A rare opportunity to own a landmark of mid-century modern design, the Abraam Steinberg House (1949–1951) is a masterful example of organic architecture by Peter Berndtson and Cornelia Brierly—both former apprentices of Frank Lloyd Wright who worked with Wright on Fallingwater. Thoughtfully integrated into its dramatic, steeply sloped Pittsburgh setting, this one-of-a-kind residence blends natural materials, innovative geometry, and seamless indoor-outdoor living. Constructed of brick, redwood, glass, and concrete, the home is defined by its striking architectural form— two exterior walls align with the street grid while a gracefully curved rear wall embraces a stunning open-air circular garden. This private courtyard, visible from all major living spaces, serves as the home’s true focal point, creating a serene connection between interior and landscape. Inside, three distinct levels are elegantly connected by a flowing ramp system, offering a continuous spatial experience rarely found in residential design. Custom built-in furnishings, crafted from the same rich redwood used in the structure, reinforce the home’s cohesive, organic aesthetic. Every detail reflects the visionary collaboration between Berndtson and Brierly, whose combined expertise in architecture, landscape, and interior design helped shape one of Pittsburgh’s most distinctive postwar modern homes. This is more than a residence—it is a work of art.
Single-familyProperty Type
1952Year Built
6,965 sq ftLot Size
$390Price/Sq.Ft.
2 spacesParking
Listed by • BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY THE PREFERRED REALTY
Squirrel Hill North, located between Schenley Park and Frick Park, is a residential and commercial Pittsburgh neighborhood with tree-lined streets and a walkable business corridor. Forbes Avenue and Murray Avenue concentrate the neighborhood’s character, where independent bookstores, old-school diners, specialty grocers, and sidewalk cafés keep the sidewalks busy. Community pillars include the Manor Theatre, the Squirrel Hill Market, and the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Squirrel Hill. Brick and stone homes, including classic Pittsburgh foursquares and Tudor-inspired facades, line the hilly blocks. Green space frames daily routines via park trails and ballfields. Buses and bike routes connect the corridor to Oakland and Downtown.
Provided by Walk Score and Local Logic
Offer insights
5139 Penton Rd · $1,200,000
$1.19M and above
75% chance or better to win
Why $1.19M+ is a strong offer
DAYS ON MARKET
128 days
The average home goes pending in 50 days.
SALE-TO-LIST
98.2%
Most homes are selling 2% below list price.
About offer insights
Property details
Interior
Exterior
Finance
Kitchen
Bathroom
Bedroom
Living
Dining
Interior features
Fireplace in the family/living/great room
Resale condition
Bathrooms
2 full bathrooms
1 half bathroom
Kitchen
Cooktop
Dishwasher
Refrigerator
Some electric appliances
Exterior features
Lot approximately 0.1599 acres
Home design
2-story home
Parking
Covered parking
2 total parking spaces
Construction
Frame construction
Utilities
Public water
Public sewer
HOA & community
Public transportation nearby
Electricity and solar
View estimated energy costs and solar savings for this home