Upscale, nature-inspired housing plan progresses in Fox Chapel

A niche housing plan is the result of two former Fox Chapel siblings determined to honor their late parents’ legacy and preserve the land of their beloved family homestead in Fox Chapel.

Susan Bailey and her brother Dan Sciullo co-own Willow Farms, a custom home development in a country-like setting in the heart of Fox Chapel.

“My brother Dan and I continue to promote the legacy and wish of our parents in providing an idyllic place with a country-type atmosphere in which a family can enjoy having built their dream home within a small and very special enclave,” Bailey said.

The original lot was a little more than 21 acres and previously owned by their late parents, Angelo and Phyllis Sciullo.

According to his obituary, Angelo died at age 77 in 2004. He had been a civil engineer with municipal water and sewer infrastructures. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was also a vintage sports car enthusiast and collected convertibles. Phyllis Sciullo, a homemaker, died in 2018 at age 91, according to her obituary.

The couple was married for 54 years and lived in Pittsburgh most of their lives. They enjoyed wintering in Naples, Fla.

They chose to reside in Fox Chapel because they both grew up in the city and wanted to raise their children close to Downtown Pittsburgh for its cultural amenities.

“They wanted a suburban area where they and their children could enjoy a spacious surrounding in order to enjoy having horses on their property, rather than having to board the horses, which they did for several years before purchasing Willow Farms,” Bailey said.

The Sciullos bought the acreage from the late sisters Barbara Frauenholz and Anna Miller during the 1970s. During the mid-1990s, the couple purchased an additional 3.3 acres to add to the property.

When completed, Willow Farms will include nine single-family residences.

“They want Willow Farms to be a specific way, and I mean that in a good way,” said listing agent Barbara Pfendler of Howard Hanna. “They are requesting that the buyer present to them who the builder will be, and they need to approve it.”

Brick or stone facades are preferred along the cul-de-sac street surrounded by woods.

Lot No. 9 is one of five parcels still on the market and is 3.3 acres, formerly part of seven acres comprising the family homestead located off Dorseyville Road.

“Willow Farms has been in our family for over 50 years, though no one in the family continues to reside in Fox Chapel or Pittsburgh,” Bailey said.

Bailey resides in Texas, and Dan splits his time between California and Colorado.

The siblings traveled back to break ground on Willow Farms. The project has been ongoing for several years.

Bailey recalled her three horses from childhood in an existing barn that is included with Lot No. 8.

“I have fond memories of riding our horses on the many paths our father laid out for us along the grounds of Willow Farm’s acreage,” Bailey said.

The freestyle-painted Willow Farms lettering still graces the weathered barn, albeit now a bit faded.

Each lot offers a minimum of two acres in a quiet, wooded setting close to schools, hiking trails at nearby Beechwood Farms Nature Preserve, shopping, restaurants and more.

Pfendler, of Fox Chapel, said the first four lots sold rather quickly and she anticipates the remaining lots will appeal to buyers looking for privacy, nature and luxury living.

Pfendler said spotting white-tailed deer, turkey and birds is frequent on the properties.

Pfendler said in her more than 40 years of selling real estate, this property holds a particular, unique appeal and offers plenty of room to roam.

“It’s just fun to show something that can be very special,” Pfendler said. “This isn’t just a build-your-house-type-thing. It’s come pick your lot and build the home you’ve always dreamed of.”

Existing lot prices range from $560,000 to $890,000, and utilities are at each lot. The buyer chooses their building contractor.

To date, four completed homes exist and a fifth is under construction.

Feedback from current residents has been positive.

“They’re pleased and happy and love the privacy and convenience to the hospitals, turnpike, Shadyside or Downtown,” Pfendler said.

A demand for more privacy is an amenity potential homeowners are seeking, Pfendler said.

“Everyone wants their own plot of ground,” she said. “Now, every child has their own bathroom, bedroom — the children have to have their own space and privacy.

“That seems to be something people want, especially since the pandemic.”

Willow Farms children would attend Fairview Elementary, Dorseyville Middle and Fox Chapel Area High School in the Fox Chapel Area School District.

Willow Farms has no HOA but does include covenants to ensure the vision and architectural integrity of Willow Farms and each house plan is subject to the owner or developer.

Courtesy of Howard Hanna

Willow Farms is a new 9 custom home neighborhood in Fox Chapel.