PHOTOS BY AMY GARBARK

While container homes and prefabricated housing units are often touted as an innovative trend, the concept of a kit home is nothing new. 

During the first half of the 20th century, Sears, Roebuck & Co. sold 75,000 home kits by mail. Ranging from quaint Cape Cods to grand Colonials, aspiring homeowners could flip through hundreds of models before ordering all the pieces to be delivered by railroad. Once the kit showed up, the house was assembled like one giant LEGO set. 

While many of the original kit homes have been demolished or renovated beyond recognition, this home in the Gibsonia section of Richland looks like it just stepped out of that Sears catalog. For Shane van Hayden and Annie Hayden, that history is part of why they fell in love with 5721 Meridian Road. 

“When we were looking for a house to live in, most of the houses available had been updated to look modern,” Shane says. “We also wanted a house that looked unique and picturesque, something we would feel good about when we pulled into the driveway after a long day of work.” 

Built in 1915, the home is now listed for $325,000 with Realtors Stephen Cummings and Justin Cummings of RE/MAX Select Realty. With three bedrooms and two bathrooms spread over 1,600 square feet, the home manages to feel cozy while still being open and spacious. 

“Personally, I really appreciate the usable space that the lower level of the home has to offer,” says Stephen. “There are several rooms on the lower level that allow for massive storage, maker space or home gym.” 

For Annie, the home’s easy flow was part of the draw. 

“Our child took his first steps in the living room,” she says. “There is so much room for him to run around inside and out.” 

She also enjoys the sunroom, which was created by closing in the back porch. “The views of the yard accompanied by bird song and natural light spark creativity for me,” she says. 

All three of the home’s bedrooms on the main floor are accessed via a hallway with a linen closet. The primary bedroom is large and bright, and the other two bedrooms are perfect for kids or for use as a home office. 

There is one full bathroom on the main floor, with the second located in the finished basement. While the attic is not finished, it could be a usable space for the next owner. 

“It could easily be constructed into a great space for an art studio, home office or additional bedroom,” Shane says. 

The well-maintained home got a new roof when the van Haydens purchased it in 2022. “That will give the new owners peace of mind for a long time,” says Stephen. 

In a sea of white-painted renovations, this home also stands out due to the well-preserved, original woodwork. The warm wood is highlighted by rich paint colors throughout the home; a coffered ceiling and well-kept hardwood floors add to the cozy, cottagey feel. 

Beyond the finished basement space, there are three outbuildings on the property that could be workshops or studios. At just over half an acre, the spacious lot feels serene — despite being close to all of the amenities Route 8 has to offer. 

“We’re within walking distance of the library and our local park has an epic playground and splash pad,” says Annie. “There are a couple of excellent farmers markets, plus a winery and brewery nearby.” 

The community is close-knit and welcoming. Neighbors have provided historical background, nostalgic memories, and even old photos of the home with the van Haydens. 

“The neighbors grew up in this house; their grandparents built it,” Shane says. “One thing they told me that I thought was interesting is that in the early 1900s, this was all farmland; rolling hills without many trees.” 

While Shane and Annie are returning to Oregon with their son, Lazlo, they realize the rare gift that this house was for them. 

“We are not likely to have this much space or room for potential expansion,” Shane says of their return to the West Coast.  “It’s something we have come to increasingly appreciate, as our own family grows in size and as we start to see a home as a place of investment as well as grounds for preservation.”

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: Gibsonia section of Richland
Population: 11,856
Planes, Trains & Automobiles: Gibsonia doesn’t have a straight shot to Pittsburgh International Airport, but the drive is still under 40 minutes. Gibsonia is a suburban community, so most residents need a car and public transportation is sparse. The commute to Downtown is about 30 minutes.
Schools: Pine-Richland School District (pinerichland.org)
Neighborhood: A suburban community with a semi-rural feel in some areas, Richland residents lack no conveniences thanks to numerous big-box chains and independent shops along bustling Route 8 and Route 910. The township also boasts a 100-acre community park with multiple sports fields, playgrounds and a splash pad. Local events, including at the popular Northern Tier Library, and festivals, such as the long-running Community Day, bring residents together often.

Neighborhood Data provided by Niche.