This Colorful Pittsburgh House Comes With a Priceless View
This three-bedroom home atop Mount Washington has a stellar view of Downtown from its two-story deck.
There are many reasons to fall in love with 85 Wyoming St., but the view of Downtown tops the list.
Located atop Mount Washington, this 1900s-era home holds the keys to one of the most unique vantage points of Pittsburgh’s iconic skyline.
“It really is a different angle than you typically see from Mount Washington. It opens up to a lot more, and you can see far down throughout the valley,” says Realtor Daniel Lloyd of Compass.
The priceless view, he adds, may be his favorite feature of the three-bedroom, two-bathroom home.
Listed for $475,000, the 1,860-square-foot home has finished living space that spans four levels. The two main floors have been maintained with an eye toward historic preservation — but with needed updates for modern living.
A spacious, fully renovated third floor has endless possibilities, such as a game room or office. “It’s a flex space,” says Lloyd.
In what typically would be a basement, you’ll find no Pittsburgh Potty. Instead, the lower level features hardwood floors and doors that lead out to the lower level of a two-tier deck showcasing that killer view. The lower level has a bar and ample space for tables and entertaining, while the upper level’s balcony extends the kitchen and dining areas to the outdoors.
“Wasted space is something we see a lot of as realtors, but the fact that this house is in an old city neighborhood and has very little wasted space is special,” says Lloyd. “It has good value.”
Owners Jeff and Courtney Myers bought the house in 2002 from one of their best friends. “He owned it for a long time, but when he was ready to move on from it we snapped up the house instantly and put more love into the renovations,” they wrote in an email.
Painted bold colors both inside and out (the exterior is chartreuse with black trim), the home is flooded with light on each level. While a bit unconventional, it works.
“My personal favorite feature of the house, besides the view, is the unique color scheme,” says Lloyd. “It’s very unique, but feels classic at the same time. The sellers have an eye for design.”
He says the home is also in great physical shape for a house of its age. High-end appliances and a luxurious soaking tub in the primary suite are juxtaposed against well-worn floors, exposed brick and unique plaster moldings.
“There are no known structural concerns or lead paint, and the mechanics of the house such as HVAC, electrical and plumbing are all in good shape,” Lloyd says.
Beyond the house they spent more than two decades in, the Myers loved their neighborhood. With stunning sunsets and a view of fireworks in municipalities as far away as Fox Chapel, the decks of this home are destined to become a central gathering spot for whoever moves in next.
“The central location was one of the great things about living there. You’re only about 15 minutes from three different Mad Mex’s,” the couple wrote. “But of course, the hero of the story is the view.”
While they are moving on, the Myers are leaving some pieces of their hearts behind. “We planted a curly willow that was part of our wedding decor by the lower deck. That has been one of the best parts of making that house a home, watching that tree grow with us,” the wrote.
Lloyd adds that while the home has been on the market for several months, he knows that it’s someone’s dream house.
“It needs a specific buyer, but those buyers are out there,” he says. “There are people looking for something with character.”
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: Mount Washington
Population: 8,592
Planes, Trains, & Automobiles: Few places in Pittsburgh are as centrally located as Mount Washington. A quick trip down the hill provides access to all of the city’s major arteries, and both inclines run directly from Grandview Avenue to parts of Station Square (the Duquesne Incline descends farther up the Mon River toward the Point at 1197 W. Carson St.). Several bus routes through the region and a walkable business district with a grocery store mean residents of Mount Washington do not necessarily need a car.
Schools: Pittsburgh Public Schools (pghschools.org)
Neighborhood: Mount Washington has a vibrant, walkable business district with both sit-down and quick service restaurants. Many young professionals call the neighborhood home due to the easy commute and vibrant nightlife, but there are also many families with children in the community. It is ranked as one of the top 10 Pittsburgh neighborhoods to buy a home in, with a strong camaraderie among residents and plentiful green space for recreation.
Neighborhood data provided by Niche.com