a log cabin, and stables, and is said to have 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 in some modern thing that wouldn’t really fit with the vibe of the place,’ said Skoll to WSJ who hopes to preserve the historic charm of Elmwood.
McLean, an 11-mile, 22 minute drive from downtown D.C. is fast becoming known for its high-end real estate market. ,
The area has seen significant price increases in recent years, with demand for luxury, homes rising sharply.
Artisan Builders, who constructed Skoll’s new mansion, note how homes selling for around $4 million just a few years ago are now fetching $9 million or more.
McLean has seen a number of sales in the $18 million to $30 million range.
‘Everyone is very bullish on the market,’ realtor Mark McFadden of Compass said. ‘And now with the new incoming administration… we think we’re going to be very, very busy in the capital region.’
Artisan Builders, who constructed Skoll’s new mansion, note how homes selling for around $4 million just a few years ago are now fetching $9 million or more
The mansion is an open, modern design with plenty of natural light flooding the home
In the newly constructed mansion, sliding doors lead out to a backyard pool
The house is spread over 11,600 sq feet with several reception rooms and a fireplace
The home features blue stone and wood accents
Even the place for guests and homeowners to leave their shoes and coats looks stylish
The Scandinavian-inspired design features a dramatic staircase with glass sides
The home features five bedrooms with very clean lines and wooden decor
In addition to his real estate ventures, 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 relocate part-time to McLean aligns with his increasing involvement in Washington’s sports and business scene.
The McLean purchase is another addition to Skoll’s impressive portfolio of homes.
His main home is still in Manalapan, Florida, where he owns an estate purchased for nearly $90 million in 2021.
