PHOTOS BY PETER THEIS PHOTOGRAPHY

When Scott Izzo and Terri Wolfe decided to leave the Mexican War Streets on Pittsburgh’s North Side in 2013, they were in search of a quieter neighborhood with a bit more outdoor space. 

But, as old house lovers, the couple did not want to compromise on charm and character with their next property. 

When they saw 24 Banbury Lane in Ben Avon Heights, they knew it was perfect for their next chapter. 

“We were specifically looking for houses in Ben Avon and Ben Avon Heights,” the couple wrote via email from their new home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. “The house is a typical Craftsman-style home coming out of the early 1900s, with a large wrap-around porch and beautiful woodwork and hardwood floors on the interior.”

Built in 1911, the 2,200-square-foot home has three bedrooms and three bathrooms. Although it was in good shape when they bought it, the couple says the property has required some maintenance. 

In their decade of ownership, they added a covered back porch, upgraded the kitchen and replaced the roof. Some of the infrastructure also was improved to address Allegheny County stormwater codes and drainage, according to the couple. Mostly though, they’ve worked to preserve its charm. 

When the time came to sell their home, the couple enlisted Realtor Carroll Ferguson of Howard Hannah, who was not unfamiliar with the property; this is the third time she has been involved in the sale of 24 Banbury Lane. 

“I watched it evolve into the home that it has become,” she says.  “Each of the three owners that I know contributed from different perspectives.” 

Now listed for $650,000, the home has a layout created through an addition to a smaller, neglected house, according to Ferguson. Further landscaping renovations, as well as kitchen and bath updates, created the move-in ready home buyers will walk into today. 

“A new high-end roof and skylights were added just months ago,” adds Ferguson. 

The home’s large, bright windows help to make it feel even more expansive. Exposed brick and historic details are juxtaposed against modern updates — there’s even a sauna next to the Pittsburgh Potty in the basement. From co-working to multigenerational households, the home also is not short on flexible space. 

“It’s a well-loved, well-cared-for, nicely updated architectural delight,” Ferguson says. “The bonus spaces in the detached garage and the finished third floor offer many opportunities for today’s lifestyles. The large lot with circular driveway also provides ample outdoor space under the shade of mature trees.” 

The neighborhood sought out by Izzo and Wolfe also met every one of their expectations. 

“Ben Avon Heights is a very quiet neighborhood that is a great place to walk dogs, raise children and with easy access to nearby shopping,” they wrote. 

The couple say they enjoyed being minutes from Interstate 279 and Downtown, giving them the perfect melding of city amenities and sleepy suburban life. 

“It’s been our experience with each home we have owned that both minor and significant improvements have been made by the previous owners and by us,” they write. “It is enjoyable to see the positive changes on a historic structure, especially when they maintain and build upon the original character.”

Meg St-Esprit is a Bellevue-based freelance journalist who covers real estate, lifestyle, education, parenting and travel for a variety of local outlets including Pittsburgh Magazine, PublicSource, Kidsburgh, Pittsburgh City Paper, and City Cast Pittsburgh. Meg offers Hot Property, an inside look into unique and historic homes on the market. Each week, Hot Property goes behind the For Sale sign to share the story of a special Pittsburgh-area home.

About: Ben Avon Heights
Population: 335
Planes, Trains & Automobiles: The city’s north boroughs have long been popular with commuters for their prime location. Ben Avon Heights, wedged in the triangle made by Ohio River Boulevard, the Parkway North and Interstate 79, is situated perfectly for quick access to all of the city’s major arteries. There are no buses that stop in Ben Avon Heights, but the commuter 19L route takes residents to and from Downtown from neighboring Ben Avon during the morning and evening commutes.
Schools: Avonworth School District (avonworth.k12.pa.us)
Neighborhood: Ben Avon Heights is a historical community with access to parks and several local businesses, and there are multiple grocery stores within a 5-minute drive. Various parades and festivals are hosted by neighboring Ben Avon, and the two neighborhoods share a close affinity for each other. These events are beloved by residents year-round, which adds to the close-knit community feel. 

Neighborhood data provided by Niche.