Mansion in Virginia

Where the Old Money Lives in Northern Virginia (2025 Edition)

Key Highlights:

The Plains, VA is home to one of the wealthiest individuals in the world
Middleburg is Virginia's equestrian capital with centuries-old family estates
Old Town Alexandria's fortunes trace back to colonial ports and tobacco empires
McLean combines historic legacies with some of the most expensive modern real estate in the U.S.

In Northern Virginia, old money doesn't shout — it whispers. It doesn't flash new Ferraris; it preserves 200-acre estates, conservation easements, and equestrian legacies dating back to before the United States was born.

Let’s take a journey through the four most iconic old money enclaves in Northern Virginia and understand what truly separates generational wealth from high price tags.

The Plains, VA: Billionaire Privacy in a Town of 255

The Plains is a tiny town with a population of just 255—but it punches far above its weight. It's home to Jacqueline Mars, heiress to the Mars candy fortune, who resides at Stonehall Farm, a 200-acre estate surrounded by over 400 acres of conservation land.

“Wealth whispers” culture: No McMansions, just elegant estates tucked behind old stone walls
Median sold price: $820,000 (May 2025)
Equestrian land: ~$19,000/acre (limited availability due to easements)

✅ View homes for sale in The Plains

Middleburg, VA: The Equestrian Capital of the East

Founded in 1787, Middleburg is where horse country meets heritage. Generational estates like Welbourne, owned by the Delaney family since 1812, tell stories of uninterrupted family legacy.

Median list price: $2.44M (May 2025, up 70% YoY)
Typical properties: custom estates on 100 acres
Notable features: Salamander Resort, equestrian centers, vineyards

✅ View homes for sale in Middleburg

⛰️ Old Town Alexandria: Colonial Powerhouses

Established in 1749, Alexandria was once one of the top 10 busiest ports in America. Old Town's wealth was built through tobacco and shipping empires — and families like the Lees still echo in its streets.

Median list price: $1.3M (May 2025, up 44%)
Luxury homes: 18th/19th century architecture on cobblestone streets
Amenities: 200 independent shops and restaurants, museums, water taxis

✅ View homes for sale in Alexandria

McLean, VA: The East Coast Beverly Hills

Home to political dynasties and tech moguls alike, McLean is the perfect blend of old and new wealth.

Median income: $250K
Average home price: $1.9M
Elite estates: $25M (e.g., The Falls Estate)

Notable properties: Jackie Kennedy’s childhood home, Hickory Hill (home to RFK and JFK), and incredible smart-home builds with spa-level amenities.

✅ View homes for sale in McLean

Old vs. New Money Price Comparison (May 2025)

Area	Avg Home Price	Key Feature
McLean	$1.9M	Political tech dynasties
Middleburg	$2.4M	100 acre horse estates
The Plains	$931K	Ultra-private equestrian land
Old Town Alexandria	$1.3M	Colonial history walkability
Ashburn	$850K	Tech corridor, newer builds
Brambleton	$800K	Master-planned communities
Gainesville	$650K	Suburban family-focused

FAQ: Northern Virginia’s Old Money Landscape

1. What qualifies an area as “old money”?: Multigenerational land ownership, historic wealth preservation, and a focus on legacy over luxury.
2. Who lives in The Plains, VA?: Billionaire Jacqueline Mars, celebrities, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking discretion.
3. Why is Middleburg known as horse country?: It’s home to century-old fox hunts, equestrian farms, and elite resorts like Salamander.
4. Is McLean really that wealthy?: Yes. It combines political, corporate, and old family wealth with top-tier real estate.
5. What is a conservation easement?: A legal agreement that limits development, preserving land and offering tax benefits.
6. How old is Old Town Alexandria?: Founded in 1749, it was one of colonial America’s busiest ports.
7. Can regular buyers afford these places?: Parts of them, yes. There are more affordable pockets in surrounding areas.
8. Why do old money homes appreciate slower?: There’s limited turnover. Long-term ownership preserves value but slows resale.
9. Are these areas still relevant in 2025?: Absolutely. Prestige, zoning protections, and historical value ensure desirability.
10. What’s the vibe like in these towns?: Sophisticated, private, and heritage-rich—think linen suits, vintage Land Rovers, and foxhunting clubs.

Ready to Buy or Sell in Old Money Country?

I’m Chris Colgan with the Colgan Team. I’ve lived in Northern Virginia my entire life and helped thousands relocate or invest here. If you're looking for generational real estate, you need an insider who knows the hidden pockets.