1900 Two-Story Gem in Pennsylvania With a Sunlit Living Room, a Wraparound Deck and an Inverted Layout Full of Charm (With Home Plan)

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Mathew Abraham, editor of Century Homes America, brings his passion for architectural history to explore the stories behind America’s most iconic homes.

Bobby West of COLDWELL BANKER REALTY

Located in Pittsburgh’s South Hills, is a classic example of a Pittsburgh century home featuring a traditional inverted layout. This three-bedroom, two-bath residence offers the bedrooms on the main level with spacious living and entertaining areas below. The open-concept living room connects seamlessly to a wraparound outdoor deck, ideal for gatherings. Recently freshly painted and meticulously maintained, it blends historical charm with modern upkeep. Conveniently near Dormont and Mount Lebanon’s shopping and dining, this home is just 10 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh. Priced at $130,000, it sits on a quiet dead-end street, offering both comfort and accessibility.

Home Plan

Bobby West of COLDWELL BANKER REALTY

The layout presents a two-level historic home with three bedrooms on the first floor. The primary bedroom includes a fireplace and ample space, measuring 14’3″ by 12’8″. The first floor also contains a foyer, bathroom, and closets conveniently placed for storage. The basement comprises functional living spaces including a large living room (15’3″ x 23’3″), dining room, kitchen, bathroom, utility room, and an expansive laundry room. The staircases connect the floors efficiently, with closets dispersed to optimize storage. The design highlights a practical arrangement combining both living and utility spaces for daily comfort.

Front Exterior View

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Single-story house with beige vinyl siding and a peaked roofline centered above the main structure. Three windows with frosted or patterned glass flank the entrance door, which is made of glass framed in white trim. A small concrete pathway extends from the paved entrance area to the foreground, bordered by patches of grass and stone retaining walls on either side. An HVAC unit is positioned at the left corner of the house. Mature green trees surround the property, creating a natural, serene setting. The twilight sky casts a subtle purple and pink hue, enhancing the home’s quiet curb appeal.

Balcony Entry

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A wooden balcony with natural, lightly weathered planks and a simple vertical slat railing overlooks a lush green expanse of trees. The gray-toned siding of the house complements the natural wood of the deck, creating a harmonious exterior color palette. A black door with a window grid panel of nine panes and white trim adds contrast and invites light into the interior. The area appears serene and private, suggesting a peaceful outdoor spot for relaxation surrounded by mature trees and nature. Soft natural light filters through the greenery giving the entire space a tranquil, airy atmosphere.

Outdoor Deck

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Long wooden outdoor deck with natural wood planks stretching alongside the house. Vertical wooden balusters create a simple and sturdy railing for safety and aesthetic continuity. The exterior siding of the house is light beige vinyl with horizontal panels, and a large sliding glass door opens onto the deck, allowing seamless indoor-outdoor living. The roof extends out slightly, providing partial shade to the deck. Surrounding greenery includes mature trees and bushes, offering privacy and a peaceful natural view with a glimpse of nearby homes in the distance under a partly cloudy sky, enhancing the relaxed suburban atmosphere.

Wooden Balcony View

Bobby West of COLDWELL BANKER REALTY

A spacious wooden balcony with a natural wood deck and railing extends along the side of the house. The vertical wooden balusters provide safety while allowing an unobstructed view of the lush green trees and foliage beyond. The house siding is beige vinyl, and a large glass sliding door connects the balcony to the interior, inviting indoor-outdoor living. The overhanging eaves with dark brown soffits give shade to the balcony area. Soft natural sunlight highlights the warm tones of the wood, creating a serene and inviting outdoor space with expansive views of the surrounding neighborhood and blue sky dotted with clouds.

Side Yard and Backyard View

Bobby West of COLDWELL BANKER REALTY

A grassy side yard slopes gently downward from a concrete walkway that runs alongside the house’s exterior. The siding is a muted beige color, and various utility pipes and connections are visible. The yard is bordered by a dense cluster of mature trees and bushes, creating a natural, green backdrop that offers privacy and a serene atmosphere. A rusted metal firepit sits near the center of the lawn, suggesting the space is used for gatherings. The sky overhead is mostly clear with a few scattered clouds, adding to the tranquil and open feel of this outdoor area.

House Aerial View

Bobby West of COLDWELL BANKER REALTY

A small, single-story house with a simple rectangular roof situated amidst dense greenery. The property is bordered by mature trees and shrubs, creating a natural barrier on three sides. The front of the house faces a narrow street with a parked car visible nearby. Adjacent homes with well-maintained lawns and outdoor amenities like a trampoline can be seen, contrasting with the wooded seclusion of this residence. Concrete walkways connect the house to the street, and the backyard extends into a tall tree-covered area, offering privacy and a serene environment. The layout emphasizes a cozy, wooded suburban setting.

Side Exterior View

Bobby West of COLDWELL BANKER REALTY

A modest side view of a historic home, showing a sloped concrete driveway leading to the house. The house exterior is clad with beige horizontal siding, contrasted by darker trim around windows and roof edges. A chimney protrudes from the roof, with weathered stone or brick at the base of the structure enhancing its vintage charm. There is an HVAC unit installed on a retaining wall made of stacked stone blocks next to the driveway. Surrounding the home is a mix of greenery, including mature trees and a well-kept grassy hill, creating a natural and inviting atmosphere.

Living Room Layout

Bobby West of COLDWELL BANKER REALTY

A spacious living area with white walls and ceiling contrasts gently with medium-tone hardwood floors. A large rectangular area rug in a light neutral shade anchors the furniture, which includes a taupe sofa adorned with olive green and burnt orange cushions, two mid-century modern style armchairs with dark wood frames and olive upholstery, and a minimalist wooden coffee table with a white top. Natural light floods the room through two large windows and a glass sliding door, enhancing the airy feel. A mounted flat-screen TV faces the seating, while a potted plant adds a touch of greenery near the corner adjacent to the TV console.

Living Room and Dining Area

Bobby West of COLDWELL BANKER REALTY

Open and bright living room with white walls and ceiling and light wood flooring that creates a warm atmosphere. The seating area includes a beige couch with green and burnt orange throw pillows, complemented by two mid-century modern armchairs in olive green upholstery with wooden frames. A round coffee table with a clear glass top and sculptural wooden base anchors the space atop a large neutral area rug. A flat-screen TV is mounted above a mid-century wooden console. Large potted greenery adds life, while an adjoining dining area with wooden table and chairs is visible through an archway, enhancing the cohesive flow of the home. Wooden staircase with spindled railing leads upward, adding a classic touch.

Living Room Seating Area

Bobby West of COLDWELL BANKER REALTY

Spacious living area with crisp white walls and ceiling contrasted by warm-toned wooden flooring. Neutral-toned sofa adorned with green and rust-colored accent pillows faces a sleek glass coffee table set on a large, light-patterned rug. Two mid-century modern wooden chairs with cushions flank a central green armchair, creating a balanced seating arrangement near the far window. A wooden media console with clean lines supports minimalistic decorative items beneath a wall-mounted flat-screen TV. Artwork with geometric shapes adds subtle visual interest. Large windows and a greenery plant in the corner bring natural elements into the room, lending a bright, inviting atmosphere.

Living Room Details

Bobby West of COLDWELL BANKER REALTY

A spacious living room with a warm, modern aesthetic defined by a mix of mid-century and contemporary furniture. The floor is a rich, natural wood tone that contrasts softly with the crisp white walls and ceiling. Seating includes a cushioned sofa with green and rust-colored throw pillows, complemented by two green armchairs and two blush-pink chairs placed near a large sliding glass door that allows natural light to flood in. A distinctive glass coffee table with wooden legs sits on a light, textured rug. A sleek wooden media console below a mounted flat-screen TV adds to the room’s clean and inviting feel. The space is airy and functional, offering a cozy gathering spot with subtle touches of greenery and natural materials.

Kitchen Overview

Bobby West of COLDWELL BANKER REALTY

A long galley kitchen with a clean, modern aesthetic. White cabinetry with simple silver handles lines the walls above and below the marbled countertops, creating a bright and spacious feel. A gas stove and built-in microwave provide essential cooking amenities. The floor is covered in light wood laminate, adding warmth to the cool white and gray color palette. Recessed lighting in the ceiling ensures the area is well-lit. To the right, a doorway leads into an adjacent room with visible red-carpeted stairs, hinting at the home’s historic character beyond the modernized kitchen space.

Kitchen Interior

Bobby West of COLDWELL BANKER REALTY

Long, narrow kitchen space with a modern, clean aesthetic. White cabinetry with silver handles lines the walls, contrasting subtly against soft gray painted walls. The countertops have a marble-like pattern in muted tones that complement the sleek stainless steel sink and faucet. A white gas range and an above-mounted microwave are centered along the main counter run. Hardwood flooring in a honey tone adds warmth and continuity, flowing into an adjacent room visible through an open doorway. Recessed ceiling lights provide ample illumination, highlighting the bright and inviting atmosphere. The kitchen is functional yet streamlined, blending contemporary elements with classic finishes.

Dining Room and Kitchen Entry

Bobby West of COLDWELL BANKER REALTY

A rectangular wooden dining table with matching chairs occupies the center of the room, adorned with a neat place setting of white dishes, neutral-toned napkins, and woven placemats. A small vase with greenery adds a natural touch at the center of the table. Light wood floors extend throughout, complementing the dark wood furniture. Clean, white walls create a bright, airy backdrop, accented by a minimalist abstract framed artwork. Two cut-outs in the wall connect the dining area to the white cabinetry kitchen beyond, where bar-height chairs offer casual seating. A ceiling fan with black blades provides practical lighting and air circulation.

Entryway Staircase

Bobby West of COLDWELL BANKER REALTY

Wooden staircase with rich reddish-brown steps and natural wood banister contrasts against crisp white textured walls. The simple yet elegant spindle railing adds traditional charm. Warm-toned wooden flooring extends through the space, inviting a cozy, classic aesthetic. Adjacent white double doors with subtle paneling likely lead to a closet or storage area. Neutral color palette paired with wood elements exudes a clean, minimalistic style that balances function and welcoming atmosphere, suitable for a historic American home’s entryway or transitional area between rooms.

Living Room Details

Bobby West of COLDWELL BANKER REALTY

Bright and airy living space with white walls and intricate wood paneling enhances its classic charm. A beautifully detailed white fireplace with mantel anchors one wall, flanked by a built-in cabinet with ornate molding and shelves for display or storage. Two large windows with white trim allow abundant natural light to flood the space, highlighting the warm wood flooring that contrasts the crisp white surroundings. A ceiling fan with wooden blades and a central light fixture adds practical comfort and vintage appeal, making this room both inviting and timeless.

Bedroom with Closet

Bobby West of COLDWELL BANKER REALTY

Bright, airy bedroom with a clean, minimalistic design. Two large windows let in natural light, highlighting the warm, wood-toned flooring that adds a natural earthy feel. Walls and trim are painted a crisp white, creating a fresh and spacious atmosphere. A ceiling fan with dark wooden blades and a central light fixture adds both functionality and subtle contrast. Built-in shelving with intricate molding along one wall nods to classic architectural detail. A mirrored sliding door reveals a closet, reflecting light and enhancing the room’s openness. Simple electrical outlets and a cable outlet indicate readiness for modern living.

Bedroom Closet and Entrance

Bobby West of COLDWELL BANKER REALTY

Empty bedroom corner with a built-in open closet space framed by simple white trim and a wooden hanging rod inside. The room walls are textured and painted bright white, contrasting the warm, natural wood tone floor with a subtle grain pattern. An open white door with brass hardware leads to a narrow hallway with similar wood flooring extending toward an exterior-style door with glass panes. The clean, minimal design highlights the room’s spacious potential, while natural light casts soft shadows, enhancing the warm and inviting atmosphere of this modestly sized bedroom.

Bathroom Vanity and Shower

Bobby West of COLDWELL BANKER REALTY

Soft blue walls create a calming atmosphere in this bathroom, complemented by warm wood flooring that extends into the adjacent hallway. A modern navy vanity with sleek black hardware supports a white countertop with a matching undermount sink. Above it hangs a rectangular mirror framed in black, paired with three clear glass pendant lights that add a contemporary touch. A compact white toilet sits next to the vanity, and a glass-enclosed shower with frosted detailing offers a clean, minimalist bathing space. The overall look balances modern fixtures with classic color tones for a fresh, inviting feel.

Bathroom Corner

Bobby West of COLDWELL BANKER REALTY

Soft blue walls create a calming atmosphere in this compact bathroom space. A corner shower with frosted glass panels and chrome framing occupies one side, providing a modern touch. Opposite, a white rectangular sink with a dark faucet sits atop a vanity. Light wood laminate flooring adds warmth and contrasts gently with the cooler wall tones. A black towel ring and a matching empty toilet paper holder are affixed to the walls, coordinating with the faucet. Minimal built-in shelving on the right offers functional storage, while a simple white door with a brass knob leads to an adjoining room or closet.

Bedroom Closet Area

Bobby West of COLDWELL BANKER REALTY

Empty room with white walls and textured ceiling, conveying a clean and bright atmosphere. Natural light filters through two windows, enhancing the airy feel. Wood-tone flooring adds warmth and contrasts with the crispness of the walls. A ceiling fan with dark wood blades and a brushed metal base provides both function and a subtle design element. Sliding closet doors are framed in gold metal, reflecting light and expanding visual space. The simple white door leading out aligns with the room’s understated, neutral palette. The overall aesthetic is minimalist with classic finishes.

Small Bedroom

Bobby West of COLDWELL BANKER REALTY

Compact room with clean white walls and rich wood-look flooring that adds warmth to the space. The single window, trimmed in classic white molding, offers a view of a residential street with houses and greenery, inviting natural sunlight that softly brightens the room. Baseboards with subtle detailing run along the perimeter, emphasizing the room’s historic charm. The ceiling is plain with a small exposed fixture, hinting at minimalist or in-progress lighting. The overall simplicity and neutral palette create a calm and versatile atmosphere suitable for a bedroom or quiet study.

Bathroom Interior

Bobby West of COLDWELL BANKER REALTY

Small bathroom with a classic and clean aesthetic, dominated by white walls and fixtures. A white vanity with paneled cabinet doors supports a sink with chrome faucet, complemented by a simple rectangular mirror framed in metal. Above the mirror, a triple-light fixture with warm bulbs adds cozy lighting. The white toilet sits adjacent to a shower-tub combo framed with white tiles on the upper half and built-in corner shelves. A small window made of glass blocks provides natural light while maintaining privacy. The floor is covered in earth-toned tiles, offering contrast and warmth to the crisp white surroundings.

Basement Laundry Area

Bobby West of COLDWELL BANKER REALTY

Concrete block walls painted white with a rough texture define this basement space. The floor is a smooth, dark gray concrete that contrasts with the bright walls. Two older white laundry machines— a washer and a dryer—are placed against one wall under exposed piping and wiring, giving an industrial feel. A flexible silver duct hose extends from the dryer to a small vent or window opening nearby. The small doorway leads to another unfinished basement section with visible wooden stairs and minimal lighting, emphasizing the utilitarian, unpolished character of this functional room.

Basement Utility Room

Bobby West of COLDWELL BANKER REALTY

Long narrow basement space with rough, textured stone and concrete walls painted in white, contrasting with the dark, possibly painted concrete floor. Exposed piping and meter boxes run along one wall, with visible wires extending around the perimeter near the ceiling, which is low with a worn, utilitarian finish. Lighting is sparse, using simple exposed bulbs mounted from the ceiling, enhancing the raw, industrial aesthetic. The space gives an impression of an unfinished utility or storage area, retaining historic construction details such as stonework and basic infrastructure elements.

Listing Agent: Bobby West of COLDWELL BANKER REALTY via Zillow 

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