The 10 Most Coveted Eichler Homes of 2019
Embodying breezy, California living, these Eichler homes for sale were in hot demand.
Tract housing usually gets a bad rap, but Joseph Eichler’s 11,000 homes, produced across California from 1940 to 1970, constitute some of the most beloved examples of midcentury architecture.
During a brief stay in Frank Lloyd Wright’s Bazett House, Eichler, who had no previous experience in real estate or architecture, decided to pivot his career from egg wholesaler to tract-home developer. After teaming up with architecture firms and designers who aligned with his progressive and bold vision, Eichler Homes Inc. pioneered a style that was uniquely representative of post-war optimism in California.
These homes flipped the script on how living spaces could work for the modern family. Taking a cue from Wright himself, Eichler introduced open floor plans, walls of glass, and indoor/outdoor living into the everyday home. It’s these same design principles that contribute to the timelessness of his structures—no wonder, then, that Eichlers don’t last long on the real estate market. This year, we’ve covered several of these gems for sale; here are the 10 that got the most attention.
10. An Eichler Full of Original Details and Midcentury Charm for $1.2M
If you’re looking for an Eichler with many of its original details intact, this just might be the home for you. Located in San Rafael, this three-bedroom, two-bath Eichler features 1,409 square feet of living space and a large, two-car garage.
Photo courtesy of Renee Adelmann / Eichler For Sale
Set in a quiet cul-de-sac in Walnut Grove—a small enclave of Eichlers in Walnut Creek, California—this Claude Oakland–designed Model 14 Eichler truly stands out. With a shingled, hipped roof and a "clipped" gable, the home is designed to reference a traditional thatched English cottage—but we think it looks much more modern than that.
Photo Courtesy of Open Homes Photography
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The home has 1,506 square feet of living space and a beautifully landscaped backyard, which features one of the home's highlights—a detached, 120-square-foot studio designed to match the main house.
Photo courtesy of Renee Adelmann / Eichler For Sale
Designed by architect Claude Oakland, this 1969 home is one of just a handful of the Gallery Eichlers—which are also known as the "Super-Eichlers." It's located in Walnut Creek’s Northgate enclave, which is the last tract of Eichler homes to be built in the East Bay. These models are coveted for their generous and well-designed floor plans—and 252 Clyde Drive is no different.
Photo courtesy of Open Homes Photography
The Fairhills Eichlers were built using six different floor plans designed by Claude Oakland and Jones & Emmons, and the neighborhood features underground utilities to preserve the homes' clean, midcentury lines.
Photos by Tim Krueger
Located on a quiet cul-de-sac in Walnut Creek's Rancho San Miguel neighborhood—an East Bay subdivision home to 375 Eichlers—this 1959 atrium model Eichler stands out with a low-slung midcentury post-and-beam profile and period-appropriate interior updates.
Photo courtesy of East Bay Modern Real Estate
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California Captured: Mid-Century Modern Architecture
The style and mythology of Mid-Century Modern California architecture as seen through the expert lens of Marvin Rand. Los Angeles photographer Marvin Rand created iconic images of some of the most celebrated architectural creations of his time, photographing buildings by the likes of Modernist masters Craig Ellwood, Louis Kahn, and Frank Lloyd Wright to capture the essence of their work - and, in doing so, played a critical role in shaping the Mid-Century California style now worshiped the world over. The discovery of Rand's archive has brought a treasure trove to life, and California Captured showcases it - and the period - as never before.
ShopHerman Miller Eames Molded Fiberglass Armchair
Charles and Ray Eames realized their dream to create a single-shell form over 80 years ago by making their molded chairs of fiberglass. When the environmental risks of that material became known, the Eames Molded Shell Chair (1950) was changed to polypropylene, which is 100% recyclable and has a pleasant matte texture. In 2013, Herman Miller safely brought back the fiberglass shell thanks to a new proprietary production process. Today’s fiberglass chair is made of 99% recyclable materials and covered by Herman Miller’s take-back program for environmentally sound recycling. Plus, it’s true to the original with its beloved variegated surface. Also making its debut in 2013 was the stunning Eames Molded Wood Chair, a longtime dream of the Eameses finally made possible by today’s revolutionary 3-D molding technology. The result is an elegant yet strong and durable beautiful wood shell. The collection was expanded again in 2015 to include a counter stool and barstool. Each provides just the right amount of give, with a deep seat pocket and waterfall seat edge to reduce pressure on the backs of thighs. The Molded Shell Chair is a celebration of the Eameses’ fascination with emerging materials. “The chair that Charles and Ray were designing,” says grandson Eames Demetrios, “is the chair that’s made tomorrow.” This is an authentic Eames Chair by Herman Miller. Made in U.S.A.
ShopOn the market for the first time in over 30 years, this five-bedroom Eichler home is a midcentury modern gem with heaps of potential. The 2,177-square-foot residence, which has been mindfully expanded, features five bedrooms—including two master suites—and three baths.
Photo courtesy of Open Homes Photography
Eichler’s double A-frame models are rarely available and are highly coveted due to their design and extra square footage. Measuring in at 2,000 square feet—not including the spacious atrium—this model boasts five bedrooms and two full baths. The home also features soaring tongue-and-groove ceilings, expansive glazing, and globe pendant lights throughout.
Photo courtesy of Open Homes Photography
Built in 1962, the four-bedroom, two-bath home has already been spruced up with modern features that respect the home’s original midcentury modern character. Highlights include updated bathrooms with Carrara marble and walnut cabinetry, a private backyard, and a renovated kitchen with a pretty impressive "edible garden" off the side.
Photos by Tim Krueger
Love Eichler homes, but not interested in taking on an extensive renovation? This 1957 model may be for you. Located in San Rafael's lower Lucas Valley, this 1,805-square-foot midcentury home is completely remodeled and modernized.
Courtesy of www.eichlerforsale.com
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