“House of Cards,” the hit Washington-based Netflix drama, has created a lot of buzz with its realistic depiction of politics’ seamy side, but when it comes to its use of locations, the reality doesn’t always match the fiction.
Turns out the show is filmed mostly in Baltimore and Havre de Grace, MD, and the exterior of Senator Underwood’s house is really a brick row house in Baltimore. Built in 1880, the home that serves as the filming exterior for the drama isn’t on the market.
However, if you desire to live the real Washington high life, we found plenty of options for wannabe pols, diplomats, and lobbyists.
We start with the Georgetown neighborhood Northeast of the White House. “Georgetown is just a very cool place to be,” said Washington, DC, REALTOR® Jamie Peva, “It’s a little urban village within DC where families flock.”
First up is a luxurious historical home on Cox’s Row in Georgetown. This collection of homes, built in 1817, take its name from former Georgetown Mayor John Cox. Currently on the market at $7.98 million, this sophisticated stunner on N Street offers 4,661 square feet of living space spread over five levels.
“This home is a textbook example of urban federal architecture,” Peva said.
Moving a couple of blocks north to P Street, we find a fabulous Federal Style townhouse dating from around 1800. Fully renovated inside, the home offers a gourmet kitchen.
“The owners of the home have preserved the original character, but also made all the updates buyers of today want,” said listing agent Russell Firestone.
Offered at $2.495 million, it might make a fine home for a family looking to put down roots.
“Once families move to Georgetown, their next move is often just within the neighborhood,” Firestone said. “People stay here.”
One block further north on Q Street, there’s an enormous Georgetown row house that faintly resembles the brick exterior of the “House of Cards” home. For sale at $4.4 million, this sprawling home packs a whopping 10 bedrooms and 9 baths. Built in 1887, it’s perfect for hosting slumber parties with visiting dignitaries.
Outside of the budget-busting luxury of Georgetown mansions, we find a more reasonably priced brick row house below the million-dollar price point. The home is located further north from the center of power but offers a potential owner a classic vibe for the relatively low price of $969,900.
For our final look at D.C., we wanted to find a place with an immediately recognizable pedigree. How about an address at the Watergate? This condo at the infamous locale offers a nice view of the Potomac and a fully renovated interior. Listed at $745,000, the price might even make you feel as though you’d got away with something.