In the early 20th century, a handful of companies, including Sears, Roebuck and Co., sold tens of thousands of mail-order homes. Available in a variety of styles and at a range of price points, these “kit houses” would arrive via railroad boxcar as precut and fitted materials, which the owner or a local contractor would assemble into a new house. Sears ceased production of their catalog homes in 1940, but many still stand today. Check out these 12 mail-order houses that have not only survived, but look very much like they did in the heyday of the kit home.
By Ayn Monique Klahre
Updated on Oct 7, 2020 3:31 PM EDT
We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›
Sears “Lynnhaven”
Originally listed in 1932 for about $2,300, the Sears Lynnhaven boasts shingle siding and a dramatic peaked entryway. The picturesque abode is notable for its convenient, well-thought-out floor plan.
Related:The Most Famous Houses in Every State
Sears “Lynnhaven” in York County, Virginia
This exceptionally well-preserved Lynnhaven in York County, Virginia, retains that model’s interior layout, which includes a kitchen, breakfast nook, formal dining room, and large living room on the lower level. The second floor offers three bedrooms, a lavatory, and plenty of closet space.
Related:20 Beautiful Homes Hiding in America’s Most Affordable Cities
Sears “Vallonia”
Offered for a mere $1,465 in 1921, the Sears Vallonia could be configured to include five or eight rooms, depending on whether the owner wanted a second floor. The exterior is characterized by its large porch and a broad dormer with a three-paned window.
Related:15 100-Year-Old Houses That Haven’t Aged a Day
Sears “Vallonia” in Silver Spring, Maryland
Though it has lost its front porch, this Vallonia inSilver Spring, Maryland, still has the look of a quaint bungalow. The front door opens onto a generous living room, which leads to the dining roomandkitchen; two first-floor bedrooms can be reached through a hallway off the dining room.
Related:12 Vintage Kitchen Features We Were Wrong to Abandon
Sears “Barrington”
First listed in 1926 with a $2,329 price tag, the Tudor-style Barrington has an angular design, eye-catching windows, and an attractivechimney. A “medicine case,” flower box, telephone cabinet, and built-in ironing board were included in the purchase price.
Related:The Best Tiny Towns in Every State
Sears “Barrington” in Croton-on-Hudson, New York
The Barrington has a charming entryway that opens onto a generous living room, formal dining room, a kitchen with a breakfast nook, and a porch. Upstairs, three bedrooms (each with its own closet) share a single bathroom. This tidy model in Croton-on-Hudson, New York, now sports a bay window that brings even more sun into the living room and a muted red facade that really makes the home stand out.
Related:Our 12 Favorite Farmhouses Across America
Sears “Honor”
The Sears Honor went for $2,747 in its initial 1921 listing. The interior contains nine rooms, including four bedrooms, a sun porch, and a sleeping porch. The designers even left a space between the living room window seats for an upright piano!
Related:18 American Towns Every Old-House Lover Needs to See
Sears “Honor” in Lebanon, Pennsylvania
Although the roof no longer has the thatched effect of the original design, this Honor home in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, has stayed true to its Colonial-style roots, with shingle siding and imposing columns that amp up itscurb appeal. Inside, the homeowners preserved period-appropriate wall coverings and furnishings in a nod to the property’s history.
Related:You’ll Never Believe What These 6 Amazing Homes Used to Be
Sears “Crescent”
First listed for $1,351 in 1921, the Crescent had two floor plan options as well as an optional attic. Both had two bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, and dining room, but in one configuration, the rooms were slightly larger and the kitchen opened onto a back porch.
Related:Straight and Narrow: 22 Shotgun Houses We Love
Sears “Crescent” in Jacksonville, Florida
The Crescent has a breathtaking front porch and columns, as evidenced by this pristine specimen in Jacksonville, Florida. The owners dressed up the porch with a chandelier and a pair of rocking chairs, yet they retained homey touches like the flower boxes and sidelights.
Related:The 18 Best Tiny Houses on Wheels
Sears "Woodland"
First listed in 1916 for just $938, the Woodland remained a popular mail-order home into the 1930s. Distinctive exterior features include an odd arrangement ofwindowsalong the side of the house and a wide front porch anchored by sturdy columns.
Related:Take a Peek Inside 11 Charming Carriage Houses
Sears “Woodland” in Silver Spring, Maryland
The owners of this Woodland home in Silver Spring, Maryland, opted for a bright, cheery exterior paint color. As in the original floor plan, the front entrance leads into a large reception hall that splits off to the living room on the left and the kitchen down the hallway. Upstairs, several bedrooms are connected by a central hallway.
Related:18 Castles You Can Buy (for Less Than You Think)
Sears “Americus”
The Sears Americus offered just what Americans wanted: “a “dignified, substantial house that will stand out among its neighbors and never go out of style,” in the words of its listing. The home was introduced in 1921 with a price of $1,924.
Related:11 Things That Make Any House Feel Old and Outdated
“Sears “Americus” in Croton-on-Hudson, New York
This authentic 1920s Americus, with a front porch that looks barely changed from the original, enjoys views of the Hudson River. Inside, you’ll find original molding and trim work, as well as hardwood floors, oversize windows, and a formal dining room.
Related:The Biggest Home Trends from the Decade You Were Born
Sears “Marion”
The Marion, first listed in 1933 with a starting price of $1,330, was a relative latecomer for catalog homes. The charming bungalow-style dwelling offers “a floor and a half” with five rooms and a bath.
Related:No Place Like Dome: 14 Homes That Are Anything But Square
Sears “Marion” in Beacon, New York
This Marion in Beacon, New York, hasn’t veered far from the original floor plan: living, dining, and cooking areas are located downstairs, while the two large bedrooms and a shared bathroom split the top level. The owners updated the appliances and bathroom, added hardwood floors, and put in a fireplace.
Related:Weird or Wonderful? 22 Homes That Are Anything But Ordinary
Sears “Milford”
The Sears Milford is a classic Cape Cod-style Colonial with a wide, symmetrical facade. In the words of the original listing, “this home expresses good taste on account of its thoughtfully planned architectural details.” Another relative latecomer, it was introduced in 1933 for $1,359 and was available in two configurations, one of which was slightly larger and included a dining alcove.
Related:The 20 Best Mountain Towns in America
Sears “Milford” in Dekalb, Illinois
This Milford in Dekalb, Illinois, bursts with charm and character. Downstairs, an entry hall opens to the living and dining areas. Upstairs, a central hallway is flanked by two spaciousbedroomsthat share a bathroom.
Related:The 19 Most Photographed Homes in America
Sears “Cornell”
First listed in 1926 for $1,360, the American Foursquare-style Cornell was a suburban favorite for its economical design and its relative simplicity to build. Bonuses include “plenty of light” and “good wall space” in the living room that allowed it to accommodate various furniture configurations.
Related:9 Towns That’ll Pay You to Move There
Sears “Cornell” in Saline, Michigan
This Cornell lies on 2.14 acres of private land in Saline, Michigan. The boxy exterior translates into a spacious, comfortable interior, including three good-size upstairs bedrooms and a roomy bathroom.
Related:7 Ways to Trace Your Home’s History
Gordon-Van Tine “Home No. 507”
Sears wasn’t the only supplier of home kits in the early 19th century. Originally founded as a lumber distributor, Gordon- Van Tine marketed its own line of “ready-cut” homes until the company closed in 1947. In 1920, Home No. 507 was listed for $2,702.
Related:Tour the 14 Most Expensive Airbnbs in the World
Gordon-Van Tine “Home No. 507” in Richmond, Virginia
According to the original floor plan, in addition to the broad front porch, House No. 507 offers two downstairs chambers that could be used as bedrooms, two upstairs bedrooms, and even a sewing room.
Related:12 Vintage Bathroom Features That Never Go Out of Style