The Georgetown House Tour

If you want an intimate look at Georgetown’s society life and culture, this is your chance. The Georgetown House Tour is an annually hosted, self guided tour that allows you to enter 9 private residences. Some of the homes on the tour have more limited viewing options than others and relegate you to the first floor only. Only one house was entirely open for viewing (bedroom, bathroom, closets, etc). Booklets are provided with informational tidbits about each home and docents are onsite to provide additional information. I found the tour to be enjoyable and eye-​opening. Let’s just say that I have a whole new perspective on Georgetown.
My favorite house is that of Nancy Taylor and Alan Bubes. It’s a Victorian Mansion and much more cozy and family oriented that the other houses. I especially enjoyed the downstairs area with a large family room and a pool that is situated against an indoor window. They also have a beautiful backyard, the cutest flower arrangements, and the best smelling house! My big take-​a-​way was that I need to purchase a Jonathan Adler Grapefruit candle PRONTO!
New to the tour this year is the home of race car driver William Langhorne. He and his wife recently gutted and redesigned their home which is one of the few in Georgetown not bound by historical restrictions so their home is quite modern. The home boasts 4 levels and includes an office, media room, nanny suite, a level full of guest bedrooms, main living area, and a full floor for the master suite with bedroom and state of the art shower with «smart» glass that turns opaque with the push of a button. It was generous of the owners to allow us to view their entire house including their closets/​dressing area. You can see parts of the house in this Washington Post article (after the ads close)
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Cost: $ 45 — $ 50 (proceeds benefit St. John’s Church)
Tour time: self guided; 11:00 am — 5:00 pm. I highly suggest arriving at 10:30 am to find parking and to beat the crowds. The longest line we stood in was 20 minutes. It took us 4 hours to visit 7 of the 9 homes (we were too tired to see the last two houses).
Parking: Georgetown is horrible for parking. The garages are pricey. The 2-​hour meters require you to register via Park Mobile. If you drive further back into the neighborhoods, 2-​hour free parking is available. The parking maids did not appear to be chalking tires in the residential neighborhoods. It took me 15 — 20 minutes to find parking on a Saturday at 11:15 am.
Restrooms: Port-a-potty’s and hand washing stations are available near the check-​in area. St. John’s Church also allows registrants to use their indoor facilities, if necessary.
Food/​Drink: Bring a bottle of water, or else you can stop by The Little Corner Store on 34^th street (wow, 5 stars on Unilocal) and purchase a bottle of water for $ 1 (seriously, who sells bottle water for only $ 1 anymore?). St. John’s provides tea and cookies beginning at 2:00 pm. I recommend arriving early. They offer both cold and hot drinks — hot tea, iced tea, coffee and lemonade and delicious homemade sweets (macadamia and chocolate chip cookies, cherry and passion fruit tarts, egg salad, tuna salad, olive tea sandwiches, and more). The food was disappearing quickly because some people were filling their plates to the max with 6 or 7 sandwiches. This isn’t lunch, it’s a snack. There was plenty of seating indoors and outdoors (in the courtyard and on the veranda), and a band playing indoors. The tea was impressive.
Other info/​dress code: I have not been to Georgetown in years and spending time in the neighborhoods was much different from other experiences I have encountered. The society life was fascinating to witness. Many of the Georgetown residents/​neighbors attend the tour and talk about the goings-on’s in the area. It was also a fashion event of sorts. I got some new fashion ideas for sure. The women dress impeccably. The overly preppy men’s attire was distracting. Most people were wearing sweater sets and colored pants. I also learned that watermelon colored shirts and bright green cardigans are especially popular. There is no dress code for this event; however high heels are not allowed in the homes.
Good to Know: Wear the most comfortable shoes you own! Consider bringing a back up pair of shoes in your bag. Your first pair will hurt you in ways you could not have foreseen and if you swap shoes you can at least relieve some pressure. You will be provided with booties. I suggest wearing shoes and socks, so you can remove your shoes and walk in your socks. I suggest attending in smaller groups. Note: you cannot take photographs inside the private residences.
I definitely recommend this tour. Mark your calendars in advance. I hope the weather is as beautiful for you as it was for us!