From a tiny home to a converted barn to upscale contemporaries to mini-estates, Pittsburgh has a range of distinctive homes for sale.
Many are expensive, costing close to $1 million (or more), but you don’t have to spend a fortune — and they’re all worth a look, even if you’re just daydreaming for that “someday” move.
“I think a lot of it has to do with the different eras that homes were built here,” says Julie Rost, a Berkshire Hathaway agent. “There’s a slew of Victorians, there’s a slew of Tudors from the 1920s, and a whole slew of mid-century moderns from the 1950s. Then as you head into the suburbs, the 1970s has one style, and the 1990s, and now the homes they’re building today. Within each of those categories, you’ll find some people in Pittsburgh who have over-personalized the property to the point where it’s downright quirky.”
Even with the fallout from the coronavirus economy, homes at higher prices are selling, Rost says. Low interest rates give people buying power, and even with many people working from home, employers are still bringing new hires to the region.
“Right now, there’s definitely relocation traffic, maybe people who intended to move here last year and couldn’t,” Rost says. “And in the luxury market, people who haven’t been able to travel or go out to dinner have excess funds at the moment. They haven’t been impeded by unemployment. And, I think a lot of people are realizing that it’s incredibly hard to find contractors to work on your house and get materials, so they’re willing to move.”
Like many agents in Pittsburgh’s tight real estate market, Rost advises buyers to be patient and take a long-term approach. “Be prepared to be in a bidding war,” she says. “They need to be able to bounce back from not having their offer accepted, and they need to be creative with the terms offered to the seller because likely the seller will have many choices and not all of it will be price-driven.”
Here are 10 homes on the market with unique characteristics:
Neighborhood: 223 N. Atlantic Ave., Garfield (pictured above)
Asking price: $195,000
Style: Tiny home
Description: Pittsburgh’s first tiny home was built in 2015 with green energy efficiency, a roof that can be converted to a green roof, and a flexible main living space with a Murphy bed and ample storage. The workable kitchen has a small refrigerator/freezer and a washer/dryer under the counter. The surprisingly large bathroom has a deep sink and tile around the tub. A cement block basement adds more storage area. The front porch and small yard allow residents to enjoy the outdoors.
Neighborhood: 2111 Sidney St., South Side Flats
Asking price: $539,900
Style: Three-story
Description: Built in 1892, this 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home has been renovated but has retained its beautiful woodwork, hardwood floors, stained glass window and three gas fireplaces. The enormous farmhouse kitchen has several work areas and a pantry. The master bedroom’s lavish bathroom includes a laundry room and walk-in closets. Get outdoors on the cozy front porch or covered side deck and large, fenced yard. Two parking spaces are tucked off the street.
Neighborhood: 942 Beech Ave., North Side
Asking price: $598,000
Style: Rowhouse
Description: Hardwood floors, crown molding, detailed plasterwork, a hand-painted dining room mural and a courtyard garden give extra character to this 5-bedroom, 3-bath Victorian in the tree-lined Allegheny West neighborhood. The second-floor bath has a soaking tub, shower and bidet; the third-floor bath is an en suite. For convenience, the laundry room is located on the second floor. One of the bedrooms could be converted into a home office, gym or playroom. There are two off-street parking spots.
Neighborhood: 4014 Liberty Ave., Bloomfield
Asking price: $769,900
Style: Three-story
Description: Exposed brick, solid oak and metal finishes accentuate the clean lines of this 3-bedroom home restored by Pittsburgh architects Cullen & Associates. Dark marble and black stainless appliances add drama to the kitchen. The laundry room has lots of storage. Each bedroom has a private en suite bath and the main level has a powder room. The master bedroom has a private balcony, and the 2-car garage has a deck on top with Downtown skyline views.
Neighborhood: 6842 McPherson Blvd., Point Breeze
Asking price: $799,000
Style: Victorian
Description: This remodeled Victorian blends quintessential Pittsburgh architecture with open-concept living and modern finishes, including a waterfall quartz countertop on the kitchen island. With 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and a spacious family room, it’s made for family gatherings. There are porches on the front and back, and two off-street parking spaces. Location is key: close to Frick and Mellon parks, Bakery Square, the zoo, universities and museums.
Neighborhood: 928 Blackburn Rd., Sewickley
Asking price: $1.2 million
Style: Barn home
Description: Set on 5.2 acres in Sewickley Heights, this red barn has been converted into a modern home with wide plank hardwood floors, barn doors, steel beams, coach lights, a home office and a fabulous kitchen with two farmhouse-style sinks, a breakfast island and pantry storage. The stables below offer room for horses or storage but could be remodeled into more living space. This home comes with a 3-bedroom, 3-bath guest house with an inviting front porch.
Neighborhood: 2334 Lesnett Rd., Upper St. Clair
Asking price: $1.4 million
Style: Ranch
Description: A grand entry highlights the luxury of this contemporary 6-bedroom, 4.5-bath home on more than four wooded acres, with a 4-car garage. Exposed beams, hardwood floors and lots of light accent the open living space. The kitchen, with two islands, is open to the family room with a stone fireplace. The master has a large bath and walk-in closets. The lower level has its own kitchen, den, bedroom, bath and courtyard. Check out the wine cellar.
Neighborhood: 427 Bailey Ave., Mt. Washington
Asking price: $1.9 million
Style: 3-story Victorian
Description: The architectural details of this spectacular 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home near Grandview Park will wow you, starting with walls of windows in the back to take in views from Neville Island to Squirrel Hill. Renovated with an open floor plan, the house retains its original woodwork and mouldings, high ceilings and stained-glass windows. The chef’s kitchen has two islands. The three-tiered deck has glass railings and access from the master suite.
Neighborhood: 161 First Ave., Downtown
Asking price: $2.6 million
Style: Townhome
Description: Hefty beams, hardwood flooring, exposed ductwork, a winding staircase and brick and stone add industrial finishes to this urban retreat with city views. Along the Monongahela River in the heart of Downtown, this 3,100-square-foot, multi-level townhome has a private elevator, custom kitchen, gas fireplace, media alcove, and family room with built-in wet bar and doors to the rooftop deck. A two-car garage, finished basement and laundry room are bonuses.
Neighborhood: 5501 Elgin St., Highland Park
Asking price: $3.3 million
Style: Second Empire
Description: The historic Alexander King estate, Baywood, is set on 1.8 acres surrounded by parkland. One of Pittsburgh’s most distinctive properties, this home is an impeccable piece of art. It has 8 bedrooms and 4.5 baths. Although the rooms have retained their original elegance, the home has some modern amenities and a cozy, well-appointed kitchen with a butler’s pantry. Unique features include detailed ceilings, stained-glass windows and a large sunroom.
Looking for more real estate? Read What $350,000 will buy you in Pittsburgh.
