McLean's Ballantrae Farm Estate Sold

Washington Fine Properties announced this week the sale of the historic Ballantrae Farm Estate, which closed at $9.3 million.

The six-acre property, located in the heart of McLean, was the home of philanthropist Joe Robert. Built in 1925, the gated estate boasts 8,000 square feet of living space. The main Colonial Revival stone house is privately nestled amongst acres of low rolling hills.

Two other residences complete the property, a four-bedroom guesthouse and a three-bedroom historic farmhouse. Through the stacked stone gates is a long driveway lined with cherry trees and surrounded by landscaped grounds. The property also features a tennis court surrounded by stacked stone walls.

Joe Robert, who died in December 2011, was a international real estate investor with a talent for turning troubled properties into profits. Also a major philanthropist, Robert founded the annual “Fight Night” charity-boxing event at the Washington Hilton Hotel and Towers, which raises millions for local children’s charities.

He purchased the gated estate about 20 years ago. The home sits on the same block where public figures such as former U.S. Army General Colin Powell and Defense Secretary Casper Weinberger lived.

The seller was represented by Mark McFadden of Washington Fine Properties. “We felt privileged and honored to represent such a notable estate,” McFadden said in a statement. “Ballantrae was sold for $9.3 million, making it the highest sale in McLean since 2010.”

“The luxury market is extremely robust,” said Dana Landry, principal broker of Washington Fine Properties, in a statement. “This is our seventh sale of a property over $5 million in 2013, making it an unprecedented record in our company’s history.”