The Sears Roebuck Argyle House Kit. It sold for $1479.00. — From the Catalogue
It was not a very large house, in fact it was just 1000 square feet. It was a beautiful and affordable dream for many American families. The Sears Roebuck Argyle was not only economical, it gave dignity to the small suburban house.
Notice the detailing. Here is a house that goes beyond providing shelter and gives satisfaction to its owner. Though they were indeed made in a factory, each Argyle became a unique statement of each family’s home ownership.
Over the years houses have become bigger, more expensive, and in many cases more bland. The many Argyle houses now lovingly preserved across the country bear testimony to a better way of building.
We found this Argyle on the house tour in Fairmont, West Virginia. — Photo by Bob Kirchman
Here is the home’s beautiful Craftsman Style door. — Photo by Bob Kirchman
My wife and I lived in a Sears house in the Del Ray/Rosecrest/Rosemont area of Alexandria, VA as our first home from about 1978 until 2002. Great little Dutch Colonial. Three bedroom 1 bath with a low ceiling basement. We were close to the Alexandria Railroad Switching Yard, you could hear the trains coupling and decoupling on quiet evenings. Plenty of Sears homes in the area. Most dating around 1915. There were also a number of "copies" where builders reused the plans and stick built very similar homes. Our purchase price was $44K. It is now assessed at $1,032,538. Has been expanded a bit. Not enough to add THAT much!