The Glass Box

Case Study #26: Mid Century Masterpiece

Case Study #26, August 2015... exterior side view with its incredible roof line

Tucked away in the rolling hills of Marin County, California is a sleeping giant. The unassuming suburban neighborhood of Peacock Gap leads you to an asphalt driveway with a secret- a slope and a corner which reveals a beauty on the hill overlooking an eternity of oaks and redwoods, and the mountains which lead to the ocean... 

Built near the end of the program, this sweeping, complex, and elegant steel house is one of the renowned group of homes called Case Study. 

Case Study #26 was designed by architect Beverley David Thorne, aka David Thorne, in 1962. Currently at 90 years of age, Thorne is the last surviving Case Study architect.

Predominantly in Los Angeles, and running from 1945-1966, the Case Study program was born out of a desire to express creativity and explore modernism for the masses. Lead by editor John Entenza, who used some of his own money to fund the program, Case Study was sponsored by Arts and Architecture Magazine. The homes were also used as a way of advertising new methods and materials for residential architecture, such as steel, as well as demonstrating the ideal of architecture and its relationship to the environment.

Case Study architects include: A. Quincy Jones, Charles Eames, Craig Ellwood, Eero Saarinen, Pierre Koenig, Raphael S. Soriano, and Richard Neutra

Case Study #26, 1963, aka the Harrison House, was the only home in the program built in Northern California. It has never been on the market until this week. Original owner. Being in the presence of such brilliant architecture was truly awe inspiring.

Case Study Home #26

177 San Marino Drive, San Rafael, CA    asking $1,850,000 

4/2, 1,955 sf, 37,950 sf lot

Designed by Architect Beverley David Thorne, 1962

Original plans for 1,400 sf lower level available with home

Built 1962-63 by Bethlehem Steel 

carport, walls of glass, views, clerestory windows, 800 sf deck

home is intact with minor changes, extremely well maintained

Case Study #26, my first glimpse of this remarkable home

Case Study #26, 1963

back to 2015.... right edge of the carport with magnificent steel posts extended from roof line

original exterior lights, steel post & beam, douglas fir roof deck runs throughout the house- roof deck is made from 2"x6" boards standing on end and sistered together... it's extremely heavy!

Looking left towards the home you can see the two roofs with large clerestory windows creating a  double roof... stunning!

stepping back, looking at the roofs and view beyond

still standing in carport, looking to the right towards entrance

wide angle shot of entrance- aggregate stairs leading to entrance slider... all exterior doors are sliders (as it should be :)

from base of stairs looking up

entering through first slider and a sea of aggregate... heaven!

coming in through entrance slider- livingroom is behind me, kitchen is right, bedrooms are left

now turning around facing the back of the home- kitchen is on the left- looking towards the  entrance vestibule, eating area and kitchen

three floors in this home, the original aggregate is the best!

looking back towards entrance slider... there are several sliders here leading to the living room or kitchen

this eating area is just beyond the entrance and off the kitchen

Eating Area: this cut out was a *site change* decision. it brings in light, creates a drop ceiling effect which gives the eating area a more intimate feel

in the kitchen facing the back of the home. this is not the original, changed by the owner (original owner). looks to be fairly period correct, but probably changed in the 1970's to open up the space...

here's the original kitchen with walnut veneer cabinets... (from Arts and Architecture Magazine, January 1963))

looking back into the kitchen

and the original! (photo courtesy of Arts and Architecture, January 1963)

cool original AM/FM radio & multi-channel intercom in kitchen

little seating area, or second eating area, just off kitchen facing back of the home. Original owner had a wood burning stove here!

going out to the deck and looking back at kitchen with its mitered glass corner- there are two of these corners which were a *site change* when the architect saw the view from the home

turning to look down the massive 800 sf foot deck which runs the entire back length of the house. most rooms have a slider to the deck for maximum indoor/outdoor living. Interestingly, this is not original deck...

this is... wow, an 800 foot aggregate deck! that's what you can do with a steel structure (photo courtesy of Arts and Architecture, 1963)

another shot of the deck outside the kitchen with the second roof coming over

original Sullivan Porter slider door handle! all but one slider is original. Sliders are 8' x 10' and  were custom fabricated to fit between the steel posts.

going back inside, standing in the kitchen sitting area, looking towards dining area and living room

dining area ceiling

dining area from living room

standing in dining area looking into living room (book case is not original- was added later). Another fun fact- the aggregate floor to the right was one place where architect was going to put a spiral staircase if lower level was built...

lovely, original open fireplace

original light fixtures are throughout the home

fireplace from the side with a dropped roof above, makes an intimate space

living room facing the back of the home

living/dining facing the back of the home

living room's large clerestory windows where second roof flies over lower one

going around to the bedroom wing where there are 3- 10" x 10" kid's bedrooms and a Master at the end of the hall... this is one of the kid's rooms. All have sliders to deck, and the view!

ceiling detail in one of the bedrooms. this roof deck runs throughout the entire home. it's made of 2" x 6" Douglas Fir and White Fir boards on end, rough side showing and glued together, appears to have been lightly stained

stepping out of another kid's bedrooms, looking in from the deck

master bath with its inventive corner toilet. both bathrooms have the same fixtures

Master is the last & largest room. has corner window

wide angle shot of Master bedroom deck area & view

deck view from outside of Master

heading back outside to the lower right hand side on the home.. on the same level as the front slider

right side of home, exterior has what looks to be a stucco skim coat

stepping back... right side of the home with upper roof, steel and concrete pillars into hillside

walking back to the house noticing this awesome original door bell!

back next to the home near the kitchen slider... structure above and to the right is the carport

detail of steel near kitchen slider

heading back up the stairs, through the carport and to the driveway... this is where the stairway to the back yard is located (wide angle shot of stairs down to back)

going down the stairs you can see under the house. David Thorne excavated when the home was built in anticipation of the lower level being eventually constructed

back view of the home with a wide angle. lot is graded but mostly unlandscaped

dry, sun drenched earth with a dusting of oak leaves... very Northern CA! this is the back yard (please excuse the sideways orientation- editor is on the fritz :0) 

back view of Case Study #26

David Thorne visiting Case Study #26 in 2015   (photo courtesy of Kathi Elliott)

for you *enthusiasts* out there... some additional historic photos of the home

plans of the home (photo courtesy of David Thorne)

original elevation drawing with proposed lower 1,400 sf level (photo courtesy of David Thorne)

elevation drawing of home as built (photo courtesy of David Thorne) 

Harrison family snapshot of home as it was being built (photo courtesy of Harrison Family and Kathi Elliott)

house construction- Bethlehem Steel worker, 1962-63 (photo courtesy of David Thorne)

steel frame of Case Study #26 (photo courtesy of David Thorne, Bethlehem Steel)

original brochure (photo courtesy of Arts and Architecture, January 1963)

one more view of newly constructed Case Study #26, 1963 (photo courtesy of Arts and Architecture, January 1963)

 

 

**all photos by Suzanne Dunn, The Glass Box unless otherwise noted. Please do not re-post without photo credit and permission. Thank you!!**

 

 

 

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any realtor or real estate brokerage. I am not a general contractor or home inspector. I am an Mid Century Modern homeowner with 15 years of renovation experience. Observations on homes are my own and are made during a walk through viewing. Buyers should obtain their own inspection by a qualified home inspector before purchase.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Original Restored Eichler Beauty- Ready for a Magazine Shoot!

4149 Sacramento Street, Concord

As we get farther and farther away from the mid-20th century, Eichlers in clean, original condition become exceedingly rare. So many Eichlers in California have fallen prey to midguided money invested into their renovations during the 1980's and 90's. 

Interestingly, historically less valuable Eichler neighborhoods have meant fewer altered homes... thankfully. Concord has been lucky in that respect. It's a treasure trove of original Eichlers which a few lucky buyers pluck from the market like sparkling, vintage jewels. 

Of course Concord, CA is not the bargain it used to be thanks, in part, to word getting out- through magazines such as CA Modern, Atomic Ranch and Dwell- about the amazing 1960's Eichlers there.

Fortunately, the rise in property values is recent enough that most owners are educated in the MCM aesthetic and the value of restoring it, and if they are lucky enough to have an original home... keeping it alive and vibrant!

One such Mid Century jewel has just come on the market in Concord. Sold by the second owners who lovingly restored the home to it's original glory, this is a true time capsule house. New appliances are present where necessity dictates, but over-all this home is totally original, and simply STUNNING!

4149 Sacramento Street, Concord   asking $695,000

Contact: Ken Fox  East Bay Modern Real Estate  510-999-0923

Staged by Redux Stage Co.

1,795 sf, 4/2, 7,280 sf lot

atrium, 2-car garage

Claude Oakland Designed, built 1963

Rancho del Diablo neighborhood (a great Eichler enthusiast neighborhood!)

Summary:

Totally original home with minimal, sensitive updates. Extremely clean! New siding with Tevac wrapping underneath. All new paint. Some new Milgard windows (with correct milled aluminum finish). Original sheet rock in pristine condition. Luan in beautiful condition. Newer Armstrong VCT flooring throughout home is period correct. All lights and luan intact. Glass intact. Original kitchen and bathrooms. Fireplace is unpainted. Original Eichler stained ceiling. Original mahogany trim, interior doors, and Eichler closet doors in incredible condition.

This Eichler has a pool which has been refurbished. It also has a pool house built by the original owner in the 1960's with Eichler-like materials. Side yards are very clean and updated. New fencing and modernist gates.

Basically, this home is a true gem, like stepping back in time. Whoever buys it will be extremely lucky to live there!!

exterior view of 4149 Sacramento Street, repainted and sensitively restored

this is a reproduction door handle and escutcheon which looks great on the Eichler door

view of atrium from just inside the home

beautifully restored original kitchen

original cooktop and cabinets

original *flying coffin* cabinet in kitchen

in kitchen looking right towards garage door, notice how lovely the luan and door look!

great hanging cabinets in room off kitchen

going through the original swinging door into the dining area, all luan intact!

dining area

from living room looking back to dining... you get a sense of the lovely, airy Contemporary Architecture!

fab seating area in living room with original brick fireplace

the sheer beauty and simplicity of an original Eichler hallway!

this hall closet door and surrounding door trim is an example of this home's original mahogany

all original hall bathroom

master with a view of the pool

original master vanity

this is a great example of an original Eichler closet door in perfect shape... they are all intact in this home!

all bedrooms have original stained ceilings, closet doors, and mahogany trim... this one has a great hanging, mahogany Cado-type system

this bedroom was being used as an office, in perfect condition!

nice atrium view from office

going into the back yard....

the back yard is minimal, but well groomed with a sparkling pool

groovy pool house built by original owner in the 1960's

immaculate side yard with new siding on home; and new paint,  fencing, hardscape and rain chains

other side yard is a little deeper, very clean

same side- opens onto the street, new siding, paint and modernist gates. blue door opens into second bath

back out front- new period correct Eichler numbers!

Eichler curb numbers are a great touch, and a lovely way to leave this gorgeous home!

 

 

**all photos by Suzanne Dunn, The Glass Box. Please only use with permission...**

 

 

 

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any realtor or real estate brokerage. I am not a general contractor or home inspector. I am an Eichler homeowner with 15 years of renovation experience. Observations on homes are my own and are made during a walk through viewing. Buyers should obtain their own inspection by a qualified home inspector before purchase.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Tale of Two Concord Fixer Eichlers- Bring Your Imagination & Tool Box!

4119 Phoenix Street, Concord    exterior view

With the San Francisco Bay Eichler market climbing at a dizzying rate, it should not surprise me where the market currently is, even for Eichler fixers.

Yet, here we are, and here I am in shock how values have soared. Now even the least of them- the ones which have seen misunderstanding, neglect, deferred maintenance, and even loathing from their owners are surfacing in this time of real estate gold rush.

Bottom line... it's a tough road for those who are buying their first time home with so much pressure from rising SF Bay Area wealth.

With the aid of popular magazines such as Dwell and Atomic Ranch, and too many midmod blogs to mention, MCM real estate is the hot ticket. Those looking for a *modest* mortgage had better get creative, accept a whole lotta bad with the good, and tuck into a home which will need some major renovation- even beyond what would be considered a livable, cosmetic fixer! 

Concord still offers the best bargain for an Eichler in the Bay Area, easily commutable to SF, but values have climbed steeply in the last 2 years!

Here's what's happening... three Eichler homes are on the market this week, shaken loose by triple digit equity & short days on market. One is lovely and exceptional (see companion post, following this one, from July 14), & two are straight up fixers.

Here's the low down on the two in need of serious work:

HOUSE ONE

4119 Phoenix Street, Concord   asking $595,000

Contact: Ken Fox 510-999-0923  East Bay Modern Real Estate

2,121 sf (expanded) , 4/2, 7,200 sf lot

Claude Oakland Designed, 1963

Rancho del Diablo neighborhood

2-car garage, atrium (enclosed), pool

Summary:

This home is helped tremendously, in parts, by the staging!!

But, over-all, it's rough around the edges. Atrium was enclosed and needs some work. Bathrooms seem dirty & smelly; and the the kitchen is worn, dated, non-Eichler. There is evidence of some dryrot and possibly mold in walls.

Original VCT Eichler floor was taken off a while ago and owners were living on bare slab. A good thing is that the demo is done for you, but plan to re-floor entire house.

Home does have a few original ball lights left. This model has a great pantry off the kitchen! Original glass appears to be intact. Large side yard on right.

Entire lot needs cleaning up and refreshing, including fencing. Pool will needs some work. Bathrooms and kitchen are a gut job. Looks like the home with need new sheet rock in parts, and some new interior and exterior doors. Luan needs stripping or replacing. Will need paint inside and out, and new siding as well. Basically... lots of time, effort, and money to bring this one back. Great neighborhood, big home, lots of potential. 

4119 Phoenix Street Concord   front view

enclosed atrium is dark, but could be turned into something cool!

atrium view from living room

dining room area with stripped siding... great potential to use a Cabot stain on the siding (like was originally on the Eichler)

area in kitchen- can be used for eat in, or as family room

kitchen is worn, ready for demo

kitchen

large pantry off kitchen

view from master bedroom to back yard pool

master vanity

master toilet sitting all alone

original Eicher tiled shower is cracked, will need renovation including new blue board

repair and possible mold in wall of bedroom closet

going outside....

exterior looking into living room

back fencing is chain link and wood.

back pool is in decent shape, but may need rehab

pool deck- well, this is novel!?

 

HOUSE TWO

4010 Salem Street, Concord   asking $600,000

Contact: Ken Fox 510-999-0923  East Bay Modern Real Estate

1,811 sf , 4/2, 9,240 sf lot (large lot!!)

Claude Oakland Designed, 1965

Rancho de los Santos neighborhood

2-car garage, atrium 

Summary:

This Eichler is a true fixer!! Neglected big time! Lots to strip away, clean, and repair here before renovation. This one is totally vacant...

This house needs a total refreshing and some repair. Large lot needs to be cleared. Horrid, exterior commercial air con unit and ducting need to be removed and exterior tongue and groove repaired (was cut in for ducting). Plus evidence of dry rot in eaves. Siding is cooked in parts from total lack of maintenance. Yard is totally abandoned looking with dead above ground pool, oil drums, weeds, and rotted deck and patio cover.

Slab in the kitchen has a pretty significant slope. Bedroom has a busted slider. House needs total repainting. I am going to assume a new roof is needed (once you take off all the giant ducting). New exterior hardscape and landscape needed. 

Well, the bones are still there! Atrium is original and open. Kitchen is original layout with flying coffin and swing table which need to be brought back to 1965 form. Home does have a few original ball lights left. This model has a great pantry off the kitchen. Most of original glass appears to be intact. Large yard.

Like the house on Phoenix Street... lots of time, effort, and money to bring this one back. Another great neighborhood with lovely neighbors! This is a good sized home, with large lot, it has potential with a big investment.

4010 Salem Street, Concord

atrium, looks pretty good

atrium (concrete here looks good here)

kitchen with bad tile, but original layout and cabinets under the refacing!

right side of kitchen, door on right leads to large walk-in pantry

kitchen (left hand side), door leads to 2-car garage

kitchen has replaced window (older) and this odd skylight

nice glass corner at kitchen (right) and living room (left)

living room is carpeted, and original fireplace is faced in dated marble, back glass looks OK

living room to dining area, original luan, or siding, wall is covered in mirrors.

hall bath is non-Eichler renovation

master slider is shattered

back yard has tons of potential once you clear out what's there. All wood is rotted here... looks like two hot tubs on property

back right corner of lot is pie shaped, got lots of room though!

back right corner of lot

the siding on the right side of the house is roached! Will need new siding 

now the left side... that needs a lot or cleaning, repair, demo, removal before landscaping

left side exterior electrical... the eaves, the t&g, look pretty bad here

not sure why someone would install this oversized, commercial air con unit in an Eichler?? Horrible. They cut out the tongue and groove here which will be hard to repair.

dead above ground pool also on the left side of lot. more demo and removal...

going back out- the door knob is changed, but at least the escutcheon is still there!!

original house numbers

 

**all photos by Suzanne Dunn, The Glass Box. Please only use with permission...**

 

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any realtor or real estate brokerage. I am not a general contractor or home inspector. I am an Eichler homeowner with 15 years of renovation experience. Observations on homes are my own and are made during a walk through viewing. Buyers should obtain their own inspection by a qualified home inspector before purchase.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Claude Oakland Large Flat Roof Eichler in Concord- Now For Sale!

 

3712 Gainsborough Drive, Concord  asking $585,000        

UPDATE: This home SOLD for $660,000 (had multiple offers)

4/2, 1,981 sf, 10,370 sf lot; Parkside tract; large corner lot

Original owner

Claude Oakland designed, 1964

OPEN HOUSE: Saturday, June 6 & Sunday, June 7, 2015; 1 pm - 4 pm

Contact: Kevin Kieffer, Keller Williams Realty 925-300-8000

Located on a corner, this house looks well cared for and very clean from the street. Landscaping is mature and well tended. Driveway looks newer. Paint looks fine, but will really shine with a more Eichler color scheme and house numbers. I've been in this model before: it's a raised flat roof with clerestory windows, large open entrance to great room, plus separate family room. Smaller kitchen. Single garage. This model has no atrium, but does have a great carport entrance with planting beds, very Case Study House feel. Priced very competitively, possibly for multiple offers. 

 

*all photos courtesy of Suzanne Dunn, The Glass Box. Please do not use without permission. Thanks!

 

Spectacular Remodeled Concord Eichler Now For Sale!

If you were waiting for a special turnkey Eichler home, then this house is it! Sensitively re-modeled and modernized from head to toe. Gorgeous finishes, sparking pool, quiet neighborhood... what's not to love about this house!?? 

Owned and loved by a professional MCM home stager with flawless taste, this home is so beautiful that it has been featured in CA Modern Magazine and Atomic Ranch Magazine. It's incredibly rare to find an Eichler with so much style and beauty in this price range. It's sure to go lightening fast...

Address: 4095 Phoenix Street, Concord, CA

On the market May 1, 2015            

Contact: Ken Fox, East Bay Modern Real Estate  510-999-0923

Price: $675,000

*4/2, 1,656 sf

*Jones and Emmons #1184 Model

*Atrium, carport and single garage

*Total remodel with high end kitchen

*Back yard re-done, lovely pool, new hardscape & fencing

Here are a few more preview photos supplied by realtor & owner... 

 

 

Coffee & Swagg with Redux: Making Eichlers Shine

beautiful pieces staged by Redux in a Concord Eichler recently for sale

The Glass Box is starting a new interview series, profiling those in and around the Eichler communities who have an interesting story to tell...

There was a break in the rain, and as the sun evaporated the clouds I stepped up to a vibrantly painted fire-orange Eichler door, laquered to perfection, for my first Glass Box interview with a splash of coffee.

Redux Stage Co. is dynamic duo! Business partners, good friends, and fellow Eichler owners in the fair city of Concord, Camila Baum and Blaine Siler know their Mid Century Modern. Both Camila & Blaine are passionate about vintage design. Each have been avidly collecting MCM for a number of years, and both Camila and Blaine have had their Eichler homes featured in print- most recently in CA Modern magazine- both Camila & Blaine- and in an upcoming full article in Atomic Ranch magazine- Blaine. 

Camila & Blaine are fun, animated, optionated (in a good way), knowledgable, and have flawless taste in design. Each have their own style of interior decorating which blends perfectly.  They turn a critical eye to everything they do to find the balance- an essential quality in a designer. They also make a lot out of very little, essential for a stager.

I've been impressed by the houses they have completed so far. They've turned shells into fully formed homes, selling the ideal of the MCM lifestyle with great success. And the reuslts are in... Redux's staged homes have flown into escrow at lightening speed.  

So- let's meet Camila & Blaine...

The Glass Box: What was your earliest memory of Mid Century Modern? 

Camila Baum: Watching classic movies on KQED in SF. We didn't have cable growing up. I think it was Auntie Mame with Rosalind Russell not the remake with Lucille Ball (don't get that mixed up) haha- I remember a scene with fab modern furniture, I wanted to live in her fancy New York apartment!

Blaine Siler: My grandma was something of a modernist, although her collection included one of those horrible naked lady oil drip hanging lamps, she also had a witco-esque sofa size art above her sofa and other super cool mid century wall hangings, I wish I had. 

 

GB: Did you have a favorite object as a kid? 

Camila: I was a comic book nerd, I collected Marvel trading cards, I was really drawn (get it) to the bold colors in comics.

Blaine: I liked my orange suitcase style record player very much.

 

GB: When and where did you start collecting vintage? 

Camila: When I was 18 I would go to the Alemany Flea Market in San Francisco, my first purchases were vintage pulp novels that I would never read i just liked the cover art, also vintage fashion magazines. 

Blaine: I remember being super into this place called "Gladrags" in Saginaw Michigan when I was 14 or 15, it was mostly vintage clothes but the shop owner had such cool vintage style. That may have been where my addiction started. 

GB: What's the best thing you've ever scored off of ebay/craigslist? 

Camila: My house. Long story short after a failed offer in Rancho del Diablo, I was on Craigslist and found an Eichler for rent in RDLS for $1,950 for the whole house! We thought that was such a great deal on a rental that we decided to stop looking to buy, and see if we would even like living in Concord. A few months into moving in the owners decided to sell and we swooped in!

Blaine: I think last week's purchase of 4 teak 1970's Herman Miller DCM's for $600 was pretty damn good!

 

GB: If you could you find your mystical-dream piece of furniture sitting on the side of the road with a *free* sign taped to it, what would it be?

Camila: A Drexel Suncoast hutch with the starburst design glass or the front panels.

Blaine: Duh...A Pierre Paulin Tongue lounge.

 

GB: When did you first discover Eichlers? How long have you owned your current home? 

Camila: I honestly don't remember when I discovered them, but there was an old website that was not Eichler Network that I stumbled upon around 2001 or 2002, I was a sophmore at college and that led me to read more about Eichlers and in 2005 we visited Concord for the first time because I found out there were Eichlers here and for cheap, in 2009 we purchased our current home three years out of college, we felt pretty grown up!

Blaine: Chris and Laura's two door's down (GB: another Eichler in Concord). I made an offer but didn't get it. Meanwhile I was accepted on another ranch (not modern) but cancelled the contract at inspections because I couldn't see myself in anything else after I saw the Eichler. I stalked the neighborhood for months waiting for the next one to come on the market.

snapshot of Blaine's Eichler livingroom

GB: What kind of remodeling and/or renovations have you done to your own Eichler? 

Camila: None really, just added a storage shed and painted, our house has been renovated, no original details whatsoever, some things we like, others not so much, I don't want to change it any further, so when we can afford to do things right we will make the "Eichler appropriate" changes. It is liveable except for cosmetic issues. 

Blaine: Mine was pretty crappy. had a leaking roof and defunct heating system. I spend most my money on those repairs over the 1st 4 years, but have slowly repaired and replaced everything else minus concrete in the atrium, and 4 doors in the back bedrooms/bathroom, -still on my to do list.

 

GB: Do you prefer staging vacant homes, or working with some of the owner's furniture & accessories? 

Camila: I like to so both because they have their own unique challenges and rewards, but its true. Empty homes are great because we can fulfill our grand vision, how would we live in that house? 

Blaine: Vacant.

 

GB: What color to you gravitate to for accents? 

Camila: Orange is such a fun color to work with it screams MCM. Lately I've been into the graphic contrast of black/white.

 Blaine: Turquoise.

Eichler atrium staged by Redux (Redux also consulted on landscaping)

GB: Who is your favorite designer? 

Camila: Gosh there are so many great designers, how do you choose? Are we talking living or dead? Currently Alexander Girard, I love his use of color on textiles. 

Blaine: hmmm, my latest obsession is learning about Bill Curry.

Eichler staged in Walnut Creek's Rancho San Miguel neighborhood

GB: What accent pieces can you never have too much of when staging? 

Camila: I think books, it's weird to think of books as an accent, but really they make a place warmer- great colors, sizes, and subject matter of source. Also lamps are great, I am obsessed with lamps- for staging I know I have to hold back.

Blaine:  Xanax :)

modernist Eichler office

perfect *pop* of color in an otherwise grey/white Eichler home

GB: And, one final question... when it comes to music: downloads or vinyl? 

Camila: Vinyl sounds great, additionally the cover art, vintage record art was so amazing! But for convenience, digital downloads. I'm just glad we live in an era that you can listen to both. 

Blaine: I'm with Camila. Vinyl sounds great, additionally the cover art, vintage record art was so amazing! But for convenience, digital downloads. I do love a vinyl moment, there are some Lp's I have I would never own digitally or pull up on Spotify simply because I love the nostalgia and sound quality of the record.

Redux Stage Co!

 

Redux Stage Co.

The Mid Century Modern Home Stagers

510-459-4085  

[email protected]

 

 

Photographs copyright Suzanne Dunn, The Glass Box

 

Please do not copy, share, or re-post without permission. Thanks! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rare *Time Capsule* Atherton Eichler is now GONE!

 

far right side of the back of the home-roof line has that *Googie* architecture feel!

UPDATE: I now looks as if these were the final photos taken of this home! This incredible, historically significant, time capsule Eichler was indeed bought for lot value and TORN DOWN this year! A huge loss for the mid century modern architectural community. I am so sick of this happening in the Bay Area...

Every once in a while you find a place, or it finds you, which changes your perception of architectural history...

I had this experience last Sunday in an Eichler which was so old & so original I wanted to weep. Honestly, I had an out-of-body experience as I walked through this home!

Architecturally speaking, 16 Irving Avenue is important. Not only is it a shrine, a church, a temple to early Eichler homes, but it is a window into Eichler's early thinking, his early development as a builder. This home is a missing link between Eichler's early influence, his inspiration, Frank Lloyd Wright and what most of us consider the common/for-the-people Eichler which many of us know and love.

16 Irving Avenue was one of only five Eichler homes built in Atherton, in the Lindenwood subdivision. Designed by Ashen & Allen, the Eichlers of the Lindenwood were super homes on large lots, with all of the latest post-war features.  

How's this for Eichler history... the Eichlers lived across the street in Lindenwood- on Irving Avenue- for 14 years!! 16 Irving Avenue (the home for sale) was the only other large, *test case* Eichler Home which was built on this street in Atherton. Lillian Eichler used these early homes to test out what she liked in a modern home. This would heavily influence the homes to come. It was the Eichlers' laboratory!

And, it looks like 16 Irving Avenue was sold by the original or second owner. It has all the hallmarks of an estate sale. Nothing has been changed. No worn out item has been replaced. Sure it has sun damage/termite/dryrot, but it's all original! Mid Century shelving and lights are still installed. It's a time capsule!

After completing the Sunnyvale Manor II subdivision, Eichler was interested in seeing if he could build and sell nicer homes to upper middle class families. Plans, and even brochures, were made to sell a development of 3-4 bedroom Lindenwood homes for $42,500 to $49,500 which, in 1951, was a fortune. They would have been the pricest Eichlers on the Peninsula. The test case Eichlers were built, one of which I just toured, but they did not sell well. Plans were abadoned for Atherton with only these five super homes built.

Flash forward to present day Lindenwood, Atherton. Tech money coming in & mid century homes being torn down. Over-sized French Chateau, Faux Craftsman, and Meditteranean-style homes being plopped down on these serene, leafy, one-acre lots. The home next door, for example, is this overly large, white, *French Colonial* monstrocity which leers into the Eichler's side yard.

The listing realtors did disclose that this homes was an Eichler, BUT also advertised it as a: "Private location and fantastic opportunity to build the home of your dreams in Atherton's sought after Lindenwood neighborhood." 

Sad.

They sold this architecturally significant home as *lot* value! When I saw this Eichler it had two offers *on the table*. One was just accepted on November 17th. Is it too much to ask for an Eichler enthusiast buyer? Probably. I feel very lucky to have photographed 16 Irving Avenue before it was too late.

It makes me sick to accept that this incredibly important home will probably be torn down soon... 

16 Irving Avenue, Atherton  asking $3,495,000   now in escrow

UPDATE: This home closed quickly for $4,500,000!! Looks like a cash buyer, buying a very expensive "lot". Does not look good for this home.

• 5/3, 3,480 sf, 40,533 sf lot (that's right, almost an acre!)
• Extra large Eichler, all original
• Built 1951
• Ashen and Allen designed, with a lot of Joseph Eichler input!
• Early exclusive development
• Eichler himself lived across the street 
• Single garage and carport
• Sweeping driveway and entrance
• Parklike back yard with original trapazoidal pool
• Time capsule house, all original!!

front view- the home is so large and so horizontal that it's not very noticeable from the curb. the lot is immense for a suburban subdivision. shot from the street, with a large section of lot to the right, this is a corner lot. Incredible!

left side with garage and carport

single garage

long & low carport

former owner's vintage Mercedes looks great in the carport

carport has a fiberglass screen, in theory an early version of the glass screens which would become common in the Jones and Emmons Eichlers

view from the entrance walkway. Joseph Eichler's former home is across the street!

front entrance with lots of bullet shaped lights (all in great condition), I believe this color scheme is all original...

early maple door with copper door knob & escutcheon

long hallway to bedroom wing as you look to the left after entering the home. Cork floors look to be original!

step inside the front door & you see a trapazoidal, brick planter. This motif is predominant in the architecture as well. it's repeated throughout the home in accents such as the pool,  planters & sliding door handles. The paneling throughout the home is not mahogany, it looks like oak.

 

I've gone right after the front door & and walked through the kitchen. completely original. a washer/ dryer and white dishwasher were added, but everything else is all 1951! There are extra large, safety glass, rectagular skylights here and in bathrooms. The floor looks like the original sheet linoleum.

 

 

kitchen detail- original Thermador oven & cooktop! This would have been state-of-the-art in '55. Notice how the top of the cabinets & 3/4 wall is glassed in. Cabinets are all painted.

groovy circular patterned sheet linoleum... dark part is my shadow

 

detail- 1951 Thermador oven!

 

tall pantry cabinet detail

 

original ceiling kitchen fan. this gives you a good shot of the naturally stained t&g (throughout the house). I have seen this natural stain on the t&g carried over into other later 1950's Eichlers...

standing in dining area looking back towards kitchen. door is to the livingroom

 

stepping out of the kitchen and into the dining area adjacent, looking towards the family room and back windows... another interior brick planter!

 

heading into the family room- built-in bench which flows through to the fireplace and bbq. bench has early sliding Eichler doors. Notice the interior brick! Very *Wrightian*.

detail of glass windows over corer bench area. First louvered windows I have seen in an Eichler home

fireplace, bbq to the left

detail- interior bbq in family room fireplace

family room, back glass is at an angle

family room- back glass

spectacular *Artdor* jet age aluminum, sliding door handles!

family room- looking back towards fireplace area & dining in distance

family room t&g and beams, original lights too

family room- right side, book shelves and door to living room- dining is in the distance

teak shelving in family room + interior clerestory windows to living room

one of the many vintage sconces still in the home! walls in family room are unstained, wide plank redwood t&g and brick

heading into large livingroom next door, t&g as well as paneling on walls. Built-in cabinets, vintage sconces, & original cork flooring

living room looking back towards the family room door. Not sure what was happening with the floor varnish? The floor is beat, but a miracle it still exists! Back glass on left

living room back glass- view to back yard

heading outside from the living room

on the patio. this is one small slide of the yard. this photo looks somewhat haunted to me...

heading into the ivy and turning around... back of the house

back left detail- family room on left, living room sliders on right

back right detail... living room & bedroom wing

back right

living room sliders with bullet lights and lots of brick ala FLW!

lot on the right side, pool is around the corner.

walking back along the house, shooting from the far right

siting along with back- brick planters & windows- family room in the distance

park-like back yard. I can see why someone spent 60+ years here!

coming around the corner- doors to master. green wall is part of the master bath. this is pretty jarring to the architecture. I wonder if it's an early 1950's addition? 

master bedroom's french doors to side yard

stepping back into the side yard and turing around- that amazing trapazoidal pool in the foreground. Green master bathroom, master doors on far left, more bedrooms on the right

looking to the far right side yard, path goes to other bedrooms... whew! this lot is so big- it's 7-times the size of my Eichler Home's lot!!

kid's bedroom wing

children's wing has its own courtyard/atrium area!

one of the children's bedrooms looking onto that courtyard area

another bedroom off that side yard, courtyard/atrium area. hanging Danish bookshelves are very cool...

several large closets are located outside this bedroom and in front of kid's bath. i love the original flooring, and copper radiant manifold!

kid's bathroom sink. all cabinets match kitchen painted. very early Eichler cabs with beveled pulls. grey laminate couners. all hardware/tile/flooring in the three baths is original!

large bathroom sky light. aluminum & safety glass. rectangular. they are in each bathroom and in the kitchen. They have trap doors, possibly somekind of access panel or crawl space? curious.

down the hall- Master bedroom- view to the side yard

this is the kind of patina/damage that only happens over decades... This home has all the signs of an estate sale. Must have been original or second owners here!

master bath has this huge, built-in dressing table. drawer fronts look like ones that were used into the 60's & 70's...

1951 bath tub & fixtures, almost looks new!

double sinks in Master bath

master bath skylight and beam

going back down the hall, child's bedroom with awesome wall hung shelving! the whole room is made with 3/4 walls! so amazingly cool. + panel and t&g walls, cork floors...i want to live here!

child's bedroom

leaving the home & going back outside- it was a very emotional experience because I knew this home may be torn down.

 

Photographs copyright Suzanne Dunn, The Glass Box

Please do not copy or re-post without permission. Thanks!! 

 Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any realtor or real estate brokerage. I am not a general contractor or home inspector. I am an Eichler homeowner with 15 years of renovation experience. Observations on homes are my own and are made during a walk through viewing. Buyers should obtain their own inspection by a qualified home inspector before purchase.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gorgeous Eichler in Walnut Creek

front view with boy- 256 Los Banos, Walnut Creek

A beautifully remodeled Eichler has just hit the market in Walnut Creek. It's a smaller Ashen and Allen designed home, built in the 1950's, on a nicely sized lot, in a quiet location. This Eichler has been fully remodeled and is very modern, including a great Arclinea kitchen. 

256 Los Banos, Walnut Creek, CA   asking $830,000

Update: this home is in escrow!

• 3/2, 1,543 sf, 7,500 sf lot
• double garage!! with original Eichler doors
• cosmetic updates throughout
• Ashen & Allen designed
• built 1956
• Rancho San Miguel neighborhood

DOM: 5 days    OPEN HOUSE:  Saturday, November 15, 12 pm - 3 pm & Sunday November 16, 2014, 1 pm - 4 pm

Contact: Ken Fox   East Bay Modern Real Estate  510-999-0923

Staged by Redux Stage Co. 510-459-4085 

front of 256 Los Banos, Walnut Creek

front view- left side of the home- this is the office window

this home has a welcoming inset entrance (no atrium)

nice Eichler slab door with escutcheon around door knob

this lovely, very modern  Italian kitchen is to your right as you walk through the door.

kitchen view #2

Arclinea kitchen cabinet tall wall with inset sub zero fridge and Bosch appliances

looking at kitchen from the other side- dining area and livingroom on right

looking into livingroom across dining table, great staging by Redux Stage Co!

sweet seating area in livingroom

livingroom fireplace view- love the square block fireplace!!

livingroom view with kitchen slider to side yard

livingroom to kitchen view- Eichler wall was removed and minimal kitchen wall added, posts are structural

livingroom facing towards dining area and back sliders

back patio directly outside slider- good place for a bullet planter!

lovely back yard

yard looking west

looking back at the house- view #1

view #2

view #3- back of livingroom glass

back of hosue from the other direction

yard from the right side

 

master exterior view

view from master slider

master bedroom

pretty grey-washed cork floors- shown here in master- run thoughout the house. they look great in an Eichler!

there are a couple of sets of original Eichler closet door in the house, master bedroom has one set

master bath is remodeled

bedroom #3 in on the front of the house, makes a great office

heading back out the front door, reproduction Eichler numbers look great. The house looks freshly painted and siding appears to be in excellent condition

front from the right side, original Eichler siding garage doors slide open.

front view looking towards bedroom #3 window

front view

house looks great from curb! beautiful Eichler neighborhood with mature trees...

 

 

Photographs copyright Suzanne Dunn, The Glass Box 

 

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any realtor or real estate brokerage. I am not a general contractor or home inspector. I am an Eichler homeowner with 15 years of renovation experience. Observations on homes are my own and are made during a walk through viewing. Buyers should obtain their own inspection by a qualified home inspector before purchase.

 

 

 

 

 

Beautiful Eichler in Concord for Sale- A Bay Area Bargain!

beautifully staged Eichler!

This is an update to my earlier post, lots more photos!!

A beautifully refreshed Eichler has just come on the market in Concord. It's a larger, Claude Oakland model & located in the Rancho de los Santos neighborhood. It looks to be a good one, and the asking's right in line with the comps. With comparable Eichlers in neighboring Walnut Creek holding steady in the $800K+ range, these Concord Eichlers are still an incredible bargain!

4026 Salem Street, Concord, CA   asking $575,000

UPDATE: This home is now in escrow!

• 4/2, 1,811 sf, 7,700 sf lot (big house!)
• atrium model!
• double garage!! with original Eichler doors
• Unico System & foam roof
• original Eichler lighting and stained t&g
• Claude Oakland design
• built 1965
• quiet, family friendly, Eichler enthusiast neighborhood

DOM: 3 days    OPEN HOUSE:  Sunday, November 9, 2014, 1 pm - 4 pm

Contact: Matt Vance   East Bay Modern Real Estate  510-604-8000

Staged by Redux Stage Co. 510-459-4085 

front of 4026 Salem Street, Concord

front door

this model has a hallway/entrance which leads to the atrium

atrium

atrium back wall, new paint, great minimal landscaping. siding's in  good shape

atrium looking into livingroom

atrium looking towards the office- I never get tired of photographing atrium beams!

most of the original Eichler lighting is still present including two of these Lightolier cone lights in the atrium

from livingroom looking into atrium

livingroom, view to back yard. All Eichler windows and sliders are intact

Eichler entrance ball light with original stain on the t&g

livingroom floors are skim coated concrete

diningroom view to livingroom

view to back yard

livingroom/diningroom view from kitchen, openings were made in original Eichler wall, no luan in this home. kitchen has older tile floor. great space in this room!

facing the other way, eat-in kitchen

atrium view from kitchen's eating area

kitchen is minimal, but very workable. i like that they kept the original layout, now all you need is a flying coffin!

ginormous! pantry off the kitchen. this is big enough to be a walk-in pantry & laundry room with its own slider.

other side of the home- the master bedroom

master bath

large bedroom at the end of the hall is often used as an office. has slider to the atrium...

atrium view from the office

going to the back of the home, stepping outside to the back yard. large space, a blank slate with a couple of nice, mature trees

back of the home

back shot 2- the siding is on very good-exellent condition. all re-painted

back photo 3-  home looks great. yard has brick patio and minimal landscaping

back photo 4

left side yard

right side yard. not to be unpatriotic, but i'd move/remove the flag pole... siding looks good here

returning to the front... this Eichler presents really well & should be popular with buyers!

 

Photographs copyright Suzanne Dunn, The Glass Box 

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any realtor or real estate brokerage. I am not a general contractor or home inspector. I am an Eichler homeowner with 15 years of renovation experience. Observations on homes are my own and are made during a walk through viewing. Buyers should obtain their own inspection by a qualified home inspector before purchase.

 

 

 

 

 

Lovely Eichler For Sale in Concord... Bay Area Best Buy!

all new paint is a dark grey (not blue) with a red door. newer driveway as well! clean landscaping.

A beautifully refreshed Eichler has just come on the market in Concord. It's a larger, Claude Oakland model & located in the Rancho de los Santos neighborhood. It looks to be a good one, and the asking's right in line with the comps. With comparable Eichlers in neighboring Walnut Creek holding steady in the $800K+ range, these Concord Eichlers are still an incredible bargain!

4026 Salem Street, Concord, CA   asking $575,000

• 4/2, 1,811 sf, 7,700 sf lot (big house!)
• atrium model!
• double garage!!
• Claude Oakland design
• built 1965
• quiet, family friendly, Eichler enthusiast neighborhood

DOM: 1 day    OPEN HOUSE:  Sunday, November 9, 2014, 1 pm - 4 pm

Contact: Ken Fox   East Bay Modern Real Estate  510-999-0923

Concord Eichlers have been going in less than a week, so see this one soon!!

Here are a few more exterior shots. More coming very soon!

good curb appeal!

dark grey paint is crisp, front siding looks good, new round down spout

front door is slightly inset, open onto atrium

wonderful, original Eichler double garage doors. many Eichlers have a single garage, so a double is luxurious!

curb appeal shot from a little closer... looks good!