Jeff Skoll, eBay’s first president and billionaire entrepreneur, is making waves in the luxury real estate market once again. Skoll has reportedly purchased a 9-acre compound in McLean, Virginia, for $17 million, further cementing his ties to the Washington, D.C., area. The move comes as he deepens his relationship with Monumental Sports & Entertainment, the ownership group of the Washington Capitals NHL team, in which he became a part-owner two years ago.

Skoll, who lives primarily in Manalapan, Florida, where he bought a $90 million estate in 2021, said he wanted a home near Washington so he could attend more Capitals games. This recent purchase includes two distinct properties: a $10.5 million newly built mansion by Artisan Builders and the historic Elmwood Estate, which cost him an additional $6.5 million.

A Closer Look at the Two Properties

1. The Modern Mansion: Turnkey Elegance

One part of the purchase is a stunning new-construction mansion built by Artisan Builders. Listed at $10.5 million, this 11,600-square-foot home sits on a 1-acre lot in McLean’s West Langley neighborhood, a high-end area known for its upscale residences and scenic views.

Features and Highlights:

  • Size: 11,600 square feet
  • Bedrooms: 5 luxurious bedrooms
  • Design: Clad in blue stone with wood siding and topped with a metal roof, giving it a refined, modern aesthetic.
  • Pool: A large private pool, perfect for relaxation or entertaining guests.

The property embodies the turnkey luxury experience sought by today’s elite buyers, offering high-end finishes, pools, saunas, and cold plunges—a hallmark of the post-Covid real estate boom in McLean.

According to Stephen Yeonas Jr., a partner at Artisan Builders, the high-end real estate market in McLean has experienced explosive growth since the pandemic. Properties that would have fetched $4 million a few years ago now sell for $9 million to $10 million, as buyers seek luxury, privacy, and move-in-ready convenience.

2. Elmwood Estate: A Nod to History

While the mansion satisfies Skoll’s modern taste, it’s his purchase of the historic Elmwood Estate that adds character and depth to his Virginia retreat.

Details of the Elmwood Estate:

  • Size: 8-acre estate
  • Main Residence: A 5,600-square-foot mansion dating back to circa 1905, which previously served as a Civil War encampment and hospital.
  • Owner History: Formerly owned by the family of Roger Mudd, the late TV news anchor who passed away in 2021.
  • Amenities: Includes a separate four-room log cabin and stables.
  • Renovation Plans: While Skoll could have demolished and rebuilt, he decided to preserve and restore the estate’s historical charm, noting, “The last thing I wanted to do was tear down all that history and put in some modern thing that wouldn’t really fit with the vibe of the place.”

The Elmwood Estate’s deep ties to American history and its architectural charm provide a contrast to the modern elegance of the new-construction mansion. It also grants Skoll the ability to host friends, family, and VIP guests in a residence that reflects a bygone era of American craftsmanship and design.

Why McLean? The Appeal of Virginia’s Elite Enclave

Located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., McLean, Virginia, has emerged as one of the most desirable areas for the nation’s wealthiest figures. Boasting quiet, tree-lined streets, proximity to world-class golf courses, and expansive lots, the area has become a haven for influential figures, CEOs, and high-profile investors.

McLean has seen record-breaking real estate transactions in the last few years. Recent sales include a $25.5 million mansion and several properties ranging from $18 million to $30 million, reflecting growing demand among Washington’s power elite.

In fact, Artisan Builders’ properties have been at the center of this boom. Stephen Yeonas Jr. of Artisan remarked that since the pandemic, buyers have sought out larger, more feature-rich homes with pools, saunas, and “turnkey” features. The high demand has led to surging prices and ultra-fast transactions. Skoll’s modern mansion, for instance, sold just days after hitting the market, illustrating the fierce competition for prime real estate in McLean.

Who Is Jeff Skoll? From eBay to Philanthropy

Jeff Skoll is no ordinary billionaire. He was the first president of eBay, working alongside Pierre Omidyar in the company’s formative years from 1996 to 1998, when they operated out of Omidyar’s basement. The company went public soon after, catapulting Skoll into billionaire status.

Since leaving eBay in the early 2000s, he has embarked on a mission of philanthropy and impact investing.

Key Ventures and Philanthropy:

  • Skoll Foundation (1999): Supports social entrepreneurship and funds innovative projects.
  • Capricorn Investment Group (2001): Focuses on impact-driven investments.
  • Participant Media (2004): A media company that tells socially conscious stories, most notably producing “An Inconvenient Truth” and “Wonder.”

In addition to his work in media and philanthropy, Skoll recently bought a stake in Monumental Sports & Entertainment, making him a part-owner of the Washington Capitals (NHL), Washington Wizards (NBA), and Washington Mystics (WNBA). His new property purchase is a logical step, offering him proximity to the Capitals’ home games.

What’s Next for the Elmwood Estate?

Skoll’s preservation-first philosophy is already clear in his handling of the Elmwood Estate. Rather than demolishing the structures, he plans to restore the 1905 main residence and retain its character. The estate’s Civil War roots add historical intrigue, and its older architecture gives it a distinct charm compared to the sleek, modern homes typically seen in the area.

With the Elmwood estate in close proximity to his modern mansion, Skoll will have access to two distinct residential experiences:

  • A modern, contemporary mansion for everyday luxury living.
  • A classic, historic retreat steeped in American history and rustic charm.

There is speculation that he may convert Elmwood into a guest house or VIP retreat for visiting family, friends, or business associates.

The Rise of McLean, VA, as a Prime Real Estate Market

Once considered a quiet suburb of Washington, D.C., McLean, VA, has seen a post-pandemic luxury real estate boom. The area now competes with the top luxury enclaves of Palm Beach, Beverly Hills, and the Hamptons. The rise in demand is driven by executives, tech founders, and investors seeking private, spacious, and ready-to-move-in homes.

The entry of billionaires like Jeff Skoll into McLean reinforces the area’s growing status as a billionaire-friendly zip code. Other high-profile buyers, mystery investors, and power players have poured millions into prestigious homes along the Potomac River, further raising its cachet.

Summary of Key Property Details

  • Owner: Jeff Skoll (former eBay president, billionaire philanthropist)
  • Location: McLean, Virginia
  • Total Price: $17 million
  • Property Breakdown:
    • $10.5M New Mansion: 11,600 sq. ft., 5 bedrooms, pool, modern design.
    • $6.5M Elmwood Estate: 5,600 sq. ft., 7 bedrooms, guest house, log cabin, stables.
  • Lot Size: 9 acres total (1-acre mansion, 8-acre Elmwood estate)
  • Historical Significance: Elmwood was a Civil War encampment and once home to TV broadcaster Roger Mudd.

Conclusion

With his latest $17 million acquisition in McLean, Virginia, Jeff Skoll has created a unique residential compound that merges modern luxury with historic charm. Featuring a modern 11,600-square-foot mansion and the restored Elmwood Estate, this dual-property retreat reflects Skoll’s philosophy of preservation and luxury.

As McLean continues its rise as a billionaire enclave, Skoll’s acquisition sets a new precedent for the area’s exclusivity and prestige.