Bill Plante's former Washington, D.C. home lists for $3.5 million

The Washington, D.C. home of the late CBS News legend Bill Plante, where he and his wife hosted numerous dinner parties for politicians and journalists, has been listed for $3.5 million. Plante, a CBS News White House correspondent for four administrations, died in 2022 at age 84.

The Georgetown residence, a detached home on Q Street NW, served as a notable gathering spot. Plante and his wife, Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Robin Smith, brought together figures from across the political spectrum, including Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy and former Reagan deputy chief of staff Michael Deaver. Journalists such as Sam Donaldson, Andrea Mitchell, and Lesley Stahl were also frequent guests.

"We'd have the whole '60 Minutes' crowd when they were in town," Smith recalled. She added, "We were entertaining at a time where you could bring Republicans and Democrats to the table at the same time." Smith noted that because Plante covered the White House from the Reagan administration through the Obama administration, they hosted a diverse group of people in an informal setting.

Plante and Smith purchased the three-story, four-bedroom, four-bath Italianate-style house in 1987 for $435,000. The house, built in 1900, features bay windows and a two-story addition at the rear that includes a breakfast room overlooking a landscaped terrace and a primary bedroom sitting room.

The interior boasts a large dining room and living room, both with fireplaces, which can be separated by pocket doors. The kitchen is equipped with high-end appliances from Viking and Sub-Zero, a coffee bar, wine fridge, dual dishwashers, and designer cabinetry. A climate-controlled wine cellar, capable of holding 1,200 bottles, reflects Plante's reputation as a wine aficionado.

The fully finished walk-out basement includes an additional bedroom, bathroom, recreation room, laundry, and storage space. The primary suite on the upper floor offers a sitting room with a wall of windows and a bathroom with a soaking tub. Two other bedrooms and a bathroom are also on this level, with a partial attic space above.

Located in Georgetown, the home is situated in a neighborhood known for its historic rowhouses, with journalist Bob Woodward as a neighbor across the street. The property is adjacent to a brick church built in 1907, which currently houses the Church of Two Worlds, known for its spiritualist services.