You’ve probably seen the headlines about the "The Falls." If you haven't, honestly, you're missing out on one of the wildest real estate stories in the DMV area. We are talking about 1147 Chain Bridge Road Mclean Virginia, a property that basically redefined what "luxury" means in the D.C. suburbs. It isn't just a house. It’s a statement.
For a long time, the property was the crown jewel of the local market, listed for a staggering $62.9 million. That kind of price tag gets people talking. It’s located in the ultra-exclusive "Gold Coast" of McLean, where the trees are tall and the neighbors are usually people you see on the evening news.
What is 1147 Chain Bridge Road Mclean Virginia Actually Like?
The scale is hard to wrap your head around. It’s situated on 3.2 acres of prime land overlooking the Potomac River. Most people in Northern Virginia are lucky to have a quarter-acre with a view of their neighbor’s shed. Not here.
The main residence is a massive 24,000-square-foot manor. It’s French Provincial in style, but not the "cheap" kind you see in new subdivisions. This is the real deal. Limestone. Slate. Custom ironwork. It was commissioned by Jim Kimsey, the co-founder of AOL. If you remember the "You've Got Mail" era, you're basically looking at the house that dial-up internet built. Kimsey had a very specific vision for this place. He didn't just want a mansion; he wanted a legacy.
Inside, things get even more intense. There are nine bedrooms, but that’s the boring part. The house features a massive Great Room that feels more like a museum than a living room. It has these soaring ceilings and windows that frame the Potomac like a painting.
The Masiello Connection and the Guest House
One of the coolest—and most unique—things about 1147 Chain Bridge Road Mclean Virginia is that it isn't just one house. There is a separate structure known as the "Masiello House." This guest house was designed by the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Well, technically, it's one of his "Usonian" designs.
Think about that for a second. You have a massive European-style chateau on one side and a piece of American architectural history on the other. It’s a jarring contrast, but somehow it works. It gives the estate a sense of historical weight that you just don't get with modern mega-mansions.
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The main house also has some features that sound like they belong in a James Bond movie. There’s a 4,000-bottle wine cellar. A full-blown media room. An underground garage that can hold a fleet of cars. And the security? It’s basically Fort Knox. We are talking about infrared sensors and cameras everywhere. When you are a tech mogul or a high-ranking official, privacy isn't a luxury—it’s a requirement.
Why the $62.9 Million Price Tag Mattered
When the property hit the market a few years ago, it set a record. It was the most expensive listing in the history of Virginia and the D.C. metro area. People were skeptical. Can a house in McLean really be worth sixty million bucks?
The real estate market in 22101 is weird. It’s insulated. While the rest of the country might be dealing with fluctuating interest rates, the buyers looking at 1147 Chain Bridge Road Mclean Virginia are usually playing a different game. They are looking for "trophy properties."
The Battle for the Potomac
A lot of the value comes from the lot itself. Building on the Potomac cliffs is a nightmare today because of environmental regulations and zoning laws. You couldn't build this house from scratch today even if you had the money. The footprint is grandfathered in. That "unrepeatable" nature is what drives these astronomical prices.
However, even the most beautiful house has a ceiling. The property sat on the market for a while. It eventually saw price cuts, dropping into the $40 million range. This is a common theme in the ultra-luxury market. High-net-worth individuals are smart with their money; they don't want to overpay for ego.
The eventual sale of the property was a massive indicator of where the luxury market stood. It proved that while there is a limit to what people will pay, the demand for high-security, high-acreage estates near the capital is never going away.
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The Legacy of Jim Kimsey
You can't talk about this address without talking about Kimsey. He was a local legend. He was a West Point grad, a Vietnam vet, and the guy who provided the "adult supervision" for AOL in the early days. He was known for being philanthropic but also for having a very "big" personality.
His house reflected that. He filled it with art and history. He hosted massive parties there that included everyone from Supreme Court justices to Hollywood actors.
After Kimsey passed away in 2016, the house became a symbol of a passing era. The "AOL money" that transformed Northern Virginia in the 90s was being replaced by "Amazon money" and "Big Tech money" from a new generation. 1147 Chain Bridge Road Mclean Virginia stood as a bridge between those two worlds.
Is the Gold Coast Still the Place to Be?
McLean has always been the default choice for the elite. But lately, there’s been a shift. Some buyers are looking toward Middleburg for more space, or even luxury condos in The Wharf or Georgetown.
But 1147 Chain Bridge Road Mclean Virginia keeps the focus on McLean. Why? Proximity. You can be at the White House or the Pentagon in 15 minutes. For the people who buy these homes, time is the only thing they can’t buy more of. Living on the Gold Coast means you get the privacy of the woods with the convenience of the city.
Actionable Insights for Luxury Real Estate Watchers
If you’re looking at properties in this tier—or just curious about how this world works—there are a few things to keep in mind about how these deals actually go down.
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Privacy is the ultimate amenity. Most of these houses aren't even visible from the street. If you try to drive by 1147 Chain Bridge Road Mclean Virginia, you’ll mostly see a gate and some very thick trees. If you're looking for high-end real estate, prioritize properties with "natural screening."
Architectural pedigree holds value. The fact that there is a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed structure on the property added a layer of value that a standard "big house" wouldn't have. If you are investing in luxury, look for names. Architects like Hugh Newell Jacobsen or custom builds with historical significance will always appreciate better than generic mansions.
Understand the "Hold Cost." Maintaining a 24,000-square-foot house isn't cheap. We are talking about hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in taxes, landscaping, and climate control. For a property like 1147 Chain Bridge Road Mclean Virginia, the pool maintenance alone probably costs more than a mid-sized sedan.
Watch the comps, but be careful. In the $20 million+ range, "comparables" are hard to find. These sales are often handled as "pocket listings" or off-market deals. If you are serious about this market, you need a broker who is plugged into the whisper network, not just someone who looks at the MLS.
The story of this house is really the story of Northern Virginia’s evolution. It went from a sleepy suburb to a global power center. And 1147 Chain Bridge Road Mclean Virginia is the monument that proves it. Whether it's the history of AOL or the literal cliffs of the Potomac, this property remains a fascinaton for anyone interested in how the 1% of the 1% actually lives.
To get a real sense of the value here, look at the recent tax assessments for the Langley area. You'll see that land value often outpaces the value of the structures themselves. This is why these estates are rarely "flipped." They are generational assets.
If you're tracking the D.C. real estate market, keep an eye on the surrounding parcels. When one of these mega-estates sells, it often triggers a "ripple effect" where neighboring properties see a jump in perceived value. It’s a fascinating game of high-stakes musical chairs.