In one of the most jaw-dropping luxury listings to ever hit the Washington, D.C. area, former Commanders owner Dan Snyder’s 40,000-square-foot Potomac mansion — known as The Estate at River’s Edge — is officially going up for auction this December.

But here’s the twist: the entire sale benefits the American Cancer Society.

A Record-Setting Gift Turns Into a Once-in-a-Lifetime Sale

Back in May 2024, Dan and Tanya Snyder made headlines when they donated this sprawling French château-style estate — all 13.5 acres of it — to the American Cancer Society. It remains the largest real-estate gift in the nonprofit’s 110-year history.

Now, through Concierge Auctions, the home will be sold between December 5 – 18, 2025 at the Pendry West Manhattan in New York. The property is currently listed for $24.9 million, with every dollar of the winning bid (plus a 0.5 percent bonus contribution from Concierge Auctions) directed to fund cancer research and patient programs.

As CEO Chad Roffers told Robb Report, buyers are “heightened to the opportunity” to own a one-of-a-kind estate and make an impact for a national cause.


A Masterpiece on the Potomac

Perched high above the river, The Estate at River’s Edge covers more than 40,000 square feet across three buildings, all designed by architect John Ike (of Ike Baker Velten) and completed in 2004 by Horizon Builders.

Inside, interiors by Geoffrey Bradfield blend timeless French detailing with modern luxury:

  • A grand, double-height reception hall with limestone fireplace

  • Commercial-grade kitchen fit for a hotel chef

  • Library, theater, and billiards room

  • Five bedrooms and twelve baths

  • A primary suite with dual baths and automated dressing rooms

Outside, the grounds rival a resort — complete with a heated pool and loggia, manicured gardens, a full-size basketball and sports court, an 11-bay carriage house (with guest apartment), and a 4,500-square-foot staff residence.

(Photography by Derek & Vee / Courtesy Robb Report)


Royal Roots and Local History

Snyder originally purchased the core parcel from King Hussein and Queen Noor of Jordan back in 2000 for $8.6 million, later expanding the estate by acquiring six adjoining lots.

The home cycled on and off the market for years — once listed as high as $49 million — before the Snyders ultimately gifted it to charity.

For Tanya Snyder, a cancer survivor and former national spokeswoman for the NFL’s Crucial Catch campaign, the donation was deeply personal. She has long championed cancer awareness and was recognized by the American Cancer Society as Mother of the Year.


A Rare Opportunity for Washington Luxury Buyers

This isn’t just another mansion sale — it’s a moment in D.C. real estate history.

For ultra-high-net-worth buyers who love the prestige of Potomac and the proximity to D.C., River’s Edge offers everything: world-class architecture, unmatched privacy, and a philanthropic legacy attached to the deed.

It’s the kind of story that reminds us that even in luxury real estate, legacy matters as much as lifestyle.


Explore More Washington-Area Luxury Homes

Luxury Homes in Washington, DC

Sort by:
313 C St Se, WASHINGTON

$1,795,000

↓ $55,000

313 C St Se, WASHINGTON

4 Beds 4 Baths 2,672 SqFt Residential MLS® # DCDC2260502

Fairfax Realty of Tysons

2500 Virginia Ave Nw #715-s, WASHINGTON

$1,795,000

2500 Virginia Ave Nw #715-s, WASHINGTON

2 Beds 2.5 Baths 1,730 SqFt Residential MLS® # DCDC2274392

TTR Sotheby's International Realty

4561 Macarthur Blvd Nw, WASHINGTON

$1,790,000

4561 Macarthur Blvd Nw, WASHINGTON

5 Beds 3.5 Baths 4,050 SqFt Residential MLS® # DCDC2273312

Compass

634 Lexington Pl Ne, WASHINGTON

$1,785,000

634 Lexington Pl Ne, WASHINGTON

4 Beds 4.5 Baths 2,804 SqFt Residential MLS® # DCDC2261870

Coldwell Banker Realty - Washington

Open House
138 D St Se, WASHINGTON

$1,775,000

138 D St Se, WASHINGTON

2 Beds 2.5 Baths 2,060 SqFt Residential
Sun, Sep 20th, 2026 @ 1pm - 3pm
MLS® # DCDC2273768

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.

New Open House
4016 Chancery Ct Nw, WASHINGTON

$1,775,000

4016 Chancery Ct Nw, WASHINGTON

4 Beds 3.5 Baths 2,697 SqFt Residential MLS® # DCDC2283048

Compass

2225 California St Nw #402, WASHINGTON

$1,750,000

2225 California St Nw #402, WASHINGTON

3 Beds 2.5 Baths 1,538 SqFt Residential MLS® # DCDC2265752

TTR Sotheby's International Realty

Open House
1000 Maryland Ave Ne, WASHINGTON

$1,750,000

1000 Maryland Ave Ne, WASHINGTON

6 Beds 3 Baths 3,500 SqFt Residential MLS® # DCDC2279544

Keller Williams Capital Properties

New Open House
4201 Military Rd Nw, WASHINGTON

$1,750,000

4201 Military Rd Nw, WASHINGTON

4 Beds 2.5 Baths 3,210 SqFt Residential
Sun, Sep 20th, 2026 @ 1pm - 3pm
MLS® # DCDC2282062

TTR Sotheby's International Realty

New Open House
2633 15th St Nw #3, WASHINGTON

$1,750,000

2633 15th St Nw #3, WASHINGTON

5 Beds 5 Baths 3,233 SqFt Residential
Sun, Sep 20th, 2026 @ 1pm - 3pm
MLS® # DCDC2283396

Compass

Open House
1931 12th St Nw #a, WASHINGTON

$1,749,999

↓ $1

1931 12th St Nw #a, WASHINGTON

4 Beds 4 Baths 3,133 SqFt Residential
Sun, Sep 20th, 2026 @ 12pm - 2pm
MLS® # DCDC2269640

Compass

Open House
319 C St Se, WASHINGTON

$1,749,000

↓ $50,000

319 C St Se, WASHINGTON

5 Beds 4 Baths 3,153 SqFt Residential
Sat, Sep 26th, 2026 @ 12pm - 4pm
MLS® # DCDC2257748

Coldwell Banker Realty - Washington


Chris Colgan’s Take

“You rarely see a property this significant come to market — let alone tied to a cause like cancer research. It shows the incredible connection between wealth and impact we’re seeing more of in the D.C. luxury space. Whoever buys River’s Edge isn’t just getting a mansion; they’re becoming part of a legacy.”


Learn More or Schedule a Private Consultation

If you’re exploring luxury real estate in the Washington metropolitan area, or want to understand how high-end properties like this shape the regional market, reach out to the Chris Colgan Team at Real Broker – Powered by PLACE.

Call or text 571-437-7575 | info@colganteam.com
www.RealNovaNetwork.com

Provide a valid email address.
Newsletter consent


Sources: Robb Report (Abby Montanez, November 10, 2025) | Photography by Derek & Vee | Concierge Auctions | Compass

Posted by Chris Colgan on

Enjoy this blog post? Click here to subscribe for updates

Tags

Email Send a link to post via Email

Leave A Comment

e.g. yourwebsitename.com
Please note that your email address is kept private upon posting.