One of America’s Oldest Fox Hunts Kicks Off at This Sewickley Heights Estate

PHOTOS BY PENNSYLVANIA REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHY AND EXPOSURE IT REAL ESTATE MEDIA

On the lookout for a historic property for a decade, Melissa and Bill Marks had almost given up — until one particular home for sale in Sewickley Heights hit their inbox.

“On our first visit, we didn’t even go inside,” says Melissa. “We walked the grounds and were completely captivated by the walled garden, stone terraces, bathhouse and extraordinary specimen trees.”

The setting at 526 Scaife Road was perfect — but the house was not.

“It was nearly a teardown,” Melissa recalls. “We could see past the aluminum siding, the overgrown hedges and the deteriorating porch and immediately recognized something rare. We knew this house was special, and we knew it was ours.”

The home, known as Dundee Farm, was established in 1903. The original structure was built as a summer home for Clara Hussey, heiress to the Hussey copper fortune. The home itself was called Overholm, and the farm is believed to have existed since the late 1800s.

Hussey was considered a spinster until her marriage to A. Lochner de Villiers in her 40s. She met the wealthy South African man at the coronation of King Edward VII and moved to his native country, where she famously lived out her life throwing lavish parties.

The estate changed hands just four times after Hussey left Pittsburgh before landing in the careful hands of the Marks in 2015. The couple purchased the home from the Chalfant family, the longest-running owners of Dundee Farm.

Ten years later, the couple, who have one adult son, have completely transformed the estate. Built in 1920, the home measures nearly 8,000 square feet and has seven bedrooms and bathrooms.

Overseen by the Marks, the top-to-bottom renovation was completed with care and expertise; particular attention given to the historical aspects of the property.

“Every aspect of the home was addressed, from all-new mechanical systems to repairing plaster walls and carefully preserving the original millwork,” says Melissa. “Our goal was to create the best possible version of the original estate — one that honors its Colonial Revival roots while supporting modern living.”

While every inch of the home received a careful overhaul, several key features stand out. The lavish chef’s kitchen is outfitted with high-end custom appliances, including two Fisher Paykel dishwasher drawers, two large, built-in Viking refrigerators, a built-in commercial-grade icemaker, wine fridge and a 60-inch custom Lacanche range.

Other high-end features include paneled appliances, Amish-built cabinets, quartzite counters, and a Shaw English ceramic farm double sink, plus custom brick flooring. Adjacent to the main kitchen is a working kitchen that provides more prep space for cooking and making meals.

“The kitchen and breakfast room are the spaces I’m most proud of,” says Melissa. “I love to cook and entertain, and these rooms were designed to feel entirely authentic to the house while being exceptionally functional.”

Perhaps not so surprisingly, Dundee Farm has been the center of entertainment in Sewickley Heights for over a century; the estate has long been a part of the Sewickley Hunt, which was founded in 1922 and is one of the oldest hunts in the country.

For generations, the traditional Stirrup Cup event, where riders receive a farewell drink while still in their saddles, kicks off on the farm’s front field. Riders celebrate with friends and family before having a toast and taking off into the woods for a traditional fox hunt.

As for the home’s interior, it feels livable and luxurious all at once.

Every bedroom is spacious, bright and loaded with historical details, but the primary suite is what takes it over the top; The spa-like bath is the definition of relaxation, with a glass-enclosed marble shower, brass fixtures and an expansive custom double vanity. That subtle luxury is echoed throughout the home’s other bathrooms.

The property’s 13-acre lot is a private oasis while still being located only minutes from the quaint vibes and amenities of Sewickley. Walled gardens, mature trees and brick walkways, as well as a pond and bathhouse, create the sense of traveling back to a simpler time.

After a decade of life well lived at Dundee Farm, the family has chosen to list their passion project and pass it on to another family. The estate is now listed with Adam Cannon and Kathe Barge of Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty for $3.75 million.

Cannon says he is blown away by how well the Marks family balanced attention to historical grandeur with modern livability.

“I love the home’s dedication to entertaining and everyday comfort,” he says. “The grand entry, muraled dining room, wood-paneled library and terraces that open to gardens make gatherings feel effortless. The newly developed primary suite feels like a five-star retreat.”

Cannon adds the outdoor space resembles something from a story book. His team was particularly enamoured by the meandering walkways, pond, fountain and other charming details, such as a 16th-century Italian well.

“It’s a property that feels both timeless and deeply personal,” he says.

Those grounds — the first feature the Marks family fell in love with before even gaining access to the home itself — remain the thing the couple says they’ll miss the most.

“The home feels wonderfully private, yet it’s just minutes from Sewickley Village and an easy commute via the Mt. Nebo exit of I-79 for those working downtown,” says Melissa. “The community has its own park, perfect for walking dogs or spending time with children, and it’s also home to the historic Sewickley Hunt. It’s an exceptional place to live.”

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