A Respectfully Renovated “Super Eichler” Asks $2.5M in Walnut Creek, CA

The 1969 residence by architect Claude Oakland sits in the Northgate neighborhood—the last East Bay development of Eichler homes.

Property Details: 

Location: 252 Clyde Drive, Walnut Creek, California 

Price: $2,500,000 

Architect: Claude Oakland 

Year Built: 1969 

Footprint: 2,499 square feet (five bedrooms, three baths) 

From the agent: "Welcome to 252 Clyde Drive, an incredible and rare opportunity to own one of the most remarkable examples of midcentury-modern architecture ever built by Eichler homes. This striking and dynamic ‘super Eichler’ designed by legendary midcentury-modern architect Claude Oakland is one of less than 50 in all the East Bay, and located in Walnut Creek’s highly desirable Northgate neighborhood. Built in 1969, this single-level masterpiece has 2,499 square feet as per tax records boasting five ample-sized bedrooms; three full bathrooms; stunning great room with soaring, unpainted cathedral ceilings and woodburning fireplace; and everyone’s favorite signature open-air atrium entrance of 469 measured additional square feet. Respectfully upgraded and remodeled in all the right places."

Designed by architect Claude Oakland in 1969, this single-level home in Walnut Creek, California, is one of less than 50 existing gallery model Eichlers, also known as "super Eichlers" for their slightly larger scale. The recently renovated residence is located in the Northgate enclave, which is the last tract of Eichler homes to be built in the East Bay. 

Designed by architect Claude Oakland in 1969, this single-level home in Walnut Creek, California, is one of less than 50 existing gallery model Eichlers, also known as "super Eichlers" for their slightly larger scale. The recently renovated residence is located in the Northgate enclave, which is the last tract of Eichler homes to be built in the East Bay. 

The 252 Clyde Drive property was last on the market in 2019 for an asking price of $1,500,000.

The 252 Clyde Drive property was last on the market in 2019 for an asking price of $1,500,000.

At the front entrance, a signature, open-air atrium measuring 469 square feet is planted with greenery and includes a peaceful water fountain.

At the front entrance, a signature, open-air atrium measuring 469 square feet is planted with greenery and includes a peaceful water fountain.

The 2,499-square-foot home is full of original details, including wood-paneled ceilings.

The 2,499-square-foot home is full of original details, including wood-paneled ceilings.

A full-height fireplace clad in white-painted brick anchors the open living room. Floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors frame the fireplace and overlook the pool.

A full-height fireplace clad in white-painted brick anchors the open living room. Floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors frame the fireplace and overlook the pool.

The original post-and-beam construction is on clear display in the dining room.

The original post-and-beam construction is on clear display in the dining room.

"This particular Eichler has one of the most amazing and modern kitchens I have ever seen," says listing agent Thomas Westfall of Compass. "The centerpiece island is not only gorgeous but practical, and there’s plenty of counter and storage space." 

"This particular Eichler has one of the most amazing and modern kitchens I have ever seen," says listing agent Thomas Westfall of Compass. "The centerpiece island is not only gorgeous but practical, and there’s plenty of counter and storage space." 

The recently renovated kitchen is "truly a chef’s and cooking enthusiast’s dream," Westfall continues, adding: "Ultra high-end Miele appliances throughout include a separate refrigerator and freezer, dual programmable ovens, dishwasher, microwave/convection oven, induction range, 200-bottle wine fridge, and custom cabinetry from Henry Built with contemporary tiled backsplash and solid stone countertops."

The recently renovated kitchen is "truly a chef’s and cooking enthusiast’s dream," Westfall continues, adding: "Ultra high-end Miele appliances throughout include a separate refrigerator and freezer, dual programmable ovens, dishwasher, microwave/convection oven, induction range, 200-bottle wine fridge, and custom cabinetry from Henry Built with contemporary tiled backsplash and solid stone countertops."

The principal bedroom has Japanese-style shoji screens that slide to reveal the home’s hidden highlight: an indoor spa with a hot tub. 

The principal bedroom has Japanese-style shoji screens that slide to reveal the home’s hidden highlight: an indoor spa with a hot tub. 

The serene, wood-paneled spa was added to the building in the 1980s. Large windows and sliding glass doors connect the space to the backyard swimming pool. 

The serene, wood-paneled spa was added to the building in the 1980s. Large windows and sliding glass doors connect the space to the backyard swimming pool. 

The bedroom and bathroom doors and hardware are also original to the home.

The bedroom and bathroom doors and hardware are also original to the home.

Privacy glass doors connect one of the bathrooms to the fenced-in side yard.

Privacy glass doors connect one of the bathrooms to the fenced-in side yard.

A room with clerestory windows and two walls of built-in bookshelves currently serves as an office.

A room with clerestory windows and two walls of built-in bookshelves currently serves as an office.

The Walnut Creek Eichler includes a total of five bedrooms and three full baths.

The Walnut Creek Eichler includes a total of five bedrooms and three full baths.

The design embraces a strong indoor/outdoor connection with walls of glass that connect the main living areas to the rear patio and swimming pool.

The design embraces a strong indoor/outdoor connection with walls of glass that connect the main living areas to the rear patio and swimming pool.

The backyard features a heated, L-shaped pool and plenty of outdoor gathering space. The hanging globe lights on display throughout the interior and exterior are original to the home.

The backyard features a heated, L-shaped pool and plenty of outdoor gathering space. The hanging globe lights on display throughout the interior and exterior are original to the home.

The Claude Oakland–designed Eichler also includes a side yard with an outdoor kitchen.

The Claude Oakland–designed Eichler also includes a side yard with an outdoor kitchen.

Jennifer Baum Lagdameo
Dwell Contributor
Jennifer Baum Lagdameo is a freelance design writer who has lived in Washington DC, Brooklyn, Tokyo, Manila, and is currently exploring the Pacific Northwest from her home base in Portland, Oregon.

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