This roomy penthouse in the tony Weslie Condominium in Arlington, Va., has three levels and is twice as wide as neighboring units. Its additional size was achieved by combining two condos in 1991 — nearly a decade after a Washington power couple with the same idea eyed the property as a potential getaway from their Georgetown mansion.
“Elizabeth Taylor’s ardor for Senator John Warner apparently cooled just as the couple was planning to put together a ‘big, cozy nest’ overlooking the Potomac,” New York Magazine declared in February 1982.
The romance between the Hollywood darling and the suave U.S. senator from Virginia, who married in 1976, captivated Washington’s attention. He was the sixth of her seven husbands, and she was an undeniable asset in his reelection campaign. The marriage fizzled six years later, as they considered combining the units into a swanky Arlington penthouse.
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“They were planning to move in this month,” the Weslie’s builder, Marvin Weissberg, told New York Magazine at the time. “But we’ve heard from their emissary that they don’t want to go through with it. It’s a good thing that we hadn’t got to the point of knocking down the wall between the two apartments.”
The combined unit was created nine years later, after the owner of unit 903 bought 905. The resulting 3,400-square-foot penthouse — with views over the Potomac River and of D.C.’s landmarks — is on the market for just under $3.5 million. It was last purchased in 2006 for $2.6 million.
“Fourth of July there is unbelievable,” said Steve Turner, who represents the current owner. “It’s got a double balcony and the fireworks go off right in front of you. You can see all the fireworks from every place in Virginia, D.C. and Maryland just about.”
The first level has a foyer with a curved staircase. A sauna and bathroom are in what used to be the entryway to one of the units. This level also has storage.
The second level has a combined living and family room of more than 1,500 square feet. This room has floor-to-ceiling windows, 13-foot ceilings and marble floors, and it is divided by a wood-burning fireplace. There’s also a full wall of built-in shelving and access on both ends to a balcony.
The top level has more living space. The dining room is between an office and the kitchen. Two wings extend from the dining room. On one side is the primary bedroom suite with a walk-in closet and en suite bathroom. This side also has storage and a hall bathroom. The other wing has two more bedrooms, each with an en suite bathroom.
The unit comes with three garage spaces and two garage storage units. The Weslie Condominium has a 24-hour concierge and a fitness center. Condo fees are about $2,700 a month.
$3,499,000
- Bedrooms/bathrooms: 3/4
- Approximate square-footage: 3,430
- Co-op fees: $2,704 monthly
- Features: This condo is the only combined penthouse unit in Weslie Condominium. The main level has floor-to-ceiling windows and a fireplace. The property comes with three garage parking spots.
- Listing agent: Stephen Bilowus, Higher Ground Real Estate
