People who appreciate simplicity in design and a more casual lifestyle often gravitate toward homes built during the American Arts and Crafts movement. Whereas houses from the earlier Victorian period were as colorful as they were elaborate, their components were largely mass produced.

The Craftsman and Prairie styles, which were popular between the early 1900s to the early '30s, emphasized use of natural materials, functional design and solid workmanship.

A classic example of the Craftsman bungalow style can be found at 103 Woodford Road in Bethel Park (MLS No. 697239). Located in one of the borough's oldest plans, the four-bedroom house was built in 1927 and was distinguished by a wide, wrap-around verandah supported by tapered stone pillars. It is being marketed by Marlene McNaughton of Northwood Realty Services for $259,900 (www.northwood.com; 412-831-0479, ext. 122).

Built-ins are a hallmark of the Arts and Crafts style, and this meticulously renovated property doesn't disappoint.

Along with a large window seat in the living room, it features built-in china closets on either side of a decorative fireplace in the dining room.

It is also graced with much of its original woodwork, including the quarter-sawn oak paneling and flooring in the oversized entry. (Chosen for its period look, the imported hand-screened French wallpaper is new.)

The house also includes a newer 22-by-15 foot family room addition with wood-paneled walls and corner gas fireplace, and an eat-in kitchen with a walk-in pantry. And all four of its bedrooms are huge, says Ms. McNaughton. The master bedroom, for example, measures 20 feet by 15 feet and adjoins a luxurious private bath with a jetted tub, separate shower and large vanity.

A second bedroom, currently used as a playroom, is even larger at 22 feet by 15 feet.

The house, which sits on one acre, also includes a tennis court and a two-car detached garage.

The property has a 2008 assessed market value of $215,000 (www2.county.allegheny.pa.us). Purchased in January 2000 for $215,000, it is the only house to have exchanged hands on Woodford Road in recent years.

Yet 13 homes have been sold on nearby Greenwald Road since mid-2004, with prices ranging from $103,000 in June 2004 to $220,000 in February 2005. Bethel Park (www.bethalpark.com) is in the Bethel Park School District (www.bpsd.org).