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.

CHRISTINE: I'm Christine.

We're producers at WETA and we've been friends for more than 20 years!

Can you believe that?

JOHN: I can't believe that.

We love living in the DMV, but finding a place to live here can be challenging and exciting, Tina.

CHRISTINE: So 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 rings) SILVANA: Hey!

CHRISTINE: Hello.

JOHN: Good morning.

SILVANA: Welcome to Mount Rainier.

We are in downtown, historic Mount Rainier, a beautiful suburb right outside of the district line, which is literally right down the street.

And Mount Rainier is a town full of history.

JOHN: How about this restaurant?

It is stunning.

SILVANA: Pennyroyal Station sat vacant for decades and it's so beautiful to see how it has been revitalized into one of the neighborhood hot spots.

And we are at the beginning of the arts district.

We've got a dance studio, there are art studios, there's a glass shop.

JOHN: Cool.

CHRISTINE: So tell me a little bit about your connection with this area.

SILVANA: About 15 years ago, I happened upon Mount Rainier, and I just couldn't believe the affordability, considering it's so close to the city.

And now I have clients and friends on every other block and it feels like home to me.

CHRISTINE: Your heart is here.

SILVANA: Yes.

JOHN: This is your neighborhood.

SILVANA: It is, yes.

JOHN: Yeah.

SILVANA: I love it.

CHRISTINE: So you're going to show us three great homes today.

SILVANA: Let's go.

JOHN: We'll follow you.

SILVANA: Okay.

(doorbell rings) Welcome to house number one.

This is a charming 1922 bungalow and I call it the epitome of a Mount Rainier home.

CHRISTINE: So tell us a little bit about this particular neighborhood.

SILVANA: We're on 31st Street.

Walking distance to many parks as well as Rhode Island Avenue where the main drag is, where we've got lots of shops and restaurants.

JOHN: We love a good starter home... CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: Don't we?

And this looks like it has a lot of the old, original character to it.

SILVANA: Story goes that, a couple of owners back, a man named Sal lived here for many decades, and Sal put his personal touch on this house.

JOHN: We'll be looking for those touches.

CHRISTINE: The, the house that Sal built.

SILVANA: Hey, I like it.

It's the house that Sal built and you will find Sal in each and every little room.

JOHN: Well, let's hope we don't actually find Sal, okay?

(laughter) SILVANA: See you guys soon.

JOHN: See you then.

CHRISTINE: Oh, hello cute little starter home.

JOHN: I know.

And a cute little foyer.

CHRISTINE: I bet this was the front porch.

JOHN: Ah, yes.

CHRISTINE: And they closed it in for extra space.

JOHN: Yes.

CHRISTINE: Because they've got some updated flooring.

I think I'm already feeling the Sal effect.

JOHN: The Sal effect.

CHRISTINE: Okay?

The Sal effect.

I mean, unique wallpaper.

JOHN: Yes.

CHRISTINE: Yeah.

I think we're going to be seeing a lot of this.

JOHN: Okay.

Let's check out more of Sal's touches in the living room.

CHRISTINE: This really is a great starter home, because you can tell they've got young kids.

JOHN: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: And now they're probably starting to grow out of it.

JOHN: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: So... JOHN: Well, that was sad.

CHRISTINE: Yes it is, isn't it?

JOHN: Let's go look for some happy stories here.

And, indeed, there's a happy story.

CHRISTINE: Aw.

JOHN: Nice little bedroom.

CHRISTINE: This is a really nice bedroom.

Obviously, they're using it as a kids' bedroom.

JOHN: Yes.

What makes you think that?

The short, little bed there?

CHRISTINE: That is cute.

But, you know, I'm looking at the original windows.

JOHN: And a nice built-in.

It's a lovely room for a bedroom.

Let's check out the back of the house.

CHRISTINE: No, no, no, no, no.

How could you pass by these built-ins?

JOHN: Look at this!

It's beautiful!

CHRISTINE: Okay.

It has some very distinct features that I would like to point out.

JOHN: Yes, ma'am.

CHRISTINE: This tile.

JOHN: I love that tile.

CHRISTINE: We can continue, I just had to point that out.

JOHN: Well, thanks.

I would have missed that.

CHRISTINE: Somebody's not quite on their game today.

JOHN: Well, I moved my game into the dining room.

CHRISTINE: Well, one of the things we haven't talked about is this home has those defined spaces.

JOHN: Mm-hmm.

CHRISTINE: You have a defined living room.

JOHN: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: You have a defined dining room.

JOHN: Would you ever open up this space?

I mean, this is, you know, original footprint.

CHRISTINE: Right.

Well, let's take a look at the kitchen and I'll let you know my answer.

JOHN: Okay.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

Oh, this screams original cabinets.

JOHN: Well, this screams original kitchen in total.

CHRISTINE: It does!

This grate is a telltale sign because they kept the original cabinets.

JOHN: Which I love!

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

And they put on a modern countertop and an under-mount sink.

JOHN: Okay, there.

But I love those windows, Tina.

CHRISTINE: Oh.

I fall in love with those every time I see that style.

JOHN: So, seeing what we've seen.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: Would you open up this space or would you not?

CHRISTINE: I would actually open it.

JOHN: If you did that, you know where you could actually kind of extend the footprint of the kitchen to?

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: The next room.

CHRISTINE: Yeah.

JOHN: Let's check it out.

Into this nice little living area.

CHRISTINE: What a wonderful extension to this home.

Do you think this was the back porch and they enclosed it?

JOHN: Yeah.

The ceiling is a little bit lower.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: And these floors sure do look original.

What is that, heart of pine?

CHRISTINE: I feel so proud.

You, like, pay attention to the things I say.

JOHN: Of course I pay attention.

CHRISTINE: You knew that was heart of pine.

JOHN: Okay.

But we have a door here, and behind this door is...

Okay, you got to just squeeze on through there.

CHRISTINE: I'm squeezing.

JOHN: All righty.

CHRISTINE: So this is the main bedroom.

JOHN: It has to be.

CHRISTINE: Right.

Because it's bigger than the other one and this one has a closet.

JOHN: Okay.

I don't think we've seen a bathroom yet.

CHRISTINE: No, we haven't.

JOHN: Ah-ha, here's the bathroom.

CHRISTINE: Oh!

Okay, this is not the original bathroom.

This has been completely remodeled.

JOHN: Looks great.

CHRISTINE: You know the design element I like is when they take the white subway tile and put the black grout in?

JOHN: Oh, I love black grout.

CHRISTINE: Oh, and you know what?

They went with a blue vanity and brass fixtures.

JOHN: But if you're going to have one bathroom, this is a good one to have.

CHRISTINE: Yeah.

Okay.

JOHN: All right.

One more floor.

The basement.

CHRISTINE: Basement.

JOHN: Let's do it.

CHRISTINE: I'm very intrigued with this basement.

JOHN: Me too.

This just feels like every cellar that my aunts have in their homes, doesn't it?

CHRISTINE: And that door is just so fascinating.

JOHN: Wow, look at that door.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

Oh, it's a little work room.

JOHN: Very creative.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: I like that.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

All right.

JOHN: Hey, hey, the rumpus room.

I love it.

Okay.

This has got flavor.

Thank you, Sal.

Wet bar over there.

Baby blue and pink tile, why not?

CHRISTINE: Yeah.

Okay and let's check... JOHN: And, oh, obviously upstairs was not the bathroom.

CHRISTINE: I would call this the most unique bathroom we have ever seen.

JOHN: Yes.

I've never seen a floating toilet before.

Maybe it's going to become a trend.

Maybe Sal was ahead of his time.

I'm just saying.

CHRISTINE: Something to think about.

JOHN: Something to think about.

Okay.

Another thing is, think about the price of this house.

Let's go.

SILVANA: Hey, guys.

CHRISTINE: Hello.

JOHN: Hey.

SILVANA: What did you think?

JOHN: That is a one of a kind house, that is for sure.

SILVANA: Did you find the pieces of Sal's personality in the house?

CHRISTINE: Well, I think the minute we actually stepped into the home, you could see Sal right there.

JOHN: The detail around the shelves.

You know, in the living room.

And I loved that kitchen.

That is for darn sure.

I love the cabinets, love the two windows above the sink.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: But, you know, the basement is the master class in Sal, right?

SILVANA: Certainly.

Certainly.

JOHN: Yeah.

The wet bar.

The disguised plumbing with the decoupage.

SILVANA: Oh, yes.

JOHN: And then his coup de grace, the best thing he's ever done, is that bathroom.

CHRISTINE: There's going to be new trends.

SILVANA: I think so.

CHRISTINE: We know there is.

SILVANA: What do you think they're going to call that bathroom design.

JOHN: Salvian.

CHRISTINE: Uh, yeah.

Yeah.

SILVANA: Let me tell you the details of this home.

This bungalow is two bedroom, two bath, 1,800 square feet, 1922 build with a lot of historic charm.

What do you think the value is?

CHRISTINE: Okay.

JOHN: I am going to give you a guess of $360,000.

CHRISTINE: Oh.

We're in the same ballpark, but I'm going to go down to 355, so that's my, my guess.

SILVANA: The actual list price for this home is $360,000.

JOHN: Yes!

CHRISTINE: Yay!

SILVANA: You got it on the money.

CHRISTINE: Oh, my God.

JOHN: It's a miracle.

CHRISTINE: Now you're, you're channeling your inner Sal.

JOHN: That was brought down from Sal.

(laughter) JOHN: I tell you, that is pretty incredible.

Hopefully Sal's at the next house, too.

I don't know.

SILVANA: Let's go on over.

JOHN: Let's go.

Come on.

BRYAN: Mount Rainier originally started to develop when the streetcar tracks were extended from downtown Washington to inside the Maryland border.

And we are called a streetcar suburb, and that attracted White, working class families to start building businesses and homes.

By 1910, it was large enough that it was incorporated into a town.

Originally, it was Whites only, and Blacks weren't really able to buy houses here until the 1960s.

MALINDA: I moved here December 13, 1968.

Mount Rainier was White upper class, but it was old and settled, and they were not very happy to have Black folks move in.

I guess I came at the time when White flight was real, and a lot of the houses eventually got sold.

I guess about 1980, '89, Mount Rainier became about 54% Black.

BRYAN: The first African American council member was elected in 1985, first gay Mayor in 2002.

We've had a long-term African American woman as Mayor.

MALINDA: The way we look at it, those who have been Mayor?

Once a Mayor, always a Mayor.

BRYAN: There's a large contingent of Latinos now, homeowners, and there's a good number of gays and lesbians that have bought homes here.

Part of that stems from the fact that the city council was so progressive, and so that drew more progressive people and people that wanted to live in a welcoming neighborhood.

MALINDA: Residents started caring.

BRYAN: They were interested in historic preservation.

They were the ones that, that did the research to get the neighborhood designated, uh, as a Federal Registered District.

They were interested in environmental issues.

We were early adopter of recycling in the county.

They were also very interested in trees.

MALINDA: Some call us tree-huggers, but it's okay.

We love our trees.

We have a tree commission.

We have one of the best tree canopies in the whole area.

BRYAN: Over the years, as new, young people have moved in, and people that want to live here because of the progressive nature of the town, it's really changed.

MALINDA: It's the perfect place to live.

It's the perfect place to raise kids.

Where else would you want to live?

(doorbell rings) SILVANA: Welcome to house number two and welcome to this urban country farmhouse, built in 1907.

CHRISTINE: I love that term.

Urban country.

JOHN: Shocking we were blocks away when we just met you.

CHRISTINE: Right, hence the urban part.

JOHN: And now we're in the country.

It went from flat to hilly, and breezy, and all these trees.

SILVANA: Absolutely.

This is one of the older homes in the community.

Go in there and I'll meet you in the back.

JOHN: All right.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

Sounds good.

JOHN: Oh.

This is a traditional farmhouse if I've ever seen one, from the ceiling height, to the windows.

CHRISTINE: And I see some new things.

JOHN: Ah.

Mm-hmm.

CHRISTINE: I see bamboo flooring, which is very durable, so for a high traffic area, it's the perfect flooring.

JOHN: And they're sustainable floors, right?

CHRISTINE: Exactly.

JOHN: They're, bamboo grows like crazy.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

All right.

JOHN: All right.

Whoa, look at this dining room!

CHRISTINE: I particularly like the layout.

JOHN: Yeah, it's like a little bump out, and it was of the period.

CHRISTINE: Oh.

JOHN: So goes with the farmhouse.

Dynamite dining room, but I see a den in the back.

CHRISTINE: Ooh.

JOHN: Tina, look at this beautiful den.

CHRISTINE: Well, I like it from the French doors... JOHN: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: To the windows.

JOHN: Yes.

And how about the built-in shelves and cabinetry?

Continuing that urban country feel.

All righty, Tina.

The kitchen.

CHRISTINE: So this is not the original 1900s kitchen.

JOHN: But I think it fits the house.

CHRISTINE: It's a little on the smaller side, 'cause we've seen some massive kitchens.

JOHN: Yes.

CHRISTINE: And we've also seen some really small kitchens, so this one, I would say, is a happy medium and it works well.

JOHN: You sound like Goldilocks.

"It's just right."

CHRISTINE: Just right.

JOHN: I really dig these floors.

I just think it gives this house, like, that older, cool vibe.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

Well, speaking of cool vibe, you know what my favorite thing in this kitchen is?

JOHN: What could that be?

CHRISTINE: Well, I think it's the tile.

JOHN: Ah, you're making me green with envy there.

It's a nice pop of color.

Okay, but this has a lot of other farm touches.

How about this door?

Which looks like it's original.

CHRISTINE: Did you notice the transom?

JOHN: Ah, to let the cool breezes in.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: Very necessary.

And Tina, look at this backyard.

CHRISTINE: Oh.

Do you know how tempting it is just to go out there now and spend the day out there?

JOHN: Very tempting, but we have more house to look at.

CHRISTINE: We do.

JOHN: All right.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

So closet area?

Oh, no, it's a full bath.

JOHN: A full bath.

CHRISTINE: And you know it's a great use of space because it's a corner shower.

JOHN: I like that.

CHRISTINE: Yeah.

JOHN: And did you notice you opened a barn door?

CHRISTINE: Of course I did.

JOHN: Farmhouse, barn door?

CHRISTINE: Very clever.

JOHN: Mm-hmm.

Urban country.

CHRISTINE: And good for space saving, too.

JOHN: Come on.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

Don't... (squeaking) JOHN: Nice, squeaky stair.

CHRISTINE: I know.

Don't you love the built-in security system?

JOHN: That's right.

CHRISTINE: And speaking of renovation.

JOHN: Yes.

CHRISTINE: Wow, a brand-new bathroom.

JOHN: Well, this is all the rage right now.

Like, that vessel sink.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: This tile.

You've got your grays, your browns, the whites.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: Very harmonious.

Nice look.

CHRISTINE: Ooh, I like that word, harmonious.

JOHN: That's what it is.

CHRISTINE: Hmm.

JOHN: All right.

Is this a guest room?

CHRISTINE: I would say it's a guest room.

JOHN: Yeah.

It's a good sized room, lots of good light.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: Overlooking that backyard.

CHRISTINE: Right.

And I see they have brand new windows up here.

JOHN: I'm all for brand new windows in old houses.

CHRISTINE: Well, energy efficiency.

JOHN: Nothing like a leaky window.

CHRISTINE: Yeah.

JOHN: Okay.

Let's check out another bedroom, Tina.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: All right.

The main bedroom in the house.

CHRISTINE: And is that king or a queen?

JOHN: That's a king.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

You think of 1907, I guess you just kind of have a different image of room size.

JOHN: Yeah.

Exactly.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: Well, they've got all the good light in this room.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: Nice.

But there's one more bedroom room, and boy, is this a good use of a small space in the house.

CHRISTINE: I have to say it is perfect for a closet.

JOHN: Very smart.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: Let's check out the attic.

CHRISTINE: All right.

I am impressed.

JOHN: Wow, I'm surprised!

Lots of headroom.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: Right?

Nice windows.

And this could be another bedroom.

CHRISTINE: And it continues.

JOHN: Into yet another great space.

CHRISTINE: Talk about a renovated space.

JOHN: Yes.

CHRISTINE: Great.

Office, bedroom.

JOHN: And look, you've got these great inset windows.

Really nice.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

So we've seen the entire home.

JOHN: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: All right?

But we haven't explored that backyard like we want to.

JOHN: Oh, it's going to be a goodie.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: Let's go check it out.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

JOHN: Hey, hey.

SILVANA: Hello there.

Look at this yard.

JOHN: Yes.

We're like, "We're going to have to see that yard."

CHRISTINE: We have to see this yard.

JOHN: And then there's a dining area with the grapes.

SILVANA: That's the urban country, right?

JOHN: Mm-hmm.

CHRISTINE: Right.

SILVANA: What about the inside?

What did you think about that?

JOHN: The dining room, with those windows, gorgeous.

And the den out back overlooking this backyard, very, very nice.

SILVANA: What about that top level?

CHRISTINE: You stereotype a attic all the time.

SILVANA: Mm-hmm.

CHRISTINE: And then when we got up there... JOHN: She does.

CHRISTINE: I know.

But that was a very livable space, you know?

JOHN: Mm-hmm.

CHRISTINE: You didn't have to worry about low ceiling, or funny corners, and it actually had air conditioning.

JOHN: That's the big thing.

SILVANA: Yes.

JOHN: And the bedrooms were lovely.

And very creative use of the mini bedroom into a closet.

SILVANA: Absolutely.

JOHN: Approved.

Yep.

SILVANA: Yes.

CHRISTINE: Exactly.

JOHN: This is a super house.

CHRISTINE: Yeah.

SILVANA: Yeah.

This house is five bedroom, two bath, over 2,100 square feet.

JOHN: Seems bigger.

SILVANA: It does.

CHRISTINE: It does.

SILVANA: Built in 1907, a historic farmhouse.

What do you think the list price is?

CHRISTINE: So I'm going to make it actually a little harder for you because I'm just going to say a flat $500,000, because now you have to think, "Do I go above 500 or do I go below 500?"

JOHN: Good question.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: Okay.

Well, I'm going to go for $550,000.

I think that's what this house is worth.

SILVANA: This house was listed at $465,000.

CHRISTINE: Wow.

JOHN: That's a steal.

Somebody call 911 because they were robbed.

SILVANA: But it ended up selling for $590,000.

CHRISTINE: Wow.

JOHN: Not a surprise.

CHRISTINE: It is worth every penny.

SILVANA: Well, wait until you see house number three.

I think you're going to love it.

Let's go.

CHRISTINE: Oh, okay.

JOHN: Let's do it.

MICHELLE: I had never really worked in the arts industry before, and I came here and I fell in love.

And this is how I came to the Gateway Media Arts Lab.

We are housed in the Mount Rainier artist lofts, one of the first affordable housing units built in the Gateway Arts district.

Like a lot of other communities, artists were a big part of the turn.

Artists gravitate toward affordable spaces.

MARGARET: Well, Michelle and I have parallel positions, like, within the arts community of being the head of an incubator and shepherding sometimes younger, sometimes less experienced artists, helping them get to the next level.

MICHELLE: Being an incubator, we focus on helping them develop as businesses.

We help them collaborate on projects.

We support, we provide advice.

MARGARET: If they come here to be part of the program for a while, then they want to stay.

And how do they do that?

What about buying something?

And if you can own your own property and build equity, it can be a smart decision, and you can also make space for other artists.

MICHAEL: Our space used to be a metal repair shop.

We teach classes here, so we have a number of people who are learning a little bit about glass, and about how to make it, and how to shape it.

When we came out here, we were one of the only artists that were out here, but now, it's almost all artists that are here.

And once you start in that kind of direction, where artists want to be here, you start seeing networks of artists.

BROOKE: We pooled our resources to create a dance space and we just decided to call it Joe's Movement Emporium to give it a sense of familiar and to kind of reinforce accessibility, so that everybody's a Joe, and everybody can dance.

MARGARET: There's a huge gulf between hanging paintings on the wall in a coffee shop and investing in artists so they can stay in the community.

MICHELLE: There are a lot of us who are fighting really hard to make sure that we maintain the culture and we don't lose that.

CELINA: Because we know if art succeeds, language, art and culture succeed, and the community succeeds as a whole.

And that's what you see here.

Partnership, and unity, and building between each other.

MICHELLE: People become invested in this neighborhood in every level, from the business association, to your block, to the restaurant.

You know everybody who works at the restaurant.

You know your electeds because they live next door to you.

BROOKE: I served on our city council for a few years and I like to say it was the longest running improvisation that I performed.

(laughs) CELINA: And that's one of the things that makes Mount Rainier so special, that you have lots of talents working together and supporting each other.

(doorbell rings) SILVANA: Welcome to house number three.

JOHN: Hey, another farmhouse.

SILVANA: But this one is new construction.

JOHN: Ah.

CHRISTINE: Wow.

It blends in so beautifully with the other homes in this area.

SILVANA: This builder did a great job of keeping with the character of the community.

JOHN: Mm-hmm.

SILVANA: This house is located on 37th Street.

JOHN: Yes.

SILVANA: It is very close to the Washington Glass School.

We've got the skate park one block away and the main downtown strip on Rhode Island Avenue is right up the street.

CHRISTINE: Wow.

That yellow door is calling me.

JOHN: I know, right?

CHRISTINE: That is just so inviting.

JOHN: Well, it's saying, "Come on through."

CHRISTINE: It is.

SILVANA: See you on the other side.

JOHN: All right.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

JOHN: That is a sunny, sunny door.

CHRISTINE: All right.

Well, look at this space.

That's new construction.

JOHN: Yes.

CHRISTINE: Because you can do open concept like this.

JOHN: Okay.

Details.

CHRISTINE: All right.

Shiplap.

JOHN: Shiplap.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

JOHN: Farmhouse.

Yes.

Check.

CHRISTINE: I like that they didn't overdo the shiplap.

JOHN: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: They just used it kind of an accent.

JOHN: And here in the entry, too.

CHRISTINE: Oh, I didn't even notice that.

Nice.

JOHN: Which I like it over there with those hooks.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

Mm-hmm.

JOHN: And, Tina, what are these floors?

CHRISTINE: I want to say it's teak.

JOHN: Okay.

CHRISTINE: But I just kind of know teak for boats and that kind of thing.

JOHN: Outdoor furniture.

CHRISTINE: So, yeah.

But I am going to kind of stand by teak.

JOHN: And they really do add a lot of texture and color.

CHRISTINE: They do.

JOHN: Let's keep walking.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

JOHN: Is that a kitchen... CHRISTINE: Kitchen?

JOHN: Down there?

Wait, I'm going to have to rest by the time I get down there.

CHRISTINE: You okay, bud?

JOHN: It's quite a walk.

CHRISTINE: All right.

Well, look at this island.

This, to me, is absolutely perfect.

JOHN: Nice, cold quartz surface.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

This whole kitchen is on trend... JOHN: Yes.

CHRISTINE: When you look at it.

I mean, you've got the brass poles that are really popular.

JOHN: Mm-hmm.

CHRISTINE: And I like the blue.

JOHN: You mean the gray?

CHRISTINE: Blue.

JOHN: I see gray.

CHRISTINE: You mean we don't see eye to eye?

JOHN: Well, I think we can agree that it's a blue gray.

CHRISTINE: Regardless, it looks fabulous.

JOHN: Yeah.

And then you add this herringbone tile in marble, and that pale gray, it just goes so well together.

And then, top it all off with these nice, slim little lights.

CHRISTINE: Oh.

JOHN: To match the poles on the doors.

CHRISTINE: Right.

JOHN: And you have a cohesive looking, beautiful kitchen.

CHRISTINE: And it makes the perfect entertaining space because you have this island, which you can seat quite a few.

JOHN: Yes.

CHRISTINE: I see an outdoors space.

JOHN: Yes.

CHRISTINE: All right?

You can fit, like, 100 of your best friends back behind me.

JOHN: Just in the living room.

CHRISTINE: Exactly.

JOHN: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: And then you have a lovely dining space.

JOHN: Yeah.

I mean, this is party central.

CHRISTINE: It is party central.

JOHN: Can we agree on that one?

(laughter) JOHN: All right.

Well, should we keep on exploring?

CHRISTINE: I think so.

JOHN: Okay.

CHRISTINE: All right.

Uh, oh, half-bath.

JOHN: Half-bath.

And look how those floors pop in here.

CHRISTINE: They also carry the brass fixtures through so, you know, instead of plain white wall, you have a pop of brass.

JOHN: Very handsome.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

And, oh, basement.

JOHN: Basement.

Down we go.

CHRISTINE: Oh, this is a great space.

JOHN: Ooh, isn't this tasteful?

CHRISTINE: Well, and you know, in new construction, you never have to worry about ceiling height.

JOHN: Not in this house.

(laughter) JOHN: Perfect for movie night and how about this wine-themed wet bar?

CHRISTINE: Well, I like that they've carried the cabinetry with the same harbor.

It's just one cohesive look.

JOHN: And it goes very nicely with these wine boxes that they've cut apart and made a little mosaic as a backsplash.

CHRISTINE: That's clever.

That's like using shiplap but with wine.

JOHN: It's called wine-lap.

Okay, so I love it.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

JOHN: Shall we continue?

Oh, little bathroom.

CHRISTINE: It's a long bathroom.

JOHN: You could fit three bathrooms in this room.

CHRISTINE: You could.

JOHN: They're the same mirrors and the same fixtures, just different polishes and different finishes.

CHRISTINE: So let's continue.

JOHN: Yeah.

(gasps) Oh, how about this for an office, Tina?

CHRISTINE: Oh, well, you could use it as an office, a bedroom.

JOHN: That's right, because it's got one of those egress windows.

CHRISTINE: Right and that really lets in a lot of extra light.

JOHN: Sure does.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

JOHN: All right.

Continuing the tour.

CHRISTINE: Utility room.

JOHN: All right.

HVAC.

CHRISTINE: Washer dryer.

JOHN: Oh!

They should not put things like that there.

CHRISTINE: It's a great workout room, you know?

Getting all, you know, working out?

(laughter) JOHN: That's nice that they have the workout room.

And your boxing skills were impressive.

CHRISTINE: Thanks.

JOHN: Ow!

Come on.

CHRISTINE: Let's get upstairs.

All right.

First bedroom.

JOHN: Okay, I think this has got to be the primary.

CHRISTINE: Well, you know, the fact that there's a tray ceiling makes it a little extra special, and that's a fabulous light.

JOHN: It is.

CHRISTINE: I see the en suite.

JOHN: I see it.

CHRISTINE: So let's check out the bath.

JOHN: Let's do it.

CHRISTINE: Oh.

So this home gets an A for the use of the herringbone pattern.

JOHN: Mm-hmm.

CHRISTINE: Okay?

Then you turn to this side... JOHN: Ah!

Mm-hmm.

CHRISTINE: And here's the nod to the farmhouse.

You have your shiplap and they carried the cabinetry and the fixtures.

It's just really nicely done and cohesive.

JOHN: Yeah.

It's nice having just that little bits of farmhouse with a lot of chic.

CHRISTINE: Ooh.

Farmhouse chic.

JOHN: Farmhouse chic.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

Middle bedroom.

JOHN: Yeah.

CHRISTINE: And really nice size window for this size room.

JOHN: Yeah.

You know, something that I noticed in the other room that I like in this room as well is the black hardware on the doors and the hinges.

CHRISTINE: I know.

Everything is just like a really simple, clean design.

JOHN: Yep.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: Love it.

Farmhouse.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

JOHN: Okay.

CHRISTINE: Oh.

So... JOHN: We're at a crossroads here.

Three different ways to go.

Let's start here.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

So another bedroom.

JOHN: Yeah.

Bedroom number three.

CHRISTINE: Right.

It's another middle room.

JOHN: Oh, great for a middle child, if you have one.

(laughter).

CHRISTINE: I was a middle child.

JOHN: There you go.

That's maybe the room for you.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

So this house has four bedrooms, and I like this one, because I kind of like this little walk-in area.

JOHN: Mm-hmm.

CHRISTINE: And I like the simple design of the doors.

JOHN: Mm-hmm.

Me too.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

Especially I like this piece right here because it looks like a T for Tina.

JOHN: It certainly does.

Okay.

CHRISTINE: All right.

Okay.

Full bath.

JOHN: Yeah, full bath.

Double vanity.

CHRISTINE: Mm-hmm.

JOHN: Nice oil bronzed mirrors.

CHRISTINE: And let me take a peek.

Up, guess what we have in here?

JOHN: Mm-hmm.

Herringbone.

CHRISTINE: Herringbone.

JOHN: Tied together throughout the whole house.

Color palettes, tiles, like it.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

Are you ready?

JOHN: I'm ready.

Are you ready to guess?

CHRISTINE: I'm ready.

SILVANA: Hello there.

JOHN: Hello.

SILVANA: What did you think?

JOHN: Well, house number three was great.

CHRISTINE: Well, the first thing that hits you are the floors and they just carry through to the other side of the house, basically.

JOHN: They did.

And Christine didn't know what type of floors these were in this house.

CHRISTINE: All right.

I just, I wouldn't say didn't know.

JOHN: She, she didn't know.

SILVANA: These are teak hardwood.

JOHN: Oh, look, she got it right!

(laughter) JOHN: This is a master class in entertainer space, right?

SILVANA: It is incredible.

JOHN: Yeah.

SILVANA: Truly.

And what about that kitchen island?

CHRISTINE: That is a show stopper.

And throughout the house they did really nice work with all the herringbone tile.

JOHN: I think we termed that farmhouse chic.

CHRISTINE: And, you know, when you hit lower levels, you always worry about the headspace, but, you know, with a new build, you don't have to worry about that.

SILVANA: And these are some of the tallest ceilings I've seen in a lower level.

This grand finale of a home is five bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, over 3,500 square feet on three levels, is new construction, completed in 2022.

What do you think the value is?

JOHN: I'm going to give you, um, pretty flat, simple guess of $800,000.

CHRISTINE: Hm.

Okay.

I'm going to come in at 750 for my listing price.

SILVANA: The actual list price of this home is $765,000.

CHRISTINE: Yes!

JOHN: Oh, man.

Okay.

So I won one, you won one, and then we both lost.

It's an even Steven game today.

But one thing I know we're both winners on is spending the day with you.

SILVANA: Oh.

JOHN: And seeing, you know, Mount Rainier and three great homes.

So thank you so much.

SILVANA: Thank you for joining me.

Now I'm starving.

So there's this really great place called Dodah's in the circle.

It's a vegan spot and they make some really great cauliflower that is calling my name.

Please join me.

JOHN: Yeah.

Let's go.

SILVANA: All right.

CHRISTINE: Okay.

I have to admit, I don't get that excited over cauliflower.

JOHN: Well, we do.

SILVANA: They have kale.

JOHN: They have kale for you.

I don't like kale, either.

CHRISTINE: I don't get that excited over kale, either.

JOHN: No.

BRYAN: If you lived here, you would know the town is pronounced Mount Rainier and not Mount Rainier.

JAMES: I don't think I say it right.

Having been here, I've been here 12 years and I still say Mount Rainier.

MALINDA: If you lived here, you would know that Malinda Miles is the first Black Mayor ever in the history of the city.

BROOKE: If you lived here, you would know about buying bulk spices at Glut.

WOMAN: If you lived here, you would know that your neighbors would look out for you.

MARGARET: If you lived here, you would know that we all work together.

CELINA: No matter where you come in the world, you are Mount Rainier, and this is home.

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.