There is an authenticated Sears Barrington in Villa Park that was featured on the television show House Hunters Renovation in 2015.
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| From HGTV: "Ever wonder what happens AFTER House Hunters choose? In House Hunters Renovation, our buyers look for a new home that is anything but turnkey. Watch as they tour three potential homes and ultimately choose the one that's waiting for their special touch. Then stay as they renovate and decorate, ultimately revealing their new space." |
The episode "Stressful Suburban Renovation" showed buyers Stephani and Dan as they decided to buy the Barrington and then worked with interior designers and contractors selected by the network. The house was recently listed for sale, so now we can get a close look at the before and after!
Before--The House Stephani and Dan Bought
There are a few photos of the house before the renovations.
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| 102 N. 3rd Ave., Villa Park. The white exterior is blah. Photo from Realtor site. |
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| The Sears Barrington was a popular Modern Tudor. This image is from the 1928 Sears Modern Homes catalog. |
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| The dark living room. The front door is to the right and the arched entry to the staircase is to the left. Photo from Realtor site. |
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| Another shot of the living room. Note the simple arch between the living room and dining room in the Barrington. Photo from Realtor site. |
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| Photo from Realtor site. |
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| This brickwork can be found in many Sears houses today. Scan of the Sears Building Materials catalog from Andrew Mutch. |
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| Photo from Realtor site. |
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| This is the only photo of the kitchen. Behind the kitchen is an enclosed sunroom. Photo from Realtor site. |
After--The House That the Professionals Modernized
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| In 2015, blue was one of the most popular colors for a home exterior. Photo from Realtor site. |
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| The catalog illustration of the Barrington is framed next to the front door. Photo from Realtor site. |
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| The woodwork is unpainted. Photo from Realtor site. |
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| Photo from Realtor site. |
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| Photo from Realtor site. |
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| Photo from Realtor site. |
The designers kept the built-in bench (left side). Photo from Realtor site.
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| Photo from Realtor site. |
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| Photo from Realtor site. |
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| Photo from Realtor site. |
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| The front bedroom. Photo from Realtor site. |
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| Photo from Realtor site. |
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| Photo from Realtor site. |
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| Photo from Realtor site. |
The original owner was Harry E. Benson, a metal polisher. In 1928, he obtained a $5,000 mortgage from Sears Roebuck.
This Sears house was landmarked by the Villa Park Historical Preservation Commission. A shipping label that was affixed to the lumber in the house is currently displayed in the Villa Park Historical Museum.
2 comments:
While this isn't the worst HGTV makeover I've ever seen, it's not very inspiring, either. It's ironic that a catalog illustration of the Barrington hangs in the hall in presumed pride of its origins while simultaneously the intended Tudor Revival styling has been muted into a forgettable sea of gray and white paint.
The ludicrous inclusion of Victorian-era scalloped shingles at the top of the front gable is cringe-worthy. It's sad that the "professionals" defaulted to currently faddish trends rather than playing up the true style of the house. Just another reason I loathe television. They call it "programming" for a reason!
Tell us how you really feel! :) In HGTV's defense, the scalloping was already there and they could have painted all the woodwork and didn't. The gray paint trend should be over soon, I hope.
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