WOMAN: Support for If You Lived Here comes from... MAN: The Yuen Foundation, committed to bridging cultural differences within the greater Washington D.C. community.

WOMAN: And now, If You Lived Here.

A WETA original series.

JOHN: Hi, I'm John Begeny.

CHRISTINE: I'm Christine Louise.

We're producers at WETA, and pretty much inseparable.

JOHN: Very true.

We love living in the D.C. area, but finding a place to live here can be challenging and exciting.

CHRISTINE: Join us as we tour three homes at three price points.

JOHN: And try to guess the listing price of each home without going over.

CHRISTINE: And find out what it would be like...

BOTH: If You Lived Here.

(doorbell) JOHN: Good morning, Lex.

LEX: Welcome to Vienna.

JOHN: We know a little bit about where we are, because we know Caffé Amouri.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

LEX: So Caffé Amouri is Vienna's favorite coffee shop, in my opinion.

CHRISTINE: Michael Amouri, the owner, is actually a fellow WETA Alum.

LEX: That's amazing.

That's great.

So, this is the historic main street of Vienna.

This remains sort of the heart of Vienna, with lots of restaurants and cool funky shops, and a chocolate shop.

JOHN: And it's really quaint.

LEX: It is, right?

JOHN: These buildings are really cute.

LEX: Yeah, and that's why everyone loves it here.

JOHN: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: Actually, you, you had me at chocolate shop.

LEX: I know.

It's close to stuff, but yet it's a small town feeling.

It's got a really good vibe to it.

Do you want to go take a walk and take a look?

JOHN: I would love to.

CHRISTINE: Yes.

LEX: All right, let's do it.

CHRISTINE: So, what drew you to this area?

LEX: I've been here for 15 years.

Proximity to D.C., family-friendly atmosphere.

We're right along the W&OD Trail.

Which many people know Vienna because of the W&OD Trail, and they pass through it and they see the iconic red caboose.

You've got the Freeman House Store, which is a historical house next to the Town Green.

CHRISTINE: Tell us a little bit about the housing here.

LEX: Yeah.

So there's several different types of housing, predominantly a single family houses and townhouses in like the $600,000 range.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

LEX: All the way up to like the three million-ish range, for a larger, new construction home.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

LEX: Would you like to go to the first house?

CHRISTINE: I think that sounds good.

JOHN: Let's do it.

LEX: All right.

(doorbell) Welcome to house number one.

We're in the Stonewall Manor subdivision of Vienna.

It's a pretty large subdivision.

And this neighborhood was developed in the '60s.

CHRISTINE: Oh, okay.

JOHN: Yeah, it feels like the neighborhood I grew up in.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

LEX: Yeah, same with me.

So, this house is a starter house.

And it does need some work, so you guys will see that.

It's a little bit of a fixer.

JOHN: We like that.

CHRISTINE: We like that.

LEX: You like fixers?

JOHN: We like fixers.

CHRISTINE: We do.

We do.

JOHN: Yeah.

LEX: All right.

Good.

Why don't you go check it out, we'll chat when you're done.

JOHN: Okay.

CHRISTINE: All right, then.

LEX: All right.

CHRISTINE: Oh my.

Okay.

Popcorn ceiling.

Wallpaper.

JOHN: Oh.

That's not just like wallpaper, that's the exact wallpaper my mother had.

I know this house.

I know that wallpaper.

It even smells like my mom's house, which is weird.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

JOHN: Okay.

CHRISTINE: Well, where should we start?

JOHN: Living room.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

JOHN: All-righty.

CHRISTINE: Overall, this room is really a nice room.

You've got a fireplace.

JOHN: Yes.

CHRISTINE: You know, a nice entertaining area.

And I really like the original windows.

JOHN: I do as well.

CHRISTINE: And come on, let's talk about these built-ins.

JOHN: Wow, okay.

CHRISTINE: Yes.

JOHN: I think they could be updated, but I like the arches.

CHRISTINE: Well, I think we're off to a great start.

JOHN: And it keeps getting better, Tina.

This dining room.

CHRISTINE: Two bay windows.

JOHN: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: How lovely.

JOHN: It makes the room so much bigger.

And the views outside, stunning.

CHRISTINE: Look at some of the, the built-ins.

JOHN: Yes.

CHRISTINE: This is a perfect spot for some additional storage, when you have a bay window like this.

JOHN: Yeah.

I just think it has so much potential, but it already feels like a warm home, doesn't it?

CHRISTINE: It does.

JOHN: Okay.

CHRISTINE: Shall we continue on?

JOHN: All right, Tina.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

JOHN: The kitchen.

CHRISTINE: All right.

So I'm gonna say that this is one room that would definitely get some freshening.

JOHN: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: This is a typical eat-in kitchen... JOHN: It is.

Yeah.

CHRISTINE: Of that era.

But I probably would take this wall out, and open it up.

JOHN: Lots of options.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: And that's what's exciting about putting your own stamp on renovations, right?

CHRISTINE: Exactly.

But... JOHN: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

Uh, let's take a look at these floors.

JOHN: Yup.

CHRISTINE: Now that I see them a little better, these are probably the originals.

And they're in really, really nice shape.

JOHN: And you know, you keep the original floors, that saves you a ton of money, right?

CHRISTINE: It does.

JOHN: All right, let's continue.

CHRISTINE: Oh.

Recessed lighting.

I'd keep that.

JOHN: Oh.

Modern.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: Okay.

Where are we?

We have a powder room.

CHRISTINE: Oh.

JOHN: I wouldn't change a thing.

CHRISTINE: I don't believe you.

I think you'd update it a little bit.

JOHN: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: But at the same time, how nice is it to have a powder room on the first floor?

JOHN: I love the little window with the shutter.

CHRISTINE: It's such a cute little window.

JOHN: Adorbs.

Okay.

All right.

Well, this would be...

There's no door to this room.

CHRISTINE: Right.

So I would use it probably as an extra sitting area, a TV room.

JOHN: Yeah.

A den.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: Yeah.

JOHN: Okay, let's check this out.

CHRISTINE: I'm very curious about this space.

JOHN: A little porch.

Hey Tina, look up.

CHRISTINE: Wow.

I'm not sure what you would do with this space.

But at the same time... JOHN: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: You get to overlook this great patio space.

JOHN: Yeah.

We'll just call this The Garden Appreciation Room.

How about that?

Yeah?

CHRISTINE: Ah, sometimes you just nail it.

Let's check out the basement.

Nice steps.

Ooh, into a nice big room.

You've got full windows and a door to out back.

JOHN: It's an empty palette, Tina.

It could be anything.

All right.

CHRISTINE: Upstairs?

JOHN: Upstairs we go.

CHRISTINE: Yep.

All right, so let's start here.

JOHN: Okay.

CHRISTINE: This is a decent-sized bedroom.

JOHN: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: Closet... JOHN: Nice closet, yeah.

CHRISTINE: Yeah.

Let's check out... JOHN: Okay.

CHRISTINE: Oh, look at this... JOHN: Full bath.

CHRISTINE: Bathroom.

Okay, I wouldn't change the floor, the tub, or the tile.

JOHN: I would change the floor, the tub, and the tile.

The old dusty rose gots to goes.

(laughter).

JOHN: Okay, into the next bedroom.

CHRISTINE: Look at how bright and pretty this room is.

JOHN: Well we've just figured out, all of the light is in this corner.

But how about these floors?

What do you think, are these new?

CHRISTINE: There was probably a rug here, for probably decades.

JOHN: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: And then when they lifted up the rug, you can see this beautiful hardwood.

JOHN: Absolutely... CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: Gorgeous.

All right.

Okay, well...

This has got to be the primary.

CHRISTINE: Mm.

Oh, it's a really pretty primary.

I mean, you've got the lovely windows.

JOHN: Yeah, those are original windows.

We both like that.

CHRISTINE: And you have a beautiful view of the pine tree out front.

JOHN: You sure do.

And you know what I'm appreciating?

CHRISTINE: I think I know what you're appreciating.

JOHN: The wallpaper.

CHRISTINE: Right.

JOHN: You can see the wallpaper from the '60s and the '80s.

Okay, so I think this comes with... CHRISTINE: Let's see.

JOHN: A bathroom.

CHRISTINE: Oh.

JOHN: En suite, aha.

Original tile.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

All right.

I would not change anything in this bathroom.

I like the yellow.

JOHN: We can keep the yellow.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

JOHN: All-righty.

Final bedroom.

CHRISTINE: And you see how the light changes in this room?

JOHN: Yes, I do.

All of these tall trees out back.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: Beautiful trees.

CHRISTINE: Yeah.

Let me check, is this a closet?

Oh.

They have a Murphy bed in here.

JOHN: The old Murphy bed.

CHRISTINE: I really wish that I had a Murphy bed.

JOHN: Ah, but you lose a closet.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: All right.

Well, I can't wait to see that garden in person.

CHRISTINE: Right.

JOHN: All right.

House number one, down.

CHRISTINE: Hey.

LEX: What'd you guys think?

CHRISTINE: Well first of all, you didn't tell us there was a hidden forest back here.

LEX: Isn't it beautiful?

JOHN: Gorgeous.

CHRISTINE: It's lovely.

LEX: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: And you can tell, it's a solid house.

LEX: Good bones, is the real estate lingo for this type of thing.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm, definitely.

You can make your vision come to life very easily.

LEX: Absolutely.

Let me run down the stats for you guys.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

JOHN: Yeah.

LEX: So, four bedrooms.

Two and a half bathrooms.

2,150 square feet.

It was built in 1963.

And it's got a little over a quarter acre lot.

CHRISTINE: So, I'm gonna come in at a listing price of $825,000.

LEX: Okay.

All right, John?

JOHN: $825.

I'm going to say, $775.

LEX: So, the list price of this house is $765.

CHRISTINE: Whoa.

JOHN: Aw, man.

LEX: You were so, you were really close, John.

JOHN: But there's always house number two.

LEX: That's right.

JOHN: Let's go.

LEX: All right.

Let's do it.

JOHN: All right.

ANNE: We so enjoy being part of the town of Vienna.

It has such an identity and such a community.

My father called his family newcomers, 'cause they didn't come here till 190-something.

As president of Historic Vienna, my favorite thing that the town ever did was to purchase the Freeman Store & Museum in 1969.

It was dilapidated.

It was a mess.

The town renovated the Freeman Store as a bicentennial project.

This was gonna be a new heart to Vienna, that called on its past.

And does serve as a real gem and the heart of Vienna, just as hoped for by the people who did it.

What really put Vienna on the map, was the railroad coming through.

It came through in the mid 19th century, and made this area more attractive to a large commercial establishment.

SANFORD: Before World War II, railroads were the main source of transportation.

This building was part of the Old Washington and Old Dominion Railroad, that ran, right through here.

It was just a little old rinky-dink little railroad, that served a farming community and also passenger service.

The last passenger service here was '51, and the actual railroad shut down in 1968.

I'm known as Uncle Sandy, the train guy.

And I'm President of the Northern Virginia Model Railroaders.

Do you want to get up there?

MAN: Sure.

SANFORD: As most kids in the '50s, I had a little track, and was always interested in trains.

Okay.

Model railroad just incorporates so much.

Instead of just running the trains up and down or around, you do operations, where we actually simulate the running of a real railroad.

MAN: Okay, there it is.

SANFORD: We have members all over the country.

So if you want to talk trains, you want a tour into the layout, come on a Tuesday night and ask for me.

(doorbell) LEX: Welcome to house number two.

We're in the Carriage Hill subdivision of Vienna.

CHRISTINE: First thing I have to comment on, is this huge front yard.

I feel like I should've brought the lawn mower.

LEX: The lots are much larger as you get outside the town center.

JOHN: Well, we noticed that driving in.

Big lots, and we love the style of homes here.

A lot of ranchers?

LEX: Yeah.

In this neighborhood you get these sort of more one-level living, which are popular.

JOHN: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: Yeah.

Aging in place.

JOHN: That's right.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

LEX: And just one thing I wanted to point out.

So, we are outside of the town of Vienna.

JOHN: Mm-hmm.

LEX: So out here, you get slightly less taxes and more space.

CHRISTINE: Oh.

JOHN: Okay.

Bonus, bonus.

CHRISTINE: That's nice to know.

Okay.

LEX: Why don't you guys go take a look at the house, and I'll catch you on the way out?

CHRISTINE: Okay.

JOHN: Perfect.

CHRISTINE: Thanks.

LEX: All right.

CHRISTINE: Let's check this... All right.

This is really nice one-level living.

JOHN: Absolutely.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: Okay, well let's start with, um, space number one.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

JOHN: Living room... CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: This was probably formal?

CHRISTINE: I would say.

But what I'm really enjoying, is the window and the view outside.

That yard, those trees.

It carries right on through.

JOHN: I love these shelves.

The... CHRISTINE: Nice built-ins.

JOHN: Nice built-ins.

And I have to say, I love me a column.

And I love these going into the next room.

CHRISTINE: Well what I like about them, is they help define the space, like we were talking, but yet it still keeps it really open.

JOHN: Very open.

Okay, so I bet you this was like a family room, 'cause there's a fireplace in this room.

I like it as a formal dining room.

And it goes into this beautiful kitchen.

But before we go there... CHRISTINE: No, no, no.

We're checking out this four season room.

JOHN: Got it.

CHRISTINE: And you know, I'm just gonna go gaga over it.

Can we just talk a little bit about this backyard?

JOHN: That is a whopper, if I've ever seen one.

CHRISTINE: I'm thinking I can have horses back there.

JOHN: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: I'd even let you put some goats.

JOHN: Oh... CHRISTINE: 'Cause I know you love goats... JOHN: I do love me some goats.

CHRISTINE: And they help maintain the yard.

But overall it's so nice having a room that you can enjoy all year long... JOHN: Yes.

CHRISTINE: But yet, it, it really does feel like you're outside.

JOHN: And then if you want the outside, you can step down to this lovely boxwood garden patio... CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: And grill outside in this.

CHRISTINE: Why don't you go finish the rest of the... JOHN: Okay.

CHRISTINE: House, and I'm gonna, no, I'm just kidding.

JOHN: It's all right.

Bye.

CHRISTINE: I'm not gonna leave you.

JOHN: Around the corner, to this... CHRISTINE: Ooh.

JOHN: Gorgeous kitchen.

CHRISTINE: So this is a lovely kitchen.

I just get this real cottage-y feel.

JOHN: Hmm.

Yeah.

CHRISTINE: I think it's the cream cabinets, the style, and you know, the farmhouse sink.

JOHN: I feel like the cottage feel flows right into the next room too, right?

CHRISTINE: Oh, I think it does.

Because you know, we go from these beautiful cream cabinets... JOHN: Yes.

CHRISTINE: With this beautiful window, and it just flows right in.

And I think what really adds to that kind of feel... You've got the light from the window... JOHN: Mm-hmm.

CHRISTINE: And then the recessed lighting, just makes for a really lovely space.

JOHN: And can we just say, this is like the best game-playing house ever?

With all of these tables and all of this open space, the floor is really the great unifier.

I want to check out what's on this side of the house.

Stepping down into laundry room... CHRISTINE: Okay.

JOHN: And then what is this little gem?

It's a little day room.

CHRISTINE: This is perfect.

You can use it as a little guest bedroom... JOHN: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: A office area.

JOHN: You could like take a nap, when you get tired from doing laundry.

CHRISTINE: How much laundry do you do?

JOHN: I do a lot of laundry.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

So, we have a half bath.

JOHN: And on this side, we have a very nice pantry.

CHRISTINE: Do you know what I'm noticing?

The electric boxes are here.

It makes me wonder if there's a basement in this home.

JOHN: Mm.

Good point.

CHRISTINE: I don't know.

JOHN: I don't know.

All right.

Into the bedroom wing.

CHRISTINE: All right, so let's check out the first room.

JOHN: Oh, I love all of the built-ins in this house.

And that patio.

Nice boxwood garden.

CHRISTINE: Right.

JOHN: All right, Tina.

CHRISTINE: All right.

JOHN: Looks like we have... CHRISTINE: Ooh, full bath.

JOHN: Full bathroom.

CHRISTINE: Double vanities.

JOHN: Yeah.

And then... Ooh.

CHRISTINE: Ah.

JOHN: We have arrived in the primary suite.

CHRISTINE: I would say.

I bet this was two bedrooms.

JOHN: Yep.

They added a beautiful walk-in closet.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: Plus... CHRISTINE: A lovely sitting area.

Mm.

JOHN: And a cozy bedroom, which are just enveloped with these beautiful windows.

CHRISTINE: You sound so poetic.

JOHN: Ah... CHRISTINE: Enveloped in these beautiful windows.

JOHN: Enveloped.

And speaking of poetic, let's look at this bathroom.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

Wow!

JOHN: Mm-hmm.

CHRISTINE: I get this country vibe over here.

JOHN: Cottage.

CHRISTINE: Right.

And then I turn, and I get this like modern urban feel.

JOHN: Yes.

CHRISTINE: I mean, when you're looking at the honeycomb tile... JOHN: Mm-hmm.

CHRISTINE: But then you look at the tile work in the shower, in the glass.

JOHN: I love that they've made improvements... CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: But yet the feel of the original house is not far from what it was.

CHRISTINE: Right.

JOHN: Right?

It's just sweetened.

It's just better.

CHRISTINE: Right.

And you still have that single-level living.

JOHN: With jets for your shower.

That's fancy.

CHRISTINE: True.

JOHN: Okay, final bedroom of the house.

CHRISTINE: This makes for a perfect guest bedroom.

The views outside this window are so pretty.

JOHN: Mm-hmm.

CHRISTINE: Well, I think this ends our tour.

JOHN: That wraps it up.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

JOHN: Let's go.

CHRISTINE: Hey.

LEX: All right, guys.

Welcome back.

What did you, uh, what did you guys think?

CHRISTINE: I am happy to be back in my favorite room of this house.

LEX: The backyard?

JOHN: Yup.

She went on and... LEX: This view?

JOHN: On about it for good reason.

CHRISTINE: I envision my horses.

I envision some goats for John.

JOHN: I'd probably become a chicken farmer, myself.

LEX: Yeah.

Okay.

Absolutely.

CHRISTINE: But overall, this house, it really was a very well done renovation.

JOHN: Especially the changes in the primary suite, that beautiful bath.

LEX: It's kind of like your own little sort of oasis over there.

CHRISTINE: So, I do have one question.

LEX: Of course.

CHRISTINE: Is there no basement to this home?

LEX: There is a storage area and a crawl space, but there is not a living space downstairs.

You've got three beds, two and a half bathrooms.

Just over 3,000 square feet.

Built in 1963.

1.3 acres.

Beautiful, large lot.

What's your guess?

JOHN: I am going to give you a guess of $1,150,000.

LEX: Okay.

CHRISTINE: Hmm.

LEX: And yours?

CHRISTINE: I'm gonna come in at $1.25.

LEX: Unfortunately, you guys are both over.

JOHN: Oh.

LEX: So, the list price is $1.125.

CHRISTINE: Oh, you were close.

JOHN: Ah.

I was so close.

LEX: You were close.

CHRISTINE: You were really close.

JOHN: One more shot.

LEX: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

LEX: We're on to house number three, follow me.

JOHN: All right.

CHRISTINE: So a chicken farmer, huh?

JOHN: Chicken farmer.

LANA: Jammin Java is where I went to my first concert.

My friend was playing and had a show.

I had to beg my mom to go.

She said, "Where the heck is this place?"

I said, "It's somewhere in Vienna."

My mom decided it was safe enough.

She said, "Okay."

The minute I walked in, I told my friend, "I'm gonna work here one day.

I love this place."

Bands want to play here, and fans want to come here, and the staff wants to work here.

And I think if you have those three things, it's kind of hard to fail.

JONATHAN: A big part of Jammin Java is being like super inclusive.

Like all of our shows are all ages, always.

And the town has been really supportive.

The current mayor, um, Linda Colbert, has been incredibly supportive of us.

The whole town has been a part of our growth.

♪ Ho ♪♪ ELIZABETH: I actually, I run the music school that's upstairs.

And there's a lot of awesome musicians in the area.

And this is a great steady job for them, is to teach and play in the community.

Having the lessons be in a music venue, it's like the best thing.

Because the kids get to see performers that they know, or sound checking.

Or they just think it's the coolest thing.

LINDA: My husband is a musician.

Uh, my daughters are musicians also.

And so, they've played at Jammin Java.

We love having that music venue in town, because it is so unique.

A lot of people want to come to Vienna.

It's a very welcoming, friendly community, that is very passionate about their town.

We are at the Vienna Town Green.

It's personally very, uh, special to me.

Because when my mother was the mayor, she and the council, um, had this vision.

And they said, "We want a gathering spot in the center of town for residents."

(overlapping chatter) I'm so excited.

It's being used.

And that was just, made her so happy.

And it's, it's just one of the best things about Vienna, really.

You've got this community...

Some people like to say, small town feel.

Building houses in Vienna is different, because you can only build on 25% of the land.

We have a lot of open space.

The houses are more spread out.

And it just gives a nice look and feel to the neighborhood.

When I grew up here, it was all single family.

Now we have more townhomes.

And we're just trying to have different options, because we want Vienna to be welcoming to everybody.

(doorbell) LEX: Welcome to house number three.

CHRISTINE: You did not disappoint.

I almost feel like we're out in Colorado... JOHN: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: With the shaker shingles, the stonework.

It just really gives it a whole different feel.

LEX: Yeah.

JOHN: This is like the crème de la crème... LEX: Yeah.

JOHN: Of Vienna.

LEX: It's in the northeast quadrant of Vienna.

JOHN: Yep.

LEX: It is a very short distance to all the, you know, restaurants, and stores, and historic center.

JOHN: Yeah.

LEX: We're also very close to Tysons Corner, Wolf Trap.

All of those things added together, make it a very desirable neighborhood.

CHRISTINE: What's calling me, is this huge door.

JOHN: Mm-hmm.

CHRISTINE: Yeah.

LEX: It's like a bank vault.

Wait until you open it.

CHRISTINE: Well, I'm going to let... LEX: It's really heavy.

CHRISTINE: John open it.

LEX: All right.

JOHN: I'm going to use my muscles.

LEX: All right, go ahead.

JOHN: We're going to go take a look.

LEX: I'll chat with you guys when you're done.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

JOHN: That's some door, Tina.

CHRISTINE: It is.

But you know, when we walked up, I felt like we were looking at a house in a magazine.

Inside, this is the inside of a magazine.

JOHN: Yeah.

I mean, there's so many details to talk about, but let's start here with the foyer.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

Well what I'm seeing, is some classic features.

JOHN: Yes.

CHRISTINE: And then when you look up, you've got modern fixtures, like this light.

JOHN: And it works.

CHRISTINE: It does.

JOHN: Okay.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

Let's... JOHN: Let's start to the left.

CHRISTINE: All right.

JOHN: Den.

CHRISTINE: No, this is a perfect study.

JOHN: And nice shelves as well.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: Mm.

A plus.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

JOHN: And the dining room.

CHRISTINE: Here's your round table in a square room.

JOHN: You know I love it.

CHRISTINE: I know you do.

JOHN: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: You know what is popping to me in this room?

Look up, and you've got a tray ceiling.

They've painted the inside kind of a bluish-gray.

It just gives this room just a little extra drama.

JOHN: Handsome.

CHRISTINE: Very.

JOHN: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: Let's continue on.

JOHN: All right.

CHRISTINE: Look at the height of this doorway.

JOHN: It's a big door.

CHRISTINE: It is.

This is a big half bath.

And I think it's super cool they did like a glam vanity.

JOHN: It's very glamorous.

CHRISTINE: It is.

But it... JOHN: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: It all ties in.

JOHN: I love the color of the banister and the stairs.

CHRISTINE: Well, I like the ironwork.

The black ironwork.

'Cause the style of the floor is more rustic, but it's that taupe that gives it that modern feel.

JOHN: So, it's modern rustic.

CHRISTINE: Modern rustic.

JOHN: There we go.

CHRISTINE: That's a good way to put it.

JOHN: And that carries right into... CHRISTINE: Into... Look at this screened-in porch.

JOHN: So we were gonna talk about the living room, but we... CHRISTINE: Yeah.

In fact... JOHN: Have to talk about this first.

CHRISTINE: You know, even calling it a screened-in patio, just doesn't even seem to do it justice.

JOHN: No, not with those hanging couches.

So beautifully built.

I could look at that all day.

CHRISTINE: Right.

JOHN: But, this room.

CHRISTINE: So far, the design has been so cohesive.

JOHN: Yes.

CHRISTINE: You've got coffered ceilings.

JOHN: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: And they did the gray-bluish tone, like we were talking about, with a modern light fixture.

JOHN: This is like classic bungalow wall to me.

With the fireplace in the middle.

CHRISTINE: And just the overall design of the window... JOHN: Two square windows.

CHRISTINE: It's that square window.

JOHN: But it's like bungalow on steroids.

It's blown up, right?

CHRISTINE: Oh.

JOHN: It's, but it's modern bungalow.

It's mungalow.

CHRISTINE: Oh, you know what?

I have a butler's pantry here.

JOHN: Mm-hmm.

CHRISTINE: And it has soapstone counters, and it leads right to the dining room.

JOHN: We have a little breakfast area here.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: Into this beautiful kitchen.

CHRISTINE: All right, so this is a kitchen where you just sit down and you just take it all in.

JOHN: I would spend all of my time in this kitchen.

CHRISTINE: I know you would.

But looking around, how much do you want to bet that... JOHN: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: There were cabinets that surrounded this?

JOHN: I'll put money on that.

I agree.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: Because they have plenty below... CHRISTINE: There's plenty.

JOHN: And then they added that beautiful marble herringbone tile.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: And I'll tell you, you walk into this kitchen and it is like Zen.

It's so clean... CHRISTINE: Right.

JOHN: And modern.

Custom touches like those sconces, or even the light above the sink... CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: Make a big impact.

CHRISTINE: I have to check out these countertops.

Don't quote me, but I think this might be polished soapstone.

JOHN: I think you're right.

Okay, here's one of my favorite features.

You have a Thermador wine fridge, planked by two other fridges.

Look at that.

(gasps) CHRISTINE: I didn't even notice that there wasn't a fridge in here.

JOHN: Well I think that's why we love this kitchen so much, 'cause it's minimalist.

CHRISTINE: I'm gonna give a shout out to the farm sink.

JOHN: We love a good farm sink.

Let's keep exploring.

CHRISTINE: All right.

Let's go downstairs.

JOHN: Let's head downstairs.

Yep.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

Here we have the lower level.

JOHN: Nice.

CHRISTINE: Ah, oh.

Look at this.

JOHN: It's like a moth to a flame, yeah.

CHRISTINE: But look at this pattern, and the design.

I don't think I've seen anything like this.

JOHN: What an impact... CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: And what a focal point for this great lower level sitting room.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

Yeah.

JOHN: And then, beautiful, big bar.

CHRISTINE: I... JOHN: I have not seen this before.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

You know what I feel like I've walked into?

A private club.

'Cause you have this gorgeous island, but look at the size of it.

JOHN: Yeah.

And then to top it off, you have another little siting area over here.

CHRISTINE: That would be a pool table.

JOHN: A pool table, that's a great idea.

CHRISTINE: You have to have a pool table in a space like this.

JOHN: And at your house, a pool table.

CHRISTINE: Yeah, definitely.

Okay.

JOHN: Okay.

Here we have, wine cellar.

CHRISTINE: Oh.

Mm-hmm.

Aww.

JOHN: Aw, a little playroom.

CHRISTINE: I mean, this is a really nice sized room.

JOHN: Yeah.

And when it's a mess, you just shut the door.

You like... CHRISTINE: Nice, yeah.

JOHN: Yeah.

All right.

And... Full bath.

This house has a very clean aesthetic to it.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: You know?

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: And it's just right.

All right.

And a very nice office.

CHRISTINE: All right.

JOHN: And, look.

So there's a door to the bathroom... CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: So this could be an en suite for somebody.

CHRISTINE: It could.

JOHN: Pretty nice.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: Let's head up, and see the top level.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

JOHN: Okay Tina, top floor.

Onto this beautiful landing.

CHRISTINE: It is a beautiful landing.

JOHN: These windows, you can't miss 'em.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: Right?

CHRISTINE: All right.

So, it looks like two bedrooms.

JOHN: I'll take this one.

CHRISTINE: I'll take this one.

JOHN: What do you have?

CHRISTINE: I've got a kids room.

And I think they fit in a queen size bed, that's how big it is.

Let me check out... Oh, I have a full bath.

JOHN: Wow, that's nice.

CHRISTINE: I know.

JOHN: I think I have the exact same room.

Nice size bedroom, with its own closet and its own bathroom.

So, everything has en suites so far.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: Let's check out across the hall.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

All right, another bedroom.

JOHN: Yeah, nice.

And another full bath.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: All right.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

Okay.

JOHN: Down the hall we go.

And here we have the primary.

CHRISTINE: Oh.

You know what's grabbing me in this room?

Is this accent wall.

JOHN: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: And the second thing that's really grabbing me, is this dark gray.

JOHN: Yes.

CHRISTINE: Because you know, that could make a room feel really enclosed, but not in this space.

JOHN: Yeah.

It actually makes it feel cozier, I think.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: You know?

And it's very trendy.

CHRISTINE: Let's give a nod to this set of windows... JOHN: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: That takes me back to that craftsman style.

JOHN: Absolutely.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: All right.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

JOHN: This bedroom has its own wing.

What do we have here?

CHRISTINE: Ooh, they're using this room as an exercise room, which I think is a great idea.

JOHN: And I have a big walk-in closet.

CHRISTINE: Uh, well, that's always a good use of space.

JOHN: And then... CHRISTINE: Oh.

I did not know there were so many different styles of soaking tubs.

JOHN: That's a new one for us.

CHRISTINE: This is a new one.

But I mean, look at the marble tile everywhere.

What a showstopper.

JOHN: You got a water closet, a nice shower.

But it's a big shower.

CHRISTINE: Right, and a basket weave tile in there.

JOHN: A lot of classic features in this house.

CHRISTINE: But you know what's fun?

Is the mirrored cabinets.

JOHN: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: It just gives it this glam look.

JOHN: A little bling-bling.

CHRISTINE: A little bling-bling... JOHN: A little glamour.

CHRISTINE: To go with the bling-bling above the tub.

JOHN: Yeah, there you go.

Well, sadly this is the last room in the house, I believe.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: Let's go check out those swings.

CHRISTINE: Oh, great idea.

LEX: All right.

JOHN: Where do we start about how much we love this house?

CHRISTINE: I mean, the minute you walk in, there's just something that grabs your eye.

Whether it's an architectural detail, or a design element.

LEX: All of the finishes are incredible, aren't they?

JOHN: They are.

LEX: Yeah.

JOHN: Walking into that kitchen, it just really feels very Zen.

LEX: I agree.

JOHN: Yeah.

LEX: And what about this space?

CHRISTINE: I absolutely am in love with this outdoor space.

LEX: Pretty spectacular.

JOHN: And I like the fact that that primary bedroom has its own wing.

It's quite a home.

CHRISTINE: It is quite a home.

LEX: Yeah.

This house is pretty special.

All right, so you guys ready to play the game?

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: I think so.

CHRISTINE: Yep.

LEX: So, it's got five bedrooms.

Five full baths.

Three half baths.

Almost 6,500 square feet finished.

It was built in 2020, on a 0.4 acre lot.

CHRISTINE: Uh, I mean... LEX: So, are you ready to make your guesses?

CHRISTINE: I think I'm gonna be a little more conservative this time... LEX: Mm-hmm.

CHRISTINE: And come in at a listing price of $2.3 million.

LEX: Okay.

JOHN: Okay.

I'm gonna go higher.

I'm just gonna go for $2.5.

LEX: So the actual list price of this house, is $2.899 million.

CHRISTINE: Oh.

JOHN: All right.

CHRISTINE: No.

LEX: John gets it.

JOHN: I finally won one.

LEX: You won one, yeah.

CHRISTINE: Oh.

LEX: A little under.

CHRISTINE: You know, I was so afraid of going over, 'cause that's all I've done this whole day.

Yeah.

Uh.

LEX: I could sense you wanted to go higher on this one.

CHRISTINE: I did.

I did.

LEX: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: Well... LEX: I'm happy to treat you to some chocolate.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

JOHN: All right.

That'll make me feel good too.

LEX: Yeah?

Okay.

CHRISTINE: Oh, yeah.

LEX: So, I'll buy you some too.

JOHN: All right!

Let's do it.

CHRISTINE: Yeah.

LEX: All right, let's go.

CHRISTINE: Yeah, but you're, you're gonna buy me more, right?

LEX: Sure.

ANTHONY: If you lived here, you would know the Vienna Inn.

You would've had a chili dog, and uh, chili mac, and you know, a, a cold beer at the Vienna Inn.

CAROLYN: If you lived here, you'd know what The Green means.

MARY: But if you lived here, you would enjoy Church Street.

MAGGIE: If you lived here, you would know that this used to be a small town with lots of cow pastures.

ANN: If you lived here you would know not only that we have a Halloween parade every Wednesday before Halloween, but that you need to put your blanket down the night before if you're gonna have a place to watch it.

WOMAN: To find out more about living in the Washington Metro area, visit weta.org/ifyoulivedhere.

Support for If You Lived Here comes from... MAN: The Yuen Foundation, committed to bridging cultural differences within the greater Washington D.C. community.