Real Life Examples of the Mattel 1978 A Frame Dream House: Summer 2022

Hello, devoted obsessives like me! I am now on the east coast in the Carolinas. While there is a plentitude of the California Dream home from where I moved from in Socal, even out here in any given city there are streets upon streets of groovy Brady-Bunch-esque homes to peruse, pervey and otherwise admire these 40+ year old gems, these moemnts in time that I do not believe we will see again as new construction. So, here they are:

There were many, many others, but this gives you an idea. When my friend asked me what years did I think these were from, in all my years as a realtor, and as a kid in the Dallas area in the early 80s, I would say 1976-1984, with a concentration between 78-82. By the mid 80s it was rounded arches, demilun paladian windows, Dutch gable roof lines, garage doors with the corners angled and the European styles that continued through the 90s and even now I see a 'story book' or Craftsman revival happening since people miss charm of houses of yesteryear. Many of these are repainted, some in original moody earth tones and some not so much, one is even black. Most of the yards were pretty well tended. The prices in this market are $600k-$800k depending on siting, square footage and condition, some are on a lake, golf course but mostly abut to woods.

Does this house look familiar? It should. It's the house from 1982's "E.T." film.

Vertical instead of diagonal wood slats, same balcony railing, red eave edges, and rectilinear window and door configuration. This classic still looks amazing after 60 years! Here are some great inspiration interior shots thanks to the ever helpful Pinterest:

If you do come to Charlotte, these are in the 'Raintree' neighborhood; all the homes are well laid out on rolling green, wooded hills with several lakes, wide roads and all is peaceful and quiet. The only offenders are some of the homes had newer updates like Home Depot Victorian style doors and craftsman stile porchlights indicating the homeowners don't at all get the whole point of the 'Mid-Mod' aesthetic and likley thought they were cold and needed 'charming up':

Being on larger wooded lots with long curving driveways helps accentuate the modern motif of these ultra groovy homes:

With a 3D front sectioned into thirds, this one's a winner:

actual houses in real life architecture