Perry Hilltop house offers skyline view for $264,900
There are so many picturesque views from hills surrounding Downtown Pittsburgh. At the peak of Perry Hilltop on the North Side, 1865 Clayton Ave. has one of the best.
Owner Jim Harris, who grew up in the house, said that wasn’t always true.
“Our family moved in the home in 1963. It was all trees. When I was growing up, you could not see the city.”
The family eventually cut down the trees to reveal the city skyline, which is best viewed from the sun room. But the front yard is even better on the Fourth of July.
“Everyone wants to come up here and watch the fireworks,” Mr. Harris said. “You can see them all, and there is no traffic.”
The two-bedroom, 1 ½-bath ranch is now on the market for $264,900 (MLS No. 1316100) with Patty Greb or RE/MAX Select Realty (724-816-2900 or www.remax.com). It is open by appointment.
The house was built in 1956. Recently, several new developments and condo projects have been built on Federal Street. One was built next door in 1983 but is set back so asnot to obstruct the view.
The front door leads right into the living room, which has
original hardwood floors and a large picture window. The adjacent dining room was originally a third bedroom, Mr. Harris said. His parents opened up a wall to give it access to the kitchen.
The kitchen has oak cabinets with an arch profile, laminate counter tops and a double-bowl, stainless-steel sink. There is a gas stove and refrigerator. The oak slab doors have their original warm finish.
The two bedrooms also have hardwood floors and are serviced by a full bathroom with a tub/shower combo and 4-inch-square walltile. The tile reaches halfwayup the wall in 1960s style.
The basement was finished in the 1980s with paneling and a vinyl floor. “My dad did that renovation. Half is laundry and the other half is finished with a bar,” Mr. Harris said. The laundry side has a vinyl floor, a double utility sink and blue wall tile. There is lots of room for storage and aPittsburgh potty.
The original exterior was red brick. But when the sun room was added, the Harrises refaced it in white and gray stone. The roof was replaced around eight years ago. There is central air conditioning and forced air heat. The hot water tank is just a few years old.
The driveway leads to a one-car integral garage and large parking pad. The backyard, which is now manicured grass, once had flower beds. “My mom had beautiful flowers everywhere,” Mr. Harris said. “My mom used to save all of the cards she received from the neighbors about how beautiful the yard was.”
The property’s Allegheny County assessed value is $52,400 (www2.county.allegheny. Search.aspx). Over the last seven years, eight homes have sold on Clayton Avenue for prices ranging from $117,750 in October 2013 to $615,000 in October 2017 (www.realstats.net).