Ahead of his new position as Secretary of Commerce, Wilbur Ross has purchased a $12 million mansion in the District of Columbia.
In any case, $12 million was the listing price. The purchase price is unknown, but the home is located on Woodland Drive in Massachusetts Heights, perhaps the most desirable suburban neighborhood in the city, so a sale near or at listing is fairly certain. Known as ‘billionaires’ row,’ the tree lined street is a sylvan, ritzy enclave for the well-heeled seeking true peace and quiet within city limits.
The property exterior features a cobblestone driveway, fountains, large terrace, stone walls, and lawns and landscaped gardens. The inspiration is mid-19th century European romantic, rejecting the rigidly formalistic layout of the baroque in favor of a more naturalistic approach.
The house, which dates to 1927, measures 10,000 square feet, and contains seven bedrooms and seven baths. It features staff living quarters, as well as a 12-seat home theater. The build is absolutely beaux-arts, with a double entry leading to a classic checkered black-on-white tiled foyer and main staircase, and the logical progression of layout characteristic of the style: great room, living room, salon. There are several fireplaces. The kitchen features marble countertops and tile flooring, and a luxuriously modern country-style stove. Bedrooms feature private terraces. Hardwood flooring is generally original herringbone.
By coincidence, the home is located across the street from the residence of billionaire and current Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker. Perhaps she’ll knock on his door and welcome him to the neighborhood with freshly baked cookies.
Wilbur Ross, 79, is a former banker and investor with a knack for bringing failed companies out of the red and into the black. He represents a current net worth of around $3 billion.
