Sears Kit Home Walking Tour in Hampton Park Terrace

Join the Preservation Society of Charleston and Kevin Eberle, President of the Hampton Park Terrace Neighborhood Association, for a guided walking tour exploring a unique piece of early 20th-century housing history. Together, we’ll visit six homes believed to be Sears Kit Houses — mail-order residences that arrived by rail and were assembled on-site during the 1900s through 1940s. 

At a time when homeownership was becoming more accessible, companies like Sears, Roebuck and Co. revolutionized the market by offering complete house kits through their catalogs. Buyers could flip through pages of designs, select their ideal home, and receive everything from pre-cut lumber to nails and fixtures, all ready to build. 

As we walk through Hampton Park Terrace, we’ll examine architectural details, compare known models, and discuss how these homes fit into Charleston’s broader development story. Featured stops include examples of the Belmont, Roanoke, Saratoga, and other catalog models. 

This tour takes place entirely outdoors; participants should be prepared to walk and are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. 

Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, history buff, or simply curious about the stories behind these charming homes, this tour offers a fresh perspective on a familiar neighborhood.