On a hill overlooking the Monongahela River, Samuel Miller Downer built a stately all brick, slate roofed home at the turn of the 20th century. 120 years later, the home’s grandeur and elegance continues to shine through as a testament to the quality and care with which the home was made and maintained.
An influential businessman and real estate developer, Downer is credited with numerous endeavors dedicated to the development and advancement of the town of Monongahela. His commitment to excellence is felt throughout the Colonial Revival home. Offering over 3,800 square feet of living space spread across three stories, the Downer House must be experienced to be fully appreciated.
The elegance of the home’s fir and pine floors paired with detailed millwork is stunning with the inclusion of fluted inlays, barley twist balusters, wainscoting, and custom built-ins. The grandeur of the foyer’s arched entry frames the antique crystal chandelier while being tastefully mirrored in the coved plaster ceilings. Schumacher and Scalamandre wallpaper beautifully adorn the Farrow and Ball painted walls, completing the sense of intentional design.
The home’s six bedrooms, located on the second and third floors are serviced by three full baths, newly renovated with Kohler fixtures and Waterworks cast iron tub. An additional room on the third floor may be used as an office, bedroom, or living space while the finished basement provides even more room to enjoy. A secondary staircase from the kitchen provides additional ease with which to move about the home.
Outside, the wrap-around-porch complements the home’s stately presence while providing additional entertaining space that seamlessly connects to the back courtyard and porch. the standalone two car garage flanks the courtyard and offers a flat entry from the car to the rear entrance.
The property’s current owners have called The Downer House “home” for more than four decades. While they enjoyed life in the quiet suburb of Monongahela, they also have fond memories of time in the city of Pittsburgh, where their father worked. A commute made even faster with the recent construction of the PA-43 highway. Additionally, Shady Side Academy’s unique 5-day boarding school program afforded them an alternative education option while still allowing for time at home on the weekends.
With more than a century of care, love, and joy imbued in those historic walls, The Downer House is ready to begin its next chapter. Guided tours are available to qualified buyers through The Swab Group at Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty. Please take a moment to schedule your opportunity to experience this historic home.
