Middle Manor is a thoughtfully restored 1910 Foursquare in Sharpsburg — a walkable, unpretentious neighborhood just 5 miles from downtown Pittsburgh, inside the Fox Chapel school district. The house was built by Jacob Litz, a local businessman whose condiments company once rivaled the empire of H.J. Heinz, who lived just a few doors away. More than a century later, the house Litz built is still standing — period millwork, original hardwood floors, and a stained glass window that's been catching afternoon light on the stair landing since 1910. Four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and space for up to 8 guests across three floors of original architecture, designed for long dinners, slow mornings, and weekends that turn into stories.
The Space
The first floor is built for gathering: 10.5-foot ceilings, three brass chandeliers over a dining table that seats 12, a living room with room for everyone, and a kitchen set up for a group that actually wants to cook. Upstairs, four bedrooms — each designed differently, each with its own character — share the home's original details, including decorative coal-burning fireplaces with ornate covers.
36" commercial range, fully equipped kitchen
Nespresso and SimplyGoodCoffee drip coffee maker
65" TV with YouTube TV
Free, full-access laundry on the third floor
Smart lock entry — code sent before arrival
Private, on-site parking for up to 8 cars, plus free street parking
1GB WiFi with strong coverage throughout the house
Large, covered front porch
Small, fenced-in yard — great for picnics and yard games
400 sq ft covered deck, seats 16 (handles light rain; not yet pictured — coming soon)
The Neighborhood
Sharpsburg isn't trying to be anything it isn't — and that's exactly what makes it worth staying in. Everything is walkable: two of Pittsburgh's most celebrated craft breweries sit 200 yards in either direction, along with a respected coffee shop, a serious cocktail bar, good pizza, and a Polish restaurant the neighborhood can't stop talking about.
2 minutes to Aspinwall
5 minutes to Lawrenceville
7 minutes to Highland Park
10 minutes to Downtown Pittsburgh
15 minutes to Shadyside
Guest Access & Host Availability
The house is all yours — all four bedrooms, every common space, the front porch, fenced yard, and covered deck. Entry is through the smart lock on the front door; your code arrives ahead of check-in, so there's no key or lockbox to deal with.
I live in a small, completely separate unit attached to the back of the property — out of your way unless you want otherwise. I'm a Pittsburgh native with plenty of opinions about where to eat, what to do, and what to skip, and I'm glad to help plan your stay or stay entirely out of the picture. Either way works.
Good to Know
The fireplaces are original but decorative only.
Quiet hours outside after 10pm on weeknights and midnight on weekends — inside, the house is yours all night.
Grocery delivery works well here; Giant Eagle and Whole Foods both serve the area.
The living room TV is on a mantle mount built to swing down to eye level. Firmly grab the two tabs underneath and pull toward you — it'll drop down in front of the mantle. Keep a firm grip going either direction.
