If You Lived Here

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.