This superlative five-part Federal-style plantation house, erected 1799-1802, was the home of Ludwell Lee, son of Richard Henry Lee, signer of the Declaration of Independence. The house ranks in quality with the five-part mansions of Washington, Baltimore, and Annapolis, as well as Woodlawn in Fairfax County. No name, however, has been associated with its design. The composition is characterized by fine detailing inside and out. Ludwell Lee served as aide-de-camp to Lafayette in the campaign of 1781. His political career faltered, and he spent his remaining days as a planter at Belmont. Later owners of the estate include Mr. and Mrs. Edward B. McLean, Washington socialites, and Patrick J. Hurley, secretary of war in the Hoover administration. Belmont was purchased by the IBM Corporation in 1969 but was never used. The Loudoun County property was converted to a country club in the 1990s.