Hillcrest

In the season 2 premiere, hosts John and Christine visit Hillcrest in Southeast D.C. – aka “the Silver Coast” – where residents love their community green space, and history runs deep. They tour 3 very different residences ­– a remodeled 1930’s townhome, a traditional colonial with unexpected living spaces on each level, and a 1932 villa that comes with gardens, patio and a (former) speakeasy.

Neighborhood historian Jim Byers explains the development of Hillcrest’s unique and varied home styles and describes how the neighborhood was transformed by white flight from Southeast D.C. in the mid 20th century. Plus, local resident Michelle Phipps-Evans talks about how Hillcrest’s vibrant gardens and yards have become a source of pride for the community.

Christine and John tour a charming starter in the Hillcrest neighborhood of Southeast D.C. Set amidst the neighborhood’s cooling tree canopy and blending elements of its pre-WWII construction with a recently renovated open floor plan, you might be able to overlook the fact that one of the bedrooms is a pretty tight squeeze.

Christine and John are taken aback by this size of this Hillcrest, D.C. home – 2850 square feet – but what really wows them is the abundance of outdoor space on its nearly 6000 square foot lot. But do the space and amenities – including a garage and wood burning fireplace – outweigh the home’s distance from the Metro and the city’s nightlife?

Christine and John explore a gorgeous Mediterranean villa in Southeast D.C., where arched doorways, numerous windows, and a sunroom attached to the master bedroom provide openness and light. The real treasure, though, is hidden in the basement: the 5-bedroom house contains a once-functional speakeasy – complete with a stage, coatroom and an ice room – that you have to see to believe!