Buying Here: Harmar
Real estate agent Serra Altenbaugh doesn’t hesitate when you ask her what the wow factor is in her listing at 137 Shadow Ridge Drive in Harmar.
“It’s the view. Pretty much everywhere in the house you get that spectacular view, even the master bathroom.”
Built in 1994, the three-bedroom, 2 1⁄ 2- bath, Tudor-style condominium ( MLS No. 964652) is on the market for $378,000 through Mrs. Altenbaugh of Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services (412-335-7136 or www. pittsburghmoves.com).
“I’ve been told it’s like vacation-style living,” said Mrs. Altenbaugh, noting that residents have access to a swimming pool and tennis courts.
The view isn’t apparent from the front of the home. But a peek around the back reveals windows that reach from the ceiling almost to the floor in two turrets stacked next to each other. Both the large deck on the main level
and the smaller one off the master bedroom offer the same panoramic view of Fox Chapel, the Allegheny River and Twelve Mile Island. Last summer, the owner had the decks rebuilt using Trex, a low-maintenance vinyl composite product.
The breakfast nook off the kitchen is a great place to start the day, enjoying the first cup of coffee while looking out over the river valley. The 12- by 9-foot kitchen has solid-wood cabinets and newer stainless-steel appliances including a refrigerator, dishwasher and gas stove with overhead microwave/exhaust fan. Creamy granite countertops complement the lighter ceramic floor tile. A large walk-in pantry and laundry room with washer and dryer are off the kitchen.
Even the kitchen sink takes advantage of the view through a large window. “The whole place is set up where the view is ongoing,” Mrs. Altenbaugh says.
Next to the kitchen is the 18- by 13-foot family room with hardwood flooring and a corner gas fireplace and ceiling fan. Crown molding and a chair rail along two-colored faux wainscoating give the room a relaxed, casual feel.
The more formal 19- by 13-foot living room faces the front of the house and
offers a good view of the mature landscaping maintained by the condominium association. Both this room and the 11- by 11-foot dining room have neutral carpeting.
The layout of the 18- by 13-foot master bedroom suite is unusual. It’s L-shaped with the bathroom to one side and double glass doors that take you to a private deck. The double-door entry and white crown molding and trim gives the room an elegant feel and creates a sense of calm that continues in the master bath. There is a large vanity and a separate shower with glass doors. Imagine sitting in that jetted tub surrounded by tall windows as the sun sets over the valley.
Despite the many windows, privacy is not an issue.
“The shades were custommade for the owner and stay with the property,” said Mrs. Altenbaugh. “They’re black-out so people can’t see in but you can see out.”
There are two more bedrooms (16 by 12 feet and 13 by 12 feet) along with another full bathroom on the second floor. A powder room is on the first floor.
“The partially finished basement is L-shaped with concrete floors and newer recessed pocket lighting,” Mrs. Altenbaugh said.
A two-car garage with automatic door openers is accessed from the basement. There is central air conditioning with gas forced-air heating, public water and sewer. Both the asphalt shingled roof and gutters are maintained by the condominium association along with the roadways and landscaping.
The condominium complex is conveniently located near both the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Route 28. The 2014 county assessed value is $252,500 (www2.county.allegheny.pa.us/ RealEstate/Search.aspx). Over the last three years, 12 properties have sold on Shadow Ridge Drive for prices ranging from $166,000 in November 2013 to $515,000 in June 2012 (www.realstats.net).