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

  • Falls Church: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Falls Church

    S2 E2 - 27m 50s

    Outdoor activities for families, great restaurants, charming homes: welcome to Falls Church, Virginia! Christine and John guess listing prices of a 1940’s condominium in Winter Hill, a picturesque brick rancher tucked away in a quiet tree-lined lot, and a modern sanctuary with beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces. Plus, residents share their favorites, and the Eden Center offers a history lesson.

  • Hillcrest: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Hillcrest

    S2 E1 - 28m 38s

    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.

Extras + Features

  • "A Little Piece of Heaven" in Fort Washington: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    "A Little Piece of Heaven" in Fort Washington

    S2 E10 - 5m 32s

    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.

  • 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."

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • "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.

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

    Preview: Mount Pleasant

    S2 E7 - 30s

    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.

Schedule

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    If You Lived Here: TVSS: Banner-L1

    If You Lived Here

    H Street

    Saturday
    Apr 20

    30 Minutes

    Touring Washington, D.C's historic H Street Corridor.
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    If You Lived Here

    Shaw

    Saturday
    Apr 20

    30 Minutes

    Exploring three homes in Washington, D.C.'s Shaw neighborhood.
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    If You Lived Here

    Hillcrest

    Monday
    Apr 22

    30 Minutes

    Touring homes and communities in the Washington, D.C. region.
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    If You Lived Here

    Hillcrest

    Tuesday
    Apr 23

    30 Minutes

    Touring homes and communities in the Washington, D.C. region.
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    If You Lived Here

    Alexandria

    Saturday
    Apr 27

    30 Minutes

    Exploring Old Town in Alexandria, Va.
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    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

    Saturday
    May 4

    30 Minutes

    Touring homes and communities in the Washington, D.C. region.
  • Image
    If You Lived Here: TVSS: Banner-L1

    If You Lived Here

    Saturday
    May 4

    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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