Some time ago, Vera Peterson saw my blog on the San Jose in Blue Island, Illinois and contacted me. She said that she owned a San Jose in New Jersey, and offered to send pictures. Such lovely bonuses make the hassles of blog-writing all worthwhile!
And perhaps most interesting: When Vera and Chris Peterson bought this house more than 10 years ago, it was in mighty rough shape and was at risk of being demolished.
Through the years, they invested a lot of blood, sweat and tears (and money) restoring this piece of architectural history. As part of their restoration, they updated the kitchen and bath (which had been remodeled into something hideous in the 1960s) and and they also turned their back yard into a showplace.
The fact that this house is on Kenmore Road is just a an added plus! And, for a limited time only, this house is for sale.
Thanks so much to Vera and Chris Peterson for sharing these photos of their wonderful Sears kit, “The San Jose.”
To read more about the history of Sears and Kenmore, click here.
Want to buy one of the prettiest little Spanish Revival homes in all of New Jersey? Click here.
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The San Jose - "a splendid floor plan"! (1928 catalog)
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I love the irregular shape of the exterior living room wall.
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Who doesn't love a Spanish Revival? And this one is extra cute!
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What a fine-looking house! Thanks so much to Vera for contacting me! By the way, did you notice that the vent window in the attic is turned 45 degrees from the window in the catalog picture? I wonder if that was by accident or on purpose? Photo is copyright 2015 Chris Peterson and may not be used or reproduced without written permission. Or maybe I should, "Photo es copyright 2015 Chris Peterson y no puede ser utilizada o reproducida sin el permiso escrito."
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Now that's a fine addition to any house - a massive screened porch. Photo is copyright 2015 Chris Peterson and may not be used or reproduced without written permission.
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And beautifully decorated! Photo is copyright 2015 Chris Peterson and may not be used or reproduced without written permission.
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Love the tapered fireplace. Notice the original light fixtures and original wood trim. Photo is copyright 2015 Chris Peterson and may not be used or reproduced without written permission.
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And here's the San Jose that Rebecca Hunter found in Illinois. As someone else commented, the snow around this house is a little off-putting! Photo is copyright 2010 Rebecca Hunter and may not be used or reproduced without written permission.
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To read more about the history of Sears and Kenmore, click here.
Want to buy one of the prettiest little Spanish Revival homes in all of New Jersey? Click here.
Still reading? I was wondering how in the world someone came to name this small town “Boonton” and learned that it was originally named after a Colonial-era governor, Thomas Boone and was known then as “Boone Towne.”
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I like the house, but I LOVE the property. What absolutely lovely yards.
The exterior gold paint job is the perfect compliment. Wow, some people just have good taste, and Vera is one of them. The dining room, living room and fireplace are just delightful.
Hi! I am so interested in your site. I THINK I have a SEARS home- do you think I could email you a picture of it?
THANKS! I’m new to this!