Welcome to an extraordinary historic Colonial estate offering a rare private-compound setting and grand circular drive in the heart of West Shadyside. Rich in character and beautifully preserved, this distinguished residence showcases exquisite millwork, handsome wood paneling, intricate moldings, built-in bookcases, fireplaces, curved staircases, and hardwood floors throughout. The grand foyer opens to an elegant formal living room and library, each enhanced by a striking fireplace, custom built-ins, architectural details, and abundant natural light. The formal dining room provides an impressive setting for entertaining, with dramatic curved walls, paneled wainscoting, refined detailing, and a sparkling chandelier. The expansive cathedral-ceiling kitchen is highlighted by multiple skylights and an adjoining informal dining area with direct access to the covered outdoor patio. A comfortable sitting room, two powder rooms, and laundry room complete the first floor. The second floor offers two spacious ensuite bedrooms, an additional large bedroom, and a versatile studio with kitchenette and a private bath. The third floor provides four generously proportioned bedrooms and one-and-a-half baths, offering exceptional flexibility for family, guests, offices, or creative spaces. The lower level adds an extraordinary dimension to the property with an indoor lap pool, two expansive storage areas, and a two-car garage. Ideally located within walking distance of Walnut Street's renowned shopping and dining, as well as nearby universities, hospitals, parks, and cultural attractions. An approximately 0.40-acre adjacent lot is also available (listing #1776312), offering the opportunity to create an exceptional private estate with the historic residence and approximately 0.80 acres of total grounds.
Shadyside, located between Oakland and East Liberty, is a residential and retail Pittsburgh neighborhood with tree-lined streets and a polished shopping corridor. Walnut Street and Bellefonte Street concentrates the neighborhood’s character, where sidewalk patios, indie boutiques, and gallery-like storefronts keep the blocks in motion. Victorian and early-20th-century brick homes sit alongside mid-century apartment buildings, giving the streetscape a layered, walkable feel. The Frick Pittsburgh anchors the cultural calendar with art, gardens, and historic architecture. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens adds a greenhouse escape just beyond the western edge. Coffee culture and late-night bites cluster around local staples like La Prima Espresso and The Yard Gastropub.
Provided by Walk Score and Local Logic
Offer insights
5238 Ellsworth Ave · $2,500,000
$2.51M and above
75% chance or better to win
Why $2.51M+ is a strong offer
DAYS ON MARKET
25 days
The average home goes pending in 53 days.
SALE-TO-LIST
97.5%
Most homes are selling 3% below list price.
About offer insights
Property details
Interior
Exterior
Finance
Kitchen
Bathroom
Bedroom
Living
Dining
Interior features
Kitchen island
Pantry
Window treatments
Screens on windows
Bedrooms
Bedroom 2 (Upper)
Bedroom 3 (Upper)
Bedroom 4 (Upper)
Bedroom 5 (Upper)
Bathrooms
4 full bathrooms
3 half bathrooms
Kitchen
Refrigerator
Stove
Microwave
Dishwasher
Disposal
Laundry & utility
Washer
Dryer
Some gas appliances
Flooring
Hardwood floors
Ceramic tile
Heating & cooling
Gas heating
Hot water heating
Central air conditioning
Exterior features
Private pool
Walk-out basement access
Home design
3 stories
Resale property
Parking
Attached garage
Built-in parking
Off-street parking
Garage door opener
Total 2 parking spaces
Construction
Brick construction
Slate roof
Utilities
Public water
Public sewer
HOA & community
Public transportation access
Electricity and solar
View estimated energy costs and solar savings for this home
This approximately 0.40-acre parcel presents a remarkable opportunity for homesite development in one of Pittsburgh’s most coveted neighborhoods, West Shadyside. Subdivision concept has been green lighted, offering the potential to create a substantial new residence on an exceptional parcel of land. The property also includes a charming carriage house/garage, adding flexibility and valuable additional space. Surrounded by mature grounds and offering an uncommon sense of privacy, this is a rare opportunity to create a private retreat in the heart of the city. Ideally located within walking distance of Walnut Street’s renowned shopping and dining, as well as nearby universities, hospitals, parks, and cultural attractions. The discerning buyer may envision the complete package - a significant historic residence (listing #1776262), expansive grounds that would total approximately 0.80 acres, and the flexibility to shape the property to suit their vision and future needs.
West Penn MLS #1714670
Aug 1, 2026
Delisted
—
Jun 19, 2026
Price Changed
$4,999,000
$662/sq ft
Apr 12, 2026
Price Changed
$3,800,000
$503/sq ft
Sep 12, 2025
Relisted
—
Aug 2, 2025
Listed
$5,300,000
$701/sq ft
+45
A chance to own one of the largest lots in the heart of West Shadyside. Magnificient mini mansion on property along with 39,000 square foot adjacent lot that is possibly subdividable. The property also has a governers drive which leads up to this incredible dwelling infused with huge rooms, stained and leaded glass, ornate wood original moldings and built ins, gleaming hardwood floors, an indoor swimming pool and newer addition with newer kitchen. Carriage house on property. One of Shadysides biggest properties. Blocks froim Shadyside shopping and dining. Close proximity to schools, universities and hospitals. .
Public Records
Dec 5, 1985
Sold
$235,000
$31/sq ft
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2026
$19,104 (+6.5%)
$206,200 + $518,800
$725,000
2025
$17,937 (+10.1%)
$206,200 + $518,800
$725,000
2024
$16,289
$206,200 + $500,800
$707,000
2023
$16,289 (+1.3%)
$206,200 + $500,800
$707,000
2022
$16,077
$206,200 + $500,800
$707,000
2021
$16,077 (+0.5%)
$206,200 + $500,800
$707,000
2020
$15,999
$206,200 + $500,800
$707,000
2019
$15,999
$206,200 + $500,800
$707,000
2018
$15,999
$206,200 + $500,800
$707,000
2017
$15,999 (−10.7%)
$206,200 + $500,800
$707,000
2015
$17,922
$206,200 + $570,600
$776,800
Public record
Beds
6
Baths
3.5
Stories
2.5
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
0.42 Acres
Year renovated
—
Finished Sq. Ft.
7,556
Unfinished Sq. Ft.
—
Total Sq. Ft.
7,556
Year built
1920
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Allegheny County
APN
0052C00246000000
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Jul 21, 2026.
Climate risks
1/10 Flood Factor
Minimal risk of a flood reaching the building in the next 30 years
1/10 Fire Factor
Unlikely to be in a wildfire in next 30 years
4/10 Heat Factor
7 days above 97° expected this year, 17 days in 30 years
2/10 Wind Factor
0% chance of strong winds in next 30 years
4/10 Air Factor
5 unhealthy days expected this year, 7 days in 30 years
Provided by First Street
Historical weather
Pittsburgh, PA • 15232
Average low and high temperatures (°F)
32
18
41
24
60
37
68
47
70
51
82
62
85
67
82
61
79
55
67
44
54
36
43
27
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sun exposure
91/ 100
Exceptional sunlight
Sunscore
This home ranks in the top 11% for direct sun exposure in Pittsburgh. There appears to be minimal shading by surrounding buildings, terrain, and vegetation.
10 hrs
5.6 hrs
JuneDecember
Provided by Shadowmap
Redfin Estimate for 5238 Ellsworth Ave
$2,391,405
$109K under list price of $2.50M
Nearby comparable homes
The Redfin Estimate uses 6 recent nearby sales, priced between $1.2M to $3.4M.