Historic Spanish-style mansion next to the vice president’s official residence hits the market for $10.75 million
A historic mansion located near the vice president’s official Washington residence, DC’s exclusive Observatory Circle, has hit the market for the first time in more than a decade — with an asking price of $10.75 million.
The Heurich-Parks House offers many impressive amenities, but it is the property’s unparalleled proximity to the Vice President’s mansion at No. 1 Observatory Circle, currently occupied by J.D. Vance– and the Naval Observatory that really make it shine.
Built in 1925 by architect Albert S. J. Atkinsonthe seven-bedroom mansion was once the personal home of Christian Heurich Jr.a philanthropic businessman, and also Marshall Parkswho is known as the ‘father of pediatric ophthalmology’.
It is currently owned by Thomas Depasqualechairman of Cerium Pharmaceuticals, which bought the property “about” ten years ago.
In addition to its plum position in the Observatory Circle enclave, the home’s unique architecture has also helped make it something of a local legend, according to Micah Smithwith whom the property is offered together Robert Hryniewicki, Adam RackliffeAnd Christopher Leary from HRLS Partners at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty.
“It has an amazing Spanish Mission style architecture that is not that common in the area,” Smith explains. “When Tom purchased the property approximately 10 years ago, he undertook a complete historic restoration and extension with BarnesVanze Architects. All work was completed in 2017.”
The fully reconstructed complex now features a primary estate with nine-foot ceilings, a grand staircase, custom millwork and a fireplace.
Then there are the more intriguing features, such as the indoor pool, which is in a room with a glass wall that can be opened to the backyard, creating the illusion of an outdoor space. The property also comes complete with a private lift.
“The indoor pool is incredibly beautiful and there is also a full pool and bar that extends out into the garden,” Smith said. “An elevator provides access from the ground floor to the second floor.”
A circular driveway leads to a detached two-car garage with a guest studio above, designed for extended family and friends.
“The studio also has a full bathroom,” he added. “A lot of this size is pretty unique for this area and it’s super flat. If you live in DC, chances are you drive past this house every day. It’s the first house north of the vice president’s mansion.”
The luxurious open kitchen is designed for entertaining and has marble countertops, two islands, a coffee station, herringbone floors and a breakfast area overlooking the private grounds.
The primary suite features dual walk-in closets and a spa-inspired bathroom with soaking tub.
A spacious lower level features a recreation room, fitness center, wine storage system, sauna, secure safe room and other rooms for additional storage. A spacious terrace overlooks the enclosed garden.
Smith said the property is currently used as a primary residence and may be used that way.
“As a primary residence, it has everything you could want in resort-style living,” he said. “It could also be an embassy or an institution that wants it, or a prominent person who wants to settle in DC.”
The property is also ideally located, close to restaurants, parks and entertainment venues.
“It’s well positioned in the middle of everything,” Smith noted. “It’s down the street from Embassy Row and Georgetown, and backs onto Wisconsin Avenue so you can walk to restaurants. It’s also not far from Cleveland Park to the north, where there are many private schools.”
As for the neighborhood, it’s one of the most prominent (and exclusive) in the DC area, with the United States Naval Observatory at the heart of Observatory Circle, while the James Melville Library and the British Embassy are just a short walk away.
The Vice President’s official residence is located just inside Observatory Circle, on a grassy and very private lot. That property is currently home to Vance, his wife, Usha Vanceand their three children, all of whom moved into the mansion shortly after Vance took office in January 2025, along with President Donald Trump.
Vance put his Alexandria, VA, residence up for sale on February 27, 2025 – almost a month to the day after he moved into the vice president’s official residence.
Just five days later, the house’s status was changed to ‘pending’ sale; and within three weeks that deal had closed, with the final purchase price turning out to be $1,867,025 – $172,025 more than Vance’s list price of $1.69 million, as first reported by Forbes.
Realtor.com® property records show the purchase was made through an LLC called 9 EDR LLC, which states Christopher Garcia as a managing member.
Garcia played a short-lived role in Trump’s first administration, serving as acting director of the Minority Business Development Agency in 2017, before moving on to a role as acting deputy director of the U.S. Department of Commerce, which he held until 2018.
