Friday, July 3, 2009

The Boxed Barbie DreamHouse





The huge box for Barbie's huge house.
Occasionally a MIB still has its original shipping carton, up top you can see the shipping label to the ToysRus that received it.
There were several incarnations of the box for the house. The first one is decidedly 70's complete with Ken's bell bottoms and the little girls turtle neck shirt. The later ones featured models wearing early 80's Laura Ingall's/Holly Hobby style dresses, the transitional photo of yellow/orange house with pink/white furniture and finally the pink house's box. These came furnished and unfurnished. On Feebay you will still occasionaly find houses never before removed from the factory packaging generally going for upwards of $300-$400.








Sorry the quality is not great. As ebay is disallowing right clicks on photos these days, I have to literally take a picture of the screen in order to capture the image. See they are earning their nickname Evilbay more and more every day. ;-)


The rarely kept unfurnished Dreamhouse box. Looks like a '78. 
The back of the 1982 oven box. 



Crisp minty parts, though not immune to bromine related fading. 





1978 Mattel A Frame Barbie Dream Doll House Red roof yellow floors mod groovy 1970s 1980s custom OOAK 

116 comments:

  1. i used to have this doll house and i am determined to buy it again.

    i got mine around the late 80's early 90's and the house was not yellow at all, but all pink and white.

    any idea how i might be able to find one for sale? and do you know what year it might have been? i was thinking 90 or 91? cninaphillips@gmail.com

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    1. I have a 1978 barbie dream house with all the vintage dolls but they are out of the box im selling it if interested

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    2. Do you still have it? Still interested in selling?

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    3. my email is kevans1254@gmail.com my daughter is 6 and wants to get rid of her new Barbie houses to get an older one like this....if you could email me a price and pics would be great!

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    4. I have one for sale also with tons of furniture and the matching dream pool!

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    5. How much are you selling it for?

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    6. How much are you selling it for?

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    7. How much are you selling it for?

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    8. @lilysboob do you still have yours? How much are you wanting for it?

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    9. Hello, did you sell this house yet? Thank you.

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    10. I have a red/yellow house in fair condition, I think it is missing a door or two email me if interested aw68aw@ymail.com

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  2. Though on rare occasion they can be found in thrift stores and estate sales, ebay is your best bet. The pink and white house was a re-issue of the red and yellow house. The pink version was sold from about 1985-1989, although it will still be dated 1978 or 1979 as that was the original production date of the first version. Plan on spending about $100-$150 with shipping for the house.

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  3. My sisters and I still have our house like that. It is the pink and white one. We got it at a yard sale some time ago. It didn't have all of the pieces when we got it, and it probably has even less now. That house was a fun thing growing up we were always playing barbies in it.

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  4. I am trying to find this pink and white dream house for my sister she wanted this house sooooo bad when we were growing up but she never got it... if anyone is selling one in good condition please email me @ reseecup1@hotmail.com

    Thanks!!!

    Sister Surprise

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  5. i want both the 1978 barbie dream house and the 1985 re-issue of the barbie dream house to add to my barbie collection i remeber in the fall of 1990 when i was 10 years old my mom went to a yard sale and brought me the 1978 barbie dream house but some peices of it was missing like some windows ,some doors and the flowers that went in the front but now i want to find and buy it again unused and unopened also i would like to find and buy the 1985 re-issue of the barbie dream house

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  6. Shoot me an email. I have the 1985 Pink & White version of the house.
    misskrystalgrace@aol.com

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  7. I just purchased the pink version off of craigslist for $40. She knew that she was giving it away!

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  8. I just got the pink one off craigslist last week for $20! But it's missing just about everything and needs some serious restoration. My boyfriend just found me a yellow one at a yard sale today in GREAT condition, and no missing parts, for $100! One happy girl right now. :)

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  9. I am looking for some parts for my pink dream house. I am also looking for some furniture as well. If anyone had these items please let me know! I may be interested in just buying another house as well! e-mail me @ Kari.M.JohnsonKY@gmail.com :)

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  10. I just found the red and yellow at a thrift store for $10.00-how rare is that? All three pieces were there-most of the windows and doors were still intact-with some imagination I can get this looking good for my grand-daughter!

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  11. I am an avid vintage Barbie collector, and I had the original yellow/red 78 version as a kid when it first came out. Over the past 2-3 years I have purchased it again, using eBay and other sources and I am happy to say it is now COMPLETE. I have every piece of original furniture and all accessories intact...every single little piece. I even have all of the extra furniture sets, like the patio/barbecue and Dream bathroom sets...I have the extra triangle floor pieces, too. The house and accessories are in excellent condition with clear shiny windows and perfect corner post covers. It is so BEAUTIFUL and the star of my doll room. I am thrilled, and very proud. :o)

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  12. i recently came across a sealed 1978 barbie dreamhouse unfurnished its completely sealed up on both ends, im not a barbie collector . though i do collect other toys, i knew this was rare, can anyone tell me whats it worth??? i bought it for $50 this passed sunday at a swapmeet

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  13. On average about $350. Congratulations!

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  14. Hi-
    Can you tell me the size of the BOX for the Barbie dream house? Or guestimate I bought it online with some Barbie furniture from that time. but not I have to have it picked up and shipped. I think the shipper is over estimating the box size. I know its big BUT..... THANKS!

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  15. Do you know if Mattel ever sold a 1 box Dream house furniture set? Not the Dream house living room set, Dream House Kitchen.....but the whole house or multi rooms? I thought they did, but I can't find it online.

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  16. i got this beatiful dreamhouse in original box unfurnished in a flea market in méxico was faboulous 'cause mattel never sold this here i paid 600 mexican pesos a bargain!!!something like 42 us dlls. my biggest treasure !!!!!
    adrian gonzález
    méxico df.

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  17. also im looking for the 1985 glamourhome barbie but i´ve never seen on e-bay if someone knows or has it on sale e mail me please!!

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  18. Hi Everyone. Just catching up to the comments, school has me very busy, so sorry for the late replies. I do not know the exact measurements of the box as I have never had the box, but as a seller of these on ebay i can assure you its based on weight (and its an oversized box to ship) and does cost between $30-$55 depending on how well they packed it, where they are shipping to and the carrier they selected. Anything over that is packing fee or hidden profit. I do not believe Mattel sold an entire set of furniture in pne box other then the house coming furnished with everything. Congrats on the flea market find, you just never know what you will find there and what a deal! I do not know where to find a glamour home other than ebay.

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  19. just bought an 1978? house at a thrift shop for $20. It is missing 2 small windows and 2 larger vertical windows. I could also use some original flowers for the beds. It came with a pink mirrored vanity but missing the bottom sliding drawer and stool. My biggest issue is the front doors which have had thier pegs almost totally eliminated, One door wont stay in the frame. Can these be repaired?

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    1. Yes, sort of. For now, the best thing I can recommend is to scotch tape the backside of the door on the inside of the house. It wont be functional, but it will stay in place and look good. Check out other renovation posts regarding the finer details, but the dollar store or pet store will have replacement flowers. Good luck with it. =-)

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  20. Just found a Dream house at a yard sale last weekend,nearly mint with all the furnitures for less than 40bucks...Was so happy.Can't help looking at it,it's an amazing house,very design.
    Cheers from France!

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  21. I just got a pink open this weekend that i am looking to sell.

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  22. interested in buying one for my daughter and restoring it.. email lisakmilburn@gmail.com thank you

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  23. interested in buying for my daughter,, please email at azeemtarazim@yahoo.com

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  24. Looking for assembly instructions

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    1. There is a post on here with scanned instructions, page by page, so hope that can help you.

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    2. Can you please post the instruction site again. It did not come thru on my monitor. Please reply to cook.julieret@yahoo.com.

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    3. The instructions are posted on this site, simply put instructions in the search box of this blog and that particular post will come up.

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  25. Hi, I'm looking for the pink and white one for my daughter. I had one growing up and my dad gave it away without me knowing:( Please email me if you have one to sell at evaselena8298@aol.com thanks

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  26. There are quite a few versions of the Dream House, the first one came with the mirrored closet doors, furnished version came with the patio triangles while unfurnished version did not...later version of the house did not included the mirrored closet doors and the furniture also was missing the mirrored finish (the coffee and end table)

    Then they changed the furniture color to the pink, same Dream Furniture but in a different color scheme (pink & white) The house was updated in 1986 in a light pink color,the light pink color version is the hardest to find today it was produced for a year and then Mattel used a more raspberry colored roof instead of the soft pink. Also the windows changed from the clear with the light pink trim to darker pink trim to and all light pink window and the last version came with the all hot pink windows and an almost hot pink roof to match!! The last Dream House was manufactured in 1991. Quite a long running production..the house first appeared in 1979. Too bad that Mattel did not try to produce the house again in a complete different color scheme...I think it is one of the best Barbie houses ever made by Mattel.

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    1. Wow, thank you so much for the details. I had no clue as to which pink house came out when, I will repost this under the pink house variations post. =-)

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  27. I'm looking for the instructions so I can reassemble mine. Does anyone know if they're posted anywhere online or where I can order them?

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    1. Yes, you can either scroll through all the posts here and locate them or its faster to enter 'instructions' in the search box on this site.

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  28. Hello,

    I am looking for a dream house for my little girl. I had the yellow one when I was young. Wish I had kept it... please email me if anyone is selling?

    Rachaelina_2000@yahoo.com

    Thank you :)

    Have a great Labor Day weekend.

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    1. I have a used one. I received it for Christmas and hung onto it for all these years. If interested let me know!

      thanks
      Andrea
      ajthomsen@comcast.net

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  29. Yep, I am looking for one too. I had the first one furnished, and I still remember seeing that under the tree. I had mine until the 90s when I got married and my husband was flabbergasted when I wanted to bring it along. We had a one bedroom. So away it went. Figured if I ever had a daughter, she'd just get a new one. But have you seen those shacks they bill as dream houses now? Cmon Mattel!!
    gatorgrle@gmail.com

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    1. Yea, sometimes you just have to break it down and box it up for later. Mine is usually disassembled in my walk in storage closet since i hate explaining it to company. It is sad what passes for a Dream House these days. Kids dont know what they are missing. But at least these have survived all these years and can still be quite modern.

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  30. I am trying to find the orange/red a frame dream house for my three girls. I had this as a child and was my most memorable toy. Please help if you can looking to be complete/ most complete.
    Ricarenee2003@gmail.com

    Thanks!

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  31. I have a yellow/red Barbie dream house, Barbie rv, Barbie red corvette, several Barbie dolls and Ken doll purchased in late 70s/early 80s, and multiple Barbie outfits for sale. The dream house is in great condition. I have most of furniture as far as I can tell. I know I am missing one dresser drawer and tv stand. If interested please call 334 567-2477, for pics email wbelisle23@gmail.com. i would prefer to sell as complete set. Make an offer.

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  32. There are a couple of Barbie Dream Houses available for sale on Etsy.com for all of you that are looking for one! Along with quite a few listings for different accessory/furniture pieces. :)

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  33. Hi- my parents just mailed me my original Barbie dream house from the 1980's for my daughter to play with - they still even had the box! Problem is I have no directions and a few pieces were broken in transit. Can anyone please tell me where I can pick up the directions for my husband to put together for our daughter? Also any suggestions on where to pick up replacement pieces would be great. Thanks everyone!! Ps- I also was mailed part of the Barbie McDonald's set I once played with.. I wonder what else I have in their attic! Such fun memories.

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  34. Hello, glad you like the blog. There are scans of instructions on this blog (and renovation tips). Fastest way to find them is to inter 'instructions' in the search box on the main page. good luck.

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  35. I've for the pink one sitting in my guest bedroom. Would love for it to be played with again. Would you list it on etsy or ebay? How would I even ship it to avoid damage or just local pickup in Raleigh?

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    1. How much do you want for the barbie house? If you still have it. Very serious about purchasing. I used to have one and would love for this to be a Christmas present for my little girl.

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    2. Oh sorry, I don't know how this works. Here is my email.
      Jenstevens2380@yahoo.com

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    3. Curious if you ever sold the Barbie house. I've been looking for one for my daughter for Christmas as well :) I can remember playing with my cousin's for HOURS as a little girl! I CANNOT for the life of me make myself buy one of the newer versions ;)

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  37. I am looking for the barbie dream house from the 70's early 80's. I would like the pink one, but at this point I would be happy to find either one. I used to have one when I was a kid, and my Father thinks it's in the attic. No luck on ebay or anywhere else. I have been obsessively searching for this house. I want to give it to my little girl for Christmas. Please anyone selling let me know. I am serious about buying one for a reasonable price. I will probably have to ask for it to be shipped though. I have a PayPal account. Please anyone!
    Jenstevens2380@yahoo.com

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  38. Please email Brittany.stocker@yahoo.com if anyone wants to sell parts to the pink a frame dream house

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  39. i have the 1978 yellow A-frame barbie dream house including all of the furniture the large white car and a jeep. not sure how much its worth so im not sure if i should hold onto it for a few more years or i should jist get rid of seeing as how i have 2 boys and it just sits in storage

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    1. I would like to buy if you decide to sell. Jenstevens2380@yahoo.com

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  40. I have this exact same house in great condition, mine is yellow and red. I would like to sell it if anyone is interested. I'm asking $150.00 plus shipping. I live in South Carolina and can be contacted at jr8sjenn35@gmail.com

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  41. I have a 1978-1979 Yellow A-framed Barbie dream house. I think all furniture is still with the home. If interested contact me at olskoo502@gmail.com

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  42. Hi I have a 1985 pink and white in box, furnished, if anyone is interested. jennestrela@yahoo.com

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    1. hi Jen ! I know it's over a year but do you still have the house? I'm very interested in buying one specifically the pink An white from the 80s

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    2. Hi Jen!Do you still have the pink and white dreamhouse?I am interested in buying it .How much is it?

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  43. Hi, I just pulled down Red and yellow out of the attic. It is missing the long plastic slides that hold it all together. Can anyone tell me the appropriate name for these pieces and how I might find them?

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    1. post covers or sleeves. you can reproduce them easily and cheaply out of dollar store poster board.

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  44. The email for Kathy Selland is kreckles@cox.net

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  45. We have an uponed Barbie Dream House from 1985 and several unopened Collector Edition Barbies for sale. Erincarter1229@gmail.com

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    1. Is this house still available?

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  46. Hi Erin. How much for the dreamhouse?

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  47. I have a 1978 Barbie Dream House that is furnished. It is yellow/orange but reading above maybe the orange is considered a type of red. The outside sleeves are very brittle. It is missing one lamp that hangs on the outside. I have the original shipping box as well. Email me if interested at michelleg@charter.net

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  48. I am selling the yellow and red. Not in best shape but still have furniture and most parts. How much are they worth? How do you determine a price?

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    1. go on ebay and match what yours looks like to whats for sale, that will give you good idea.

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    2. Interested in the furniture...r3miller@ayersvilletelco.com

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  49. I just found the parts to my pink and white barbie dream house, I received it for Christmas in 1990. I have lots of furniture pieces too. Let me know if you are interested in buying. Nikac616@gmail.com

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    2. Do you have the dining room reversible table set? Ashtini67@gmail.com

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  50. Could you send me pics please? jenbutt83@gmail.com

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  51. I still have the furnished 1978 Barbie dreamhouse with original box. Contact me if interested. michelleg@charter.net

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  52. We just bought one in the box no pieces missing never opened at a garage sale for $20.00.

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    1. WOW. deal of the century alert!! Congrats. I would be happy to walk into my local thrift store and get a filthy shell for $40. LOL

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    2. would you be interested in selling? I have a 6 ear old that just got rid of her new houses for an yolder one for Christmas present

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    3. R3miller@ayersvilletelco.com

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  53. Janny, I have one for sale. Also have another some sort of boat house or cottage looking thing. No dolls that I've found so far, but do have a few pieces of furniture. If you're interested email me at 7out2me@gmail.com - Sharon

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  54. I am looking for the vintage 1978 Barbie house or even just the furniture I live in Louisiana so would have to be shipped....this is for my 6 year olds Christmas present....she got rid of her new houses for an old one. my email is kevans1254@gmail.com thanks!!

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    1. catherine DeVore, I actually have the dream house that I have held onto since i got it. I'm 47 and just finished taking photos of the furniture and accessories. It's all in excellent shape. Email me if you would like me to send photos gatorsem@aol.com
      Colleen

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    2. kevans1254@gmail.com I need pics and prices

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    3. Is this still available?
      Do you have the pink one or yellow?
      Thanks Ashley

      Ashtini67@gmail.com

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  57. ********HI, STILL IN SEARCH OF BARBIE FURNITURE FOR 1970'S DREAM HOUSE....NEED EVERYTHING********PLEASE HELP, IT'S ALL SHE'S ASKING FOR FOR CHRISTMAS********SHE IS 6********

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  58. I'm searching for the pink version of this barbie house I would like for my little girl
    Please email me
    Ashtini67@gmail.com

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  61. I have a 1978 red and yellow dream house along with some of the original furniture...It has been well used and needs a couple of repairs, but has been well taken care of...If interested, email me at broomracer71@yahoo.com

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  62. I just built mine. Pink 1980s Barbie Dream House for my daughter. Had it in a box for years. Still in great condition. She is enjoying it as much as I did.

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  63. I'm looking for the pink and white dream house furnished! Had one when I was a teen and want one again! Sunlvr16@gmail.com

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    1. I am selling my late 1970's Barbie Dream House. It is yellow & white with the reddish roof. The house and complete furnishing are in "like new" condition. The house has never been disassembled in over 35 years! Was used with great care - no signs of misuse. All windows and doors are in tact and the closet doors on second floor are mirrored. If interested in purchasing contact: summerhaven5354@gmail.com

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    2. Do you have pictures you could send through email? How much do you want for it? My email address is gregndeb@roadrunner.com

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    3. I am looking to purchase a barbie house like this. Is there anyone on here who does have one available? Please let me know?! Thank you.

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  65. I just got the red roof one with yellow and white. I love it! Need to clean it up, but I dont want to ruin anything. Newbie tips please!

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    1. Use the search box on the blog, or just scroll through all the posts, there is a post on every aspect of cleaning up and restoring this to original glory. =-)

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  66. I have the pink and white Barbie Dream House with tons of furniture, if anyone is still looking for one. I also have quite a few of the Holiday Barbies, many still in the box. My email is rebeccazerjav at yahoo dot com
    I can provide pictures

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  67. It seems Facebook Marketplace is a good place to find them around here. I was never interested in them, I do mostly vintage and mod Barbies. I recently found a very nice one 1978 in box at an estate sale and couldn’t pass it up. Then 2 week later came across a pink one for $25. I ignored my daughter screaming, “Where are you going to put it.” This was also at an estate sale.

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  68. I have a new in box A Frame house. Any ideas on how much I can list it for to sell? It’s the Barbie Dteamhouse No 2587. The box is in rough shape! Thanks

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  69. Check the current prices on ebay. Usually about $400-$600 depending on the items specific completeness and condition.

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  70. I'm looking to buy....Anyone sellling?

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  71. Hi. I currently have the red and yellow one still in the original box. Pretty good condition. I'm looking to sell it. And will send pictures. Please email me.jamieericsson21@gmail.com

    I'm also in possestionof the barbie original still in box stay traveler motor home as well. Will email pictures. Please contact the email above thank tou

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