Historic house grew after it became gardener’s home
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
When a home is no longer suited to its location, it is usually torn down. Fortunately, that didn’t happen to 324 Shields Lane in Edgeworth.
Originally built in the 1800s as part of the Shields estate, the twostory, wood-frame structure was moved in the early 1900s to become the home of the gardener who managed the estate. It faced Beaver Street until multiple additions that began about 20 years ago greatly expanded its footprint. The house now faces Shields Lane and has a reverse gable configuration instead of its original cross shape.
“The original core of the home is still evident in the interior layout,” said owner Doug Wurl, who purchased the house four years ago with his wife Mary Pat.
Though they love it, its five bedrooms, three full bathrooms and two powder rooms is more than they need. They have listed it for sale for $1.295 million (MLS No. 1304353) with Lorraine Easton of RE/MAX Real Estate Solutions. (www.remax.com or 412-337-2490). It is open by appointment.
The house has a brick and shingle façade and a welcoming front porch framed by double columns. A beech tree stands out among the mature landscaping.
“It is quite magnificent. It’s well over 200 years old based on the measurement,” Mr. Wurl said.
Inside, the main entry sets the stage for the rest of the home, with paneled walls, columns and cherry woodwork that runs throughout the home. The staircase boasts carved white spindles and an original hardwood railing.
On the left, the 17- by- 16foot living room has a large window and traditional/ farmhouse style.
The 24-by-12-foot formal dining room is classic with white wainscoting and deep berry wallpaper in alternating stripes. It easily holds a table for 10. At the far end is built-in cabinetry with a wine refrigerator.
The 21- by- 16-foot kitchen features one of three original fireplaces with an antique marble mantel and gas insert. Professional appliances include a Sub-Zero refrigerator and Thermador range and ovens. A large granite-topped island has cherry cabinets and provides seating and prep space. More counter seating is provided on the other side of the kitchen and a separate prep area has a butcher block top.
The homeowners improved the adjacent pantry and laundry room.
“We upgraded the cabinets in those spaces to match the kitchen,” Mr. Wurl said.
Off of the kitchen is a breakfast room with a radiant-heated slate floor. A wall of windows provides a beautiful view of the landscaped backyard and a stone patio. In early spring, flowering wisteria covers a pergola on the side of the house.
Upstairs, the 30- by- 16-foot master bedroom has a tray ceiling, a fireplace and greige-colored walls. There are large walk-in closets and a private deck that overlooks the backyard. The master bath has a jetted tub and separate shower.
The other four bedrooms range in size from 12 by 17 feet to 16 by 16 feet. One is used as a guest suite with a private bath; the others are serviced by a shared hallway bath. All have carpeting and large windows.
The finished basement includes a stone wall and yoga room.
The Allegheny County assessed value of the property is $832,000 (www2.alleghenycounty.us/realestate/Search.aspx). Over the last five years, two properties have sold on Shields Lane, this one for $935,000 in December 2013 and another in July 2012 for $1.4 million (www.realstats.net).
The home is just a stone’s throw away from the Village of Sewickley, Mr. Wurl said.
“The neighborhood is a beautiful bridge between rural and village living. We look at the old Shields barn across the street.”