PHOTOS BY 360 CAPTURES

Situated over manicured 1.5 acres, 514 Villa Drive may be one of the Pittsburgh region’s best-kept secrets.

As one of a handful of homes that ring a secluded pond in Peters, the 9,000-square-foot brick house is a stunner, says Realtor Jen Schalk of Howard Hanna. While the bulk of the housing market has slowed this summer, Schalk says the luxury market tends to remain steady.

“This type of unique home won’t fly off the market overnight with multiple offers, but we’ve had three showings so far,” she says.

Listed for $2.79 million, the property requires a bank approval letter for showings — and it makes quite a first impression, says Schalk.

“This house has the most amazing amount of natural light, the most I’ve ever seen,” she adds.

Schalk says the owners, who asked to remain anonymous, did not initially have the property’s striking walls of windows in the design. The couple first toured the home in 2017 while it was being built by Benjamin Marcus Homes; when they saw the planned window layout, they scrapped it, deciding to double the amount of windows instead.

“The family room, kitchen, sunroom, sitting room, the primary suite — it all just brings in the outdoors; the view covers the entire pond and the rolling hills,” says Schalk. “It is just this palatial, picturesque view.”

While the first floor of the home is immaculate and well-kept, it feels like established instead of newer construction. The property’s double front door opens into a two-story foyer with an eye-catching central staircase that includes custom millwork and wrought iron details.

Throughout the home, coffered ceilings and crown molding hint at an earlier era, while modern conveniences, like an elevator and basement theater room, anchor the home solidly in the 21st century.

The kitchen is the heart of the main floor; custom cabinetry in warm tones, dark stone counters, Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, plus two oversized islands, make it a dream for cooking and entertaining. A breakfast bar and table mean there’s room for a party right in the kitchen, but the open floor plan means there’s also room to spread out.

The kitchen is adjacent to the living room, which is surrounded by two stories of windows that flank a stone fireplace and is overlooked by a second-story balcony. At the center is a stunning, large-scale chandelier that takes advantage of the space’s height. The rear covered patio has waterfront views and expands the living space for much of the year, while a sitting room, sunroom and home office provide more cozy alternatives to the openness of the main living space.

Along with the theater room, the finished basement includes another full kitchen, living space and a home gym. There’s also grade-level access to a covered patio that’s just below the main floor’s outdoor space.

Upstairs, five spacious bedrooms take in views of the greenery from every angle. The primary suite is situated on a corner of the home, giving it maximum natural light from two sides.

The ensuite bathroom has a freestanding soaker tub perfect for reading, as well as a walk-in shower and double sink with vanity. Marble granite, and custom tilework make it feel more like a spa — but that level of detail is present in each of the home’s half-dozen bathrooms.

“Everything about this home just feels meticulous,” says Schalk.

The owners, who are relocating to another city for work, have enjoyed the quiet setting this home has offered. Whether enjoying the outdoors, or just taking them in through the walls of glass, they say there is a sense of serenity and peace that they will miss as they move on to new adventures.

About: Peters
Population: 23,070
Planes, Trains, & Automobiles: Located in Washington County, Peters is a suburban community with a bit of a rural feel in some areas; most residents need a car to get around — even if some individual neighborhoods are great for walking. Peters is located 30 minutes from both Downtown and the Pittsburgh International Airport, which makes it a popular community for commuters.
Schools: Peters Township School District (ptsd.k12.pa.us)
Neighborhood: Due to the easy commute to the city, and the prevalence of new homes, Peters is a popular location for families looking for a bit of space to sprawl out; some houses are secluded while others are part of planned housing developments. Peterswood Park is home to the Peters Township Recreation Center and an amphitheater, as well as several football, baseball, softball and soccer fields. There’s also a plethora of restaurants and retail locations.