Culture

If You Lived Here

WETA's house-hunting series spotlights a wide array of neighborhoods and properties throughout the national capital area while celebrating each area’s history, culture, notable places and flavor. Hosts, best friends and longtime Washingtonians Christine Louise and John Begeny tour homes and communities with local realtors, exploring the D.C. Metro region one neighborhood at a time.

Rockville

28m 36s

Together with Rockville realtor Rowena De Leon, John and Christine Louise visit three homes in the Maryland neighborhood from a starter condo to a dream bungalow. Along the way, our hosts explore the history of Rockville Pike, Offutt’s General Store (which later became Hank Dietle’s Tavern), and stop by Gwennie’s Bakery, a local Filipino business featuring traditional UBE desserts.

Episodes

  • Rockville: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Rockville

    S3 E16 - 28m 36s

    Together with Rockville realtor Rowena De Leon, John and Christine Louise visit three homes in the Maryland neighborhood from a starter condo to a dream bungalow. Along the way, our hosts explore the history of Rockville Pike, Offutt’s General Store (which later became Hank Dietle’s Tavern), and stop by Gwennie’s Bakery, a local Filipino business featuring traditional UBE desserts.

  • Foggy Bottom: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Foggy Bottom

    S3 E15 - 28m 35s

    In Foggy Bottom, hosts John and Christine explore life along the Potomac River with realtor Gigi Winston. With tours of an updated one-bedroom unit, followed by a two-bedroom townhouse, to a dream renovation overlooking the river at the Watergate Complex, viewers might never want to leave. Plus, dive into the history and activity of the Kennedy Center and the past, present and future of Watergate.

  • Columbia: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Columbia

    S3 E14 - 28m 50s

    Realtor Peter Boscas takes John and Christine on a tour of Columbia, MD, a planned community that inspires local residents with its vision for diversity and inclusion. The hosts visit a classic Columbia townhome, a contemporary property and a newly built four-bedroom home. The episode also explores Merriweather Post Pavilion and shares stories of the famous artists that have performed there.

  • Rosslyn: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Rosslyn

    S3 E13 - 28m 26s

    In Rosslyn, with realtor Aiden Berri, John and Christine explore urban living, from a ground-level condo with a perfect patio, to a two-bedroom with incredible views, to a stunning penthouse with its own private elevator. Viewers will explore Rosslyn’s history and residential renaissance, plus some unique background about its famous neighbor, Arlington National Cemetery.

  • Leesburg: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Leesburg

    S3 E12 - 28m 45s

    Vineyards, country charm and history – welcome to Leesburg! Join hosts John Begeny, Christine Louise and realtor Vicky Noufal, as they tour 3 homes in this Virginia community, including a single-family built in 1798, a five-bedroom in the heart of the Lansdowne neighborhood and a gorgeous large home on 11 acres.

  • Mount Rainier: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Mount Rainier

    S3 E11 - 28m 46s

    With realtor Silvana Dias, hosts John and Christine visit the “streetcar suburb” of Mount Rainier, MD. First, visit a bungalow that encapsulates the “epitome of a Mount Rainier home,” then an “urban-country” historic farmhouse, and, finally, a newly built home in the heart of the neighborhood. Also, meet 3 of Mount Rainier’s mayors and learn about the thriving artistic community.

  • Adams Morgan: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Adams Morgan

    S3 E10 - 28m 49s

    Guided by realtor David Bediz, John and Christine visit Adams Morgan, a popular entertainment destination in D.C. with both diverse housing options and a diverse community. Tour a one bed/one bath apartment that overlooks Meridian Hill Park, a Beaux-Arts style co-op in the heart of the neighborhood, and a 100-year-old town house on a quiet street.

  • Annandale: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Annandale

    S3 E9 - 28m 10s

    In Annandale, VA, hosts John and Christine tour 3 homes with realtor Deirdre Thao Vo. First, a split-level starter home, followed by a charming mid-century modern home with contemporary updates. Finally, the hosts explore a 5 bed/5 bath modern, open-concept home. Also learn about Annandale’s Korean food and business community, thriving local arts scene and one particularly interesting shop.

  • Logan Circle: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Logan Circle

    S3 E8 - 28m 31s

    With realtor Daryl Judy, John and Christine tour 3 homes in Logan Circle, D.C. First, a one bedroom condo with a loft and rooftop terrace. Next, a modern condo with beautiful updates. And finally, a 5-bedroom row home featuring architectural arches. Also, learn about the evolution of Logan Circle from local business owners and residents who have lived through the transformation of the area.

  • Bethesda: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Bethesda

    S3 E7 - 28m 36s

    John and Christine travel to Bethesda, Maryland with realtor Dana Rice to tour three distinct houses. First, visit a bungalow-style starter home, then a “stereotypical” Bethesda colonial-inspired home, and finally, a 2000-built renovated home situated on a country lane. Also, hear from historians, meet a horticulturist from the local coop, and tour the Josiah Henson Museum and Park.

  • Vienna: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Vienna

    S3 E6 - 28m 41s

    Nestled along the Washington & Old Dominion railroad line, Vienna is home to many local favorites, including the Vienna Town Green and Jammin Java music venue. With help from realtor Lex Lianos, hosts John and Christine tour and guess the listing prices of three homes, ranging from 1960s split-levels to 2020s bungalow styles. Also, hear from Vienna mayor Linda Colbert.

  • Deanwood: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Deanwood

    S3 E5 - 28m 10s

    Once home to legendary Motown singer Marvin Gaye, the Deanwood neighborhood in D.C. has a deep sense of community among its residents. Join hosts John and Christine and realtor Keith James as they tour 3 homes built between the 1910s and 1920s and learn about the neighborhood’s many churches, the Lederer Community Garden in Marvin Gaye Park and Nannie Helen Burroughs’ National Training School.

Extras + Features

  • Slavery and Freedom in Sandy Spring: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Slavery and Freedom in Sandy Spring

    S3 E4 - 3m 10s

    Sandy Spring, MD was first settled in 1728 as a predominantly Quaker farming community dependent on slave labor. Between the 1770s and 1820s Quakers in Sandy Spring manumitted their slaves and many of the formerly enslaved families remained in the area as wage workers. As the home to a proud free Black population, the village was an oasis of sorts, surrounded by slave holding plantations.

  • An Entertainer's Dream in Olney Mill: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    An Entertainer's Dream in Olney Mill

    S3 E4 - 6m 43s

    With a pool, a remodeled open concept kitchen/living area and a basement bar, this 4 bedroom, 2.1 bath Olney Mill home is an entertainer's dream. From exposed beams on the main floor to a weathered accent wall in the master bedroom, the style is very "shabby chic." It's gorgeous, but the finishes and the neighborhood make guessing the list price a challenge. How did John and Christine fare?

  • Preview: Sandy Spring/Olney: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Preview: Sandy Spring/Olney

    S3 E4 - 30s

    With realtor Karen Rollings, John and Christine check out the Sandy Spring/Olney neighborhoods. Join them as they visit three properties in the area and attempt to guess the listing prices. Also, learn about the area’s Quaker and African American history and explore the country’s largest outdoor climbing park, Sandy Spring Adventure Park.

  • This Sandy Spring Stunner has "A Room for Everybody"

    S3 E4 - 6m 43s

    John and Christine are blown away by the space and details in this 6 bedroom, 4.5 bath home in Sandy Spring. At over 3,800 square feet, "There's a room for everybody," says Christine. The detailed molding and trim give the home an elegant feel, and large windows bring in the natural light. With the primary suite on the main level, this home is setup for aging in place -- which is a good thing sinc

  • This Starter Home in Olney is a Blank Canvas: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    This Starter Home in Olney is a Blank Canvas

    S3 E4 - 6m 33s

    "You can re-imagine this space in so many different ways," says John as he and Christine tour a 4 bedroom, 2.1 bath home in the Olney Mill neighborhood -- and it's easy to see why. What the home is lacking in updates, it makes up for in potential. All it needs is a little TLC, according to realtor Karen Rollings.

  • Preview: Mount Vernon: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Preview: Mount Vernon

    S3 E3 - 30s

    Once home to George Washington’s farmland, Mount Vernon prides itself on its history. Led by realtor Lauren Kolazas, hosts John and Christine guess the listing prices on a quaint starter home built in 1950, a mid-century modern home designed by architect Charles Goodman, and a breathtaking colonial with influences from the 1770s.

  • A Mid-Century Modern Stunner in Hollin Hills: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    A Mid-Century Modern Stunner in Hollin Hills

    S3 E3 - 6m 32s

    John and Christine are blown away by the design and flow of this 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath mid-century modern home in Alexandria's Hollin Hills neighborhood. Large windows looking out on the half-acre wooded lot provide ample natural light as thoughtful renovations combine the home's mid-century modern roots with more recent upgrades. John is ready to move in but can he correctly guess the home's price?

  • Charles Goodman's Influence is Still Felt in Hollin Hills: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Charles Goodman's Influence is Still Felt in Hollin Hills

    S3 E3 - 1m 50s

    Peter Christensen, a guide at the Pope-Leighey House, and Barbara Bogue, Chair of the Friends of Hollin Hills discuss the neighborhood's roots as the brainchild of renowned architect, Charles Goodman. When he designed Hollin Hills in the 1940s, Goodman hoped to encourage community and maximize family interaction with home designs that were heavily influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright.

  • Be George Washington's Neighbor at this Amazing Home: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Be George Washington's Neighbor at this Amazing Home

    S3 E3 - 8m 13s

    Located on what was once George Washington's farmland, this home has a classic feel, inside and out, and combines aspects of Neo Classical, Palladian and Georgian architecture. With 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and 6300 square feet there's a lot to explore and plenty of surprises including an indoor pool and jacuzzi.

  • The Living Space Extends Outside in Bucknell Manor: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Living Space Extends Outside in Bucknell Manor

    S3 E3 - 4m 10s

    Christine and John are impressed with how much character and functionality is packed into this 1,500 square foot home in Alexandria's Bucknell Manor neighborhood. With 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths, an updated kitchen, and a family room addition there's plenty to love inside. But what really makes this property stand out is the incredible outdoor space.

  • Preview: Annapolis: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Preview: Annapolis

    S3 E2 - 30s

    With help from realtor Kirstin Whitaker, John and Christine visit the nautical town of Annapolis, Maryland’s capital. They tour and guess the listing prices of three homes, from historic to modern, all with water views. Also, follow along to learn about the famous naval history of the town, as well as the arts, culture and buildings that make the story of Annapolis come to life.

  • An Fabulous Porch and Other Surprises in Oyster Bay: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    An Fabulous Porch and Other Surprises in Oyster Bay

    S3 E2 - 5m 14s

    "Oh, what an outdoor space!", exclaims Christine as she steps out on the screened-in porch of this 5 Bedroom, 3.1 Bath home in Annapolis's Oyster Harbor neighborhood. It's one of many surprises that make guessing the list price of the property a challenge. Can you do better than John and Christine?

Schedule

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    If You Lived Here: TVSS: Banner-L1

    If You Lived Here

    Alexandria

    Saturday
    Apr 27

    30 Minutes

    Exploring Old Town in Alexandria, Va.
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    If You Lived Here: TVSS: Banner-L1

    If You Lived Here

    Silver Spring

    Saturday
    Apr 27

    30 Minutes

    Exploring three properties in Silver Spring, Md.
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    If You Lived Here

    Southwest Waterfront

    Saturday
    May 4

    30 Minutes

    Three homes in the Southwest Waterfront neighborhood of Washington, D.C.
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    If You Lived Here: TVSS: Banner-L1

    If You Lived Here

    Anacostia

    Saturday
    May 11

    30 Minutes

    Touring homes and communities in the Washington, D.C. region.

Remembering John Begeny

On August 21, 2023, the WETA community lost a dear friend in John Begeny, co-host of If You Lived Here. Learn more about John's amazing life, and share your memories.

Metro DC Neighborhood Guide

The Neighborhood Guide explores the diverse array of neighborhoods highlighted in If You Lived Here — expanding upon the history and culture of each area and providing detailed information about population, transportation, schools, restaurants and other unique features.

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