Full-time Pittsburgh River Rescue diver Greg Tersine spends much of his time in and around water, so building a floating house on the Allegheny River felt natural for the water-loving Blawnox resident.
“I grew up on the rivers,” said Tersine, a homeowner in Blawnox and Squirrel Hill. “I was looking for a unique opportunity, and the home floats on about 24 feet of water.”
Allegheny River Aqua Villa is an all-season river recreation experience and the only Airbnb rental of its kind along the Allegheny River, with nightly rates ranging from $250 to $275.
Custom build
Co-owners and couple Greg Tersine and Erica Kane spent nearly four years navigating the permit process with Allegheny County, the Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Fish and Boat Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. They spent their first night in the house last January.
The home sits on a custom 40-by-30-foot barge built by Blanks Welding on river land that was once deeded to O’Hara Township in the 1800s.
“The original property lines were flooded when Lock 2 was built in 1934 and are now underwater. We had to do permits with the Army Corps of Engineers and the PA Department of Environmental Protection to be able to build on the river,” Tersine explained.
The hull was constructed in four airtight sections. All insulated water, electrical and gas lines are above ground and run inside the steel structure of the gangway.
“The lines are braided stainless steel and designed to articulate with the water’s movement and changing water levels,” Tersine said.
Total building costs were about $600,000, and the couple has enjoyed seeing guests experience their unconventional home.
“Folks can dock their boat here. One renter stayed two weeks,” Tersine said. “We’re very proud of the house and how it turned out. I love seeing people enjoy the beautiful river views — just to take it all in — and I encourage guests to clean up the rivers and keep the rivers clean.”
The couple routinely picks up trash and recycling along the river banks.
“For years and years, the Pittsburgh rivers were used as a dumping ground and polluted. It’s finally nice to see them getting cleaner,” Tersine said.
The home moves with the ebb and flow of the river, responding to boat wakes and gusty winds.
It features a reverse floor plan, with two bedrooms and a spa-themed bathroom on the lower level and an open-concept upper level that includes a see-through fireplace overlooking the Allegheny River, a full kitchen, living area and wraparound decks.
“It’s been really popular with guests,” Tersine said.
Kane handled the interior decorating, while Tersine designed the exterior. Amenities include Wi-Fi, a television, air conditioning and heating, ceiling fans, a sound system, kayaks and a boat slip for overnight mooring. Free parking and a lighted dock path are available for guests arriving by car.
The home was built to withstand river ice and potential impacts.
“So it can’t Titanic on itself, even if somehow one of the four sections took an ice impact or took on water, the home would still stay afloat,” Tersine said.
Guest reactions to the sometimes swaying of the home are mixed.
“Some people love it and other people not so much. My parents love it, and it puts them to sleep,” Kane said.
Blawnox Fire Chief Jeff Stephens began mooring the borough’s river rescue boat, Marine 111, at Aqua Villa in 2023.
In the winter months, Blawnox rescue teams use two inflatable rescue boats, a plastic ice sled and a rapid deployment craft on rescues.
Stephens said having a second location to dock Marine 111 is a bonus.
“Greg even put in electrical power that he pays for himself to keep the boat batteries charged. He’s a fantastic guy and very supportive,” Stephens said. “Having this kind of community help makes our job easier — and when you’re doing water rescues, every second counts.”
