Howe-Childs Gate House

Welcome! The Howe-Childs Gate House offers accommodations to both Chatham and non-Chatham visitors.

Photo of the cream-colored colonial-styled Gatehouse on Chatham University's campus.

Stay at Chatham's Historic Gate House

Important Notice: The Gatehouse is not currently accepting reservations. 

Prices

Prices for rooms are dependent on Chatham affiliation. All stays include a continental breakfast of coffee, scones, cereal, and oatmeal.

  • Prospective students and alumni: $100/night
  • Other affiliated guests: $120/night
  • Guests with no Chatham affiliation: $136.80/night

Gate House Amenities 

  • Free high-speed WiFi
  • Sheets and towels
  • Free continental breakfast
  • Laundry
  • Hair dryers
  • Lounge parlor with velvet brocade curtains, fireplace and piano
  • Staffed 24/7
  • Free parking

Location Highlights

Constructed circa 1861, the Howe-Childs Gate House is Pittsburgh's oldest frame house and the oldest existing house from Pittsburgh's "Millionaires Row." Built by General Thomas Marshall Howe, a prominent Pittsburgh industrialist, bank president and former Congressman, the Gate House and Greystone – built on the hill above the Gate House – together made up the family's "country" estate. Mary Howard Childs, the General's widowed daughter, and her three children were the first known occupants of the Gate House, then known as Willow Cottage.

Former owners of the 2-1/2-story clapboard Gothic Revival include members of the Howe and Childs families (1860-1947) and Pittsburgh oil magnate Michael L. Benedum (1947-1959).

In 1986, the City of Pittsburgh designated the Gate House a Pittsburgh Historic Landmark. Chatham University reacquired the house and grounds in 2000, and engaged in restoration that closely approximated its original appearance and focused on green practices. In 2004, the Gate House was added to the List of Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation Historic Landmarks.

About Gate House

Along Fifth Avenue in the Shadyside neighborhood of Pittsburgh, the Gate House sits at the foot of a national arboretum and offers unparalleled access to some of Pittsburgh's top cultural and culinary destinations

Photo of a bedroom in the Gatehouse on Shadyside Campus

Suite 1

Located on the second floor of Gate House, Suite 1 features one queen bed with en suite bathroom. The room is outfitted with a 5-drawer chest and television with cable access. A highlight of the suite is a restored fireplace that carries the warmth of the Gate House lobby and common areas into the room. Sleeps up to two.

Photo of a living room and kitchenette in the Gatehouse on Shadyside Campus

Suite 2

Located on the second floor of Gate House, Suite 2 is perfect for extended stays with a kitchen, full-size refrigerator, washer and dryer, stove and oven, microwave, and couch. Sleeps up to four.

Photo of a bedroom the Gatehouse on Shadyside Campus with a queen bed

Suite 3

Located on the second floor, Suite 3 is a fully-accessible room with elevator access from the ground floor. Sleeps up to four.

Photo of a living room in the Gatehouse on Shadyside Campus

Suite 4

Located on the third floor, Suite 4 is our most requested room, featuring a queen bed and television. Sleeps up to four.

Photo of a bedroom the Gatehouse on Shadyside Campus with two twin beds

Suite 5

On Gate House's third floor, Suite 5 is the only room with two twin beds. Sleeps up to four.

Photo of a room in the Gatehouse on Shadyside Campus

Getting Here

The Howe-Childs Gatehouse is located along Fifth Avenue at the north entrance to Chatham University's Shadyside Campus at 5918 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232. Parking for Gate House is located along the side, accessed from Woodland Road just off Fifth Avenue.

More Comments from Our Guests

"It had the comforts of home with the amenities of a hotel. The suite was amazing with decor, space and history. I would love to stay here every time I come visit my daughter for sure!"

"Beautiful house. So clean! Kitchen was very convenient. Huge comfortable room. Can’t wait to stay again!"

"We were thrilled with this experience. Comfort mixed with affordability. We will be sure to pass our experience on to friends."

"We really appreciate the communication we experienced as we had a couple of changes in our plans. Responses were quick and helpful. Although our daughter has graduated from Chatham, we hope to be back in the Pittsburgh area in the future to visit. Maybe we could stay on the Gatehouse again!!"

"Great value, close proximity for yesterday's graduation. We appreciate the continental breakfast foods as well."

"There was ample amounts of pillows and linens! The house was quiet, well maintained and the staff was very friendly and accommodating!"