This White Brick House in Penn Hills Was a ‘Monet’ When the Owner Bought It
The century-old, five-bedroom home was lovely from afar, but a mess close up — until Carole Gigliotti worked her magic.
PHOTOS BY MICHAEL LEONARDI AT CANDIDLY YOURS
Carole Gigliotti had just been through a divorce and was looking for a fresh start in 2020, when a charming, five-bedroom, three-bathroom brick home situated on a half acre in Penn Hills called to her.
“I really wanted a place to make my own. I was born and raised a Pittsburgh girl, in Aspinwall,” she says. “So naturally, I fell in love with the character and space this house allowed. When I bought this house it was a Monet; good from far, far from good.”
Built in 1918, the house at 9116 Frankstown Road, definitely needed work. Gigliotti says the sewerage line had collapsed, inconsistent flooring throughout the home made it feel choppy and disjointed, and the roof was failing.
After adding a new roof and repairing the sewerage line, Gigliotti began to work on the aesthetics. She updated the flooring and fixtures as well as several of the fireplaces. She also invested time and money into creating a more welcoming yard.
“When I moved in, I knew that I needed outdoor space; I love sunshine and summer nights so much,” she says. “I immediately added an upper and lower deck to maximize outdoor living space and allow for movie nights projected onto the side of the house.
In the summer, I love nothing more than sitting outside with a Prosecco and taking in the stars on the upper deck.”
Her spacious, 2,860-square-foot home is now listed for $385,000. With not one, but two primary suites with bathrooms on the first floor, the century-old home would be well suited to a family caring for aging parents, families with adult children at home, or anyone looking for that elusive combination of old-house charm and plentiful bathrooms.
A usable basement and third-floor attic also add flexible options as a work-from-home space, recreation or workshop areas and storage.
With its brick construction and a new roof, the home’s exterior is low-maintenance, and the curb appeal can’t be beat; a cozy front porch welcomes visitors inside, where understated, but high-end, finishes allow the historical details to shine.
Lined with windows, the updated kitchen has white cabinetry and granite countertops that make the space feel bright and welcoming. The abundance of windows continue throughout the home, making the most of Pittsburgh’s sunny days.
Realtor Hedy Krenn of Sotheby’s International Real Estate says she herself has fallen in love with the home. She adds the home’s hardwood floors, high ceilings and beams, built-ins and large, spacious lot make it one of her most unique listings to date.
“This home is where old meets new,” she says.
Krenn calls the outdoor space “tremendous,” noting the ample parking space is a huge plus for those who love to entertain guests at home. While the house was once a duplex, it is now a single-family residence.
“It’s a home with a lot of warmth and character,” she says “It’s both artistic and functional, so fits into anyone’s personality and style.”
Though it’s not her hometown, Gigliotti says the Penn Hills community won her over completely.
“Penn Hills is up and coming. Although I grew up in the northern suburbs, I am an East Ender at heart,” she says. “I love that I’m close to Frick Park and Regent Square as well as Shadyside. If I want to stay in the ‘burbs I love Verona; Mechanic Coffee, The Lot at Edgewater and breweries for days.”
While she’s ready to move on, Gigliotti says she will miss this home — and the outdoor space the most of all.
“My favorite history of the house are the memories I have made. On summer Sundays, my family came over to soak up the sun with a pasta dish and a pastry,” she says. “Those days will stay in my heart forever.”
About: Penn Hills
Population: 41,132
Planes, Trains & Automobiles: Penn Hills is located east of Pittsburgh, with easy access to the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Parkway East. The airport is a 30-minute commute, and Pittsburgh Regional Transit buses run to Pittsburgh. This home is in a somewhat walkable area of Penn Hills, but residents will need a car to get around.
Schools: Penn Hills School District (phsd.org)
Neighborhood: Full of restaurants, retail shops and parks, the sprawling suburban community is Allegheny County’s second-largest municipality; It includes a number of distinct neighborhoods, among them Rosedale, Churchill Valley and Crescent Hills. The area is notable for its proximity to the city as well as its affordable housing and large yards. Penn Hills has many community festivals and events that bring locals together.
