Colin Powell house in McLean, Virginia, was a place where history and luxury met. This impressive home, which recently sold for $2.8 million, was more than just a house. It was a reflection of the life and career of one of America’s most respected statesmen.
Let’s dive into the story of this remarkable property and the man who called it home for many years.
Who was Colin Powell?
Colin Powell was a true American success story. Born in New York City to Jamaican immigrants, he rose through the ranks of the U.S. Army to become a four-star general and later served as the first African-American Secretary of State. Powell’s career was marked by many achievements, including his role as National Security Advisor and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
But Powell wasn’t just about his military and political career. He was also a savvy businessman and public speaker. After retiring from public service, he earned millions from speaking engagements and book deals. In 2000 alone, he made $7 million from 109 speeches, charging an average of $64,000 per speech. His 1995 autobiography, “My American Journey,” earned him a $6 million advance.
At the time of his death in October 2021, Colin Powell’s net worth was estimated at $60 million. This impressive fortune was the result of his long and distinguished career in public service, his business ventures, and his speaking engagements.
Colin Powell at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Colin Luther Powell |
| Born | April 5, 1937 |
| Died | October 18, 2021 (aged 84) |
| Birthplace | Harlem, New York City |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | City College of New York (B.S. in Geology) |
| Military Service | U.S. Army (1958-1993) |
| Highest Rank | Four-star General |
| Notable Positions | National Security Advisor (1987-1989) Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989-1993) U.S. Secretary of State (2001-2005) |
| Net Worth | $60 Million |
| Spouse | Alma Johnson Powell (married 1962) |
| Children | 3 (Michael, Linda, Annemarie) |
Where Did Colin Powell Live?
For many years, Colin Powell and his family called McLean, Virginia, home. McLean is a wealthy suburb of Washington, D.C., known for its high-end properties and proximity to the nation’s capital. It’s a popular area for politicians, diplomats, and other high-profile individuals who work in D.C. but prefer a quieter home life.
The Powell family’s house was located in this prestigious area, offering them privacy and comfort while still being close to the heart of American politics. The neighborhood is known for its tree-lined streets, spacious lots, and beautiful homes, making it an ideal place for someone of Powell’s stature to live.
Colin Powell House
Colin Powell’s house in McLean was a beautiful example of Colonial-style architecture, a fitting choice for a man who played such a significant role in American history. The house, which sat on almost an acre of land, was a spacious and elegant home that reflected Powell’s status and taste.
1. Where Is Colin Powell’s House?
Colin Powell’s house was located in McLean, Virginia. McLean is a census-designated place in Fairfax County, situated just a few miles from Washington, D.C. This location was ideal for Powell, allowing him to be close to the center of American politics while still enjoying the peace of suburban life.
The exact address of the house isn’t publicly disclosed for privacy reasons, but we know it was in one of McLean’s upscale neighborhoods. These areas are known for their large lots, beautiful landscaping, and high-end homes, providing residents with both luxury and privacy.
2. Features of Colin Powell House
The Colin Powell house was a stunning example of Colonial-style architecture, a design that’s both classic and timeless. This style, which dates back to America’s early days, is characterized by symmetry, balance, and elegant simplicity. It was a fitting choice for a man who embodied these qualities in his public service.
The house covered an impressive 5,929 square feet, providing plenty of space for the Powell family and their guests. Colonial-style homes typically feature a central door with an elaborate crown and pillars, evenly spaced windows, and often a side-gabled roof. While we don’t have specific details about the exterior of Powell’s house, it likely followed these traditional design elements.
Inside, Colonial homes often have a center-hall floor plan, with a grand entryway and staircase, formal living and dining rooms, and a kitchen towards the back of the house. The upper floors usually contain bedrooms and bathrooms. Given the size of Powell’s house, it likely had spacious rooms and high ceilings, creating an atmosphere of elegance and comfort.
3. Personal House Touches
While we don’t have specific information about the personal touches Colin Powell added to his house, we can make some educated guesses based on what we know about him and typical improvements made to high-end homes:
- Home Office: Given Powell’s long career in public service and his later work as a public speaker and author, he likely had a well-appointed home office. This might have included custom bookshelves, a large desk, and perhaps displays of his many awards and honors.
- Security Features: As a former high-ranking government official, Powell probably upgraded the home’s security features. This could have included advanced alarm systems, security cameras, and possibly even a safe room.
- Entertainment Spaces: Powell was known for his charisma and leadership skills. He might have added or improved spaces for entertaining guests, such as a formal dining room or a patio area for outdoor gatherings.
- Fitness Area: As a former military man, Powell likely valued physical fitness. He might have added a home gym or upgraded existing exercise facilities.
- Technology Upgrades: Given the long time the Powells lived in the house, they likely made several technology upgrades over the years, possibly including smart home features, improved internet connectivity, and modern entertainment systems.
4. House Amenities
The Colin Powell house boasted several luxurious amenities, including:
- Six bedrooms
- Seven bathrooms
- Indoor hot tub
- Sauna
- Swimming pool
- Large, well-maintained grounds
- Spacious living areas
- Formal dining room
- Modern kitchen
5. Neighborhood Area
The neighborhood where Colin Powell’s house was located is one of the most prestigious in the Washington, D.C. area. McLean, Virginia, is known for its upscale homes, excellent schools, and proximity to the nation’s capital. It’s a popular area for politicians, diplomats, and business leaders.
The streets in this area are typically tree-lined and quiet, offering residents a sense of privacy and tranquility. Despite its suburban feel, McLean is just a short drive from Washington, D.C., making it an ideal location for those who work in the city but prefer a more relaxed home environment.
McLean is also home to several parks and nature preserves, providing residents with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. The area boasts excellent shopping and dining options, including the upscale Tysons Corner Center, one of the largest shopping malls in the country.
The community is known for its strong sense of civic engagement, with many residents involved in local and national politics. This likely appealed to Powell, given his long career in public service.
Market Value
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Build Year | Not specified in available information |
| Purchase Year | Not specified in available information |
| Purchase Value | Not specified in available information |
| Most Recent Sale Price | $2.8 million (2022) |
| Current Estimated Value | Approximately $2.8 million (based on recent sale) |
The Powell family originally listed the home for $3.1 million, but it ultimately sold for $2.8 million in 2022. This price reflects both the desirable location of the property and its impressive features.
Colin Powell’s Real Estate Portfolio
While we don’t have comprehensive information about Colin Powell’s entire real estate portfolio, we do know about his long-time residence in McLean, Virginia. This was the house that recently sold for $2.8 million.
Powell’s choice to live in McLean for many years reflects his commitment to staying close to the center of American politics while also enjoying the benefits of suburban life. The house in McLean was likely his primary residence during his time as Secretary of State and in his later years.
It’s worth noting that many high-profile political figures often maintain a residence in or near Washington, D.C., even after leaving office. This allows them to stay connected to political circles and continue their work in various capacities. Powell’s choice to remain in McLean long after his time in office ended suggests that he valued this connection.
While we don’t have information about other properties Powell may have owned, it’s not uncommon for individuals of his stature to have vacation homes or investment properties. However, Powell was known for his relatively modest lifestyle compared to some other high-profile figures, so he may not have had an extensive real estate portfolio beyond his primary residence.
Conclusion
Colin Powell’s house in McLean, Virginia, was more than just a luxury home. It was a reflection of the man himself – elegant, dignified, and deeply connected to American history and politics. The $2.8 million sale price of this 5,929-square-foot Colonial-style home speaks to its impressive features and desirable location.
From its six bedrooms and seven bathrooms to its indoor hot tub, sauna, and swimming pool, the house offered all the amenities one would expect in a high-end property. Its location in McLean provided the perfect balance of privacy and proximity to Washington, D.C., making it an ideal home for a statesman of Powell’s caliber.
While the house has now passed to new owners, it will always be associated with Colin Powell, a man who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most respected figures in American politics. His choice of this home and his long residence there are testaments to his values, his career, and his place in history.
As we remember Colin Powell’s many achievements, his McLean home stands as a physical reminder of the life he built – a life dedicated to public service, leadership, and the American dream. The Colin Powell house, with its blend of luxury and understated elegance, will always be an important part of his legacy.
