PHOTOS BY MICAH BURNS, FLYOVER PROPERTIES

When realtor Hannah Krause bought a treehouse-like home in O’Hara, steps away from Aspinwall, in 2016, she intended to use it as a rental property. The house had good bones and just needed a few cosmetic updates; the location, though, could not be beat. 

Perched above the Allegheny River, the house has unrivaled sunsets, Krause says. A large deck and terrace surround the 1922 bungalow, which is nestled into mature trees, giving residents the sense they are living among the foliage. 

Krause says she decided to sell the home because, as a realtor, she’s seen a shortage of homes on the market right now. Listed for $308,900, the home would make a great primary residence or rental for the next buyer, too. 

“I’ve had it as a rental property for seven years, and it’s done really well,” Krause says. “The last tenants were a lovely couple who bought a home of their own, so we decided to list it since there is so little inventory on the market.” 

Measuring at just under 2,000 square feet, the home has undergone two additions since it was first built. Previous owners enclosed a porch and added a large garage into the hillside that is connected to the home via tunnel. They also added the large deck over the garage that overlooks the river valley and is shaded by a 100-year-old oak tree. 

During the pandemic, Krause says a young couple living in the home discovered a set of steps leading to a hand-laid Belgian block patio near the home that was covered by vegetation. The couple cleared the overgrowth and added a fire pit. 

“On summer evenings, it’s magical to sit under the tree canopy and enjoy the sunset views over the roof of the house,” says Krause. “You can watch the fireflies and see the twinkling lights of the city in your own private lookout.” 

When Krause bought the two-story, three-bedroom, two-bathroom home, she focused on updates that would brighten the space — and bring it out of the 1970s. 

“In the kitchen, the cabinets were solid wood, custom built, and in good shape, but had a dark stain that made the room feel dreary,” she adds. 

She painted the cabinets white, added new hardware and granite countertops, and finished it off with a bright subway tile backsplash. With new lighting and appliances, “It makes the kitchen feel more inviting,” she says.  

The most dramatic change, in Krause’s opinion, was to the fireplace. Dark brick and an unusual hammered metal hood made the living room feel cavelike. Whitewashing brightened the brick, while a new mantle made from salvaged wood brought the fireplace from eyesore to focal point. 

“The stone hearth received a few coats of linseed oil to give it a darker, more even color,” Krause says. “I love the final result. It’s cleaner and more modern and makes the first floor living space feel so much brighter.” 

From coffee shops and retail spots to the Allegheny RiverTrail Park, the home is walkable to all Aspinwall has to offer. There are several other parks and playgrounds nearby, as well as Aspinwall’s business district. A footpath at the end of Highland Terrace takes residents to St. Margaret’s Hospital, Vibrant Sunshine Cafe and Juice Bar and the Waterworks Mall. 

“My personal favorite spot is to relax in the hanging chairs at the Three Rivers Water Trail boat launch and gaze out over the flowing water of the Allegheny River,” says Krause. “It’s a mini vacation even if I only have an hour of free time to hang out.”

About: Aspinwall
Population: 2,901
Planes, Trains & Automobiles: Located along Route 28, residents of Aspinwall can easily access other major highways to get to Downtown, the airport and the suburbs. There are public bus routes that run to Downtown, the East End and McKnight Road as well. It’s also a dream for bikers, who can pick up the Three Rivers Heritage Trail in Pittsburgh and connect to longer trails such as the Great Allegheny Passage.
Schools: Fox Chapel Area School District (fcasd.edu)
Neighborhood: Aspinwall is a Main Street community with a vibrant and growing business district. There are multiple spots to grab a bite to eat or cup of coffee and businesses to wander through, such as the kid-friendly Spark Books. Allegheny RiverTrail Park has a unique sculptural playground, a food vendor, and kayak and SUP rentals through 3 Rivers Outdoor Co. Aspinwall was ranked the sixth best suburb in Pennsylvania out of over 700 options by Niche. In addition to local retailers and restaurants, the Waterworks Mall has chain stores such as Giant Eagle, Marshall’s and a movie theater.