mansion

When "Reality" Hit Dupont Circle

"The Real World" cast inhabited this beautiful c. 1890s Dupont mansion for the 2009 edition of the MTV groundbreaking reality show. Months of speculation surrounded the potential location of the group house. Many residents wondered which of DC's his…

"The Real World" cast inhabited this beautiful c. 1890s Dupont mansion for the 2009 edition of the MTV groundbreaking reality show. Months of speculation surrounded the potential location of the group house. Many residents wondered which of DC's historic and lively neighborhoods would act as the setting for the show, and therefore the lens through which the audience expreienced the city.

Producers settled on this stately 10,000 square foot home near 20th and S Streets NW. The block is quiet enough to be a great residential location, but close to restaurants, retail, bus routes, and the Metro subway system. For better or worse, the show managed to capture the city's attention for the better part of a year despite achieving less than stellar television ratings nationwide.