This Pristine Eichler in Oakland, California, Just Fetched $2.2 Million
The California midcentury style of architecture, with its open floor plans, sweeping glass walls, and post-and-beam structures, was popularized in no small part by one Joseph Eichler. A real estate developer in post–World War II America, Eichler built more than 11,000 homes across California between 1949 and 1966, homes that are still highly sought after today. Case in point is this shining example in Oakland, California, which sold just last week after being listed for $1,595,000.
Real estate developer Joseph Leopold Eichler—a former egg and butter salesman—is considered by many to be a social visionary, thanks to his efforts in bringing affordable modern architecture to middle class families.
"It’s a family home that captures the essence of California midcentury-modern design, but with contemporary updates that today’s buyers are looking for," says Compass realtor Glennie Kramer-Baker. "The layout encourages entertaining and gathering while bringing the outdoors in."
The home is located in the Sequoyah Hills tract in the Oakland Hills of California, one of the last Bay Area communities developed by Eichler. It’s often referred to as the land of the lost Eichlers, as many of the homes are in excellent condition.
The 2,121-square-foot, twin-gable home was designed by architects A. Quincy Jones and Frederick Emmons, prolific Eichler collaborators who designed roughly 5,000 homes for the developer. This home, built in 1965, stands in the Sequoyah Hills neighborhood of Oakland alongside 48 more Eichlers, making the area something of a midcentury haven.
The twin-gable style is one of Eichler’s more coveted designs of the era.
The home’s distinctive post-and-beam construction is evident from the street, with the layered roof structure crowning a simple modernist form. A bright orange front door marks the entrance, which opens to a landscaped atrium. This clever feature creates outdoor space near the front of the property while maintaining privacy from the street. With a backyard, the home connects to the outdoors from nearly every room.
The entry leads to a landscaped atrium that, along with the backyard, ensures that nearly every room in the home has direct access to the outdoors.
The main living room boasts soaring ceilings and a brick fireplace surrounded by enormous windows.
The living room, which features generous glazing on two sides, has an open, airy feel.
The expansive living area boasts open-beam ceilings, a wood-burning brick fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling glass that allows sight lines to the backyard and Oakland’s sparkling skyline in the distance. The open-plan design, complete with an eat-in chef’s kitchen that connects to the dining and living areas, lends itself to easy entertaining.
The large eat-in kitchen features modern appliances, yet still has a subdued color scheme that recalls the era in which the home was originally built.
Barstool seating has room for four, allowing for casual family meals.
"People know that beyond the facade, Eichlers are actually incredibly thoughtful and effortless places to reside," says Compass agent Lissa Moon LaCroix. "That’s what I think sets them apart."
The primary bedroom features an en suite and sight lines to the pool in the backyard.
Another bedroom opens directly to the pool area, imbuing the home with casual California vibes.
The home contains four bedrooms, most of which have direct access to the pool and garden. "Eichlers are notable for their seamless integration of indoor/outdoor living," says Kramer-Baker. "This one brings it to the next level with the private backyard oasis, which is complete with a swimming pool, hot tub, city views, and gardening space."
The home boasts a kidney-shaped pool, hot tub, and covered outdoor dining area, making it ideal for family life and entertaining.
While the bathrooms and kitchen have been updated with modern amenities and appliances, the spaces retain and preserve the original design intent.
The bathrooms have all recently been refurbished with a natural material palette.
The backyard features an outdoor sitting area for enjoying California’s famously sunny weather.
"One of my favorite features is the backyard," reveals Kramer-Baker. "Sitting by the pool and taking in the view feels like you’re on vacation every day. It’s so lovely."
The property sits on a hillside site, and the backyard offers unimpeded views over the neighborhood.
8021 Shay Drive in Oakland, California, was sold on December 3 for $2,200,00 by Glennie Kramer-Baker of Compass.
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