PHOTOS BY ALYSSA RICHARDS, EXPOSURE IT REAL ESTATE MEDIA

It was 38 years ago, but Steve and Lois Kramer will never forget the moment they first saw their home in Moon.

Sure, many homeowners recall a similar “aha” moment when house hunting — picturing family dinners, holiday mornings and backyard barbecues at a potential residence.

But for the Kramers, their “aha” moment came when they realized 899 Old Thorn Run Road, a local historical landmark, had fallen into disrepair. They made it their mission to restore the home to its original splendor.

“Its historic charm and character overwhelmed us,” Lois says. “We were looking for something unique.”

The property’s original structure was built in 1812 by Jonathan Neely. The 2-acre parcel the house sits on was originally part of what was known as the Bergen land tract.

During the colonization of Western Pennsylvania, one could request a tract of land from the government for purposes of farming, development or industry; the Bergen tract was one of many granted during that time period.

“The original land patent, signed in 1809 on parchment, is a cherished document conveying the original 300-plus acres with the home for over 200 years and will be passed down to the next owner,” says Steve.

This particular homestead was built as the summer farm for a Squirrel Hill-based family. At the time, it took an entire day to travel between Pittsburgh’s East End and Moon, making the home a perfect escape from the smoggy city during warmer months.

The house, which now has six bedrooms and three full bathrooms, was expanded between 1906 and 1907 by owner Frank Murdoch. Like most homes with a long story, time took its toll on the property. Still, those historical details shone through the mess when the Kramers first saw the home.

“We have always loved the historic details of the house,” says Lois. “The “Downton Abbey”-style doorbell, the exposed hand-hewn beams, the 11-foot ceilings and the original leaded glass windows.”

Throughout almost four decades of renovation, the couple sought to highlight that charm through careful — and historically accurate— updates to the home.

Now that their children have grown and moved on, the couple has decided to downsize. The feel both wistful about leaving their family home and excited that others will get to leave their mark there.

The property is now listed for sale for $995,000 by Adam Cannon and Meisha Bridge of Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty.

While the realtors are no strangers to listing some of the city’s most eye-catching properties, they agree this one will top their list for years to come.

For Bridge, the hand-hewn beams and outdoor patio both captured her attention immediately. Cannon also loves the patio, but says the sunroom is equally stunning to him.

“Steven and Lois did a masterful job updating the home with modern amenities and contemporary comforts, while preserving the charm and character of the original estate,” he says.

The home, with a wide front porch and charming dormers, gives a nod to the American Colonial architecture that was popular at the time the home was built. The curb appeal is unmistakable; one can picture carriages rolling up to escape the soot and heat of the city for a few blissful months.

A two-bay, integral garage was added to the home along the way; its topped with the patio that both realtors love.

The first floor is clean and crisp, combining white millwork and rich wood tones. The dark cabinets and counters in the kitchen are offset by large windows and ample natural light.

The kitchen, while updated with modern appliances and amenities, feels as if it could have always been in this home. Careful choices by the Kramers meld every decade of the home’s history together flawlessly.

In addition to the kitchen, the first floor’s large sunroom, office, laundry room, family room, dining room and living room all flow together well, which is why the home worked so well for family life. The open-air patio, which opens off the sunroom, extends the living space substantially when the weather is warm.

The bedrooms, which are all amply sized, have been updated with fresh paint and either gleaming hardwoods or updated carpeting. Thanks to the dormered roof, each bedroom has unique angles and features that make it stand out. Historical features jump out at every turn — from dentil molding to beautifully carved mantels to window seats and private alcoves, each detail adds to the overall feeling of time and place the homestead is anchored in.

Beyond the walls of the house, the remaining two acres of the original land tract set the scene for an idyllic country lifestyle. The Kramers say they spent most of their time between the sunroom and the patio while their kids explored the world around their home.

“Our two now-grown children enjoyed building tree houses and spent summer days outside exploring the yard and the woods,” adds Steve.

Beyond the homestead itself, the couple describes Moon as a wonderful place to live while raising a family. They still enjoy daily walks to Robin Hill Park, which has miles of trails.

“We built years of memories with our children here, and now we look forward to the next chapter,” Lois says.

An open house for 899 Old Thorn Run Road takes place from 12-3 p.m. on Saturday, June 14. 

About: Moon Township
Population: 26,917
Planes, Trains, & Automobiles: Moon Township is a suburban community where most residents have cars. There is some limited public transportation as well. Moon is home to Pittsburgh International Airport (the airport actually straddles both Moon and Findlay townships), so catching a flight out of Pittsburgh is a breeze. The commute to Downtown from Moon is just over 20 minutes of highway driving.
Schools: Moon Area School District (moonarea.net)
Neighborhood: Moon is a popular place for Pittsburghers due to its proximity to the city as well as its many amenities. The Mall at Robinson is a short drive away, and other retail centers offer everything residents could need. Moon has several great parks, regular community events, and a neighborly feel. There are different communities within Moon, ranging from townhomes and developments of single-family homes to houses in more rural settings.