Babcock Mansion, Estate of the Day
Pittsburgh recently made the Forbes list of most affordable cities. The probably weren't thinking about the high end of the market but there are deals there too. Check out the Babcock Mansion, a vintage beauty in the Shadyside area that dates back from the 1880s. The elegantly columned home was designed by Pittsburgh Architect George Orth for the founders of the Babcock Lumber company. The home has entertained presidents, Madam Curie, Mary Pickford and a host of others. The home has five bedrooms and all sorts of period details including stained glass, ten exquisite fireplaces, hardwood floors, chandeliers and ornate ceilings. It's gorgeous although as we often see with older homes, it might not work for those with more modern wishes like a home theater and a massive bathroom. It is listed at just $1.85 million. After the jump, walls that whisper history.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Mary Aug 8th 2007 11:23PM
It's perfect. That's all. 10 fireplaces. And just a beautiful as the day is long. Perfect. Now I just have to want to live in PA......
Melanie Aug 9th 2007 8:25PM
I in Pittsburgh. Being 1 of the oldest established cities in the country, there are many gorgeous old homes. It would be nice to see more of them featured.
David Aug 9th 2007 8:59PM
I live in Pa. So in reply to what #1 said, it's
perfect, that's all, 10 fireplaces and just as beautiful as the day is long. And I do want to live in Pa. Now there's just the small matter of 1.85
million dollars.... hmmmmm
Karin Aug 11th 2007 9:06PM
This mansion is spectacular. Also take a look at many more luxurious, spacious homes in Shadyside/Fox Chapel, Virginia Manor, Upper St. Clair and Mt. Lebanon. Gorgeous estates at a great price compared to housing prices in major cities such as Boston, NYC and anywhere in California. Pittsburgh is a hidden gem - a vast improvement since the 1970s. The family-oriented, friendly Pittsburghers and the surrounding suburbs make it a great place to raise a family. There are many top-rated public schools, universities, hospitals, public transportation, restaurants, and shopping (no tax on clothes). Don't miss an overall view of the cityscape from the top of Mt. Washington. You'll also discover many hills and winding roads reminiscent of San Francisco. You get a lot for your money in this city.
carolyn o'leary Aug 10th 2007 9:58AM
surely there is a book featuring the great houses in Pittsburgh. The Fricks, Carnegies, Jones & Laughlin,Kaufmanns and etc. had hugh houses on old %th anenue. I went to a school that the house that housed the Charity nuns lived in once belonged to Pearl Mesta. The story went that as a young bride he took her to see Pittsburgh which was the home oif Mesta steel. She took one look at the dust from the mill and said no I will not live in this house. Shadyside was a distance awy from the house.Pearl Mesta was the women that" Call me Madam" was based on.
Grant Aug 9th 2007 9:37PM
Pittsburgh is a wonderfuil city to call home. Pittsburgh has made the transition from a steel and coal mining city to great high technologh city. Pittsburgh is full of history with the glow of the great steel mills and dirty coal mines that had dedicated employees that loved their city and work that added to what makes America great. There are greater days ahead for the grand old city. There was a day when the sun was blocked out by the pollution of the Pittsburgh industry, the sun now shines brighly on the beautiful city called the steel city PITSBURGH.
Mary of Sherwood Aug 9th 2007 9:38PM
www.sanfernandovalleypoliticallyincorrect.blogspot.com
I used to live in Pittsburgh (West Mifflin). Recently, I read a public health report written by a doctor that said leprosy was endemic in the northeast, due to illegal immigrants who are not health-screened. Does anyone know what this doctor was talking about? I never heard of this on the news. Any Pittsburghers care to comment?
von Aug 9th 2007 9:53PM
And just how HAUNTED is this place..call taps maybe ?
kirk Aug 9th 2007 10:15PM
Lived In Monroeville for 1 1/2 years and surrounding area for 29 years. No leprosy in family,and nothing indicated on family tree...but there was this one crooked branch. You are all correct about Pittsburgh, can't wait to get out of Atlanta and move back. Nothing beats western PA in the summer.
KerryBabyxx Aug 9th 2007 10:22PM
A mansion like this would cost 5 million in Shaunnessy heights,the wealthy neighborhood here in Vancouver,BC.
Mary Kay Aug 9th 2007 10:18PM
How I miss the beauty of the city neighborhoods since moving to Florida 3 years ago. I miss great health care, great universities,and great people. It is true, you don't know what you miss till it is gone. I applaud those who restore these old homes and preserve the history for all to enjoy for years to come. I would like to recommend to all my displaced Pittsburghers a really good book by Samuel Hazo (published in 1986,he was then, a Duquesne University professor),the title: The Pittsburgh That Starts Within You. Once you read it, you will know why you while you are living in Florida or California or England that you proudly state, "I am from Pittsburgh, PA!!)
david Aug 9th 2007 10:20PM
Check out Buck Mansion in White Oak for sale thru Howard Hanna. This house blows away the featured home with 36 acres!!!
Bill Cain Aug 18th 2007 7:50AM
I dumped my Long Island shack and moved back to Upper St Clair. It's sweeeeeeet to be back in da 'Burgh...
Cheryl Aug 9th 2007 11:20PM
When can I move in?
lebogrl Aug 9th 2007 11:28PM
I grew up in Mt. Lebanon, raised my kids in Florida.They missed out on alot of culture and great sports teams.
Lori Aug 10th 2007 12:48AM
I live just north of Pittsburgh. Glad to see the city recogized for the gem it really is! There are beautiful, affordable homes all over the Western PA area.
Laura Aug 10th 2007 12:49AM
#9 your comment "Nothing beats western PA in the summer"......Hey NOTHING beats Western PA in the Autumn.... Absolutely Gorgeous!!! and all I can say to #10 of your comment "you don't know what you miss till it is gone" AMEN!!! I long for the Day I leave over crowded,overpriced, overpolluted and overrated So.Calif. and go back home to Pittsburgh.. I've heard that if Pittsburgh was located in a more favoritable climate, it would be a more popular than San Fran (lived there) and Boston. Love the 4 seasons.. There is no place like home..There is no place like home....
Jonathan Aug 10th 2007 2:52AM
I'm only 21, I know Pittsburgh, I have to say there are hundreds of big beautiful homes like this one all over this city. I realize not as many with this kind of history, but places like Sewickley Heights, and the aforementioned Shady Side and even Squirrel Hill are spectacular places for big homes with beautiful architecture and style. But aside from these older homes there are also incredible new and modern homes around the city that aren't insanely expensive. On Mt. Washington there are 3 or 4 HUGE homes for sale for only $4 million ( I realize the use of the word only is ridiculous here) with views overlooking the city, I know for a fact that homes like this in other cities would cost at least double that. Pittsburgh is my home and I am glad to call it that!
Mark Silberberg Aug 10th 2007 10:29AM
I would buy it if I could move it out to California where I reside. Unbelievable Price!!!
denise Aug 10th 2007 1:41AM
There nothing quite like coming thru the Ft. Pitt tunnels into the city. I've lived here all my life and it still takes my breath away. Saturday morning in the Strip (or Friday night), Steeler football, all of the great parks here, colleges and universities, healthcare that is unparalleled and really affordable housing. That first warm spring day with a blindingly bright blue sky, the day you know summer is really here because the grass is just so green and the ice cream truck is down the street, the first morning you get up with a little fog and cooler to remind you that fall is coming, and we just won't mention the other one because sometimes it forgets to come here. People just don't realize how cheap you can get a house here. I've traveled all over the world but there's nothing like pulling into your own driveway.