ONCE UPON A TIME, in a land called Western Pennsylvania, there lived a plethora of storybook-style houses that every prince and princess wanted to call home. Filled with darling details and a comforting feel, we promise you’ll be spellbound by these homes, a place to take part in your own happily ever after — no fairy godmother needed!
by Rachel Jones
Listed at $679,000, Hampton | Photograph from Frank Gutowski
Royal Treatment
Best feature: the striking chandelier, imported from Europe. | Photograph from Frank Gutowski
Don’t let the pointed tower and intricate wood door fool you. This English manor-style home in Hampton is not actually a castle. But the spacious foyer leading into the vast first floor is filled with royal details. Hanging above the entryway is a black, faux-candle chandelier that welcomes all who enter. An antique staircase encircles the chandelier and pulls together the regal theme in the entire three bedroom, two full, and two half-bath house. The massive wood beams in the family room, along with the wood floors and all-wood cabinets in the kitchen, add comfort and warmth. Mimicking the stone walkway leading to the front door is a covered flagstone side porch that looks onto a small garden and spacious backyard. It’s the perfect place to drink tea or answer love letters from Prince Harry (in our dreams!). For more information, contact Linda DiBucci with Coldwell Banker Real Estate, 412.487.0500. pittsburghmoves.com.
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Listed at $169,900, North Hills. | Photograph from Gloria Carroll
Small Wonder
For the smaller family looking for a starter home, this North Hills Estates house will fit better than Cinderella’s glass slipper. The stone motif around the garage and surrounding the covered front porch gives the entire place a cottage feel, as does the log-burning fireplace in the family room. Crown molding and hardwood floors can be found in almost every room throughout the two bedroom, one full bathroom house. Outside, a gated archway connects the front and back yards through a brick and metal fence that surrounds the house. In the backyard sits the quaint oasis, complete with a stone wall and a brick patio that’s perfect for entertaining. For more information, contact Gloria Carroll and Patty Pelligrini with Prudential Preferred Real Estate, 412.367.8000. prudentialpreferred.com.
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Listed at $649,500, Mt. Lebanon. | Photograph from Susan O’Toole of First Impressions Photography
Hidden Treasure
This Tudor Revival home in the Virginia Manor neighborhood of Mt. Lebanon was custom-built for renowned architect Thomas B. Garman. The rustic stone appearance of the exterior is also present throughout the interior’s wood beams and leaded glass windows. The living room holds a limestone fireplace, a built-in bookcase, and two hidden compartments. The pegged oak floors and vaulted alcove ceilings in the four bedroom, three-and-a-half bath house adds to the cozy charm. Modern touches include a Jacuzzi tub in the master bathroom and surround sound speakers in a built-in storage chest in the family room. But the little features, such as a “peephole panel” in the front door and a “smiling, elfish gargoyle” out front, make this house a real treasure in the world of house hunting. For more information, contact Cindy Sunseri with Howard Hanna Real Estate, 412.561.7400. howardhanna.com.
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Listed at $495,000, Volant. | Photograph from Lois Foust
Cozy Cottage
We swear Hansel and Gretel don’t live here! This adorable abode is situated in Volant and filled with character and country charm. Thirteen different kinds of hardwoods bring comfort and warmth, while slate floors in several other rooms add to the Old World atmosphere. Explore the hidden nooks and crannies throughout and discover corner bookcases, architectural antiques, and unique sinks in each of the four bathrooms. Outside of the three-bedroom home sits a three-stall stable for horses and two chicken houses. Keep an eye on the farm animals from the covered, gazebo-style front porch or lead them around the spacious yard complete with a fountain. For more information, contact Lois Foust at Northwood Realty Service, 724.458.8800. northwood.com.
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This article is featured in the December 2012 issue of WHIRL Magazine.
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