The Paul Tagliabue house was a 5,040-square-foot brick Colonial in Washington, DC’s exclusive Hillandale community. The former NFL commissioner listed this Burleith property for $3.195 million in 2014 after purchasing it for $2 million in 2004. The five-bedroom estate featured an elevator, chef’s kitchen, and access to gated community amenities.
Where Did Paul Tagliabue Live?
The Paul Tagliabue house stood in the Burleith subdivision northwest of Georgetown, specifically within Hillandale, a private gated community. This 42-acre enclave bordered parkland on two sides and ranked among America’s most exclusive gated communities according to a 2012 Forbes rating.
Paul Tagliabue later resided in Chevy Chase, Maryland, where he passed away on November 9, 2025, at age 84. The transition from the Burleith property to Chevy Chase reflected his post-NFL life while maintaining ties to the Washington metropolitan area.
Architecture and Design Features
Built in 1995, the Paul Tagliabue house spanned 5,040 square feet across four levels. The brick Colonial design incorporated mature tree coverage, wood floors throughout, arched windows, and white woodwork that created a classic aesthetic.
The property included five bedrooms and six bathrooms. A large master suite occupied premium space with a dedicated sitting area and luxury bathroom. Formal rooms provided spacious layouts suitable for family gatherings and both casual and formal entertaining.
Modern updates set the residence apart from other properties in the area. The home featured its own elevator, a large ipe deck, and what the listing described as “bucolic parkland views.” All bathrooms and the chef’s kitchen adjacent to the family room underwent updates during the Tagliabues’ ownership.
Two fireplaces added warmth to the living spaces, while multiple decks and terraces extended the entertaining area outdoors. A two-car garage completed the residential amenities.
The Hillandale Community
Hillandale was developed in the late 1980s on land previously owned by oil heiress Anne Archbold. In 1922, Archbold hired architect Josephine Wright Chapman to design a home inspired by Tuscan villas and farmhouses.
The historic estate once hosted Queen Elizabeth II, Gertrude Stein, Eleanor Roosevelt, Noel Coward, and Chiang Kai-shek’s wife, Soong May-ling. This legacy of distinguished residents continued through subsequent decades.
The modern Hillandale community encompasses 268 homes comprised of 163 rowhouses, 68 semi-detached houses, and 37 detached single-family homes. Residents have access a swimming pool, tennis courts, clubhouse, tot lot, and security services.
The property sat at the dead end of a quiet street abutting the park, offering privacy and natural surroundings. The community is bounded by 39th Street, Reservoir Road, Glover Archbold Park, and Whitehaven Park.
Property Value and Sale Details
Paul Tagliabue purchased the house in 2004 for $2 million. When he listed it for sale in 2014, the asking price reached $3.195 million, representing almost $1 million in appreciation over 10 years.
The listing attracted attention through Washington real estate circles, with viewings available by appointment only. The property’s location in a gated community, combined with its updated features and prime positioning near Georgetown, justified the premium pricing.
Burleith Neighborhood Context
Burleith comprises 535 single-family row houses built primarily in the 1920s and also serves as home to the French embassy. The neighborhood takes its name from an 18th-century estate.
Many residents refer to their neighborhood as “North Georgetown” due to relatively low name recognition. Unlike Georgetown proper, Burleith is known for moderate home prices, though the Hillandale gated section commands premium values.
Burleith is totally residential with no commercial district of its own. However, Wisconsin Avenue provides convenient access to shops of all kinds within walking distance.
The area hosts several notable educational institutions, including the Corcoran School of Art, the Duke Ellington School for the Arts, and the Washington International School. Nestled alongside Glover-Archbold Park, Burleith features a green, park-like atmosphere while remaining within easy walking distance of Wisconsin Avenue shops and major highways.
Paul Tagliabue’s Georgetown Connection
Paul Tagliabue served as National Football League Commissioner from 1989 until 2006, leading the league through expansion, team moves, and billion-dollar television deals that made the Super Bowl the number one sports and television event in the United States.
An exceptional high school basketball player and honor student, Paul attended Georgetown University and New York University School of Law on full basketball and public service scholarships. He was editor of the law review and graduated from NYU with honors in 1965.
Tagliabue served as chair of Georgetown University’s Board of Directors from 2009 to 2015 after first joining the board in 2006. He and his wife, Chandler, provided a $5 million gift to the university in 2011, supporting need-based scholarships, student-athlete programs, and the campus LGBTQ Resource Center.
The proximity of his Burleith residence to Georgetown University reflected his deep commitment to his alma mater. An upstairs room in the house was converted into a huge office space, likely serving his various professional and philanthropic endeavors after retiring as commissioner.
Life After the Burleith Property
Following his 2006 retirement, Tagliabue returned to Covington & Burling, where he serves as senior counsel. He also served on the DC2024 executive board, the group attempting to bring the Olympics to the District.
Tagliabue was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of its Centennial Class of 2020 and formally enshrined on August 7, 2021. He married Chandler Minter on August 28, 1965, in Washington, DC. They had two children: Andrew Paul Tagliabue (Drew) and Emily Elizabeth Tagliabue.
FAQs About Paul Tagliabue’s House
Where was Paul Tagliabue’s house located?
The house was in Washington, DC’s Burleith neighborhood within the Hillandale gated community, northwest of Georgetown near Glover Archbold Park.
How much did Paul Tagliabue’s house cost?
He purchased the property for $2 million in 2004 and listed it for $3.195 million in 2014.
What were the key features of the home?
The 5,040-square-foot house featured five bedrooms, six bathrooms, an elevator, a chef’s kitchen, an ipe deck, and two fireplaces across four levels.
When was Paul Tagliabue’s house built?
The brick Colonial was built in 1995 within the Hillandale community.
Did Paul Tagliabue live in Chevy Chase?
Yes, after the Burleith property, Tagliabue resided in Chevy Chase, Maryland, where he passed away in November 2025.
