Six years after the death of legendary broadcast journalist Jim Lehrer, the longtime anchor and co-founder of PBS NewsHour, his historic Washington, D.C., residence has entered the market for $5 million. Located in the prestigious Cleveland Park neighborhood, the property represents one of the area’s rare double-lot offerings and carries a level of provenance seldom seen in the capital’s luxury housing market.
Public records show that Lehrer and his wife, novelist Kate Lehrer, purchased the home in 1979 for $395,000 and remained there for more than four decades. The estate is now being offered for the first time since the couple acquired it, presenting buyers with an opportunity to own a residence tied to one of the most respected figures in American journalism.
According to the listing, the home spans approximately 6,699 square feet with six bedrooms, five bathrooms, a library, sunroom, 50-foot swimming pool, detached garage, and views of the Washington National Cathedral.
A Cleveland Park Residence With Architectural Pedigree
The residence is believed to date to the early 20th century, consistent with many of Cleveland Park’s distinguished period homes. Its traditional architecture has been carefully maintained, with original detailing, hardwood floors, crown moldings, stained-glass accents, and multiple fireplaces still intact.
“The home was never treated as a speculative investment,” listing agent Michael Moore told californialuxuryhouses. “It evolved gradually over decades, with improvements made to support family life, entertaining, and long-term preservation rather than resale.”
Set behind mature landscaping, the property opens to a broad wraparound front yard that creates a sense of privacy unusual for an in-town Washington estate. The scale of the lot is particularly notable, as double parcels in Cleveland Park rarely come to market.
Interiors Designed for Conversation and Reflection
The foyer introduces a sequence of light-filled living spaces that feel more editorial than ostentatious. Tall windows draw greenery indoors, while the central staircase anchors the home’s traditional layout.
One of the residence’s defining rooms is the wood-paneled library, where floor-to-ceiling built-in bookshelves wrap nearly every wall. The space flows directly into a skylit sunroom, creating a natural transition from quiet study to casual gathering.
Moore told californialuxuryhouses that the library was among the family’s most cherished spaces. “Friends, writers, journalists, and public figures gathered here for years. The room has an atmosphere that is difficult to recreate in newer construction.”
The adjacent living room retains its original character, with a traditional fireplace, built-in cabinetry, and large divided-light windows overlooking the gardens. Throughout the home, the design favors warmth and proportion over contemporary minimalism.
A Kitchen That Balances Vintage Character and Modern Function
The galley kitchen pairs glossy white cabinetry with stainless-steel countertops and updated appliances while preserving its classic black-and-white checkered floor. A built-in breakfast nook at the far end provides a relaxed space for everyday meals.
Rather than pursuing a full contemporary renovation, the owners appear to have maintained the home’s period sensibility, a choice that may appeal to buyers seeking authenticity rather than a turnkey designer showcase.
The Primary Suite and Cathedral Views
Upstairs, the primary suite occupies a substantial portion of the upper level. The bedroom features hardwood floors, crown molding, built-in shelving, and a marble fireplace, while the oversized dressing area includes custom cabinetry and a separate vanity space.
The en-suite bathroom preserves much of the home’s original charm, with vintage-style pedestal sinks, brass fixtures, and a soaking tub positioned beside a large window.
Additional bedrooms include airy dormer rooms tucked beneath the roofline and a guest room with views of the Washington National Cathedral rising above the surrounding trees.
Outdoor Living on a Rare Double Lot
The rear grounds are unusually expansive for Cleveland Park. A brick terrace beneath the enclosed sunroom creates a shaded entertaining area, while the lawn extends to a 50-foot rectangular swimming pool surrounded by stone decking, flowering planters, and mature trees.
“For buyers coming from larger suburban estates, the outdoor space is often the biggest surprise,” Moore said. “You simply do not expect this amount of usable land and privacy in one of Washington’s most established urban neighborhoods.”
Ownership History and Public Records
Following Jim Lehrer’s death in 2020, ownership of the property passed to Kate Lehrer and was later transferred into a family trust, according to public records reviewed by californialuxuryhouses.
The current listing marks the first time the estate has been publicly offered since the Lehrers purchased it in 1979. Over that period, the home remained a long-term family residence rather than an investment property, a distinction that adds to its historical and emotional appeal.
californialuxuryhouses contacted representatives associated with the ownership entity for additional comment regarding the family’s plans but did not receive a response by publication time.
Why Cleveland Park Continues to Command Premium Prices
Cleveland Park remains one of Washington’s most sought-after residential enclaves, known for its tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and proximity to downtown while maintaining a distinctly neighborhood feel.
Residents are within minutes of:
- Connecticut Avenue dining and shopping
- Rock Creek Park trails
- National Zoo
- Cleveland Park Metro station (Red Line)
- Highly regarded public and private schools
- Cultural institutions across Northwest D.C.
The neighborhood’s combination of walkability, greenery, and architectural heritage has helped sustain strong demand even as the broader luxury market has become more selective.
A Different Kind of Luxury Offering
In a market increasingly dominated by newly built contemporary mansions, the Lehrer estate stands apart. Its value lies not only in square footage or amenities but in continuity, craftsmanship, and cultural association.
“This is the kind of property that appeals to buyers who appreciate legacy,” Moore told californialuxuryhouses. “It has scale, history, and a sense of permanence that is becoming harder to find in Washington.”
For prospective buyers, the listing offers more than a well-preserved Cleveland Park residence. It presents a chance to acquire a home that reflects decades of thoughtful stewardship and occupies a meaningful place in the story of American public life.