Opulent condos. Equestrian estates. Custom homes with honed stone and millwork, libraries, wine cellars, theaters, saltwater pools and guest quarters — even one with indoor basketball and racquetball courts.
Luxury real estate listings in and around Pittsburgh give a glimpse of lifestyles costing $3 million or more. Agents market homes such as these internationally as well as domestically, courting potential buyers from beyond U.S. cities in Europe and Asia. It’s not necessarily difficult to sell multimillion-dollar homes, though it’s a challenge because of the smaller number of prospects, says Lori Hummel, an agent with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services.
“We’re not in L.A. or Singapore or New York City,” she says. “It’s a smaller market for our area, but there is a market here.”
Hummel and Lucas Piatt of Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty are co-listing the Three PNC Plaza penthouse owned by Hollywood producer and Steelers co-owner Thomas Tull. The price has dropped to $9.6 million from the initial $13.95 million when it hit the market in March. “We’re showcasing this home all over the world,” says Hummel, who’s pursuing at least two serious inquiries.
To see how some of the wealthiest western Pennsylvanians live, check out 10 of the priciest current listings.
10) Neighborhood: 400 Shady Ave., Shadyside
Asking price: $2.25 million
Style: Queen Anne
Description: The Carnahan House, built in 1858, is one of Pittsburgh’s most exquisitely restored National Historic Landmarks. This home has 15-foot ceilings and intricate architectural details, including stained and leaded glass windows, plantation shutters, hardwood floors and chandeliers. Its gourmet cook’s kitchen and upgraded baths are styled to fit the character of this home. With massive rooms, a three-car detached garage and mature greenery edging the lawn, this is “a true gem,” says listing agent Roz Neiman with Howard Hanna.
9) Neighborhood: 5020 Castleman St., Shadyside
Asking price: $2.4 million
Style: Victorian Foursquare
Description: This large Victorian home built in 1900 blends sophisticated living, modern amenities and Old World charm. Situated on a large, mature-treed Shadyside lot, it has a huge front porch, long private drive, three-car garage and spacious rear patio. Inside are details such as hardwood floors, high ceilings, a gourmet kitchen with breakfast room and butler’s pantry, a sunken game room and separate guest suite. The master suite has a generous sized walk-in closet and enormous spa-like bath.
8) Neighborhood: 710 Bending Oak Lane, Fox Chapel
Asking price: $2.99 million
Style: Modern
Description: Coldwell Banker agent Nevena Staresinic points out the “beauty of minimalism” with this 8,000-square-foot architectural estate on 7.5 secluded acres. Inside, floor-to-ceiling walls of sliding glass help to blur the line between outdoors and in. Skylights, a reflective pool and courtyards add drama to the living area. The gated grounds include a natural stone pool and guest house. The lower level has an entertaining/playroom area, bedroom suite, gym, wine cellar, safe room, cedar storage and laundry.
7) Neighborhood: 215 25th Street, Unit 5, Strip District
Asking price: $3.4 million
Style: Contemporary
Description: Northwood Realty agent Darla Jobkar calls this townhouse in 2500 Smallman “the ultimate city home.” It’s nearly 6,000 square feet of living space in a gated development with a fitness center, caterer’s kitchen and community room. The unit has a private balcony and courtyard that open to the main living area — perfect for someone who loves to entertain. In addition to a third-floor master suite with walk-in closets and private bath, the unit has two other bedrooms and two full and two half-baths. The finished lower level includes a theater room. There’s a two-car garage and parking for guests.
6) Neighborhood: 9 Trillium Lane, Fox Chapel
Asking price: $3.4 million
Style: Farmhouse
Description: Howard Hanna agent Barbara Pfendler cites the privacy and uniqueness of this home known as “Summer Seat,” which she says was Fox Chapel’s first home. The owners of this estate were careful to retain the property’s history when adding modern luxuries. The original cabin expanded with three additions and renovations, and updates continue today, Pfendler notes. The 7,100-square-foot home with four bedrooms, four baths and two half-baths sits on 3.66 acres with a two-car garage, barn, springhouse and playhouse.
5) Neighborhood: 127 Field Club Road, Fox Chapel
Asking price: $4.25 million
Style: Colonial
Description: This property located on a golf course has seven bedrooms, six full baths and three half-baths — its master suite with a library/loft, two bathrooms with walk-in closets and patio access “defies the ordinary,” says Stephanie Veenis, the Howard Hanna listing agent. The great room has a cathedral ceiling and opens to the kitchen, dining room and a lofted music room. There’s a study, a walk-in pantry and a finished lower level. The original house blends well with additions made over the years, and two staircases enable good flow. There’s a carriage house attached to the garage.
4) Neighborhood: 5228 Westminster Place, Shadyside
Asking price: $4.5 million
Style: Colonial
Description: This signature home of Pittsburgh developer Curtis Kossman has five bedrooms, five full baths and one half-bath. The quality of construction is unsurpassed, says listing agent Roz Neiman with Howard Hanna. She points to the marble, hardwood and honed stone floors and the oversized, light-filled rooms. A cook’s kitchen opens to a family room. There’s an office, workout room and media rooms. The indoor/outdoor pool has a hot tub. On one of Shadyside’s most desirable streets, this home built in 1920 has a beautiful yard, a four-car integral garage and lots of storage space.
