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

  • A Small Town in the Big City: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    A Small Town in the Big City

    S2 E5 - 3m

    When residents of Brookland in Northeast Washington, D.C. share what makes their neighborhood special, a common theme emerges: Brookland is a small town in a big city. Also, Sara Williford Lucas, owner of the Petals, Ribbons & Beyond floral shop describes how the annual Brookland House and Garden Tour brings neighbors together.

  • This Classic Row Home in Brookland "Quacks" John Up: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    This Classic Row Home in Brookland "Quacks" John Up

    S2 E5 - 6m 32s

    The garden flows out to the street in front of this classic 3 bedroom, 3 bath Brookland row house. But that's just the beginning of the home's colorful charm! Tile adorns the stair risers and bright colors pop in every room. The eclectic style has Christine and John discovering surprise after surprise, including a very "feathery" powder room. This might be their most memorable house tour yet!

  • Preview: Del Ray Alexandria, VA: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Preview: Del Ray Alexandria, VA

    S2 E4 - 30s

    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.

  • Quiet Del Ray was Once the Vegas of Virginia: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Quiet Del Ray was Once the Vegas of Virginia

    S2 E4 - 3m 36s

    As neighborhood icon Pat Miller explains, the Del Ray of today is a charming, close-knit community, as welcoming to dogs as is it is to people. But it wasn’t always that way: 100 years ago, Del Ray was home to one of the largest horse race tracks in the region and was notorious for gambling and crime.

  • Check Out the Bathrooms in This Bumped Out Bungalow: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Check Out the Bathrooms in This Bumped Out Bungalow

    S2 E4 - 8m

    Christine and John love the bold coloring and luxurious details of this incredible 6-bedroom, 5000 square foot Del Ray home. But the real treat in this recently renovated bungalow are its 5 bathrooms, each more ornate than the next: one with gorgeous blue tiling that hugs the shape of the roof, one with his and her vanities, and one with the biggest tub soaking John has ever seen.

  • Interior Style and Outdoor Living in Del Ray: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Interior Style and Outdoor Living in Del Ray

    S2 E4 - 5m 21s

    Christine and John are impressed by how a few clever design features – a banquette in the kitchen, sliding doors in the upstairs bedroom – make this Del Ray house seem much larger than its 1515 sq. ft footprint would suggest. But the real treat in this 3-bedroom home is the back patio which offers the perfect space to relax and enjoy those warm Virginia summer nights.

  • A Recently Renovated Del Ray Delight: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    A Recently Renovated Del Ray Delight

    S2 E4 - 6m 21s

    “I feel like I walked into a magazine” says Christine, and it’s easy to see why: from the farmhouse style-kitchen to the spa-like bathrooms, this 5-bedroom home in Del Ray doesn’t miss a detail. A 2019 renovation of the 3550 square-foot house ensured that, as John puts it, “it’s traditional, but it’s on trend.”

  • The Most Efficient House on Capitol Hill: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Most Efficient House on Capitol Hill

    S2 E3 - 4m 16s

    Christine and John explore a cozy starter home that takes advantage of every inch of its 720-square foot layout. With built-in cabinets, exposed brick and a charming balcony, what this 2-bedroom lacks in size, it makes up for in sophistication.

  • This Converted Antebellum Church is Divine: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    This Converted Antebellum Church is Divine

    S2 E3 - 5m 32s

    Christine and John have seen the light…pouring in from the many magnificent windows that adorn this 3-bedroom condo in Capitol Hill. But if you’re skeptical that a church built in 1855 could be transformed into an elegant, modern living space, seeing the quartz countertops, floor-to-ceiling marble shower, and spacious bedrooms will turn you into a believer.

  • The Story of Integration on Capitol Hill: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Story of Integration on Capitol Hill

    S2 E3 - 4m 11s

    Journalist Jesse J. Holland explains how Capitol Hill transformed as Black Washingtonians went from renting to owning homes side-by-side with their white neighbors. Also, Mary Quillian Helms, owner of Mr. Henry’s bar, discusses the Capitol Hill landmark’s history as an inclusive spot for Black and queer patrons, and a highlight of the local music scene with a connection to Roberta Flack.

  • Italian Craftsmanship Defines This Capitol Hill Home: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Italian Craftsmanship Defines This Capitol Hill Home

    S2 E3 - 8m 3s

    Built by an Italian stonemason in 1903, this 5 bedroom home on Capitol Hill is the epitome of the term “historic preservation.” Coffered ceilings, chestnut cabinetry, and transom windows are just some of the details that speak to its century-old charm, but the side porch and patio are the real showstoppers.

  • Preview: Capitol Hill: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Preview: Capitol Hill

    S2 E3 - 30s

    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.

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.
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    If You Lived Here: TVSS: Banner-L1

    If You Lived Here

    Anacostia

    Saturday
    May 11

    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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