Inside 3101 Cleveland Ave NW: The $1.75M Woodley Park Colonial That Housed A Diplomatic Titan

The recent sale of the stately property at 3101 Cleveland Ave NW, Washington, D.C., on August 12, 2025, for $1.75 million has captivated the attention of D.C. real estate watchers and history enthusiasts alike. This classic Colonial home, nestled in the prestigious Woodley Park neighborhood, represents more than just a multi-million dollar transaction; it marks the end of an era, as the property had been quietly held by the same family for nearly four decades. The fresh details surrounding the sale, coupled with the property's connection to one of America's most prominent career diplomats, make this address a focal point for understanding the intersection of D.C. history, power, and luxury real estate. The Woodley Park residence, a 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom house spanning 3,925 square feet, is a perfect example of the neighborhood's distinctive architectural heritage. Its recent appearance on the market for the first time in almost 40 years generated significant buzz, not only for its prime location but also due to its former ownership by a figure deeply embedded in U.S. foreign policy and intelligence. This deep dive explores the architecture, the neighborhood, and the influential life connected to this historic D.C. home.

The Diplomatic Legacy: Profile of Former Resident John D. Negroponte

The history of 3101 Cleveland Ave NW is inextricably linked to Ambassador John D. Negroponte, a titan of American diplomacy and national security. His ownership of the property for a significant period adds a layer of historical and political gravitas to the address, reflecting the common trend of high-level government officials residing in the esteemed Northwest D.C. area. John D. Negroponte: Full Biographical Profile

• Full Name: John Dimitri Negroponte
• Born: July 21, 1939, in London, England
• Nationality: American
• Education: Yale University (B.A.), Harvard University (M.A.)
• Career Start: Joined the U.S. Foreign Service in 1960.
• Key Diplomatic Roles (Ambassador):
  • Ambassador to Honduras (1981–1985)
  • Ambassador to Mexico (1989–1993)
  • Ambassador to the Philippines (1993–1996)
  • Ambassador to the United Nations (2001–2004)
  • Ambassador to Iraq (2004–2005)
• Key National Security Roles:
  • First Director of National Intelligence (DNI) (2005–2007)
  • Deputy Secretary of State (2007–2009)
• Post-Government Career: Held various academic and advisory positions, including the James R. Schlesinger Distinguished Professor at the Miller Center for Public Affairs.
• Residence Connection: Owned the 3101 Cleveland Ave NW property from at least 2004.

Negroponte’s career spanned decades, marked by service in some of the most critical and controversial diplomatic posts. The Woodley Park home served as his Washington base, a quiet retreat from the intense pressures of the diplomatic and intelligence worlds. This connection highlights the property’s role as a private sanctuary for a public servant.

The Architecture and History of a Classic Colonial in Woodley Park

The home at 3101 Cleveland Ave NW is a prime example of the "classic Colonial" style popular in Washington, D.C.'s historic neighborhoods. Built in 1946, it embodies the post-war iteration of the Colonial Revival style, which draws heavily on the English classical design tradition.

Understanding the Colonial Revival Style

The Colonial Revival style, widely embraced in Woodley Park, is characterized by several distinct features that are likely present in the Cleveland Avenue residence:

• Symmetrical Facade: A hallmark of the style, featuring a balanced, rectangular shape and an evenly spaced window layout.
• Central Entrance: The front door is typically centered and often features decorative elements like pilasters or a pediment.
• Double-Hung Windows: Usually multi-paned and arranged in pairs.
• Brick or Wood Siding: The 3101 property is a stately home, likely featuring a classic brick façade typical of D.C. houses of its vintage.
• Gabled Roof: A simple, often steep, roofline contributes to the traditional aesthetic.

This architectural style is highly sought after in Woodley Park, contributing to the neighborhood's designation as a cohesive historic district. The 3,925 square feet of living space, spread over 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, speaks to the comfortable scale of Northwest D.C. family homes, blending original charm with the potential for modern updates.

The Woodley Park Real Estate Market Context

The $1.75 million sale price in August 2025 places the 3101 Cleveland Ave NW transaction firmly within the context of the dynamic Woodley Park real estate market. This neighborhood, adjacent to the National Zoo and bordered by Rock Creek Park, is one of Washington D.C.'s most desirable residential areas.

A Neighborhood of Stately Homes and Historic Charm

Woodley Park’s appeal stems from its unique blend of urban accessibility and natural tranquility. The neighborhood offers an eclectic mix of single-family homes, historic row houses, and pre-war apartment buildings, attracting a diverse mix of residents, including diplomats, politicians, and professionals. The real estate market here is often robust, characterized by high demand for its stately properties. While the median home sale price in Woodley Park can fluctuate—with some reports indicating a median price around $1,049,000—a large, classic Colonial like the one at 3101 Cleveland Ave NW typically commands a premium, especially following a long period off the market. The price per square foot for the recent sale, approximately $446, reflects the value placed on the home's location, size, and architectural integrity. The sale of this residence, after being off-market for almost 40 years, is a significant event. Properties that have been held for such long durations often come with a unique history and a high level of original architectural detail, which can be a major draw for buyers looking for a piece of D.C. history. The new owners have acquired a true classic, poised for the next chapter of its life in one of the city's most enduring and elegant neighborhoods.

Topical Entities and LSI Keywords:

* Washington D.C. real estate * Woodley Park historic district * Cleveland Avenue NW property * Ambassador John D. Negroponte * Director of National Intelligence (DNI) * Classic Colonial home * Colonial Revival architecture * DC luxury housing market * 3925 sqft single-family home * Rock Creek Park proximity * Northwest D.C. residences * Diplomatic community homes * Historic D.C. property sale * August 2025 home transaction * Post-war architecture 1946 * Woodley Park housing trends * U.S. Foreign Service * DC Preservation League * Woodley Park Community Association * High-end residential areas * D.C. political history * Real estate investment * Property taxes Washington D.C. * Single-family residence * Stately DC homes * $1.75 million sale price * 4-bedroom Woodley Park home * Diplomatic life in D.C. * DC Office of Planning * Classic brick façade

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