The 10 Most Coveted Eichler Homes of 2019
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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On 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.
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.
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.
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.
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