The American Cancer Society has relisted the property that was donated to the organization by former Washington Commanders owners Dan and Tanya Snyder just two months ago. The news of the listing was first reported by the Wall Street Journal, which noted that the original donation comes with tax benefits that would not come with donating the proceeds of the home sale. The Snyders will be able to deduct fair marker value of the property from their taxable income according to the market value of the home that was determined by a third-party appraiser. The appraised value has not been made available.
The property has been listed by Cara Pearlman of COMPASS for $34.9 million– the price it was most recently listed for prior to being donated to the American Cancer Society. It is once again the highest priced home available for sale in Montgomery County, taking the spot back from 9305 Inglewood Ct in Potomac. In March, a little more than a month since the one year anniversary of former Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder putting his 30,000 SF home at 11900 River Rd. up for sale, the house was pulled from the market. It was soon revealed that the property was donated to the American Cancer Society.
The property was initially listed at $49 million when the Snyders were attempting to sell, which would have been a DMV record if it sold for the asking price. In August 2023, the home listing showed that the asking price dropped by 28.8% and was available for the current listing price of $34.9 million. Dan and Tanya Snyder’s $48 million purchase of River View (7979 E. Boulevard Drive in Alexandria, VA)- a 16,000 square foot home with an additional carriage home, holds the record for the most expensive home sale in DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) history. According to BizJournals, “the record price for a home in Potomac is $20 million — what Wizards and Capitals owner Ted Leonsis and his wife, Lynn, paid for the Marwood estate in 2011. That 1926 mansion is the former home of President John F. Kennedy’s family.”
The American Cancer Society (ACS) announced in March the receipt of a substantial real estate gift from the Snyder family “that will play a critical role in accelerating the ACS mission to improve the lives of cancer patients and their families.” ACS wrote that “the transformative gift comes in the form of real estate in Maryland currently listed for sale for $34.9 Million; the eventual proceeds from the gift will be unrestricted and used to further ACS’s mission through funding cancer research discoveries, enhancing direct patient support in 20,000 communities across the country, and through advocating for policies that enhance access to cancer care.”
Per the press release, “The Snyders are passionate advocates for cancer awareness and have a longstanding commitment to supporting cancer-related causes and the ACS. Tanya Snyder, a cancer survivor and a former national spokeswoman for the NFL’s “Crucial Catch” breast cancer awareness campaign, was previously recognized by the ACS as Mother of the Year for her exceptional community efforts.”
“We are incredibly grateful for the gift, and the generosity cannot be overstated,” said Dr. Karen Knudsen, CEO of the American Cancer Society. “Thanks to investment in cancer research, more people are surviving the 200 diseases we call cancer, but so much remains to be accomplished to further reduce the overall burden of cancer. At present, one in two men and one in three women in the United States will receive a cancer diagnosis during their lifetime. As such, ACS is grateful for support and commitment – in the form of time, service, and financial contributions – from individuals and families like the Snyders, which will allow us to accelerate progress against cancer and to improve the lives of cancer patients and their families.”
Description of the home, per the listing: “Tucked discreetly behind an arched gate and approached by a half-mile avenue of trees, this 13.5 acre estate perfectly embodies the grandeur of French Chateau living. A masterful collaboration between architect John Ike, designer Geoffrey Bradfield & the unparalleled construction of Horizon Builders, the main house sits on a knoll with unobstructed views of the Potomac River and protected parkland on either side. Wrapped in limestone and crowned with a slate Mansard roof, the primary residence features every hallmark of that iconic style; elegant and polished, but one that never competes with its breathtaking setting. Adorned with window boxes and decorative shutters, the timeless faade opens via custom wrought iron doors to a 25, 000 sq foot interior where panoramic views are integrated into its soul. Simply stunning, the entry vestibule adjoins a reception hall with dramatic coffered ceilings, a 24-foot limestone fireplace, and a grand staircase. Floor-to-ceiling window expanses and multiple doors open to covered terraces and balconies that celebrate the surroundings. Lavish applications of glossy and honed marble, rich mahogany, thick, intricate moldings, and imported stone offer a glimpse of the detailing that went into the design and craftsmanship. At every turn, the water views effortlessly influence the design, while the elegant, understated palette provides the perfect backdrop for art and furnishings from antique to modern. The primary residence is arranged over 4 levels that includes entertainment-sized reception rooms, a commercial-grade chefs kitchen, main-level library, & an octagonal conservatory. The walk-out lower level is incredible, featuring a clubroom w/ a magnificent bar, a theater, & an amazing wine cellar that rivals those of the finest restaurants. An elevator accesses every floor. The main house also allows for the comfort and private enjoyment of the residents: with an intimate breakfast room overlooking the water, 4 luxuriously appointed upper-level bedroom suites, a custom playroom, and a heated pool and loggia. With sweeping views of the Potomac, the owners suite features 2 full baths, expansive automated dressing rooms, a built-in watch winder, & personal grooming station. The primary suite adjoins an executive-size home library, w/ a substantial marble fireplace & a surround of mahogany built-ins. Comprising more than 40, 000 square feet of living space, the compound includes two additional buildings that were crafted with the same meticulous attention to detail. A thoughtfully designed 3-level guesthouse with 11 garage bays presents the ultimate flexibility for the new owner; a showroom-style space for automobiles that effortlessly transforms into one that can host the most glamorous black-tie gala. and houses a catering kitchen. The upper level of the guesthouse offers a spacious gathering room w/ fireplace, 2 ensuite bedrooms, kitchen and powder room. A 4, 500 square foot staff house is located at the entry to the compound & offers living space, multiple offices for property management & garages for the grounds equipment. Every consideration for privacy, security and luxury has been incorporated into the infrastructure of this estate; there are walk-in refrigerators & freezers, reverse osmosis water systems, even smoke-eaters for the cigar aficionado. Generators protect all 3 structures, & in the event of winter weather, automated heating systems at the front steps & cobblestone garage court prevent snow/ice accumulation. All this convenient to the nations capital, 2 airports & less than 1.5 miles from Potomac Village. The transfer of title of this magnificent property doesnt just extend to its new owner but will have an immeasurable impact far outside its gates; the proceeds from the sale will be donated directly to the research and work of The American Cancer Society. The Estate at River Run is truly like no other.“