PHOTOS BY JORDAN GRAY/PREP SOLUTIONS

Nestled on a wooded lot in Squirrel Hill South, this American Foursquare-style home is nearly unrecognizable from when it was built more than a century ago in 1910.

With vertical siding, huge windows, glass railings and a multi-layer deck cantilevered over a lush backyard, the contemporary home stands out from the other homes that characterize the traditional Pittsburgh neighborhood. While there are times the original details of an older home can be retained during extensive renovations, some structures have fallen into disrepair.

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Such was the case for 3330 Guy St., which local developer David Allen saw as a blank slate when he purchased the property in 2022.

“It was beyond highly distressed and uninhabitable,” he says. “It required a full overhaul, and then an overhaul to the overhaul.”

Transformed into a contemporary Smart home, the house is essentially a new build following careful work by his team of builders over the last two years, Allen says.

“It’s so rare to find such a contemporary home in Squirrel Hill,” adds Realtor Sarah Madia of RE/MAX Select Realty, who says the design now gives Mid-Century Modern vibes. “I love the architectural details, including the vaulted ceiling, sunken living room and floating stairwell with glass walls.”

Madia has listed the home for $899,000. In addition to the unique design, Madia says buyers will be interested in the many technology features Allen has incorporated, such as Wi-Fi-enabled thermostats, video doorbells and keyless entry.

“Buyers appreciate smart home tech,” she says. “There are so many cool options available now. It can be a differentiator on a new home for sale.”

Allen chose to weave that smart home technology into the design in a variety of ways. While the house is lined with large windows, motorized shades easily add privacy. Built-in speakers and Wi-Fi-controlled lighting schemes allow residents to change the mood of the house from anywhere in the world. Even the home’s sauna features LED lighting and a sound system. There are also eclectic fireplaces with LED lighting in the living room and primary suite.

“I love the feeling you get from the primary suite when you hit the remote to the motorized blinds that expose the massive floor-to-ceiling windows,” says Allen. “Then you walk out to the huge wrap-around private deck with all-glass railings. I can imagine starting your day walking out there with your coffee, being enveloped in nature and hearing the birds singing.”

The layout of the main floor has been entirely opened up; this includes the original portion of the home and a three-story rear addition added by previous owners. The living and dining spaces flow together and are adjacent to a chef’s kitchen accented by quartz countertops, an oversized island and high-end appliances.

The kitchen also opens onto the top level of the rear deck. Glass railings offer an unobstructed view of the wooded backyard, while a cathedral ceiling with two skylights brings in even more natural light.

The second floor is accessed via a floating, LED-backlit staircase with a glass railing. This floor contains two bedrooms and a shared full bathroom, as well as an overlook into the kitchen and dining room.

The lower level consists of a primary suite with an ensuite bath, sitting room, laundry room, utility room and sauna. A custom, oversized pivoting door provides a dramatic entrance to the suite.

The primary bathroom features both a shower and a standalone soaking tub, plus a double vanity. While the whole primary suite is lined with windows, well-placed privacy screens, as well as those smart window treatments, offer a sense of privacy and peace.

“I wanted the home to feel like a sanctuary,” says Allen, adding his goal was to strike the balance between luxury, design and comfort. “Blending the indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly, the abundant natural and ambient lighting, the color palettes and finishes, the spa room…everything was intentionally chosen to create that feeling and experience.”

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: Squirrel Hill South
Population: 15,052 (South)
Planes, Trains & Automobiles: Located 30 minutes from the airport; Squirrel Hill is known as a great walking community with plentiful public transportation, bike lanes and ride shares available. While many residents own cars, it is not necessary.
Schools: City of Pittsburgh (pghschools.org)
Neighborhood: Squirrel Hill is well-known for its stately homes, longtime local businesses, and community feel. Some of the city’s most historical grand mansions are located in Squirrel Hill, as well as many smaller family homes and multi-unit buildings. The community is diverse with a mix of students, families, and immigrants from the world over. There are several historical districts within its borders as well.