There’s something special about Pittsburgh houses. And it’s not just the quirky qualities like the Pittsburgh Potty.
Most homes sold in Pittsburgh are more than 68 years old, which means they’ve been through multiple owners with different tastes, priorities, and renovation styles.
Over time, Pittsburgh homes evolve into museums of eclectic design decisions and personal preferences.
Occasionally, that mash-up of ideas leads to wild and wonderful homes that become unique treasures in the housing market.
And while these homes are wonderful to explore, they also offer some important insights when it comes to buying a home—as we explain in today’s blog post.
Table of Contents
6 Beautiful & Unique Pittsburgh Homes
Lessons On Buying A Home
Find Even More Support In Your Homebuying Journey
6 Beautiful & Unique Pittsburgh Homes
We’ve been especially fortunate to have encountered some of the most gorgeous (and unusual) homes of Pittsburgh throughout our real estate career.
Here are some of the most noteworthy:
1. An Architect’s Dream In Oakdale
Occasionally, we work with a listing that is so beautiful, it’s nearly a work of art.
That’s the case with this Oakdale home. It was originally built in the 1840s, but it received a loving restoration in the 1970s by a Pittsburgh architect (who happens to be the father of one of our dear friends and partners—Al Caruso of Oxford Settlement Services).
Every inch of this home is stunning.
From the baskets hanging in the dining room to the massive windows to the natural wood support beams, this house carefully preserves its history while elevating its own artistic charm.
You simply don’t find many homes like this one!
2. The Spaceship/Beach Home
From the outside, this Plum-based rancher looks like a totally normal suburban home. But one look inside, and it’s immediately apparent why this unique house has been highlighted in Pittsburgh Magazine.
Some of the home’s most unusual features:
A front entry that immediately opens onto a landing overlooking the downstairs (which is adorned with a space-themed mural)
A tudor-styled living room complete with a small, elevated library that’s only accessible by ladder
A spaceship-themed dining room and kitchen
Years ago, the home even had a beach-themed section, but that was removed by former owners.
This house is a great reminder about why touring homes is so important: You never know what’s inside!
3. Midcentury Renovation In Natrona Heights
This home has changed ownership a few times since it was built in 1953 by famous architect Tasso Katselas, but it’s now in the loving hands of Leah and Elijah, who’ve dedicated an entire Instagram account to documenting their careful and caring renovations.
Today, the home stands out with its vibrant natural wood, tall windows that greet each morning with bursts of sunshine, sleek furniture, and close proximity to the surrounding treeline.
4. A Century Home With Its History Preserved
100-year-old homes aren’t exactly unheard of in Pittsburgh, but it is unusual to see a home like this one in Observatory Hill—which recently earned coverage in NEXT Pittsburgh.
This home on Richey Avenue was first built in 1907 by the Armstrong family, and the current tenants have continued to honor the home’s past by researching its history and filling the structure with antiques, plants, and personal treasures.
You could call it eclectic. You might even call it bohemian. But one thing’s for certain: This home is gorgeous.
It’s such a standout, it even earned a spot on the famous Observatory Hill House Tour!
5. A North Point Breeze Home With A Snooker Table
Talk about a house with a story!
The first thing you notice about this 3,400-square-foot piece of art is its ornate woodwork on the first floor stairwell. The second thing you probably notice is the warm, inviting stained glass windows peppered throughout the home.
But what’s most impressive about this home is what you can’t see. Some interesting notes:
The home was originally built in 1900.
It was once split into a three-family home, but it’s since been converted back into a single-family dwelling.
There was a massive snooker table on the third floor that turned into a nightmare project for the previous owners. They didn’t have to resort to a crane or dismantling the stairs to get it out, but it did turn into another one of those captivating homeowner stories during the last move.
6. The Shipping Container Home - Innovation In Bloomfield
Today’s architecture is all about sustainability and eco-friendly practices, and this Pearl Street abode takes those priorities to another level.
Their big innovation: The home is built out of shipping containers.
And if that sounds like an eyesore, don’t judge too quickly. As the renderings in Trib Live show, the interior is sleek, modern, and comfortable—despite the industrial exterior.
Together, these six shipping containers combine for 1,920 square feet, which encompasses four bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms.
Lessons On Buying A Home
You can learn plenty from a house about the purchasing process—provided you really listen. Here are some of the most important lessons from the homes we listed above (and from our experience as real estate agents):
1. Consider the Balance of Taking Care of the House Vs. the House Taking Care of You
You move into a home because you envision a wonderful life inside it.
But don’t forget that every home will come with its unexpected bad days.
At some point, a pipe will burst, a roof will leak, or the floors you originally loved will cry out for replacement.
As a homeowner, you have to ask yourself an important question: How much love, attention, and maintenance am I willing to put into this home?
The North Point Breeze home we mentioned above, for example, features beautiful handcrafted wood accents in the first floor stairwell. That would be lovely to see every morning as you’re enjoying your first cup of coffee—but it would also mean regularly dusting and polishing the finish to ensure it retains its natural beauty.
And that’s just one part of the home that needs constant attention.
It’s the same scenario with any other house you buy—and it’s not just about regular, routine cleaning. The inspection report will come back with problems and recommendations, and you’ll have to make a tough decision on which suggestions are actually urgent.
For really old houses, there’s another layer as well. Old Pittsburgh houses (there are plenty of them on the market) often lack some of the basic comforts we see in recently built homes. For example, it’s not surprising to see a century home that:
Has outdated electric and potentially dangerous knob-and-tube.
Lacks air conditioning
Relies on shoddy or inconsistent craftsmanship from decades of relying on different handymen.
2. Walk the Neighborhood
Sure, the home itself is essential. You should live somewhere you feel happy and comfortable, and where you can envision a wonderful future for yourself and your loved ones.
But that’s only part of the equation.
The neighborhood has a direct influence over how you enjoy your home.
Excessive street noise, grumpy neighbors, dirty sidewalks, lack of access to public transportation, food deserts—all of these can transform a great home into a lackluster place to live.
That’s why it’s so important to walk, and even drive, a neighborhood before committing to a home.
Finally, consider your priorities when buying a home—and remember that some “priorities” are likely to shift through your buying journey.
Tip: Read our Pittsburgh neighborhood reports for detailed information on specific neighborhoods inside our wonderful city.
3. Play Pretend
Here’s one way to relive your childhood: play “pretend” inside the home you’re looking to buy.
Literally.
Act out a typical day in your life and see how the house accommodates your routine. For example:
Walk from the bedroom to the bathroom. Would it be a difficult trip when it’s still dark outside? Does the hallway floor creak—potentially waking the kids sleeping in nearby rooms? How’s the water pressure in the shower?
Stand in the kitchen and pretend to make breakfast. Is there enough storage for pots and pans? How does it feel standing in front of the stove? Is there a vent that pumps hot air outside? How much room do you have on the countertops?
Get dressed. Reach into the bedroom closets. Is there enough space to hang your favorite shirts and pants? Is there a rack for your shoes? Where will you put your accessories?
Going through your day allows you to experience how a house accommodates your lifestyle.
Find Even More Support In Your Homebuying Journey
You don’t have to buy alone.
We’re here to help you buy a home you absolutely love.
Contact us to get started.
We can’t wait to hear from you!
Cheers,
J&T