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

  • Kensington: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Kensington

    S2 E14 - 28m 48s

    Resident and realtor Mark Hudson shows John and Christine three houses in his hometown of Kensington, MD. Discoveries follow: Kensington’s founding as a Victorian garden community, the Noyes Library for Young Children, Antique Row, and connections with the nearby Ken-Gar neighborhood. Plus, local historians, librarians, shop owners and neighbors share about a place they love to call home.

  • Columbia Pike/Lake Barcroft: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Columbia Pike/Lake Barcroft

    S2 E13 - 28m 30s

    From the top of Columbia Pike to Lake Barcroft, realtor Judy Cranford can't wait to show off the homes in her own neighborhood. Explore a highway that is vital in African American history and hear stories of immigrant families that call this area home. Plus, a visit to Phoenix Bikes shows how local students give back and get around, while John and Christine enjoy a sunset cruise on Lake Barcroft.

  • Chevy Chase: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Chevy Chase

    S2 E12 - 28m 50s

    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.

  • Bloomingdale/LeDroit Park: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Bloomingdale/LeDroit Park

    S2 E11 - 28m 49s

    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.

  • Fort Washington: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Fort Washington

    S2 E10 - 28m 32s

    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.

  • Georgetown: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Georgetown

    S2 E9 - 28m 42s

    Bicycles & bowties greet John & Christine when they meet realtor & Georgetown fixture Jamie Peva. Residents and visitors of Georgetown know this popular neighborhood very well. But do they? This episode features little-known history, new perspectives and lots of jazz. Plus, 3 homes built between 1850 and the 1900s, offering the kind of sneak peek that everyone wishes for when visiting Georgetown.

  • Reston: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Reston

    S2 E8 - 28m 27s

    Reston is one of America's most successful planned communities. This episode shares the history and vision of Robert E. Simon, the "R-E-S" in Reston, and how the water, paths and public art connect residents. Hosts John and Christine visit 3 different homes –with ponds, trails and penthouse views – guided by the show’s first mother-daughter/resident-realtor team, Boofie and Margaret O'Gorman.

  • Mount Pleasant: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Mount Pleasant

    S2 E7 - 28m 14s

    Guided by resident & realtor Megan Conway, Christine & John visit Northwest D.C.’s Mount Pleasant neighborhood to guess listing prices for a condo in a striking Beaux-Arts building; a mid-century modern townhouse with an oasis out back; and a renovated 1882 Victorian home. Plus, stories of historical preservation, Central American migration, and how mom & pop businesses help shape the community.

  • Bowie: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Bowie

    S2 E6 - 27m 59s

    If You Lived Here travels to Bowie, Maryland, where hosts Christine and John guess listing prices for three homes, including a 15,000 square foot property that has to be seen to be believed. Also, learn about Bowie’s journey from affordable housing for some to fair housing for all, its thoroughbred horse-racing history, and discover why minor league baseball is so vital to the larger community.

  • Brookland: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Brookland

    S2 E5 - 28m 13s

    Christine & John guess listing prices in a Brookland neighborhood the locals call "Little Rome.” Up first - a classic and colorful 1923 rowhouse, followed by one of Brookland’s beautiful "kit" bungalows. The day ends in style at the former home of jazz great Shirley Horn. Also, a visit to long-time local business Petals, Ribbons & Beyond, and origin stories from a Brookland historian.

  • Del Ray: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Del Ray

    S2 E4 - 28m 32s

    Once home to the 2nd largest U.S. railroad, Del Ray in Alexandria, Virginia is quaint, friendly and fun. Hosts Christine and John visit a 3-bedroom townhome built in 1956, an elegant, remodeled 1930’s home, and an expanded bungalow with a beautiful blend of old and new. Plus, see how Del Ray celebrates its canine residents with murals, and meet a local shop owner.

  • Capitol Hill: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Capitol Hill

    S2 E3 - 28m 26s

    The largest neighborhood in Washington, D.C. is full of history, from Eastern Market, one of the city’s oldest public markets, to 100+ year-old homes. Join Christine and John as they guess the listing prices of a remodeled Alley House just 6 blocks from the Capitol, a historic condo that was previously the Mount Joy Baptist Church, and the Deer House, built by an Italian stonemason in 1903.

Extras + Features

  • The Design and Features of this Home are in Perfect Harmony: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Design and Features of this Home are in Perfect Harmony

    S2 E10 - 7m 20s

    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!

  • Preview: Georgetown: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Preview: Georgetown

    S2 E9 - 30s

    Bicycles & bowties greet John & Christine when they meet realtor & Georgetown fixture Jamie Peva. Residents and visitors of Georgetown know this popular neighborhood very well. But do they? This episode features little-known history, new perspectives and lots of jazz. Plus, 3 homes built between 1850 and the 1900s, offering the kind of sneak peek that everyone wishes for when visiting Georgetown.

  • Historic Charm Abounds In Spite of a Narrow Footprint: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Historic Charm Abounds In Spite of a Narrow Footprint

    S2 E9 - 4m 49s

    At just 9 feet wide, rumor has it that this 1 bedroom, 1.5 bath home was originally built in an alley to spite the neighbors -- and it might just be the narrowest house in Georgetown. But even with its small footprint, the home has plenty of room for historic charm. From exposed brick and beams to a peaceful patio out back, there's lots to love!

  • Everybody says "Lets go to Georgetown" for a Reason: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Everybody says "Lets go to Georgetown" for a Reason

    S2 E9 - 3m 22s

    "Everybody says 'Lets go to Georgetown,'" says Blues Alley owner Harry Schnipper. And, it's no wonder -- from shopping to nightlife there's something for everyone. Wendy Ezrailson, the owner Commander Salamander, details how the store tapped into Washington's love for "sex, drugs, and rock and roll" in the 1980s, as Schnipper recalls how Dizzy Gillespie made Blues Alley the go-to venue for jazz.

  • It's Not Hard to See Yourself in this Georgetown Victorian: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    It's Not Hard to See Yourself in this Georgetown Victorian

    S2 E9 - 5m 21s

    "Sometimes homes just have a really warm feeling to them." John and Christine have no trouble picturing themselves in this 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath house in the west village of Georgetown. A blend of textures are reminders of the home's Victorian roots, while a nicely renovated kitchen and other modern features add 21st century comfort.

  • "You say formal, I say fabulous!": asset-mezzanine-16x9

    "You say formal, I say fabulous!"

    S2 E9 - 8m 40s

    The high end details and formal style of this 1870s home in Georgetown's west village leave John and Christine struggling for adjectives. The moldings, chandeliers and wallpaper are a feast for the eyes, while the 4 bedrooms and 4.5 baths are "luxury at its best."

  • "Are Those Countertops New? Of Quartz": asset-mezzanine-16x9

    "Are Those Countertops New? Of Quartz"

    S2 E8 - 6m 38s

    John smells everything new in this renovated 1968 split level home in South Reston. The quartz kitchen countertops pop, as do the windows letting in the natural light and views of the wooded lot.

  • Building an Open Community from the Ground Up: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Building an Open Community from the Ground Up

    S2 E8 - 2m 58s

    In the 1960s, Bob Simon sold Carnegie Hall in New York and began the New Town movement in Virginia. Purchasing thousands of acres in western Fairfax County, Simon envisioned a new community called Reston, which was modeled after village centers in Europe and open to all races and income levels. Sixty years later, present day residents of Reston reflect on Simon's vision.

  • A Taste of Urban Luxury in the Suburbs: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    A Taste of Urban Luxury in the Suburbs

    S2 E8 - 7m 40s

    This 21st floor penthouse spares nothing when it comes to amenities -- a dining room with views on three sides, luxurious bathrooms, ample closets and a cook's kitchen. Step outside onto an expansive rooftop terrace for a quiet night alone, or head down the elevator for shopping and dining in Reston Town Center.

  • A Starter Home with a Surprise: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    A Starter Home with a Surprise

    S2 E8 - 5m 29s

    Christine and John find a lot to like in this three level townhouse in Reston's Colonial Green neighborhood. A cozy living area greets them in the front, while the back of the house features a wonderful surprise: tranquil views of one of Reston's ponds.

  • Preview: Reston: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Preview: Reston

    S2 E8 - 30s

    Reston is one of America's most successful planned communities. This episode shares the history and vision of Robert E. Simon, the "R-E-S" in Reston, and how the water, paths and public art connect residents. Hosts John and Christine visit 3 different homes –with ponds, trails and penthouse views – guided by the show’s first mother-daughter/resident-realtor team, Boofie and Margaret O'Gorman.

  • "Open Concept Before There Was Open Concept": asset-mezzanine-16x9

    "Open Concept Before There Was Open Concept"

    S2 E7 - 5m 23s

    Located in a 1917 beaux arts building designed by famed D.C. architect Harry Wardman, this 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo on 16th St, NW was "open concept before there was open concept." Large windows bring in light and complement the flow of the living space inside, while the balcony offers a respite with city views.

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: TVSS: Banner-L1

    If You Lived Here

    Southwest Waterfront

    Saturday
    May 4

    30 Minutes

    Three homes in the Southwest Waterfront neighborhood of Washington, D.C.

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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