For the first time, palatial mansions in Lake Macleod will welcome guests for an up-close look at these homes dressed for the holidays.
Five one-of-a-kind residences in Pine are part of the Symphony Splendor 2025 Holiday House Tour North.
Hosted by the Pittsburgh Symphony Association to benefit the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, a team of volunteers has coordinated with homeowners who are opening their doors to beautifully decorated houses. It’s a way to celebrate the holidays and raise money for the city’s beloved orchestra.
“This area is a hidden gem,” said Sue Breedlove of Mars, who is co-chairing the event with Ruth Ann Pritchard of Franklin Park. “You will be amazed at what you see inside these beautiful homes.”
She describes the feeling of walking inside these spaces as “shock and awe.”
In each one, there will be live music from members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh.
“The Pittsburgh Symphony and the Mendelssohn Choir add ambiance to the tour,” Breedlove said. “It’s magical. People come every year to this tour because it kicks off the holiday season.”
Docents will share the history of the home with guests on this self-guided driving tour. Colorful and sparkling lights will illuminate the outside and inside of the houses full of tall trees decorated with ornaments and presents with bows stacked underneath. Each home represents the meaning of the holidays.
The event is the signature happening for the Pittsburgh Symphony Association and typically raises between $40,000 and $50,000 each year.
This is the 11th tour. Others have been in Shadyside, Mt. Lebanon and Upper St. Clair.
Because Breedlove and Pritchard live in the North Hills, they suggested hosting the house tour there this year.
The Pittsburgh Symphony Association has 175 members. The volunteer association is affiliated with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
“These homeowners go all out,” Pritchard said. “They hire professional lighting specialists, florists and decorators.”
Each home has a view of the lake. According to the Lake MacLeod website, Melvin MacLeod first dreamed of a woodland community nearly 50 years ago when he and his wife, Sheila, along with their business partner, purchased the property that is now Lake MacLeod.
The couple envisioned preserving the setting for generations and created it around a picturesque 10-acre lake.
There are large, wooded lots that offer privacy in the 152-acre community.
There is a walking trail that encircles the water, a neighborhood park, picnic areas, a boathouse and separate fishing and swimming piers.
One home has a cascading waterfall with an outdoor pool. Another has an indoor pool. There are winding staircases and white marble entry ways and gourmet kitchens. Soaring high ceilings and large windows provide picturesque views.
Most homes are set on over an acre.
Breedlove and Pritchard said the attraction to the house tour is to not only get a glimpse of the homes but also to get some decorating tips. Guests have registered from all over western Pennsylvania.
“It’s a fabulous neighborhood,” Breedlove said. “Every homeowner has been so gracious. They are so excited to be a part of this.”
