See inside the $45 million 2-mansion Virginia estate once owned by AOL's cofounder that just became the most expensive DC-area home ever

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See inside the $45 million 2-mansion Virginia estate once owned by AOL's cofounder that just became the most expensive DC-area home ever
3 stairs from tennis ct

Russell Firestone

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  • This riverfront estate outside of Washington, DC was once owned by AOL cofounder James V. Kimsey.
  • It just sold $45 million, the most expensive sale ever in the DC area, according to reports.
  • The estate consists of two buildings, a larger main residence, and a historic, smaller guest house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

This estate, once owned by AOL cofounder James V. Kimsey, just became the most expensive home ever sold in the DC area at $45 million, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The three-acre estate has two homes, a large main residence built recently, and a smaller historic Frank Lloyd Wright design used as a guest house. In May 2018, the property went on sale for $62.95 million. Though it sold for far less than asking, it was still the priciest DC sale ever, breaking the earlier record set by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis' childhood home at $43 million, the Journal reported.

The home was listed with Russell Firestone and Mark Lowham of Sotheby's International Realty.

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The main house is accessed via a private drive.

The main house is accessed via a private drive.

Along the entrance is access to an underground parking garage, which can fit 30 cars.

Along the entrance is access to an underground parking garage, which can fit 30 cars.
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The 3.2-acre estate is made for entertaining, with four kitchens and a champagne refrigerator.

The 3.2-acre estate is made for entertaining, with four kitchens and a champagne refrigerator.

Inside, a two-story living room has river views.

Inside, a two-story living room has river views.
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The main house alone is over 24,000 square feet.

The main house alone is over 24,000 square feet.

Source: The Wall Street Journal

The interiors of the main house were designed by Thomas Pheasant, who also designed most of the custom furnishings.

The interiors of the main house were designed by Thomas Pheasant, who also designed most of the custom furnishings.
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A custom mahogany library in the home's main rotunda is cozy and inviting with more views of the Potomac.

A custom mahogany library in the home's main rotunda is cozy and inviting with more views of the Potomac.

The library also has a wet bar.

The library also has a wet bar.
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Nearby is a lounge with access to the well-stocked wine cellar.

Nearby is a lounge with access to the well-stocked wine cellar.

A formal dining room is another space perfect for entertaining guests.

A formal dining room is another space perfect for entertaining guests.
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The main house has six bedrooms, each with a private en-suite bathroom.

The main house has six bedrooms, each with a private en-suite bathroom.

The master suite is located in a private wing of the main house, which also has a private study, sauna, Jacuzzi, and dressing room.

The master suite is located in a private wing of the main house, which also has a private study, sauna, Jacuzzi, and dressing room.
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The outdoor terrace offers yet another view of the Potomac..

The outdoor terrace offers yet another view of the Potomac..

... plus an infinity pool and spa.

... plus an infinity pool and spa.
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Kimsey bought the property in 1999 for nearly $8 million, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Kimsey bought the property in 1999 for nearly $8 million, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Source: The Wall Street Journal

In 2000, he bought The Marden House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, for $2.5 million.

In 2000, he bought The Marden House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, for $2.5 million.
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The house dates back to the 1950s, and is one of only a few Wright designs in Virginia.

The house dates back to the 1950s, and is one of only a few Wright designs in Virginia.

Like the main house, it was designed to allow for stunning views of the river and natural landscape.

Like the main house, it was designed to allow for stunning views of the river and natural landscape.
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The guest house has some of Wright's signature features, including using natural materials and incorporating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.

The guest house has some of Wright's signature features, including using natural materials and incorporating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Large windows let in natural light.

Large windows let in natural light.
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Outdoors, the southern side of the estate has a full-size tennis court.

Outdoors, the southern side of the estate has a full-size tennis court.

Next to the tennis court is the private garden, with a path used to access the guest house.

Next to the tennis court is the private garden, with a path used to access the guest house.
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The estate's vantage point on a hill overlooking the Potomac takes advantage of beautiful views.

The estate's vantage point on a hill overlooking the Potomac takes advantage of beautiful views.
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