O’Hara couple opens their mirrored home for an ‘Airbnb Experience’
Music, movies and mirrors are part of an “Airbnb Experience” at an easily recognizable O’Hara home.
Mirrors placed on the outside of the house reflect the light and faces of any visitors who walk on the grounds.
There’s a place for reflection inside, too.
Filled with state-of-the-art sound systems, the abode is a space where music surrounds those who enter. Guests can relax on cozy couches or stretch out in comfortable lounge chairs as they listen to tunes from genres spanning classic to jazz.
Owners Martin and Jesha Prekop invite guests into their home on weekends. It was at one time an Airbnb for overnight stays, though the pandemic has prevented those types of accommodations.
“So we decided to host ‘Airbnb Experience,’ inviting people to come to experience the art house and listen to stereo,” Jesha Prekop said. “It turns out that we seem to be the first and the only experience that offers ‘HiFi’ stereo listening in the country — perhaps in the world. And of course, being in the mirror house itself is a very unique experience, too.”
When guests arrive, they will be given a tour of the house, which includes original artwork and furnishings of Martin Prekop – many created in the house’s large studio. He cut each mirror in that space.
The Prekops will play music on Magnepan 30.7 and vintage Klipschorn systems. There is equipment from the 1960s, some of which was found via eBay.
A collection of 2,500-3,000 vinyl records and hundreds of CDs, mostly jazz and classical with a little bit of pop music, await the listener. People may also bring their own music. A home theater is available with hundreds of films to choose from.
Snacks and one glass of wine, water or a soft drink are included. Additional drinks can be purchased, such as coffee or espresso and cocktails.
Guests pay $70 each for a three-hour block of time.
A former dean at Carnegie Mellon University in Oakland, Martin Prekop said he appreciates art and music. He began decorating each brick with mirrors in 1995.
“It was pink and green and was an ugly house,” Martin Prekop said. “I put some mirrors on to cover it up, and I loved the reflection.”
In addition to the mirrors, the couple invested thousands of dollars in turntables, speakers, albums, wiring and movies.
“Our house is a life-long art project of his,” Jesha Prekop said. “Besides art, my husband is also very passionate about music.”
“We hope they come to see it and leave wanting to come back again because they enjoyed themselves,” Martin Prekop said.
The couple met in the house when Martin Prekop hosted a Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals Super Bowl party in 2009. He invited colleagues and friends from Carnegie Mellon, who invited Jesha, who was studying at the university at the time. They’ve been married for 12 years.
During most of the pandemic, the couple lived in Taiwan, where Jesha is from. They returned home last July.
They are considering selling the home.
“We thought, this is a great house, and we have great music, so why not do this?” Jesha Prekop said. “Before we sell it, we want to share it with other people.”
They’ve had visitors from all over the world.
The house has 22 skylights that were added to the 5,000 square foot home, a split-level ranch.
“I wanted to make the house a piece of sculpture,” Martin Prekop said. “We’ve improved the house for better listening. I love records because I grew up playing records. I want people to experience this.”
For more information or to make reservations for the experience, visit airbnb.com.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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