PHOTOS BY JACK FALLON AT VUE REAL ESTATE MARKETING
Cynthia Tilson loves to row Pittsburgh’s three rivers, so when she came across 63 Waterfront Drive, it felt like kismet.
Located on the Allegheny River island of Washington’s Landing, the home’s front door had direct access to the peace Tilson has always found on the water. The avid cycler, who took up Pickleball in her retirement, also loved the property’s proximity to the Three Rivers Heritage Trail and island courts.
“I can easily and safely access all three sports here,” she says. “Every day, I walk the trails of this gorgeous, park-like setting with my dog.”
Originally from Washington, D.C., Tilson says she moved to Pittsburgh not for a house — but for the people.
“I love Pittsburghers,” she says with a smile. “They automatically wave you into traffic. They love to help.”
She also enjoys the way she says locals are loyal to the city they love.
“They never move away, and if their children leave for places more dynamic, eventually most of them return, because there is no other city I’ve lived in that is so easy to feel accepted and honored for who you are,” she says.
Tilson’s own children and grandchildren do not live in Pittsburgh, so she and her partner, Ernie Sota, have decided to head south to be closer to them. Sota is the President of SOTO Construction, which remodeled the three-bedroom, four-bathroom townhouse.
Sota says he was impressed by the quality of the original build from 1998, which is energy efficient and well protected against moisture and the elements.
“None of this was surprising since we knew the excellent reputation for quality of Montgomery Rust, who were the original builders,” says Sota.
Listed for $1.295 million, the 3,000-square-foot home has upgrades throughout, including custom woodwork, wainscoting and wrought iron railings. Atop the home sits a cupola, which is accessed via a spiral staircase and has stunning views of Downtown.
The home is listed by RE/MAX’s Maggie Jayson, who describes the property as a showstopper. An end unit, the townhouse is flooded with light and has a spacious dining room that seats 12. However, it’s the kitchen Jayson loves in particular.
“The gourmet kitchen is a chef’s delight,” she says. “It includes granite countertops, a Subzero refrigerator, Wolf dual-fuel range, under-counter microwave, wine storage, pantry and coffee bar.”
Each of the three bedrooms has its own ensuite bathroom filled with high-end finishes. A massive freestanding soaker tub in the primary suite is the perfect spot to unwind after a day of living it up on the rivers. While two suites are located on the second floor, the last suite, which is perfect for a guest room or office, is on the third floor; it contains a bay window with stunning views, as well as the spiral staircase to the cupola. The bold color choices throughout the home are set against crisp white millwork.
A two-car garage provides room for parking as well as recreation, including space for kayaks, bikes and fishing gear. The HOA installed a new roof and deck on the townhouse within the last few years, and there are plans to update the siding within the next year.
It’s the location, though, that is everyone’s favorite thing about the home.
“Washington’s Landing is probably Pittsburgh’s best kept secret,” says Jayson. “It’s a chance to be in the city without feeling like you’re in the city. It has been transformed from what was once a heavy industrial site to a gorgeous residential site.”
Jayson adds that despite overlooking the river, Washington’s Landing is not a flood zone.
While Tilson and Sota can’t wait to be closer to grandchildren, Tilson admits she is a bit wistful about leaving the home they’ve customized from top to bottom.
“So, with decidedly mixed emotions, I am passing my beautiful home, on this incredibly beautiful island on the mighty Allegheny River, in such close proximity to our beloved city of Pittsburgh, on to the next lucky inhabitants,” she says. “May they love our creation as much as we have.”
Meg St-Esprit is a Bellevue-based freelance journalist who covers real estate, lifestyle, education, parenting and travel for a variety of local outlets including Pittsburgh Magazine, PublicSource, Kidsburgh, Pittsburgh City Paper, and City Cast Pittsburgh. Meg offers Hot Property, an inside look into unique and historic homes on the market. Each week, Hot Property goes behind the For Sale sign to share the story of a special Pittsburgh-area home.
About: Washington’s Landing is actually part of Pittsburgh’s Troy Hill neighborhood.
Population: The island has 88 housing units.
Planes, Trains & Automobiles: The island can be accessed via River Avenue. A bike and pedestrian trail runs the length of the island to the Three Rivers Heritage Trail along the North Shore. The airport is a 30-minute drive and public transportation can be accessed from the island as well.
Schools: Pittsburgh Public Schools (pghschools.org)
Neighborhood: Washington’s Landing is located on Herrs Island. Once a brownfield, the island previously had an animal processing plant and was overtaken by industry. Farmers on Troy Hill would run animals down Rialto Street to the island for processing. Revitalized as residential, commercial and recreation space, the island today looks nothing like it once did. Boaters and walkers intersect daily along the land, which underwent a complete and comprehensive clean-up that took years — and transformed the island into the nature reserve it is today. Visitors these days will find blossoming plants and trees along the trails, along with plenty of wildlife.
