If You Lived Here

For almost a century, descendants of freed slave Captain George Pointer and Elizabeth Townsend owned land in the area that became Chevy Chase, D.C. In 1928, their property was seized by eminent domain to build an elementary school and park for white children. In 2018, Historic Chevy Chase DC worked with Pointer family descendants to rename the park in honor of the site's African American history.

This 6 bedroom, 4.5 bath house was much smaller when it was originally built in 1930, but the large lot left room for a big addition. A great room and screened in porch bring the light into rear of the home, while large windows in the front offer great views of the quiet street. Plus, there's a surprise on the top level!

Residents like realtor Julie Roberts love the parks, markets and the Avalon Theatre that give Chevy Chase's "D.C. side" its small-town feel. Julie guides John and Christine through three beautiful homes that feature corner cabinets, corner showers and even corner bathtubs. Plus, the important story of how Lafayette-Pointer Park was recently renamed to honor Captain George Pointer and his family.

From top to bottom, consistent design elements tie this fully renovated Bloomingdale Victorian rowhouse together. With 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and 3,000 square feet of living space, there's plenty of room to spread out. Plus, the view of the city from the upper level is "like looking at a painting."

A long exposed brick hallway draws John and Christine into this 2 bedroom, 2 bath unit in a converted Bloomingdale, DC rowhome. With original architectural features, good sized bedrooms, and a move in ready kitchen, it's perfect for roommates or a couple.

Longtime residents of LeDroit Park in Northwest Washington discuss the changes they have witnessed in their neighborhood. Once the home to Black intellectuals like Mary Church Terrell, Anna J. Cooper, and Paul Laurence Dunbar, the community saw the influx of drugs and crime in the 1980s. More recently, the community has rebounded but grapples with the impacts of gentrification.

The influences of Howard University run deep in D.C.'s Bloomingdale & LeDroit Park. With the help of realtor Suzanne DesMarais, John and Christine guess listing prices of three homes across both areas and gain a new appreciation of exposed brick and turrets. Local residents also share their history and perspective on these two fascinating adjacent neighborhoods.

"You feel that sense of age in this house, in the great way," says John as he and Christine explore this 4 bedroom, 2 bath house in the LeDroit Park Historic District, just down the block from where Duke Ellington grew up. Spacious front bedrooms offer views of Howard University and natural light coming in from a courtyard make the updated kitchen feel bigger. What's not to love?

With stunning views, a fort that has watched over the District for two centuries, and a vibrant African American boating community, Ft. Washington offers an intriguing mix of history and outdoor space. In this episode, local realtor and resident LaGreta Dennis guides John and Christine to two homes in Ft. Washington followed by an end-unit townhome just up the hill from nearby National Harbor.

John and Christine can't get over the flow and design of this end unit townhouse on the edge National Harbor. Windows bring in the natural light as warm wood tones and finishes create a harmonious style throughout. But what really sets this property apart is the 4th level deck with views of the Potomac!

Located on a large, peaceful lot in the Fort Washington Forest neighborhood, just minutes from National Harbor, this rambler is a "Little piece of Heaven." With 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths all on one level, it's perfect for young families or as a home to age in place -- and the retro 1950s details just add to the charm.

Renovated from top to bottom, this 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home in Fort Washington's Tantallon Hills neighborhood balances modern style with just the right amount of retro touches. Large windows and new floors make the inside sparkle, while the spacious screened-in porch with woodland views provides a peaceful retreat out back.