“Houses By Mail” (published 1985) is a wonderful field guide for those seeking more information on the 370 models of Sears kit homes that were offered from 1908 – 1940. The book contains some factual errors, but it’s still one of my favorites and has a cherished spot in my library and in my heart.
The house featured on the cover of “Houses By Mail” is the Sears Preston. It’s a puzzle as to why the publisher selected this particular house, as it was a pretty rare model.
When Pete Sanders first discovered a Sears Preston in Berkley, Michigan, it was love at first sight.
“The character of the house was outstanding,” he said. “I loved it, and I left a note in the door, asking about buying it.”
Pete says he didn’t realize it was a Sears House until after he purchased it.
Pete told me, “Once I got inside the house, I was really in love. It had nine-foot ceilings, and the built-in bookcases had amazing detail.”
Pete has very good taste in houses!
The Preston was one of the top five fanciest (and most expensive) houses that Sears offered, right up there with the Magnolia and the Lexington.
Is there a Preston in your neighborhood? Send me a photo!
And thanks to Pete Sanders, Catarina Bannier and Judy Davids for supplying all these wonderful photos!
The Sears Preston was one of Sears biggest and fanciest homes. It's shown here in the 1921 catalog. Note the price. The Preston was second only to the Magnolia in terms of price and grandeur. The Sears Magnolia was the most expensive house that Sears offered.
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Close-up of the Preston's dining room.
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Notice the detail on the living room fireplace. This is a classic design for a "Sears" fireplace.
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This was the only house Sears offered with an optional wall safe. I see some Federal Reserve notes on the bottom, but what's in the top shelf?
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The Preston also had a built-in breakfast nook.
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The floorplan shows the massive rooms. The living room was 27' long. That's a big room.
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Upstairs had four modest bedrooms and a sleeping porch.
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It really was (and is) a beautiful home.
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And here's the house that Pete Sanders fell in love with in Berkley, Michigan. The dormers were removed and the front entry was remodeled sometime in the early 1930s. Photo is copyright 2012 Judy Davids and may not be used or reproduced without written permission.
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Incredibly, Pete has some vintage photos of the house. This photo shows the house with the original dormers and entry-way. Even the flower boxes are in place. Photo is courtesy of Pete Sanders and may not be used or reproduced without written permission.
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This shot shows a cute little kid on a big bike and also the home's original entryway. Photo is courtesy of Pete Sanders and may not be used or reproduced without written permission.
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And the home's rear. One of the unique features of the Preston was that it was one of only FIVE models that Sears offered with functional shutters. (In addition to The Preston, the other Sears Homes with real shutters were The Puritan, The Lexington, Martha Washington and The Verona.) The other Sears Homes had decorative shutters that were permanently affixed to the wall. Photo is courtesy of Pete Sanders and may not be used or reproduced without written permission.
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And a wonderful photo showing a picture-perfect picket fence for a perfect and pretty Preston. Photo is courtesy of Pete Sanders and may not be used or reproduced without written permission.
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Close-up of the house. Photo is courtesy of Pete Sanders and may not be used or reproduced without written permission.
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Another view of the house, post-entry-way remodel. The dormers were removed when the entry-way was squared off. Photo is courtesy of Pete Sanders and may not be used or reproduced without written permission.
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Another view of the house, showcasing that incredible fence. Photo is courtesy of Pete Sanders and may not be used or reproduced without written permission.
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The Baldwins owned the home in the 1930s. Judging from this photo, they didn't have the official Sears fireplace (shown above). You can see a piece of the original built-in bookcases behind Father's left shoulder. Ernest R. Baldwin (seated) was the mayor of Berkley from 1932 to 1944. Those were tough years to be a mayor of any town. Florence Church Baldwin is seated beside him. Also pictured are their two sons, Robert and James. Ernest R. Baldwin was a veteran from The Great War. Photo is courtesy of Pete Sanders and may not be used or reproduced without written permission.
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Pete really scored a bonanza with these photos of the home's interior. This is the living room, adjoining the entry hall. Photo is courtesy of Pete Sanders and may not be used or reproduced without written permission.
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And check out the bedroom! What a perfect picture, encapsulating the furnishings and lifestyles of the early 1930s. Photo is courtesy of Pete Sanders and may not be used or reproduced without written permission.
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The Preston is a very rare Sears kit home, but Catarina Bannier found one in the Washington DC area. Photo is copyright 2012 Catarina Bannier and may not be used or reproduced without written permission.
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And I found this one in Wyoming, Ohio in 2003.
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It is indeed a real beauty.
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To learn more about how to identify Sears Homes, click here.
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The top shelf of the safe has silverware and a pocket watch š
@Rachel Shoemaker
You’re right! That’s exactly what it is! Good eyes! š
@Rachel Shoemaker
The bottom shelf holds the deed.
@Mark
Oh my gosh, I see that now. It is indeed THE deed!!
The combination is 38-14-….. just kidding, I have no idea.
It sure is the deed. I didn’t look at that. We must be some kind of crazy! š
What a gorgeous home! Those old interior pictures are remarkable! What a treasure to have those along with the historic Preston!
You almost got us killed in Wyoming, Ohio when you saw the Preston! You started screaming “Stop the car!!”
I slammed on the brakes and almost hit a parked car. That’s when I instated the rule requiring that you ask (in a calm voice), “Please go around the block again. i think I saw something.”
The Amsterdam in the 1922 catalog also offered the free wall safe.
Looking at the same catalog – the Osborn is also supplied with the wall safe……
The house I grew up in is a Preston!
My dad always said it was a Sears House and I finally found it!
Next time I go there, I shall take a picture and send you.
Thanks so much for putting this out here, I was extremely excited to find it today!