PHOTOS BY ROSEANNE MARTIN/PENNSYLVANIA REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHY

The current owners of 6338 Bryant St. in Highland Park were instantly captivated by its unique facade, which includes a two-story addition that is all clean lines and huge windows, when looking for a new home for their growing family in 2020. 

“The house was a really cool mix of new and old. We really liked the aesthetic, which was a very contemporary addition to a classic Pittsburgh brick home,” says the owners, who asked to be anonymous. 

Listed for $825,000, the home measures 2,425 square feet and has three floors of living space. In the sunken living room, floor-to-ceiling windows bring the outdoors inside, while a cozy sitting room is a perfect spot for afternoon reading; plus, there’s that contemporary addition — designed by evolveEA in East Liberty — which adds a jolt of personality to the Colonial-style home’s classic brick exterior.  

“The juxtaposition of the 2017 addition to the original home is striking,” adds Realtor Emily Fraser of Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty. “This home is truly one-of-a-kind in Pittsburgh, and makes a lasting impression.”

The second floor features two bedrooms in the original structure as well as a massive primary suite with cathedral ceiling and a Juliet balcony in the addition. The third floor is a flexible space that can be used as a bedroom or home office. 

“We use the third floor bedroom as an office and hangout space. It is light and airy with a great view of the neighborhood,” the owners say. 

The next owners can move right into the updated, turnkey-ready house. 

“Exterior highlights include a brand-new synthetic slate roof, brick and chimney repointing and windows,” says Fraser. 

The interior also has new appliances, contemporary lighting and neutral paint throughout. Bold wallpaper and unexpected tile choices throughout the home add visual interest without being overpowering. 

“If I have to choose a favorite feature, it’s those smaller, custom details,” says Fraser. “The built-in bar in the living room, the whimsical Rifle wallpaper in the powder room. These details elevate the entire home.” 

While the interior is flawless, the exterior features double the home’s usable living space. At just under 1 acre, the lot encompasses a patio, spacious yard and manicured gardens. A two-car detached garage with contemporary French doors flanks the patio and can be used as additional entertainment space. 

“I will miss the fantastic outdoor spaces, having the kitchen garden and patio just out the side door,” says one of the owners. “I love being able to walk out the door and pick herbs and fresh vegetables in the summer and fall. The patio is the perfect place to hang out, grill and relax.” 

The current owners also fell in love with the neighborhood; with kids playing in the street and the ability to walk to the Highland Park Super Playground or the Highland Park reservoir, there’s an idyllic feel they say they will remember fondly. 

“We love the house,” they say. “It  has been our home and is where we started our family. We have brought two kids home to this house.” 

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: Highland Park
Population: 6,341
Planes, Trains & Automobiles: Situated in the city’s East End, Highland Park residents enjoy easy access to the parkways, Route 28 and other city neighborhoods via car or public bus. Rideshares are plentiful in Highland Park, and the airport is about a 30-minute commute. The East End is walkable with good bike infrastructure.
Schools: Pittsburgh Public Schools (pghschools.org)
Neighborhood: Highland Park’s small business district on Bryant Street includes a number of restaurants, a neighborhood grocer, a bakery and a coffee shop. The neighborhood takes its name from a large city park within its border that has a reservoir known for fishing, a great playground and swimming pool, and quiet hiking trails. Notably, the reservoir itself is accessed through the Entry Garden, a Victorian-style gathering place with gardens, a fountain and reflecting pool and benches for relaxing. The Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium also is located in Highland Park — which makes for some interesting neighbors. 

Neighborhood data provided by Niche.