Amelia Earhart Once Landed a Plane at This $40 Million Virginia Estate

A stately mansion in Virginia’s most expensive ZIP code also has ties to one of America’s biggest aviation pioneers. In 1925, a historic estate dubbed Ballantrae Farm was built in McLean, Virginia, by Arlington developer Frank Lyons. It once sprawled out over 300 acres that included Hickory Hill, a house formerly owned by members of the Kennedy family. But that’s not all. Aviator Amelia Earhart, the first female pilot to fly across the Atlantic, landed her Pitcairn PCA-2 autogyro in its front yard during the 1930s. You can now call the esteemed address home for a cool $39.9 million.

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Ballantrae Farm spans 6.3 acres today, with a stone manor house and two spacious cottages. The Georgian Revival-style abode has been “thoughtfully expanded and refined,” according to the Washington Fine Properties listing . It offers over 14,000 square feet of living space as a result, factoring in a wealth of amenities like a private pool, pool house, spa, and even a whimsical treehouse. Even more unique, the compound is historically celebrated as one of the highest elevations in Fairfax County, affording sweeping views of the lush landscape.

Across its three main structures, there are a total of 12 bedrooms and 11 full bathrooms. Six other half baths can be found across the property, too. World leaders and historic figures have reportedly been hosted at the house, which opens to a generous foyer that leads to formal living and dining rooms. Nearby, the charming chef’s kitchen features dual islands under an elongated ceiling, next to arched windows along the backsplash that let the light in during meals.

A great room is located in the home’s west wing and features two exposed stone walls, alongside an enclosed stone terrace where you can play a game of billiards. An eye-catching staircase with hand-carved railings makes for an elegant climb to the upper floor, where there are five en-suite bedrooms, including the owner’s suite with a custom walk-in closet and dual bathrooms. Other standout amenities are the exercise room, a sunroom, and a private wine cellar.

On the grounds, a birch-lined pathway trails through the farm. A gazebo, potting shed, and koi pond are seen along the way, next to year-round fruit producing orchards and stone paths highlighted by lush gardens. For entertainment, owners can work up a sweat on the outdoor tennis court, soccer field, and half basketball court, while a Swiss Family Robinson -inspired treehouse will delight children and the young and heart alike. Less strenuous options include lounging by the pool, relaxing in the pool house, or whittling away a cool evening under a nearby pavilion with an outdoor fireplace.

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The tail end of 2023 revealed the median list price in McLean to be $3.3 million, CNBC reports . Ballantrae Farm, however, remains one of the largest and most prestigious homes in the DMV area. Piper Yerks and Pamela Yerks of Washington Fine Properties hold the listing.

Click here for more images of the historic property.

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