PHOTOS BY FLY OVER PROPERTIES

When Aarti Dev and Kaishav Bansal bought their Swisshelm Park house in 2015, it was in great shape — but it was missing those details that made it feel like a home. 

The couple spent nearly a decade giving their house the upgrades it needed to really make it feel like their own — new lighting, updates to the outdoor space, and high-end kitchen and bathroom renovations mean the next owner won’t have much to do other than unpack. 

Built in 1920, 1145 Uptegraf St. recently dropped in price to $299,900 after being on the market for several months, making it one of the more affordable homes in the area.  

It originally was built as a much smaller dwelling; over the years, a two-story addition added more bedrooms and expanded the space on the second floor. At just under 1,200 square feet, it’s still on the cozy size, but Realtor Sara Leitera of Berkshire Hathaway says the open-concept first floor is flooded with light and feels roomy — not cramped. 

“My favorite feature is the deck overlooking the private, fenced-in yard,” says Leitera. “[It’s the] perfect spot for an outdoor meal or Zoom call.” 

Bansal says creating that outdoor space was a top priority for her and Dev. In addition to the fence, the couple also added a long driveway that can accommodate up to four cars and an outdoor storage shed.

“A raised deck with lush greenery provided us with great year-round outdoor space and was large enough for our Labradoodle to run around,” Bansal adds. 

The family enjoyed grilling at the home, often using veggies they grew in their own backyard. When dining indoors, the kitchen is made for someone who likes to cook. It’s well-laid out, brightly lit and spacious. 

Stainless steel appliances, a wine fridge and granite countertops in shades of white and gray are waiting for the next owner to add their own pops of color and personalization. A stainless-and-glass hood floats above the gas range and breakfast bar, which is a perfect spot for a cup of coffee or even remote work. 

With a bedroom and full bathroom on the first floor, as well as two bedrooms and another renovated bathroom upstairs, the home has plenty of usable, flexible space for a family or an individual owner. Everything is freshly painted in neutral colors that complement the gleaming hardwood floors on the first floor and fresh carpeting in the bedrooms. While unfinished, the basement is bright and functional for both storage and laundry. 

One of the best features of the house, though, is its location. 

A small community in Pittsburgh’s East End, Swisshelm Park comprises both Squirrel Hill and Swissvale ZIP codes, with children in the community going to two different school districts; this home is zoned for Pittsburgh Public Schools. 

“It is very flat and walkable,” says Leitera. “There is a parklet within two blocks that has a basketball court, water feature and playground. It’s a well-kept secret amongst parents in the area for a low-key play spot.” 

Swisshelm Park also has its own business district that includes a coffee shop and a restaurant. Both the Squirrel Hill and Regent Square business districts are just a short drive away, and Edgewood Towne Centre and the Waterfront are close by for larger shopping excursions. 

In addition to the parklet, there also is an entrance to Frick Park near Uptegraf Street. While their growing family necessitated a move to a home with more space, Bansal and Dev say they’ll miss the Swisshelm Park community itself. 

“The most unique thing we discovered while living here was how welcoming and amazing the neighborhood and community are,” Bansal says.

About: Swisshelm Park
Population: 1, 964
Planes, Trains, & Automobiles: Located 10 minutes from Downtown and moments from the Parkway East, this community is perfectly positioned for commuters. If you’re not driving, there are plentiful Pittsburgh Regional Transit buses that run through the area. The Pittsburgh International Airport is a 30-minute commute via car or one hour by bus with a transfer Downtown to the Airport Flyer route.
Schools: Pittsburgh Public Schools (pghschools.org)
Neighborhood: Tucked along the Monongahela River, Swisshelm Park is a small community that shares two ZIP codes, with some residents attending Pittsburgh Public Schools and others attending Woodland Hills. The neighborhood is quiet, walkable and consists mostly of single-family homes. A small collection of local businesses anchor the community, allowing residents to walk to a spot for a cup of coffee, a sandwich or a cocktail. 

Neighborhood data provided by Niche.com