at the end of a quiet drive in sewickley heights, where rolling meadows give way to woodlands and sunlight glides across open fields, a legacy estate sits gently among the trees. it’s a place that feels both timeless and alive, where history is lived in, breathed in, and beautifully reimagined. this is 601 backbone road, once part of the legendary farmhill dairy, and now an extraordinary 16-acre retreat for those who value privacy, provenance, and possibility, just minutes from the heart of sewickley village and some of the area’s most prestigious golf courses.
the story begin s with the main house, a stucco structure with shuttered windows and slate rooflines, set on a cobblestone motor court. originally the guernsey barn, it has since been transformed into a refined and inviting country residence. traditional in style, thoughtfully updated, and beautifully proportioned, the home unfolds in a graceful sequence of light filled rooms. a renovated kitchen, complete with viking range, subzero refrigerator, and radiant heated floors, anchors the living space, while adjacent gathering areas invite both quiet mornings and lively dinners. two main level bedroom suites provide comfort and flexibility for guests or family, while the primary suite upstairs offers a serene sanctuary, with a spa-style bath including soaking tub, glass-enclosed shower, dual vanities, and a generous walk-in closet.
just a short stroll from the main house, the entertaining barn rises from the hillside and commands attention. built in 2011, the interior of this three-level structure is constructed almost entirely of reclaimed wormy chestnut, salvaged from historic barns in new york. it is, quite simply, spectacular. on the main level, a game and theater lounge offers relaxed space to gather, complete with custom bar, movie screen, and generous seating. upstairs, a vaulted great hall unfolds beneath stunning trusses and a soaring ceiling. at one end, a massive stone fireplace anchors the space; along the sides, french doors open to soft summer breezes. it is a space built not just to entertain, but to awe. a full-service bar with bosch dishwasher, wine and beverage refrigerators, and thoughtful built-ins makes it effortlessly functional for hosting. and yet, the estate continues.
nestled among the trees are two original cottages, each with its own story. the guest cottage, once the herdsmen’s quarters, includes three additional bedrooms, kitchen, updated bath, and an enclosed porch that looks out over the grounds. the office cottage, perched on a rise, offers a private hot tub patio, several flex rooms and adjacent greenhouse, perfect for a home office, gym, studio, retreat, or wellness suite.
completing the ensemble is the estate’s six car garage, once the calf barn with plenty of storage for all of your vehicles, and expanded cobblestone walkways that tie the buildings together with quiet intention.
this is a place where the past has been honored, not replicated. and where the future feels entirely at home. from its fields and fireplaces to its history and heart, 601 backbone road is more than a home. it’s a place to live a life of meaning, to host with joy, and to wake each morning surrounded by something real.
a legacy, reimagined.
