Historic $40 Million Virginia Estate Where Amelia Earhart Once Landed Her Plane Seeks High-Flying Buyer

An extravagant Virginia estate with a high-flying history has hit the market with an astonishing $39.99 million price tag—almost 100 years after it served as a landing site for famed aviator, Amelia Earhart.

Located in McLean, VA, the 6.72-acre property dates back to before the Civil War—however, it underwent a “significant expansion” after being purchased by renowned lawyer, land developer, and newspaper publisher Frank Lyon in the 1920s.

According to its listing, Earhart, who famously vanished somewhere over the Pacific Ocean in July 1937 during an attempt to become the first female pilot to circumnavigate the world, once landed her PCA-2 autogyro aircraft on the front lawn of the home in the 1930s.

“Welcome to the landscaped splendor of Ballantrae Farm, set within McLean, Virginia,” the description reads. “This grand 6.3-acre estate masterfully blends historical essence with contemporary luxury. Originating before the Civil War, the estate preserves artifacts from its storied past and is celebrated for Amelia Earhart’s landing in the 1930s.”

Dubbed Ballantrae Farm, the dwelling’s crown jewel is a Georgian Revival-style main residence dubbed the Stone Manor House.

This part of the estate features a curved driveway leading to a six-car garage. It also features a sprawling pool spread, complete with a pool house and pavilion.

Beyond the main house, there’s a guesthouse, a circa-1847 farmhouse called Little Ballantrae, and a cottage used to board the estate manager. This structure is fittingly called the Garden Cottage.

Altogether, 12 bedrooms and 17 bathrooms are spread over 14,000 square feet of living space.

Rich history

Stone Manor House has a romantic feel and historic features aplenty. One standout is the large foyer with a grand staircase. This area branches off to the formal living and dining rooms. Both rooms are big and bright, with white carved fireplaces and hardwood floors.

Further inside is the recently renovated chef’s kitchen, which boasts a double island, multiple farmhouse sinks, and a vaulted ceiling. Even better? The kitchen garden and orchard are just a few steps away, where you can pick fruit and vegetables as you cook.

Five bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, are on the upper level. The primary suite has his and hers bathrooms as well as a spacious walk-in closet.

Of course, there’s a fitness room, sunroom, den, laundry room, and cedar closet. The private wine cellar is handy when hosting, while the study is the perfect spot for a work-from-home setup.

Each room of this home is impeccable, but nothing beats the west wing’s great room, which has two stately stone walls. It leads to an enclosed stone terrace with garden access via gorgeous French doors.

Everything you need

The backyard is the stuff of fairy tales, with a tree-lined pathway connecting a copper-roofed gazebo, potting shed, koi pond fountain, and more.

A second stone path leads to a soccer field, a treehouse, and a half basketball court, whereas the flower-filled walkway flows to the sunken clay tennis court.

“Additional features include an exercise room, sunroom, laundry room, and cedar closet,” the listing states. “A scenic birch-lined path winds through the estate, leading to a copper-roofed gazebo, potting shed, and koi pond fountain. The flourishing kitchen garden and fruit orchard provide fresh produce year-round.

“Stone paths guide visitors past a clay tennis court, soccer field, and half basketball court, to Little Ballantrae, the Garden Cottage, and a treehouse, all secured within a gated compound.”

The Stone Manor House is the largest structure on the property, whereas the farmhouse is second, with four bedrooms and four bathrooms. Meanwhile, the Garden Cottage, although the smallest of the bunch, is still spacious, with its three bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a private driveway.

Although this property has a serene, private feel, it’s still a short drive from Washington, D.C., the CIA’s headquarters, and McLean.