Joshua Harris, the billionaire co-founder of Apollo Global Management and owner of the Washington Commanders football franchise, and his wife, Marjorie, have acquired one of Washington, D.C.’s most historically significant residences for $28 million, setting a new record for the city’s residential real estate market.

The Federal-style estate known as Halcyon House, situated at 3400 Prospect Street NW in the Georgetown neighbourhood, dates to the late eighteenth century and was originally built for Benjamin Stoddert, the first United States Secretary of the Navy.

The roughly 30,000-square-foot mansion sits on just over half an acre overlooking the Potomac River and features extensive gardens, an in-ground swimming pool, and numerous period architectural details.

The off-market transaction eclipses the previous city record of $25 million, underscoring the distinctive nature of the property and the interest it attracted among high-net-worth buyers.

The seller, scientist and philanthropist Dr Sachiko Kuno, had bought the property for $11 million in 2011 and most recently used it as the headquarters for a nonprofit accelerator supporting entrepreneurs in fields such as climate, health and equity technology.

Harris has announced plans to restore Halcyon House to its original use as a single-family residence, reflecting his pattern of preserving and revitalising historic homes.

The Washington Commanders’ owner grew up in the region and spends substantial time in the capital as part of his leadership role with the franchise.

While the couple’s primary residence remains in Miami, the acquisition of Halcyon House aligns with Harris’s broader personal and professional ties to Washington, D.C., and its architectural heritage.

The property’s sale and planned restoration add a high-profile chapter to the preservation of one of the city’s oldest and most storied homes.