House on the Block



A circular driveway sweeps around a lush lawn that rolls more than five acres and a six-bedroom home that is completely comprised of custom-detailed brick. Travel back in time gazing upon the arched windows and the intricate turrets that detail the three chimneys, architectural elements infused with Renaissance-era touches. Those, in particular, provide a very dramatic appearance to the exterior of this Sewickley Heights home, says Prudential Preferred Realty agent Betsy Wotherspoon, who works as a real estate team with agent Kathy Hall.

European style: The family room leads to a front-yard patio.

An aggregate brick and concrete patio nestles on the side of the front yard, accessible through both the living room and the kitchen. In the wooded backyard, a cedar play gym with canvas awnings, swings, a slide, and sandbox, will remain for the home’s new owners and their children, promising many future afternoons filled with fun playtime.

Time for breakfast! The built-in nook is well-suited for cozy weekend mornings with lots of coffee.

Its outward appearance is inspired by centuries-old architecture, but the modern world is readily represented throughout the home’s interior. Upon entry, guests will be wowed by the vast, formal entryway and the sweeping grand hall. Together, they are accented by pristine marble flooring, a lofty staircase, and majestic columns. In one direction, French glass doors open to the kitchen, while in the other, these privacy-lending doors close to the home’s library. Its aura is scholarly and regal, with judge’s paneling, custom shelving, and a log-burning fireplace with a marble hearth.

Where to relax or get to work: The upper level’s study/bedroom has an atmosphere conducive to work and rest.

The dining room’s six-panel curved casement setting and half-circle shaped entry supplement the other beautifully bowed design elements in the house, such as the kitchen’s rounded dining alcove with a built-in dinette and rotunda-like wall of windows. Clearly, “there is an abundance of windows and light in the home,” Wotherspoon says.

Set the table! The formal dining room is styled with circular architectural details and intricate columns.

The kitchen is also comprised of outside-the-box construction touches. A vaulted ceiling soars above the sink. The Sub-Zero refrigerator, with its light wood-paneled doors, blends seamlessly into the cabinets. Its built-in toaster, double ovens, gas cook top, walk-in pantry, and L-shaped granite-topped center island are certain to please the family inclined toward home cooking. A food elevator that connects to the lower level family room is a notable amenity for any host that loves to entertain.

Lovely landing: A split staircase sets this home apart.

In the laundry room, also located on the first level, sufficient space provides room for a second refrigerator, and counter space lends itself to laundry folding.

Unwind in the master suite, located on a separate level, decked out with its own hot tub room, sitting area, and two full bathrooms, before meeting with the rest of the family in the second-level family room that offers space to house a billiards table.

Keep active in the exercise room, located in the home’s basement. Pass rainy afternoons in the craft room with the kids, stock like a sommelier in the temperature-controlled wine cellar, or relax in front of the fireplace in the additional family room, all situated in the walk-out lower level.

Isn’t it grand! Wotherspoon and Hall fittingly dub this area of the home “the grand hall.”

Wotherspoon and Hall don’t hesitate when asked about their favorite aspect of the home. “The living room is spectacular,” Wotherspoon asserts. “It is just awesome.”

“Awe-inducing” is a most accurate description. The attractiveness of the sunken space, set off from the rest of the first floor, is augmented by an interlocking wood-beam ceiling, a stunning fireplace, and natural light that pours in through four atrium doors with arched windows above, which lead to the aforementioned courtyard.

Sunny Room! Let the light shine in to the family room through multiple French doors and arched transom window treatments.

“There is room for a baby grand piano or a separate seating area, and it’s very European or Southern to have the living room open directly to the courtyard. It has a very inviting atmosphere and a great entertaining flow — this is not your typical floor plan.”

502 Hillside Drive is listed at $1.29 million. For more information, contact Betsy Wotherspoon and Kathy Hall at Prudential Preferred Realty, 412.367.8000, or visit hallwotherspoon.com.

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