A Space-Age Eichler in Walnut Creek Just Listed For $1.6M

This circa-1969 Claude Oakland-designed Eichler has all the modern feels.

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 distinctive facade references a traditional thatched English cottage. 

The distinctive facade references a traditional thatched English cottage. 

What makes this Oakland-designed Eichler so special is its spacious, central indoor/outdoor atrium. Enclosed by glass walls, the space features spectacular skylights framed by a wood-paneled ceiling. 

What makes this Oakland-designed Eichler so special is its spacious, central indoor/outdoor atrium. Enclosed by glass walls, the space features spectacular skylights framed by a wood-paneled ceiling. 

The original sales brochure described the model as follows: "The roof of W-14 is unusual, with extended ends and hipped gable glassed in above the wall line and cedar shake shingles over a two-inch redwood or cedar roof," according to the Eichler Network.

The open-plan living room features classic midcentury elements such as a tall vaulted ceiling, full-height glazing, and a strong brick fireplace.

The open-plan living room features classic midcentury elements such as a tall vaulted ceiling, full-height glazing, and a strong brick fireplace.

The dining room connects with the living space and leads to the outdoors.

The dining room connects with the living space and leads to the outdoors.

The home is much larger than many of the earlier models, and it features four bedrooms, two baths, and 2,294 square feet of living space (per public records). It's full of the midcentury design details you'd expect from an Eichler: walls of glass, globe pendant lighting, and post-and-beam construction. 

 However, what makes this model stand out is its distinctive roof, large central indoor/outdoor atrium, and spectacular skylights framed by a dramatic, soaring wood-paneled ceiling.

The kitchen overlooks a sitting room, which is perfectly appointed for hosting and indoor/outdoor entertaining.

The kitchen overlooks a sitting room, which is perfectly appointed for hosting and indoor/outdoor entertaining.

The updated kitchen has walnut-paneled cabinetry, quartz countertops, a turquoise tile backsplash, and a large center island with seating.

The updated kitchen has walnut-paneled cabinetry, quartz countertops, a turquoise tile backsplash, and a large center island with seating.

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One of the home's highlights is the lanai. Set right off the kitchen, the outdoor porch connects seamlessly to the home.

One of the home's highlights is the lanai. Set right off the kitchen, the outdoor porch connects seamlessly to the home.

One of the bedrooms is perfect for use as a large study/home office.

One of the bedrooms is perfect for use as a large study/home office.

The space is flooded with natural light, and it seamlessly connects to the central atrium.

The space is flooded with natural light, and it seamlessly connects to the central atrium.

The masterfully designed floor plan separates the public and private space. Almost every room opens to the outdoors.

The masterfully designed floor plan separates the public and private space. Almost every room opens to the outdoors.

 The home features dramatic wood ceilings throughout. 

 The home features dramatic wood ceilings throughout. 

In the guest bath, a glass sliding door leads outside. 

In the guest bath, a glass sliding door leads outside. 

The master suite has a split bath with modern fixtures and a "tiled Roman spa shower" with a glass sliding door that leads to the garden.

The master suite has a split bath with modern fixtures and a "tiled Roman spa shower" with a glass sliding door that leads to the garden.

The private yard has mature foliage and several unique gathering areas connected by pathways.

The private yard has mature foliage and several unique gathering areas connected by pathways.

There's also a solar-heated pool and spa.

There's also a solar-heated pool and spa.

260 Bliss Court, Walnut Creek is currently listed for $1,6000,000 by Kenneth Fox of East Bay Modern.

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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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