These Owners are Hoping a Family Buys Their Picturesque Home in Oakmont

Pittsburgh is where Drs. Maureen and Leo Bidula may have come to begin their professional careers, but it was upon visiting Oakmont for the first time where they had an epiphany.

“We decided right then it’s the place you never want to leave,” Maureen says.

They found their perfect home, a Center-Hall Colonial at 118 Oak Glen Drive. Less than a mile from Oakmont Country Club, the convenient location was just one of the bonuses.

“It had so much potential,” Maureen says. “The hardwood floors were in the house and it was well-kept. It was owned by somebody who worked for Gulf Oil Company.”

After 38 years, two children and several home upgrades, the couple is now looking for one-level living. They’ve placed the five bedroom, 2-full and 2½-bathroom home on the market for $699,900 (MLS#1619265, Lori Hummel, Howard Hanna Real Estate, howardhanna.com). It is open by appointment.

The home sits on a stunning lot filled with mature trees, shrubs, perennials and perfectly manicured planting beds. The Bidulas used landscape architect John Paul Young for its design and maintenance.

“His firm is Grounds and Gardens in Murrysville; he is an artist and fabulous to work with,” Maureen says. “We have been with him for more than 30 years.”

A long driveway leads to the two-car, integral garage, while the landscaped pathway to the front door allows a close-up view of Young’s detailed work.

Inside, a neutral paint scheme and hardwood floors set the tone for the home. A 13-by-29- square-foot formal living room is a quiet space to entertain or to read a book. It flows into the 11-by-13-square-foot dining room, where wainscoting anchors a gray-striped wallpaper. Large windows throughout the rooms let in plenty of light.

Remodeled eight years ago, the kitchen is built for cooking. The couple installed cherry wood cabinets with crown molding that run up to the ceiling, tile floors and granite countertops. Pendant lights hang over the center island and a gas cooktop complements the double wall ovens. There also is a breakfast area with table seating.

The couple wisely decided to take advantage of their landscape in the rear of the home by removing a screened-in porch and replacing it with a rotunda-style sunroom. Designed and built 20 years ago by the now-retired Dave Hilinsky, the space features tile floors and windows across the entire perimeter. An architectural ceiling design was created by using tongue-in-groove knotty pine laid out in an articulating fan pattern on the ceiling.

The room was a hub of entertainment for the family.

“It’s a great place to gather [for] Christmas and holiday parties,” Maureen says. “We set up tables and can seat 18 out there. We use it all year long.”

The couple also added a stamped concrete patio with a stacked stone wall and a built-in gas grill off of the sunroom. The ever-changing outdoor views are visible from the front of the home from the moment one walks in.

“You open the front door and you can see all the way to the back of the house with the snowy backyard,” Maureen says. “It is perfect.”

The first floor also hosts a cozy den with a fireplace, a mudroom with laundry and a powder room.

Upstairs are five bedrooms and two full, remodeled bathrooms featuring premium tile, granite countertops and oak vanities. The primary bathroom has a walk-in shower and glass door, while the second bathroom features a tub/shower combo.

The freshly painted, neutral-hued bedrooms are carpeted and have ample closet space.

The Bidulas finished the basements with custom built-in shelves, large closets, carpet, a powder room and LED spotlights in the ceiling. Games were the focus in this space, and the couple has fond memories of their teenage kids enjoying regular game nights.

As they begin their next phase, the couple only has one wish for the home’s future.

“We really, really want to see a family purchase this home,” Maureen says. “It is such a great place to raise kids; the neighborhood is great. We are really hoping that someone will be as happy in this house as we were.”

Drawing on her years of experience covering the region’s real estate industry, Rosa Colucci’s Hot Property takes an inside look into unique and historic homes currently on the market. Each week, Hot Property goes behind the For Sale sign to share the story of a special Pittsburgh area home. And four times a year, Hot Property will give an in-depth look at the region’s real estate market in Pittsburgh Magazine HOME, track housing prices and sales and detail where the hot properties can be found. Rosa can be reached at [email protected].

About: Oakmont (oakmontborough.com)Population: 6,303Planes, Trains & Automobiles: A 40-minute commute to Pittsburgh International Airport. Street parking. Public transportation. Schools: Riverview School District (rsd.k12.pa.us)Neighborhood: Known for old houses and old charm, Oakmont, nestled along the Allegheny River, is home to the world-renowned Oakmont Country Club. A handsome and vibrant business district runs along both sides of Allegheny River Boulevard and Allegheny Avenue and features loads of restaurants and bespoke retail shops. Oakmont Bakery is a destination in itself, while the renovated Oaks Theater features live entertainment. Many residents enjoy an evening stroll along the sidewalks and walking paths.