Architecture

In the early 20th century, a handful of companies, including Sears, Roebuck and Co., sold tens of thousands of mail-order homes. Available in a variety of styles and at a range of price points, these “kit houses” would arrive via railroad boxcar as precut and fitted materials, which the owner or a local contractor would assemble into a new house. Sears ceased production of their catalog homes in 1940, but many still stand today. Check out these 12 mail-order houses that have not only survived, but look very much like they did in the heyday of the kit home.

Looking for inspiration for your library, or perhaps your next (or first) literary opus? Discover your muse at the homesteads of these 15 influential American writers—and you may just get a few cool home design ideas along the way!

Quick, look up! Whatever you do, don’t miss these 16 ceilings from across the globe that are quite simply the tops.

For your next weekend getaway or midweek escape from the metropolis, skip past the swanky hotels and hit the hay at one of these 50 small-town inns across the country. But be forewarned: You’ll have a hard time packing up after experiencing their quaint architecture, dreamy sleeping chambers, mouth-watering menus, and action-packed local amusements up close.

For old house enthusiasts, the historic charm of a vintage home can outweigh even the most tempting of today’s modern amenities.

Popular in 17th- and 18th-century America for its ability to accommodate large families, the saltbox house features a catslide roof that extends below the eaves, creating one story that juts out on the back of the home and two or more on the front. The genius of the design is that any ordinary colonial home could be quickly and affordably upgraded to a saltbox simply by adding a leaning rafter to the rear. Specimens of this type of residence still stand to this day. Scroll through to see some of the most iconic examples of saltboxes in the country.

Stray from the beaten path and visit one of these smaller American cities to discover culturally significant feats of architecture.

For old house enthusiasts, the historic charm of a vintage home can outweigh even the most tempting of today’s modern amenities.

Workers cottages, once a staple of Chicago’s middle-class culture, came to define the character of its residential neighborhoods. Now they’re being demolished in the name of urban development. Can they be saved, or will they slip, one by one, into obscurity?

Housing insecurity and homelessness are serious and complicated issues in America and beyond. Visionaries are working together and coming up with creative ideas to find those experiencing homelessness safe homes.