As the “Tiny House” grows in popularity, I’m forever surprised that some of these old Sears designs are not being re-invented and re-created. Some of the designs – such as the Avalon – are just as pretty as they can be, making optimal use of small spaces.
In the 1920s, apparently many other folks thought so, too.
The Avalon was offered from 1920 – 1928, and judging by the number of these found in America’s cities, this was a popular design for Sears.
Looking at the photos below, I’d love to know – how many of these Avalon homeowners knew that they had a kit house?
To learn more about bungalows, click here.
Sears Avalon (1928)
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Smart floor plan, too!
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In the 1928 catalog, they showed this image of a screened-in porch.
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The Avalon - from the 1928 catalog.
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A picture-perfect Avalon in Perry, Oklahoma. My oh my, what a pretty house. And I love the colors! Photo is copyright 2012 Kendale Benton and may not be used or reproduced without written permission.
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Another view of the world's most perfect Avalon. Photo is copyright 2012 Kendale Benton and may not be used or reproduced without written permission.
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This Avalon is in Dekalb, Illinois. Photo was taken in 2002.
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Another perfect Avalon. This one is in Raleigh, NC.
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Dale Wolicki found this Avalon in Park Ridge, Illinois. Photo is copyright 2012 Dale Wolicki and may not be used or reproduced without written permission.
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Even Virginia has an Avalon. I found this one in Richmond, and it's also in beautifully original condition. Note the three vents on the side gable and the detail on the chimney.
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To learn more about Sears Homes in Richmond, Virginia click here.
A few years ago I became interested in the Sears Homes because I knew there were quite a few homes that have been built in our Tate (National Registry) and Nelson, Georgia communities for the Marble Co. employees in the early 1900s.
I recently have become once again interested in the Sears Homes as one of our employees had mentioned his home was a Sears home.
I have pictures of several homes that I’m pretty sure are Sears Homes and would like to send them to someone to verify. Can someone let me know who to contact? I’m pretty sure they wont be disappointed.
Hi Denise,
Send me the photos and I’ll take a look.
Plus, we have a group on facebook (“Sears Homes”) and you might join us there.
Rose
There is a perfect Avalon at 1222 7th Avenue in Neptune, NJ. I know because, I grew up there.
Wow, Barb – it sure is! And looks mostly original too.
What a lovely home. I’ve always loved The Avalon.
Hi, I have lived in my historic 1923 bungalow in Raleigh, NC almost 30 yrs, lovingly restoring it.
I’ve always wanted to pin down which kit home it is and have narrowed it to Avalon or Plaza neither are exact matches.
The only markings I can find are 1/2″ circular brass numbered plates on each window sill.
Hoping you can advise me…can I send you a pic?
The brass plates on the window sills probably correspond to the storm and screen windows.
That was my first thought too, Dale.
Nonetheless, it’s pretty cool that those old tags are still in place.
The Aladdin Plaza was very popular and was widely copied by other pre-cut housing companies, plan book companies, and by local builders.
I think the ratio is one to ten. For every ten houses that look like an Aladdin Plaza, only one of them is actually an Aladdin Plaza.
I grew up in an Avalon, on a farm off of what is now called Nighthawk Road.
I loved that house and farm.
My grandparents purchased two farms in Southeast Kansas, 66783.
One of the farms was where my grandparents, lived and the other our family.
That house withstood many storms with extremely high winds.
I heard the freight train many times in my childhood. Our Avalon, had a full basement and a coal chute.
I love this home and many others from this time frame.
We are thinking of building a Craftsman home with a bit of tweaking. Are any of the plans available to purchase?
Lots of houses around here that look just like that.
Are the stairs going up to the attic?
My mom grew up in a Sears Avalon in Cincinnati Ohio…I loved that house and staying with my Grandma there…I want to find an Avalon for myself – where is one for sale!