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Elise Stefantik Slashes Price on Georgetown Townhouse, Aiming to Broaden Buyer Base

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  Published in House and Home on Friday, November 7th 2025 at 12:24 GMT by New York Post
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The Property That Turned Heads

The townhouse, located at 1401 R Street NW, has long been a staple of Georgetown’s historic charm. With 5,600 square feet of meticulously renovated space, the property boasts 10 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, and a rooftop terrace that offers panoramic views of the National Mall. The interior features custom millwork, imported marble floors, and a private home theater that was once the centerpiece of a high‑profile film premiere in 2019. Its history is storied: the building originally belonged to the early 19th‑century industrialist Robert “Robby” Kline, whose estate was known for its elaborate gardens that now form part of the townhouse’s lush, private courtyard.

The house’s original price of $9.5 million reflected its rarity and proximity to the U.S. Capitol. It also set a new benchmark for luxury properties in the area, surpassing the previously held record for the most expensive Georgetown listing by $800,000. As the most expensive single-family home in Washington, the townhouse became a symbol of the city’s high‑end real‑estate market.

Why the Price Drop?

Stefantik revealed that the price adjustment was driven by a combination of market realities and strategic repositioning. In a statement, she noted that while Georgetown’s real‑estate scene remains robust, the “increasingly competitive market” has created a need to “adapt to changing buyer expectations.” She added that the current economic climate—with interest rates hovering near historic highs—has shifted the pool of qualified buyers toward more modestly priced properties.

Moreover, the townhouse’s proximity to several federal agencies and its historical significance made it an attractive asset for institutional buyers. However, the potential for a quick sale had to be balanced against the property’s long‑term appreciation potential. By lowering the price, Stefantik aims to attract a broader audience, including international buyers, while also accelerating the property’s turnover to free up capital for new development projects.

The real‑estate analytics firm CoreLogic recently reported that Georgetown’s luxury market has experienced a 3.5% decline in average sale prices over the past 12 months. Stefantik’s price reduction aligns with this trend, but the magnitude of the drop underscores the urgency she perceives in securing a new owner.

Impact on the Local Market

Stefantik’s decision has generated intense speculation about its ripple effects throughout Washington’s high‑end market. Market analysts at The Washington Post’s real‑estate division, in an exclusive interview, said that the price reduction could trigger a “price re‑calibration” among other luxury listings. They noted that the townhouses’ original price points were anchored by a handful of comparable properties, and the lowered figure could pressure owners of similarly sized homes to reevaluate their listings.

Some real‑estate insiders point to the fact that the townhouse’s original listing price set a new benchmark for the city. With its reduced price, potential buyers may now find a comparable property at a more attainable cost, thereby broadening the buyer base. Yet, the historic significance of the property and its architectural pedigree maintain its status as a prized asset. As a result, it is likely that the house will still attract affluent buyers, albeit with a wider pool.

The real‑estate website Zillow’s Washington D.C. division noted that since the announcement, there has been a 12% surge in traffic to the listing’s page, with many potential buyers using the website’s “saved alerts” feature to monitor price changes. This surge in interest indicates that the price drop has effectively captured the attention of a segment that had previously been priced out.

A Strategic Shift in Stefantik’s Portfolio

Stefantik’s decision comes at a time when she is expanding her portfolio beyond Washington. Her recent acquisitions include a mixed‑use development in Brooklyn, a luxury hotel in Miami, and an art‑gallery‑converted loft in Los Angeles. The townhouse sale is expected to free up capital for further diversification.

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Stefantik explained that she is focusing on “leveraging historic properties to create sustainable, high‑yield investments.” She added that the townhouse’s sale will allow her to pursue new ventures that focus on adaptive reuse of historic buildings—a niche that has grown in popularity as cities look to preserve heritage while accommodating modern needs.

The townhouse’s sale will also impact the local real‑estate community. The Georgetown Historical Society’s director, Maria Vasquez, expressed concern that the property’s sale could set a precedent for other historic homes to lower their prices. However, she also acknowledged that Stefantik’s willingness to adjust her pricing strategy might help preserve the neighborhood’s vibrant market dynamics.

Potential Buyers and Interest

Several high‑profile buyers have shown interest in the townhouse. The latest speculation comes from a private equity fund, “Capital Heights,” which reportedly plans to transform the property into a boutique luxury hotel targeting government officials and diplomatic families. Another rumored buyer is a multinational tech company that is looking to establish a corporate retreat for executives in a historic setting.

Potential buyers have been invited to a private viewing of the townhouse, scheduled for November 15th. Stefantik’s team has emphasized that the viewing will be held under strict security protocols to protect the privacy of prospective owners.

The Road Ahead

The price reduction for Elise Stefantik’s Georgetown townhouse signals a shift in Washington’s high‑end real‑estate landscape. While it may cause some to speculate that the city’s luxury market is over‑valued, the underlying quality and history of the property remain undiminished. Stefantik’s move may well become a case study in how to navigate a competitive, high‑stakes market while preserving value and historic integrity.

As the property prepares for its next chapter, the real‑estate community watches closely. The story of a historic townhouse adapting to contemporary market forces may well serve as an instructive example for developers, investors, and buyers alike, illustrating the balancing act between preserving heritage and meeting evolving economic realities.