‘Nothing like this in the city’: Baywood Mansion in Highland Park on market for $3.3M
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The Baywood Mansion takes a person back in time.
The original Belgian block driveway from this 1869 house in Highland Park, just off North Negley Avenue, encircles the entrance.
An expansive front veranda greets guests. An afternoon breeze can be felt when sitting in one of the wicker chairs.
The history is plentiful throughout the house, originally known as The Alexander King Estate.
It’s on the market for $3.3 million.
“It is a special home for a special person to carry on its legacy,” said Mark Jennings, an agent with Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty. “There is nothing like this in the city. It has privacy and is in proximity to Downtown Pittsburgh, Shadyside, Oakland – all within minutes.”
Take a tour here.
Original owner
The original owner was James Scott Negley. It is believed the property was approximately 54 acres, with horse stables nearby, according to Piatt Sotheby’s.
Alexander King, a glass manufacturer, and wife Cordelia acquired the home through a sheriff’s sale, a public auction. It was damaged by a fire in 1880 and rebuilt as a Second Empire Victorian architecture in 1882. The Kings had two children, Robert and Jennie. Jennie married Richard Beatty Mellon, and was the mother of Richard King Mellon.
Robert King fought to preserve the estate. The 1.8 acres would remain with any sale of the property. Most of the surrounding 54 acres became owned by the city of Pittsburgh, which maintains the area known as Highland Park.
Upon Robert King’s death, the city repurposed the house into the Museum of Pittsburgh Art.
The 22-room home fell into disrepair and was about to be demolished, “close to the wrecking ball,” Jennings said.
Making the save
Dr. Frank Brown saved the home. He and his wife, Maura, purchased the residence in 1994. The couple spent years painstakingly restoring the home. It has been designated a historic landmark by the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation.
In addition restoring authentic decorative details, the Browns have paid attention to the bones of the house. The electrical system has been updated. There is new plumbing, air conditioning, boiler, and appliances.
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The porch and roof of the exterior have been repainted.
“We would love to find the next steward of this home, someone to take care of this house,” said Jennings, as he stood on the front porch Thursday afternoon. “There is so much history here.”
The home sits on 1.8 acres and encompasses 9,286 square feet.
It has eight spacious bedrooms. Wooden bed frames have carved details and there are plenty of tall wooden closets. The house features four full and one half bathrooms — including several claw foot tubs.
There are seven fireplaces, including a green-embellished one and another decorated in gold.
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There is a library, billiards room, butler’s pantry and hardwood flooring throughout high-ceilinged house.
The attention to detail is remarkable, from the brass doorknobs to the historic light fixtures and wooden staircase. There are several stained glass windows and plenty of natural light.
In the grand sitting room off, the walls are adorned in 24-karat gold leaf fresco design. A grand square piano sits in the corner and a silver tea set in the other. One of the original mirrors hangs on the wall, one of many large mirrors in the home.
A portrait of Jennie King is displayed in the formal dining room.
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The kitchen has a vintage-inspired stove, while the refrigerator and freezer are concealed behind wood veneer doors. A drawer filled with silverware pulls out from the kitchen table. There are bread warmers in the kitchen and dining room.
There is antique furniture throughout.
“The kitchen is amazing,” said Monika Vindler, another agent with Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty. “It has all the modern conveniences with a vintage look. This house has a warm feel and it has a rich history. It’s like stepping back in time.”
The Baywood Mansion is located at 5501 Elgin St.