If You Lived Here

James Hershman, Chairman of the Thomas Balch Library, and Caleb Schutz, CEO of Oatlands Historic House and Gardens, discuss the history of Leesburg, Virginia. Both the Library and Oatlands play an important role in connecting Leesburg residents with their town's past, including slavery, segregation and civil rights.

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 three of Mount Rainier’s mayors and learn about the thriving artistic community.

Christine and John visit a 5-bedroom, 2-bath urban country farmhouse in Mount Rainier, MD. As they explore the house, they appreciate its unique blend of traditional and modern features, such as the bamboo flooring and sustainable built-in shelves. They particularly like the dining room and den, which capture the urban country feel. Other highlights include a new bathroom and converted attic.

John and Christine tour a 5-bedroom, 3.1 bath farmhouse in Mount Rainier, Maryland. The property is a new build home, but the builder has kept the house in harmony with the character of the community. The home's cohesive design elements impress, including shiplap accents, teak floors, and herringbone tile. The open concept living room, kitchen, and dining space make for a great entertaining space.

John and Christine visit a 2-bedroom bungalow, which realtor Silvana Dias calls the epitome of a Mount Rainier, MD home. It's an ideal starter home with plenty of character and charm, which is walking distance from the shops along Rhode Island Ave. The team loves the vintage features and the home's potential for updates and renovations.

Bryan Knedler and Malinda Miles, both former mayors of Mount Rainier, Maryland discuss the history and culture of their small city in Prince George's County. Mount Rainier began in the early 1900s as a streetcar suburb as working class families built businesses and homes. For decades it was a Whites-only enclave but since the 1960s, the town has evolved into a very diverse community.

Christine and John love the timeless vibe in this 5-bedroom, 3.1 bath Wardman style townhouse in DC's Adams Morgan neighborhood. Built in the 1920s, the home still has many classic details alongside more recent updates. The team loves the original hardwood floors, ceiling beams, and exposed brick. A big island in the cook's kitchen adds utility and skylights bring in natural light.

John and Christine tour a one-bedroom, one-bathroom condo in Park Tower, a beautiful art deco building along 16th Street in the Adams Morgan neighborhood of Washington DC. The building was built in 1928 and features a loggia at the top of the building, which overlooks Meridian Hill Park. The tour showcases the renovated kitchen, spacious bedroom, and updated bathroom.

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.

Historians Jeanne Fogle and Eddie Becker discuss the transformation of Washington, DC's Adams Morgan neighborhood. The area was originally farmland but in the late 19th century, Mary Foote Henderson had a number of beautiful large homes constructed, which became embassies. Other builders followed suit and built townhouses and luxury apartments.

Christine and John tour a 4-bedroom, 2-bath unit in the Beverly Court co-op building, right in the heart of DC's Adams Morgan neighborhood. The building dates to 1915 and has plenty of historic charm. High ceilings, arches, a dumbwaiter in the kitchen, and a primary suite bathroom a clawfoot tub and hammered copper sink give this home a "Great Gatsby kind of feel" according to Christine.

Christine and John visit a split level house in the tree-lined Crestwood Manor neighborhood of Annandale, Virginia. With a patio and large backyard, there's a lot to love outside. Inside, the 4-bedroom house is move-in ready with new floors, large windows, and a whitewashed brick fireplace. The kitchen and bathroom are a bit dated and can use updates but this starter home has plenty of potential.