In the latest in a string of plans that did not pan out the way he envisioned, former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has sold his house in Kalorama for nearly $600,000 less than what he originally listed it for. The seven-bedroom brick federal sold this week for $3.9 million; Rumsfeld put it on the market last June at $4.5 million.
Rumsfeld and his wife, Joyce, purchased the 5,115-square-foot home in February 2001, at the beginning of his six-year run as the nation’s top military official. The house, which includes a well-manicured backyard patio and in-ground pool, sits across the street from the French ambassador’s residence, which probably made for some awkward neighborhood gatherings while Rumsfeld was in office. It also features “embassy-sized” reception rooms, a master suite with sky-lit sitting areas and marble bath, and a sculpture of a Dachshund on one of the outer gates.
While secluded on posh Kalorama Road, Northwest, the house is not far from Adams Morgan and its nightlife full of known unknowns.
The Rumsfelds, who now live primarily at their home on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, paid $3.35 million for the place, according to DC property records. But even with that modest gain, Rummy will have one thing to dangle in front of anyone who dares to criticize his sale.
Find Benjamin Freed on Twitter at @brfreed.
Benjamin Freed joined Washingtonian in August 2013 and covers politics, business, and media. He was previously the editor of DCist and has also written for Washington City Paper, the New York Times, the New Republic, Slate, and BuzzFeed. He lives in Adams Morgan.
