Historic Mansion Adjacent to Vice President JD Vance Lists for $10.75 Million
Forget the neighborhood watch—this block boasts the ultimate security detail: the Secret Service. A historic Spanish-style mansion located directly next to Vice President JD Vance's official residence has entered the market with a staggering $10.75 million price tag. The property offers prospective buyers one of Washington DC's most heavily protected and exclusive addresses, situated at the heart of a powerful diplomatic enclave.
A Prime Location with Prestigious Neighbors
Vice President JD Vance moved into the vice president's mansion at No. 1 Observatory Circle with his wife, Usha Vance, and their three children shortly after taking office in January 2025. The closest residential property to this illustrious address—the century-old Heurich-Parks House—is now available for sale. The estate is owned by Thomas DePasquale, a longtime Democratic donor who has contributed more than $200,000 since the 2000s to candidates including Hillary Clinton and former President Barack Obama, as well as the Democratic National Committee.
The property occupies a central position within a formidable enclave, surrounded by some of the city's most significant institutions. These include the British Embassy on the southern edge of the circle, a row of additional embassies just beyond, and the vice president as an immediate neighbor. According to Micah Smith, who is co-listing the property with Robert Hryniewicki, Adam Rackliffe, and Christopher Leary of HRLS Partners at TTR Sotheby's International Realty, this commanding street presence and proximity to influential figures have attracted a wide range of notable buyers.
'Location next to the vice president is definitely desirable, and all the other high-end homes nearby are on Observatory Circle,' Smith told the Daily Mail. While Smith could not speculate on whether Vance would be the type of neighbor to host barbecues, he emphasized that it must be 'one of the safest places to be.'
Ownership and Restoration by a Prominent Donor
Thomas DePasquale, chairman of Cerium Pharmaceuticals, has resided at the property since 2016 with his wife and two children. During his tenure, his neighbors have included Joe Biden at the end of his vice-presidential term, Mike Pence, Kamala Harris, and briefly, JD Vance. A committed Democratic donor, DePasquale contributed $6,300 to Hillary Clinton during her 2016 presidential campaign and to her 2006 Senate re-election campaign in New York. He also donated $4,850 to Obama's presidential campaigns, $23,400 to the DNC Services Corp in 2012, and $100,000 to the Virginia Progress PAC, a Democratic Super PAC supporting Senator Mark Warner's reelection.
Upon purchasing the home, DePasquale embarked on a mission to revitalize the estate. He enlisted renowned BarnesVanze Architects to execute a full historic restoration and expansion in 2017, meticulously preserving its old Spanish-style charm while incorporating modern amenities. Smith highlighted that original features remain intact, including an original bread oven, herringbone floors, and antique black steel grates covering HVAC vents.
'We purchased the historic Heurich-Parks house, which needed to be completely reimagined,' DePasquale shared. 'Location, lot size, and parking were all coveted attributes. Our primary goal was to transform this property into a home. The result—a turnkey estate built to be safe and warm.'
Architectural Grandeur and Luxurious Amenities
The 13,900-square-foot mansion sits on nearly half an acre of land—a rarity in a densely built metropolitan area like Washington DC. Built in 1925 by architect Albert S.J. Atkinson, the seven-bedroom historic residence was once the personal home of philanthropic businessman Christian Kurich Jr. and Marshall Parks, known as the 'father of pediatric ophthalmology.' Smith noted that Parks operated his practice from the house, with one agent recalling getting eye exams there during a broker open event.
A century after its construction, the backyard evokes 'resort-style living,' according to Smith, featuring a flat, well-manicured lawn and sun loungers on the patio. Through the patio lies an indoor pool housed in a room with a glass wall that opens to the backyard, complete with a bar and a Desert Aire dehumidification system to control humidity. DePasquale preserved the original single-pane windows, adding storm windows behind them for extra insulation, and retained the original trim and finishes.
'So whoever is the next buyer, bring your toothbrush because it's in move-in condition. You don't have to touch anything,' Smith explained.
The ground floor of the Spanish-mission-style home boasts nine-foot ceilings and multiple entertainment spaces. These include a spacious living room with detailed wood panels and a fireplace, a smaller dining room adjacent to an alternate staircase leading to a closed-in patio via a curved arch, and a separate recreation room ideal for a pool table. To the right of the grand staircase at the main entryway is a luxurious open kitchen with marble countertops, two islands, a coffee station, and a breakfast room overlooking the private grounds.
The residence features seven bedrooms, nine full baths, two half baths, and an elevator. The primary suite upstairs offers dual walk-in closets and a spa-inspired bathroom with a soaking tub. A spacious lower level includes a recreation room, fitness center, wine storage system, sauna, a secure safe room, and additional storage areas. The property is completed by a large circular driveway leading to a detached two-car garage with a guest studio above, perfect for hosting family and friends.
