PHOTOS BY ZACH ALDEN BROWN AT EXPOSUREIT

When on the hunt for a house in 2018, Beth DiNapoli had a wish list that included a large lot and a historic home — and she wasn’t willing to compromise on it. 

So when she came across 286 Hilltop Drive, a craftsman-style bungalow situated on a half acre in Indiana Township, she was intrigued. 

“This charming, 1920s-residence effortlessly checked all those boxes,” she says. “My admiration grew when I discovered the greenhouse, expansive garage, treehouse, pond and the abundant character and light filling every corner of the house.” 

For the last six years, DiNapoli has enjoyed the home — both inside and out — with her pup, Kib, while adding design details that made an already-great home shine. 

“Given my frequent travel for work, one of my favorite pastimes is taking the time to explore local antique stores,” she says. “I have acquired numerous little treasures from all over Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.” 

DiNapoli says she worked closely with Mary Keebler of Garden Style Living in Mount Lebanon on the 2,000-square-foot home’s eclectic decor; she also sourced pieces from retailers such as Shoppe Amber Interiors, EyeSwoon and Burke Décor.

The four-bedroom home is now listed for $425,000 with Realtor Emily Fraser of Piatt Sotheby International Realty and her team; Fraser says they’ve been excited for this one to hit the market. 

“The home is undeniably special, considering its show-stopping interior design and decoration” she says. “It is one of the most meticulous and tasteful homes I have represented.” 

Some of her favorite features include a rare, four-car garage and the stylishly appointed treehouse, as well as the home’s desirable location within the Fox Chapel Area School District. 

Picking just one top feature, though, would be a difficult choice though. 

“It’s a razor-thin tie between the backyard treehouse and the hanging bench swing in the living room,” Fraser says. 

As for DiNapoli, her favorite renovation is unquestionably the kitchen. The hardwood floors have been refinished, as were the cabinets. A historical hutch was flawlessly incorporated into new cabinetry, while quartz countertops updated the space. 

Tailored details such as Cle tile, a Hallman oven, deVOL aged brass hanging rails and Visual Comfort signature lighting make the updated room functional for modern cooks, but still retaining loads of historical charm. 

DiNapoli says that while she is pleased with how the kitchen turned out, it’s not where she chooses to spend most of her free time. 

“Despite its beauty and functionality, I find little joy in cooking, resulting in minimal time spent in this room,” she admits. 

For her and Kib, the outdoor space is what they will miss most. 

“I spent countless hours outside with my dog, planting flowers, reading by the pond and playing fetch in the yard,” she says. “The tranquility of these moments was truly unparalleled.” 

The home’s shared living spaces capitalize on the peaceful locale, with light flowing into the bright and airy rooms. In addition to the eat-in kitchen, the first floor includes a dining room, living room, den, office and mudroom, as well as a powder room. The second floor houses all four bedrooms and a full bathroom. 

DiNapoli says she will miss waking up in the sunny primary bedroom of the home she’s spent years pouring her heart into. Renovation is something a family tradition, she says, with her mother also having an eye for design. 

“My initiation into home renovation began with observing my grandpa redo our first family home,” she says. 

She adds she also always has had a soft spot for aesthetically pleasing surroundings, which bring her joy and peace. Her biggest hope is that the home does that for the next owner, too.

“My vision for this home was to create a blend of old and new, with a bright and airy aesthetic, and to fill it with items that bring a smile to my face,” she says.  

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: Indiana Township
Population: 7,275
Planes, Trains, & Automobiles: With convenient access to the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Indiana Township residents can easily access Downtown via Route 28. There is very little public transportation in this area of Allegheny County, so most residents own a car. The Pittsburgh International Airport is a one-hour commute.
Schools: Fox Chapel Area School District (fcasd.edu)
Neighborhood: Containing the communities of Rural Ridge, Dorseyville, and Indianola within its borders, Indiana Township is a suburb with a rural feel. The Summer Concert Series at Hartwood Acres Park, which spreads across Indiana and Hampton townships, is a popular local hangout in the warmer weather.  

Neighborhood data provided by Niche.com