PHOTOS BY EXPOSURE IT, ALYSSA RICHARDS

Built in 1905, the Victorian perched atop Mount Washington contains three condos. Each of the units overlooking Downtown are unique in myriad ways, but the penthouse is the real star of the show.

When New York City transplants Sammy and Brian Fischer first stepped through the doors of 229 Grandview Ave. in 2018, they knew this was the home they’d been looking for.

“The view and natural light flooding the large living space and the high ceilings immediately captured our hearts,” recalls Sammy. “It never gets old, and the space is truly one of a kind. It’s got Victorian elegance, yet with modern amenities.”

Brian adds the home’s phenomenal character offered something different than the basic-box condos they had seen elsewhere in the city.

“We are fortunate to have a two-level unit and a two-car garage with the benefits of a condo, but with more character and privacy than living in a large apartment building,” he says.

Upon entering the property, the first thing guests see is a wall of windows and a stunning great room. Unit 3, also known as the penthouse, is tucked under the eaves of the grand old home and features a panoramic view of Pittsburgh’s iconic skyline.

Exposed brick, warm wood floors, and crisp white walls add to the character of the former attic space, which is enhanced by the incredible view. The Fischers note their spot from which to enjoy overlooking the city is the maintenance-free Trex deck.

“Whether it is drinking a coffee before work or enjoying a beautiful sunset, we feel it is one of the best views in Pittsburgh,” says Sammy.

The galley kitchen, which is separated from the great room by a breakfast bar, is spacious for a condo. A funky blue backsplash and glossy blonde cabinets flank high-end appliances in a flexible layout. A dining area is included in the great room, and there’s a convenient nook for a home office, too.

The primary suite is also on the main level of the unit — it’s as bright and airy as the rest of the home. The attached bathroom is a stunner and includes a large soaking tub fronted with iridescent mosaic. A separate walk-in shower and vessel sink complete the space, which is the bathroom for the entire unit. There’s also an in-unit laundry with Miele appliances.

A spiral staircase leads up to the second bedroom, which is a loft overlooking the great room below. A glass half-wall lets the light from the large windows flood in while skylights add to the luxury treehouse effect.

The home is now listed for $629,000 by the Rost Team at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. Realtor Beth Cox says she was just as stunned as the Fischers from the moment she walked through the door.

“One of my absolute favorite features is how the skyline is perfectly framed by the dramatic wall of windows,” she says. “It’s like living inside a piece of art.”

Cox says the $470 per month HOA fee covers landscaping, maintenance of the exterior and shared spaces, and snow removal. The unit comes with two garage stalls located behind a security gate as well as a shared patio and courtyard as well as a powder room in the building’s basement. All interior repairs and maintenance in the condo will be the responsibility of the next owner.

Cox adds that all three units are well-maintained, but old homes sometimes have surprises. She also notes that there is no elevator, so that private view comes with some cardio.

The Fischers say they enjoyed living at the center of Mount Washington’s hustle and bustle, including its walkability to restaurants, bars, shops and outdoor space. Their neighbors are a mix of longtime residents and fellow transplants, which grounds the community in the past while giving it new energy.

“There is nothing like waking up on an NFL Sunday to take the incline to the Clipper to attend the Steelers game in such a cool way,” says Brian.

About: Mount Washington
Population: 8,765
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.