About this English self-guided 23m driving tour in Washington, DC
Hello, I am Lorraine Barclay Nordlinger of TTR Sotheby's International Realty. Please join me for a tour of the historic Georgetown section of Washington, DC. I Move Individuals and Organizations to a Better Place! I especially love the Washington Harbour/Potomac River and C&O Canal waterfront portions of this neighborhood where my husband, a 5th generation Washingtonian lived when I met him….And home of the St John's annual Georgetown House Tour which features a number of the neighborhood's most beautiful homes The Georgetown Historic District was created in 1950 to preserve its large concentration of well-preserved colonial and Federal period architecture. Notable residences and residents abound in this historic neighborhood. Housing in Georgetown consists of prominent, historic detached and row houses previously owned by the likes of John F. Kennedy, new development, townhomes and walk-up apartment buildings in the heart of DC. I'd love to talk with you after the tour, so give me a call at 202-285-3935, or send me an email! LorraineNordlinger.ttrsir.com (spell it out) Our tour will begin at the corner of Q Street Northwest and 27th Street Northwest, near the famous and historic Dumbarton House.
Great, you found our starting point. As we head west on Q Street I’ll tell you a little bit about Dumbarton House and the lovely Georgetown neighborhood here. Dumbarton House, ahead on your right, is a fitting start to a tour of Georgetown real estate. It was built in 1799 and was home to Joseph Nourse (pronounced nurse), the first United States Register of the US Treasury. His career spanned 40 years and six presidential administrations. This impressive history is just a foreshadowing of what's to come! Moving southwest from Dumbarton House toward the Georgetown Waterfront, you'll find a neighborhood full of impressive and richly-appointed luxury homes. Passing through the East Village, now, you're looking at homes that range from Federal-style, brick, detached properties to modern residences discreetly positioned behind classic 19th century facades. Homes in this area can range from 2 – 12 million dollars and vary in luxury and included amenities. You can generally expect to find properties that include parking for at least two cars although one recent listing was a grand estate that included parking for over 40 cars! If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind, masterfully renovated luxury home with historic overtones, you’ll certainly find one here. With private gardens and multiple fireplaces, many include such splendid amenities as pools, media rooms and elevators. Grandeur abounds.
A little background on Stachowski Market here at the corner. Stachowski and his family bring over 60 years of culinary experience in restaurants, charcuterie, and butchering. They’re specialties are handcrafted gourmet sausages and legendary sandwiches. Catty Corner to Stachowski’s is what’s known as the Historic Gun Barrel Fence. The house at 2803 P Street has a fence that is actually made of the barrels from Hall breech-loading rifles used in the War of 1812. Please enjoy looking at the homes in this area. Turn left on 30th Street and then I’ll check back in when you get to N Street, where you will be turning right.
We are about to drive past the Newton D. Baker House located at 3017 N Street. It is also known as the Jacqueline Kennedy House since she lived there for about a year after her husband, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963. The five level, 6,200 square foot New England style home has 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, an entry hall that opens into a living room and dining room, plus a library, three fireplaces and a backyard. Turn right on 31’st street and let’s keep looking around.
Go ahead and turn left on P Street so I can show you a wonderful little neighborhood ice cream shop.
Place #5
Distance: 0.06mi
, Attraction : Ice Cream Shop
1442 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA
Thomas Sweets
At the corner you will find Thomas Sweet. You need to turn left on Wisconsin and then your first right. If you need to cure your sweet tooth, Thomas Sweet has you covered. They have wonderful cookies, flourless chocolate cakes, and mini cheesecakes. Everything is homemade in small batches, using the freshest ingredients. Thomas Sweet’s chocolates are also to die for, but this place is most famous for their ice cream. They have 40 ice cream flavors, plus countless mix-ins so you can design your very own flavor. Don’t be surprised if you run into a local DC politician or celebrity here. They love their ice cream!
I’m sure you are enjoying this beautiful neighborhood. Please turn left on 34th Street so I can show you John F. Kennedy’s former home. It is at the corner of 34th and O Street.
Place #7
Distance: 0.29mi
, Attraction : Historic Home
1400 34th St NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA
Kennedy House
The house at 1400 34th Street to your right is where President John F. Kennedy lived here with his sister, Eunice from 1949 to 1951. Built in 1800, the home still has it’s historic charm. Inside though, you will find a two-story atrium, a completely upgraded high-tech kitchen, hardwood floors, marble walls and a rooftop deck with amazing views of Washington, DC. Please turn left on N Street and continue enjoying Georgetown.
At the corner just before you turn right on Wisconsin Avenue is Martin’s Tavern. This Georgetown favorite has been around for almost 90 years and has seen a lot of superstar action! John F. Kennedy proposed to Jackie here. Baseball stars Mickey Mantle and Yogi Berra have enjoyed a few beers in the “Dugout Room,” and every U.S. president since Harry S. Truman has dined here at Martin’s Tavern. Our next site is around the corner on Prospect Street.
Cafe Milano on your right is where diplomats, journalists, politicians, entertainers and the locals go to see and be seen, and of course enjoy fine Italian food and superb service. I met my husband, Gary, while hanging out with friends at the bar at Café Milano back in February 2001…..the day after I gave up on men and decided to get a cat instead… I have enjoyed having both!
Please turn left on 34th Street while I direct your attention to the house on the corner ahead of you with the grey stone and red brick. This is Halcyon House. It was built in the late 1700’s and has since undergone many major renovations. It was purchased by Georgetown University and used as a dormitory in 1961. In 2011 self-made millionaire Dr. Sachiko Kuno and her husband Dr. Ryuji Ueno purchased Halcyon House for $12.5 million dollars and currently use it as the headquarters for their non-profit organization.
On the corner to your left is the famous Georgetown Cupcake shop. Sisters Katherine Berman and Sophie LaMontagne opened this place in 2008 and have since become TV stars and best-selling authors.
The City Tavern Club on your right is a private club whose mission is to preserve this 1796 red brick building that was once an Inn that served the likes of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. Today this club is a gathering place for distinguished political and social elite Washingtonians. I have enjoyed many delicious meals and special occasions at the City Tavern Club
Georgetown Park Condos is ahead on your right. That is where Gary lived when I met him and where we began our life together. The Condominium’s website lists nearby popular destinations such as restaurants, bars, sports, trails and outdoor activities, entertainment, concert venues, farmer’s markets and playgrounds. Everything is so easy to get to! Did I mention these handsome classic Georgetown brick condos border the historic C&O canal? What a beautiful place to go for a stroll or bike ride! But enough about what’s on the outside. Let’s talk about what’s on the inside of these lovely condos. Georgetown Park has one, two and three bedroom condos with prices ranging from the mid six figures to well over a million dollars. Inside the homes are beautiful wood floors, wood burning fireplaces, deluxe kitchens with granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances. Every condo also has either a ground level patio or a balcony. Everyone loves the roof-top pool as well as the atrium, gardens, fitness center, concierge service and underground parking. Turn left on South Street so I can show you a couple more places.
Distance: 0.06mi
, Attraction : Hotel and Residences
3150 South Street NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA
Ritz Carlton
Let me call your attention to the red brick building on your right with the smokestack reaching up to the sky. This unique building used to be an incinerator back in the day, but now it is the AAA 5-star luxury Ritz-Carlton Hotel and the Residences at The Ritz Carlton. The 28 residences here feature high ceilings and generously proportioned windows overlooking the Potomac River, providing an elegant backdrop and allowing for natural light to fill The Residences, which enhances the generous sense of space. The stunning physical attributes of The Residences are matched by the personalized services of The Ritz-Carlton. How about we head to the harbour!
After you drive under the overpass, please turn left so I can take you to Washington Harbour Georgetown. If you really want to take in the beauty of this area, you may want to park your car and just walk around. The views from the boardwalk are spectacular. Iconic scenery abounds such as the Kennedy Center, Watergate and Key Bridge, to yachts, sailboats and crew teams out on the Potomac River. Washington Harbour has something going on all year long from live entertainment and dining experiences to ice skating in the winter. The Washington Harbour Condos list from anywhere between $500,000 to over 5 million dollars. With everything from 1 to 3 bedrooms and up to 4,000 square feet, there is something for everyone. These luxury condos have vaulted ceilings, wood burning fireplaces, marble and hardwood flooring, gourmet kitchens, formal dining rooms and living rooms and plenty of closet space. The roof - top pool and lounge areas are exceptional. Many units have an outdoor space and everyone has access to the fitness center, concierge and garage parking. This area is fun, lively, picturesque and entertaining. It is quite the hotspot! If you like what you’ve seen here in Georgetown, give me a call. I’d love to show you more of this incredible area. This is Lorraine Barclay Nordlinger. Lorraine Barclay Nordlinger of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty 202-285-3935 cell Lnordlinger@ttrsir.com https://lorrainenordlinger.ttrsir.com/eng
How to take a UCPlaces tour
Taking a UCPlaces tour is fun and easy.
Download the app (Android or iOS), purchase the tour (either here on the website, or from within the app).
That's it, you're ready to go!
When you want to start the tour, find the tour in the app (via a quick in-app search or by clicking the tour link received in your confirmation email) and click "Start Tour" (headphones recommended for best experience.)
* After purchasing a tour you will receive a purchase confirmation email including the tour link and instructions on how to take the tour, so you don't have to remember anything now.
How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
Walk at your own pace.
No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
Take the tour in your preferred language.
Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
Enjoy preferred prices.
What's included?
A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
Earphones (highly recommended).
Smartphone.
Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).