House Tour - 57 Defoe Street

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2005 was a good year for DeFoe Street. It was in October of that year that Craig Laurenson fell in love with the unassuming brick house at 57 DeFoe Street, and decided to call it home. Seated in the heart of Observatory Hill, the location of this quaint 1200-square foot, three-bedroom home combines the convenience of easy access to Downtown Pittsburgh, the North Shore and the Strip District, with close proximity to Riverview Park, one of the City’s most beautiful and spacious recreational areas.

This old-style, single-family home was built in 1926, and retains all of the original woodwork. In fact, one of the first projects tackled by the homeowners was refinishing the hardwood floors throughout the entire house.

While original charm most certainly radiates throughout the home, a number of updates and improvements has helped to create a marriage of creature comforts and old-world charm. With the exception of the original stained glass windows that illuminate the halls and rooms, all of the windows in the house have been replaced with newer, energy-efficient ones. Interior shutters complement the home’s architectural style, while adding additional energy conservation benefits.

Prior to Craig’s purchase of this home, new cabinets added style and beauty to the kitchen. He continued to create a kitchen that was as functional as it was beautiful by adding a new sink and dishwasher. Also on the first floor, the cozy living room boasts two original stained glass windows, a working fireplace and a beautiful original mantel.

On the second floor, three bedrooms provide ample space for Craig to entertain out-of-town family and friends. Each of these bedrooms features refinished hardwood floors, as well as freshly painted walls and ceilings. Also on the second floor, the bathroom has much potential. Renovations to this room are planned within the next few years.

Craig and his fiancée Stephanie plan on doing many more renovations to this lovely home, including finishing the basement and adding an additional bathroom.