Observatory Circle Luxury Real Estate

It is certainly not a large neighborhood, but Observatory Circle in Washington, DC is loaded with prestige, and home to some very significant luxury real estate properties. Tucked in between well-known parks and greenspaces, the small enclave is also ideally located just north of Georgetown, with easy access to downtown DC. The neighborhood also happens to be home to One Observatory Circle, the official residence of the U.S. Vice President.

The real estate inventory in Observatory Circle can be tight, due in part to the limited size of the neighborhood. But it is a well-rounded marketplace nonetheless, from stately mansions to lovely traditional homes in a variety of classic architectural styles, to condos and cooperatives inside grand old buildings along Wisconsin Avenue. The circular grassy and wooded area encompassed by Observatory Circle, NW and Massachusetts Avenue, takes up a large portion of the neighborhood, and is primarily devoted to the grounds of the U.S. Naval Observatory. The vice presidential compound features a gorgeous Queen Anne-style home built in 1893, with some 33 rooms.

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$1,425,000

4000 Cathedral Ave Nw #604b, WASHINGTON

3 Beds 2.5 Baths 2,200 SqFt Residential MLS® # DCDC2157092

OBSERVATORY CIRCLE

More About Observatory Circle, Washington, DC

The home of the VP along with motorcades and security details adds a certain flavor to the neighborhood. Add the presence of Embassy Row and more diplomatic missions and foreign embassies than you can easily count, and the area takes on an even greater aura of doctrinal clout. But the community would be memorable even without the trappings of international political power. Observatory Circle is surrounded by other well-regarded neighborhoods such as Glover Park, Cathedral Heights, Massachusetts Avenue Heights, and Georgetown.

Additionally, there are numerous popular restaurants along Wisconsin Avenue toward the western edge of Observatory Circle, such as In Bocca al Lupo, Old Europe, Breadsoda Bar, Deli & Billiards, Maria’s Trattoria, and Point Chaud Café & Crepes. There’s also a Whole Foods, a Trader Joe’s, and wonderful places to hike, bicycle, and picnic, including Dumbarton Oaks, and Woodland-Normanstone Terrace Park. In short, this little leafy neighborhood packs quite a punch, and it is not surprising that luxury homes in the area are so sought after.

To learn more about luxury real estate in Observatory Circle, call Andre Perez at District Partners at Compass, 202-798-3600.

Observatory Circle, District of Columbia FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Has Observatory Circle always been the home of U.S. Vice Presidents?

A: No: The large mansion on the grounds of the Naval Observatory housed various high-ranking Navy officers until 1974, when Congress agreed to refurbish and designate the home as the official residence for Vice Presidents.

Q: Has the neighborhood always been known as Observatory Circle?

A: No. The neighborhood was once known as Georgetown Heights. In 1893, the Naval Observatory was relocated from its longtime site in Foggy Bottom and rebuilt at its present location. The complex included the residential mansion, the Master Clock, a huge telescope, and other scientific equipment.

Q: What is the price range of luxury real estate in Observatory Circle?

A: Because of the presence of both condos and detached single-family homes, there is a wide price range, from approximately $800,000 to $8,000,000.

Q: How far is it from Observatory Circle to downtown Washington, DC?

A: The distance if you are driving along Massachusetts Avenue, is roughly 2.5 miles.