The original home was built in 1869 and owned by James Scott Negley. It is believed that the property was approximately 54 acres, with horse stables located on what would eventually become Negley Road. In the 1870s, Alexander King (1816-1890) and his wife Cordelia acquired the home through a Sheriff’s sale. Though a fire claimed the original home in 1880, it was rebuilt as a Second Empire Victorian and completed in 1882.
Alexander and Cordelia had two children: Robert King and Jennie King. Robert occupied the home after his mother passed away in 1911. During Robert’s ownership in the 1940s, Edgar Kaufmann wanted to build an amphitheater in Pittsburgh, and the land was attempted to be seized by eminent domain.
Luckily for Robert, the current and future owners, his fight against these efforts was successful and he was able to secure a number of important conditions and deed restrictions. The 1.8 acres immediately surrounding the home would forever be transferred upon the sale of the property, to ensure that the Baywood Mansion would always feel like a secluded estate. Though most of the original 54 acres would pass to the city of Pittsburgh after his death, Robert was able to secure another victory: the owner of Baywood would always have the opportunity to approve or deny any request that would alter the six acres of parkland surrounding the home. The city would own the six acres and be responsible for all of the maintenance; the Belgian block driveway would always be maintained and never paved over.
Recognizing that the Baywood Mansion is a classic example of the best of Second Empire Victorian architecture, the city decided to make it the home of the Museum of Pittsburgh Art when Robert King passed away in 1954. After a number of years of operation, Baywood had fallen into a state of disrepair, as Victorian homes were not as scarce in this time frame and preservation efforts were generally not considered a worthwhile endeavor.
In the 1990s, Dr. Frank and Maura Brown fought to acquire the home to save it from being condemned, realizing that it was in dire condition. With a passion for Victorian architecture and an understanding of the Baywood Mansion’s unique position in the history of Pittsburgh, the Brown family took the project on with a focus on returning the home to its former glory. Dr. Frank and Maura restored the home with meticulous attention to detail, going to great lengths to match the paint colors in the halls, library, and parlor, to preserve and repair the hand-painted ceilings and the inlaid carpeting, as well as the Bradbury & Bradbury wallpaper in the bedrooms and billiards room. The passion and pride shines through in the restored ceiling medallions and cornices, the imported Columbian hardware, and rare finds brought in from other Victorian-era properties to match the true character of the home.
Considering that many updates and improvements have been made behind the walls, Baywood now surpasses the original in many aspects. For the past 25 years, Dr. Frank and Maura have been refining and revitalizing the Baywood Mansion, in an effort to not only build their family there but also to restore the history of Pittsburgh. They are now ready to pass the tender loving care of this exquisite, special beauty on to a new owner.
