A high society scandal led to a lifetime of happiness. That’s the story of this grand home in Allegheny West that we’re exploring in this episode of Feeling Nebby with Houses of Pittsburgh.
Aaron Bryan and his wife, Sandy, purchased the property in 2018. They had essentially a blank canvas on their hands. Aside from the stunning entryway — complete with original mahogany paneling, a grand staircase, fireplace and door set — much of the home had been stripped of its historic character during a 1990s remodel.
The Bryan’s restoration honors not just the architecture, but a love story that’s tied to the home. It was built in 1891 by William Denny Brereton, who was the wealthy heir of the Denny family, one of Pittsburgh’s most prominent families. His great-grandfather was Ebenezer Denny, a Revolutionary War soldier and Pittsburgh’s first mayor. Like many elite families of the era, the Breretons eventually moved to New York. But a scandal brought William back.
The tale feels straight out of “Bridgerton” or “Downton Abbey”: William fell in love with his mother’s seamstress, Helen Hyde. Shunned by society, the couple returned to Pittsburgh to begin their new life together. This salacious history was uncovered through archival newspaper accounts from The New York Times, St. Louis Dispatch and Pittsburgh Press, then compiled into a house history for Aaron and Sandy by the renowned architectural historian and preservationist Carol J. Peterson.
The couple thoughtfully sourced salvaged materials to restore the home’s historic feel, including dining room paneling that mirrors the original entryway, a pocket door from Construction Junction and transom windows found in a local antique shop. They have also added meaningful personal touches like a hand-painted mural in the dining room that tells their own love story, from a collegiate crew meet-cute to their wedding at Heinz Chapel. Love remains at the center of this home.
Located in Allegheny West, the house is part of a community that continues to celebrate its history. Each year, residents open their doors for events like the Old Allegheny Victorian Christmas House Tour and the upcoming Tour and Tasting in Old Allegheny, with tickets going on sale April 3. While Aaron and Sandy cannot promise their home will be featured this time, they will be there to help showcase their beloved neighborhood.