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Key Details
Property Type Single Family Home
Sub Type Detached
Listing Status Active
Purchase Type For Sale
Square Footage 7,601 sqft
Price per Sqft $1,309
Subdivision Alexandria
MLS Listing ID VAAX2043762
Style Colonial
Bedrooms 9
Full Baths 8
Half Baths 1
HOA Y/N N
Abv Grd Liv Area 7,601
Originating Board BRIGHT
Year Built 1803
Annual Tax Amount $44,303
Tax Year 2024
Lot Size 3.515 Acres
Acres 3.52
Property Sub-Type Detached
Property Description
Steeped in rich history and heritage, Clarens was once the residence of James Murray Mason, a U.S. Senator and grandson of Founding Father George Mason. Mason acquired the estate in 1869, and the home became a gathering place for important historical figures, including Robert E. Lee and Jefferson Davis, who met there in 1870 for their final meeting. The estate also housed the prestigious Fairfax School, attended by notable figures such as George Washington Custis Lee and George M. Dallas. Later, the estate transitioned into a girls' school and eventually became privately owned.
Expansive and Elegant Grounds: Set on nearly four acres, the estate grounds are a private oasis. Mature Tulip Poplars, American Elms, Maples, Apple & Cherry Trees, Hydrangeas, Boxwoods, Tea Roses, and Antique Peonies (some transplanted from Dumbarton Oaks) surround the home and add to the magical atmosphere. An irrigation system helps maintain the lush landscaping. Historic brick walls and winding stone paths evoke the elegance of a bygone era. A picturesque pond with a brick footbridge, a loggia, and a palazzo contribute to the estate's European feel. Four charming outbuildings—a one-bedroom carriage house with a wood-burning fireplace, a potting shed, an ice house, & a well house—all carefully preserved add utility and charm. The modern two story pool house, designed to blend in with the historic buildings, is the jewel of the property.
Resort-Style Pool & Guesthouse: The heated 24'x44' pool includes a retractable cover, Jacuzzi, fire pit, and sandstone decking. A trellised BBQ area with a Wolf grill and granite countertops makes entertaining a delight. The pool house features a cozy living room with a fireplace, full kitchen and bath, and a spacious upstairs bedroom with estate views. Historic beams and wood flooring add charm, while French doors and natural light offer comfort and style.
The Historic Main Residence: Spanning over 10,000 square feet, the main residence offers 7 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms, combining historical details with luxury living. Original hardwood floors, nine fireplaces, keystone arches, and elegant crown molding pay homage to the home's heritage. Enter through a black-and-white marble porch with a Haint's blue ceiling into a dramatic foyer flanked by a cozy library and a formal living room. The dining room is anchored by a Crystal Finials chandelier and hand-painted mural wallpaper. The French country kitchen features a La Cornue range, granite countertops, two farmhouse sinks, and top-tier appliances. A sunny family room opens via French doors onto the grounds, offering seamless indoor-outdoor living. The primary suite includes an 1806 Irish mantle, walk-in closets, and a luxurious bath with heated floors, a soaking tub, and a steam shower. Additional bedrooms provide ample space for family or guests, while the top-floor suite serves as a peaceful retreat or playroom.
Located just 5 minutes from Old Town Alexandria and 15 minutes from Washington, D.C., Clarens offers both tranquility and urban accessibility. Though only moments away from premier dining, shopping, and cultural attractions, the estate remains a private sanctuary, untouched by the bustle of the city.
Location
State VA
County Alexandria City
Zoning R 20
Rooms
Basement Outside Entrance, Unfinished, Interior Access
Main Level Bedrooms 1
Interior
Interior Features 2nd Kitchen, Attic, Built-Ins, Chair Railings, Crown Moldings, Dining Area, Double/Dual Staircase, Elevator, Entry Level Bedroom, Family Room Off Kitchen, Exposed Beams, Floor Plan - Traditional, Formal/Separate Dining Room, Kitchen - Gourmet, Kitchen - Table Space, Primary Bath(s), Recessed Lighting, Upgraded Countertops, Wet/Dry Bar, WhirlPool/HotTub, Window Treatments, Wood Floors, Bathroom - Jetted Tub, Bathroom - Soaking Tub, Bathroom - Walk-In Shower, Sound System, Sprinkler System, Walk-in Closet(s)
Hot Water Natural Gas
Heating Forced Air, Zoned
Cooling Central A/C, Zoned
Flooring Hardwood, Carpet, Ceramic Tile
Fireplaces Number 12
Fireplaces Type Mantel(s), Fireplace - Glass Doors, Screen, Wood, Gas/Propane
Equipment Dishwasher, Disposal, Dryer, Exhaust Fan, Extra Refrigerator/Freezer, Icemaker, Microwave, Oven - Double, Refrigerator, Six Burner Stove, Stove, Washer, Oven/Range - Gas, Range Hood, Washer - Front Loading
Fireplace Y
Appliance Dishwasher, Disposal, Dryer, Exhaust Fan, Extra Refrigerator/Freezer, Icemaker, Microwave, Oven - Double, Refrigerator, Six Burner Stove, Stove, Washer, Oven/Range - Gas, Range Hood, Washer - Front Loading
Heat Source Natural Gas
Laundry Upper Floor, Washer In Unit, Dryer In Unit, Has Laundry
Exterior
Exterior Feature Patio(s), Balconies- Multiple, Porch(es), Breezeway, Brick, Deck(s)
Parking Features Garage - Side Entry, Garage Door Opener, Covered Parking, Garage - Front Entry
Garage Spaces 10.0
Carport Spaces 1
Fence Masonry/Stone, Privacy, Wrought Iron
Pool Fenced, Filtered, Heated, In Ground, Pool/Spa Combo
Water Access N
View Garden/Lawn, Water, Scenic Vista, Trees/Woods
Roof Type Metal,Slate
Accessibility Elevator
Porch Patio(s), Balconies- Multiple, Porch(es), Breezeway, Brick, Deck(s)
Total Parking Spaces 10
Garage Y
Building
Lot Description Landscaping, No Thru Street, Open, Private, SideYard(s), Rear Yard, Trees/Wooded, Poolside, Front Yard
Story 4
Foundation Permanent
Sewer Public Sewer
Water Public
Architectural Style Colonial
Level or Stories 4
Additional Building Above Grade, Below Grade
Structure Type 9'+ Ceilings,Beamed Ceilings,Dry Wall,Paneled Walls,Tray Ceilings,Vaulted Ceilings
New Construction N
Schools
Elementary Schools Douglas Macarthur
Middle Schools George Washington
High Schools Alexandria City
School District Alexandria City Public Schools
Others
Senior Community No
Tax ID 25403000
Ownership Fee Simple
SqFt Source Assessor
Special Listing Condition Standard
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