The Glass Box

Dreamy Carmel MidMod Home with a Big View

On a recent Sunday I was fortunate to find myself in Carmel-By-The-Sea on the kind of picture-perfect day @the coast that only Fall could bring. Crystal clear skies, windswept cypress trees, azure blue water, and white sand greeted me as I turned the corner onto Scenic Drive, a one way road fronting one of the most beautiful beaches in California. My destination was a small, post and beam Mid Century Modern home on Scenic. Now for sale, and needing some repair, this home had a million dollar location... check that, 4 million dollar location! 

This dreamy home, now decaying from a harsh marine environment, is modest with the just the right dose of midmod coastal architecture. It instantly transported me back to a sleepier coastal Calfornia, one before the appearance of *McMansions*, tech money, and big tourism.

This beach home is a contemporary of Eichlers, with many of the same features I love. Indeed, when it was designed and built, 1950-51, Eichler Homes were still in their infancy. I guess incredible design never goes out of style!

Even more endearing, this sweet beach MCM is largely original. I felt honored to see this home before it's renovated by the new owner. This house had that soul, like the original owner was still there...

And, of course, there's that view!

Scenic 4 SE of 9th, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA  asking $3,750,000

MLS# 81432704

 

DOM: 53 days  Contact: Cicily Sterling  831-402-7174  Alain Pinel Realtors

• 3/3, 1,482 sf, 4,000 sf lot (this is considered a *double lot* in beach cities!)
• Built 1951
• Across from Carmel Beach
• Stellar views from almost every room
• Double garage, with low roof
• Atrium!
• Post and beam, t&g ceiling
• Largely original

What I love...

• super sweet, wood sided Eicher-type home
• location, location, location (to infinity)
• the view from livingroom and kitchen are drop dead gorgeous... *laydown*, coastal white water views
• groovy double door entrance
• I could stand in front of the kitchen window view forever
• large atrium is awesome
• master is very dreamy with high ceilings & small private patio
• love the long, glass hallway which looks to the ocean
• original layout with all original cabinets
• large livingroom with bank of windows
• nice slatted fence done by neighbors bordering the atrium
• major potential here

If you got the cash....

• largely original, I would restore which will take some serious money
• mold on exterior t&g, mold/water issue on one wall in back bedroom
• back bedroom window around mold area is blocked off
• would check for water damage on that side of the home, could be a bigger issue
• much of atrium floor needs to come out, raised by tree roots
• lots of trim is copper, some is corroded
• wood siding may need replacement, definitely needs total repaint with marine paint/stain
• garage ceiling is really low, may have to modify to fit a car (no street parking)
• windows are old aluminum or steel, single pane, they'e corroded and must leak like crazy- would probably want to replace to something more energy efficient, but which works with MCM
• roof is tar and gravel
• mature trees might need to be selectively pruned or even removed & replaced with sympathetic, CA coastal landscaping.

Important to consider: This home will have view plane restrictions (max up is 18'), coastal commission restrictions, water restrictions. Every change to architecture will need to go through strenuous review and public forum. Public walks/drives by your property, although you are high up with some privacy. No on-street parking. No place for contractor trucks or deliveries. BUT... this is all good news to me since someone cannot just come in & build some god-awful , oversized modern home here! This does limit the pool of buyers. Noticed it fell out of escrow back in September. Probably someone who couldn't impose their vision on this little gem. There was some talk of historic status... let's hope it happens & keeps this amazing, well preserved coastal beauty!!

front view with garage door up

front entrance

front doors- if possible, I would paint a brighter color and get some custom copper escutcheons made... kind of Eichler-style

turn around... this is your view from the front door

entrance, brick is original and runs into the atrium

copper handle and lock

turn the corner into the livingroom, full bank of windows facing the ocean

livingroom view... the old saying it true here-pictures don't do it justice!

livingroom window wrap around to the North

view to the North from livingroom

livingroom facing atrium, kitchen entrance at the far right

really basic enclosed kitchen... still cool.. orignal cabinets all there

original cabs & counters with ball light

ball light over kitchen window

holy crap!!! breakers from your kitchen sink!! my favorite view in the house

entrance to hallway x home entrance- glass box corner

leaving kitchen, slipping into the large atrium- looking at master bedroom- stone is home in back, these lots are tight on the coast- you're really close to all neighboring homes

swinging around looking back at entrance and front door view

looking back into livingroom... mold and corroded metal visible here

glass hallway- leads to bedroom- from atrium

glass hallway from outside with copper slider handle

atium back wall, slatted wood fence

glass hallway to bedrooms, master bedroom

master from atrium and side fence- some concrete work to be done here

master

second slider in master, this one is heading to the back of the home & small private patio

bedroom#1- first on the hallway- orginal built-in desk

incredible glass hallway with straight shot to the ocean

back outside, front of home.. garage at street level

low garage with storage, mechanicals and laundry- no inside entrance

house from across the street
 

OK... imagine this is your front yard!

In front of your new home... Four million dollar location!

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.

 

 

 

Attractive Claude Oakland Eichler in Concord... Bay Area Bargain!

pleasant, well maintained back yard with aggragate!

With Eichlers flying off the market in the East Bay in the $800,000-$900,000 range, Concord is still a slamming deal. Quiet, tree-lined streets, easy access to San Francisco, and family-friendly neighborhoods make Concord Eichlers a great buy. Remarkably, Concord still a bit of a sleeper, still lagging behind neighboring & much higher priced Walnut Creek.

But, that's changing!

Architects, designers, artists & artisans have discovered the Concord Eichlers, and the forlorn Eichlers in Concord are quickly being renovated to be some of the best in the Bay Area! 

Publications like CA Modern have taken notice as well-issue's on newstands October 15, 2014! This will help to finally give Concord Eichlers their due...

Currently, we have two Eichlers on the market in Concord. One is in the Rancho de los Santos neighborhood (see September 21st post), and a *NEW* listing in the Rancho del Diablo neighborhoood.

Here are the particulars on that *NEW* listing:

4094 Wilson Lane, Concord, CA  asking $560,000

Update: This home is now SOLD, closed $590,000!

DOM: 2 days  Contact: Kevin Eklund  925-362-1484  ReMax Realty

• 4/2, 1,795 sf, 7,600 sf lot
• Built 1963
• Claude Oakland designed
• Rancho del Diablo neighborhood
• Double garage
• Atrium!
• Tankless water heater, newer coating on roof, whole house air condition unit, whole house fan
• Large corner lot

What I like about this Eichler:

• Meticulously clean!
• Owner occupied, well cared for & updated- including mechanicals
• Some original features present: stain on t&g in common areas, some unpainted mahogany
• Awesome large luan wall in kitchen- which current owners restored- is fantastic!
• Restored, mahogany Eichler kitchen swinging door is cool
• All Eichler glass windows and sliders present!
• Newer kitchen and baths, very clean
• Large Butler's pantry/laundryroom is awesome in this model!
• Large, pleasant lot
• Double garage 
• Pretty atrium
• Lovely landscaping

What I might change over time:

• Flooring: It is very functional, tile part is great with radiant. Carpet is lovely and super clean. But, style is not as MCM.
• Lighting: IKEA ball lights aren't too bad. Think I would wait to locate metal stem ball lights or try and replicate them myself
• Add back planters in atrium. The tile is really nice in the atrium, but I would add planters back at some point.
• Garage door! In these double garage models, having a nice, new aluminum sectional garage door is great for function, but style-wise doesn't work with Eichler architecture. The front ends up being dominated by a big white door! I would think about replicating the Eichler-siding-clad sliding *barn" type doors at some point. It would really help the front facade.
• Kitchen is really pretty & newer, but granite & shaker style cabinets might be changed at some point. 
• Baths are also traditional style. They are super clean and newer. I might change them at some point down the line.
• Remove most air conditioner wall units, especially the one in the older office unit which can be seen from front of house (under landscaping).
• Change traditional front door

Summary: This is a lovely, super clean Eichler home! Great space for the money. Well cared for & updated by owners. This Eichler would be high on my list if I were looking for a home.

front view

Eichler numbers

long hallway type entry into atrium

atrium view

atrium view looking into livingroom

mistolite slit window in atrium

atrium siding wall, excellent condition

Modernica benches along atrium siding wall- nice use of space

Livingroom view from atrium

atrium view from livingroom

vintage house tile and new atrium tile

Eichler siding wall in livingroom

Livingroom looking to dining area and outside

original stained ceiling in common areas

dining area

dining area looking twoards kitchen- great Eichler swinging doors which owners restored

side view of kitchen, coming from dining area

kitchen detail

large *butler's pantry*/laundry area is opposite of kitchen photo above. This is a great part of this Eichler model!

pantry detail

kitchen detail, pretty sink!

kitchen overview- from eating area

gorgeous, restored luan wall in kitchen. mahogany door to garage looks great too!

kitchen view from atrium with large Eichler slider

large garage is off kitchen

hallway closet (off livingroom), mahogany trim is unpainted! these might not be original Eichler closet doors, but could be made to look closer to original with grass cloth

lovely slit window in office/bedroom 4- this window is on the front of the house

office/bedroom 4 has a slider to atrium

going to exterior- back of house with utility closet

back yard with two seating areas

back yard from other direction

seating area 2

yard 

nice shed in yard

large side yard with peacful sitting area- on Mendocino Avenue side

large olive tree in side yard

seating area detail and really nice landscaping/hardscape in side yard

side yard on other side is narrow & very minimal

front view

from other side looking towards Mendocino Avenue

4094 Wilson Lane, Concord

 

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 and former real estate investor/flipper 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 Concord Eichler for sale... A Bay Area Bargain!

After viewing the home...this is an update of my 9/18/04 post.

1965 Claude Oakland Model CC-13! Dynamic view of the livingroom beams & ball lights

4004 Houston Court, Concord, CA  asking $549,000  DOM: 4 days!

Update: This home is now SOLD, closed $565,000

Contact: Paul & Virginia Ratto  Pacific Union Realty  925-998-9501 

• 3/2, 1,577 sf, 6,750 sf lot
• built 1965
• in Rancho de los Santos neighborhood
• MLS#40674245
• Claude Oakland Designed- Model CC-13
• new driveway & exterior paint
• radiant works- per listing
• newer radiant boiler
• tankless water heater
• foam roof with new coating
• single garage & carport (no atrium)
• large, flat lot with grassy yard
• cul-de-sac location

What I like about the home:

• Great curb appeal with Eichler-appropriate paint scheme
• Interesting Eichler floor plan
• Some original features: ball lights, front door escutcheon, interior siding wall
• Home is owner occupied & turnkey- extremely clean & well maintained
• Modernist common area with beams & ball lights
• Wall was taken out in dining area to make it more open
• Newer concrete-look tile floor works well with Eichler
• Kitchens and baths are newer
• Peaceful Master with garden views 
• Outside is wonderful: Large, flat lot with grass, pretty Japnese maples, two seating areas at the end of the peaks on either side, nice view of neighborhood trees
• Some new exterior concrete work
• Great Eichler neighborhood with enthusiast neighbors
• Very peaceful and quiet setting
• Great location for kids with cul-de-sac

What I might change in time:

• Re-Eichler a bit more:
• Add back some luan- non present, walls are mostly painted sheet rock
• Unify beam color
• Replace exisiting ball lights with black stem ball lights
• White aluminum windows which divide large glass areas: great to have double pane, but I would change key windows to silver aluminum-finish, might re-do the back in full glass again to elimiate division
• Kitchen cabinets/counters are very nice, but a bit traditional for this home... minimal shaker-style, very dark stain with granite counter. This is something I would eventually re-do.
• Master vanity is also shaker/craftsman style. I would probably change this sooner.
• This home has Mid Century river rock in several key places. Something I would live with for a few years before undoing.

Summary: Over-all this is an outstanding Eicher in excellent condition for a great price! This one will go lightening quick...

4004 Houston Court

Great beam detail in carport/atrium-like entrance

atrium-like carport/entrance

I geek out about these original escutcheons because they are so hard to find in the Eichler after-market!

 

Livingroom after you come through front door, looking to right side of house

lovely slit window in bedroom 3- 2 bedrooms, bath and laundry area off livingroom

Bath 2: very clean & newer, but a bit traditional

peaceful master bedroom is on opposiste side of livingroom, overlooking back yard

master vanity

Livingroom, looking to the left side and dining area

 

 

 

dining area (across from kitchen), wall was taken down to open it up, has a slider to outside on the right

Looking into the familyroom/kitchen area from  open dining area

familyroom area with fireplace (rock was probably added in the 1960's-70's)

familyroom area off kitchen

familyroom

fireplace on back wall, glass on either side

tile detail

lovely view- one of the familyroom replacement windows... double pane and divided

newer kitchen

kitchen view from familyroom area

green granite counters

right side of kitchen with back slider

back of house (outside dining area slider)

back view

back looking at master windows & familyroom window- love the Japanese maples!

window detail

back with rock detail

back of house

house and yard from left side

yard from the right

yard (back right corner)

yard (right side)

side of the house view from far corner of the yard

side view with lovely trees

side with peak and seating area

great plants- side of house

side of house-slider to livingroom, seating area

other side of house, off dining, slider and modest sitting area. This side yard is very narrow

back out front, that ultra-groovy carport

carport detail with beam

original house numbers are a bit worn, but still there!

4004 Houston Court, Concord- front view with new driveway

 

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- Cheapest in the Bay Area!

lovely Eichler in Concord, NEW to market! looks re-painted in Eichler appropriate color...

4004 Houston Court, Concord, CA  asking $549,000  DOM: 1 day!

UPDATE: This Home is SOLD!

• 3/2, 1,577 sf, 6,750 sf lot
• built 1965
• in Rancho de los Santos neighborhood
• MLS#40674245
• Claude Oakland Designed- Model CC-13
• new driveway & exterior paint
• radiant works- per listing
• single garage & carport
• cul-de-sac location

My initial take on the home:

• Fantastic curb appeal!!
• Great cul-de-sac location in good neighborhood with active Eichler enthusiast neighbors
• This model has a super groovy entrance with atrium-like carport, very interesting like a sideways *Double A* model. 
• Has original door and escutcheon
• I have only seen a few interior shots (not my own) and this home looks incredibly clean and well cared for. There are several un-Eichler updates to this home however.
• Don't be put off by next door neighbor's home, it's now under construction. 

Summary, so far: I can tell already that this one wil go well over asking. It's an incredible bargain for an Eichler!!

I will be posting more photos & impressions soon.... Stay tuned!!

exterior of home from left side, really fabulous curb appeal! this is a cool model.

groovy atrium-like carport

fab entrance

original Eichler escutcheon

carport beam- way cool entrance

street view, gorgeous!

 

Claude Oakland *Atrium Model* in Concord

front view of 4106 Sacramento Street, Concord

Truth be told, I do prefer Eichlers in totally original condition. But I know that's often not the reality. We have passed the 50 year mark on many Eichlers in my neck of the woods, and these homes, with their *good bones*, have seen several owners,  some sympathetic to Eichler's Contemporary MCM style, most not. 

That being said, what I look for in most of these homes is what remains of the Eichler finishes, and what has been done to the house in terms of remodeling.

I am also looking at them in terms of price and where they fit into the Eichler market.

Basically, Concord is still a smoking deal!

You can get a clean, owner-occupied Eichler for 40-50% less from the fellow Eichler East Bay neighborhoods of Rancho San Miguel in Walnut Creek, Sequoyah Hills in Oakland, and Greenridge in Castro Valley. Of course each of these neighborhoods have a different look & feel. The fact is, however, they are all, including Concord, apples to apples when it comes to having cool Eichler models.

People will commute for these special homes. Some are willing to take on a project, especially if it's a liveable fixer.

I use this term liberally when it comes to most Eichlers because many are in need of "Re-Eichlering" to not only return them to their former glory, but to achieve maximum dollar in re-sale.

What many people still do not realize is that the Concord Eichler neighborhoods are quiet and family friendly. And, they are full of Eichler enthusiast owners who love to socialize!

A lovely Eichler has just come on the market in Concord. The style in not MCM at all, but the basic Eichler-ness is still present. The price is great, especially for the Bay Area. It has been recently re-done. It's very clean & ready to go- great for someone who wants to hang out for a while, taking time to plan & design how to make the best changes going forward... 

4106 Sacramento Street, Concord  asking $539,900

UPDATE: SOLD for $539,900

• 4/2, 1,795 sf, 7,600 sf lot
• Claude Oakland designed
• Built 1963
• Rancho del Diablo neighborhood
• Atrium
• Double garage
• Large, level, clean lot- lots of room for garden & grassy area
• Siding is over-all in good shape

DOM: 6   Contact:  Maribel Herrera  925-628-9848

What I like about the home:

• Owner occupied
• Feels clean
• Repainted, interior/exterior
• Foam Roof
• Radiant Works (per listing)
• Original features still present include: Ball lights, unpainted t&g, some unpainted luan, unpainted mahogany door jams, unpainted mahogany doors, some Eichler door knobs, mistolite glass looks good
• Siding looks good
• Garage is huge & well organized
• Original back glass and Arcadia doors present
• Unpainted fireplace
• New, rectangular off-white tile is nice and workable with house. I'd keep it for a while 
• Kitchen is re-modeled (a plus & a minus) which gives you a nice kitchen going in, even if you change it later
• Bathroms are clean and liveable, Master bath was remodeled in same style as kitchen
• Awesome pantry/laundry room off kitchen w/slider
• Has original house numbers

What I'd change:

• The Kitchen is the big one. It's very nice w/granite, new appliances, but it does not work with the Eichler. Still, it could be used for several years before it was remodeled.
• New Atrium flooring not the best choice for the Eichler
• I'd change carpet to matching tile
• Planters were removed in the Atrium. I really wish people would not do this! It definitely detracts from the exterior as it was designed.
• Change out the traditional front door.
• Some of the luan was painted over
• Strange attempt at re-staining Diningroom luan does not work. Same strange re-stain on some of the interior doors as well. I would strip off this finish and re-do with Danish oil.
• I'd eventually replace paneled garage doors with Eichler-style garage doors. That large sectional, double garage door kills the front.
• This home is in desperate need of curb appeal! It is clean, but a *Plain Jane*. Needs some of that Eicheler-style brought back with paint & sympathetic plants.

Summary: Since a recent listing on  4076 Wilson Lane went off the market, this is now the only Eichler for sale in Concord. It's such a good price, and shows really well, definitely worth a look!!

original numbers- a little worn and painted, but still there!

entrance view

atrium t&g is unpainted, original stain- bonus!

iconic view of atrium with beam, open atrium is nice

atrium view from livingroom

interior tile is new & nice, not crazy about atrium tile however... tile went over planters

Livingroom view, very workable. Great to see all the ball lights! I'd start the re-do by removing the vertical blinds...

Dining area

kitchen view from family room

family room/eat-in kitchen area. New kitchen

new kitchen

kitchen stained t&g with ball lights & vent hood

kithchen view from garage door, looking towards pantry

pantry off kitchen is awesome to have! it has slider to side yard

garage off kitchen, very clean and organized

garage clerastory window

office off atrium

bathroom 2, some re-modeling. door is to side yard

Master vanity is new- not Eichler style, but useable 

back of house is clean

right hand side yard

back yard view- large, flat lot!

back yard from other side

back of home with storage closet

back from left side

front, left side view

front view of this Claude Oakland designed Eichler.  Could add tons of  Eichler-style for not much money!

 

Photographs copyright Suzanne Dunn, The Glass Box 

 Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any realtors or real estate brokerages. 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lucas Valley's *Time Capsule* Masterpiece

Stunningly original 6 Mount Diablo Court, Lucas Valley 

**I will always have a special place in my heart for the Eichler community in Upper Lucas Valley. My parents owned a home here in the 1970's and I have loved Eichlers ever since.**

Lucas Valley is home to an active Home Owner's Association who enforce CCNR's. Probably why you don't see two-story, pastel pink, de-Eichlered disasters. Major improvements, including paint colors, must be approved in advance. And while this sounds a bit strict, it keeps the neighborhood cohesive. It keeps it's original Mid Century feel. Not all homes are perfect in this style, but most are close. And some here are amoung the best in Northern California.

Upper Lucas Valley, or ULV, is still home to many original owners. I mean... why would you leave? This community is nestled in the rolling hills of West Marin with their sunbleached grasses and peaceful oaks. Quite simply, it's gorgeous here.

With this ease of lifestyle, and the active Eichler community, it's no wonder there are still prime original condition homes which come to market. These owners love and respect their homes. They have celebrating them daily for 50 years by maintaining them in the style intended by their designers, and by Joseph Eichler himself, who was said to feel great pride, and even ownership, over the houses after they were sold.

Such honor and devotion is evident in the newest listing to come on the market in ULV.

6 Mount Diablo Circle   asking $829,000

UPDATE: This beautiful home sold, but price remains undisclosed.

DOM: 6  Contact: Kristen Rankin, Coldwell Banker 415-686-4512

• 4/2 plus craft/laundry room, 2,033 sf, 8,499 sf lot
• Original Owner!
• Built 1965
• Claude Oakland Designed
• Impeccably Original Condition
• Wonderful Marin Hill views
• New concrete driveway and atrium floor
• Newer roof (tar & gravel)
• New Boiler for radiant

What I love about this home:  everything!

• House appears to be original paint scheme
• Original door and knob with escutcheon
• Original chalk number, unpainted!
• Long entrance/hallway is unpainted *planktex siding*- it's incredibly cool!
• Atrium, with it's roof lines, is beautiful. New concrete is minimal and works with home. All t&g is stained only.
• Original VCT Eichler flooring throughout the home.
• Fireplace is unpainted
• Siding wall in livingroom is unpainted siding
• Mahogany baseboards and doors are all intact and unpainted
• All ball lights present
• All Arcadia sliders and original screens are undamaged and present
• all t&g ceilings are unpainted, wide plank- much wider than mine, interesting! 
• Hill views from atrium and in the back are stunning!
• Kitchen is totally original- with exception of fridge- including: all cabinets, mahogany pantry, flying coffin, counters, cutting board, oven, cooktop, dishwasher, window, door, door knobs, lights
• Laundry/craft room off kitchen is HUGE! Has it's own slider to side yard
• Slider to atrium from kitchen is huge & in good condition
• All closet doors are original annodized aluminum and burlap. These is original for sure. We had this style in Thousand Oaks...
• Original switches and plugs everywhere
• Bathrooms have Eichler cabinets, counters and faucets
• Master has original shower hardware and tile. Second bath is all original as well
• Back yard has Eichler light
• Minimal landscaped back yard with views for days! Lot sits up higher, above much of subdivision.

Summary: There is nothing that I would change about this amazing home. I'm in awe of how original it is!

I love this Eichler model, reminds me of a J&E *Double A* combined with an Oakland *Gallery Model*.  

This home really affected me. When I was viewing it, I felt quite emotional and had that feeling of never wanting to leave. It's impossible not to fall in love, and geek-out over, so much Eichler goodness!

I spoke with a neighbor who said the last original condition Eichler for sale in that area was gutted and remodeled. The idea of it made me feel extemely ill. If I could buy this home, give it a gentle cleaning, and save it *as is*, I would in a heart beat! As it is, all I can do is preserve this home in photos.

My husband fell in love with the home too...

I'm hoping this beauty goes to the right Eicher enthusiast buyer and not to someone who just wants a project house.

front view- minimal landscaping, new concrete driveway and entrance

original door knob with escutcheon

that long, unpainted entryway!

siding detail, original unpainted. probably had a clear stain on it...

atrium- looking towards entry

atrium t&g and beam

most of this home has gorgeous hill views... this one from atrium

atrium view from large bedroom 4/office 

office atrium view

office with two clerestory windows, slit window, original closet door & flooring

office detail- slit window and closet

office t&g with stain, beams and widows

original switch plate- white is a clue that all this home was originally wall board

NOTE: Notice anything different in this home? Where's all the luan? My educated guess, based on the condition of this Eichler, is that it came without luan. It might have been Claude Oakland's preference not to use it, an original  buyer's option, or might have been based on feedback that buyers wanted wall board instead. In any case, it was super interesting to see an all original home, with all it's original mahogany/interior siding unpainted, and no luan present.

large *mistolite* glass window right outside office door

long hallway with original floor and closet doors

Rotary phone in hallway is example of how nicely things were preserved

Bath 2 original vanity! Like in Double A Model, this is open to the hall. Everythings is original finish...

bed 2 original closet, door & door knob, unpainted baseboards everywhere

master vanity

master shower with all original tile, door, fixtures

end of hall, closet doors

around corner from Master is unpainted *planktex* siding livingroom wall

Livingroom- siding wall, tile on right may have been added in the 60's/ early 70's, but VCT is original!

one of the large back windows with fruit tree

livingroom w/unpainted fireplace

fireplace

the view in back

that long, sexy ball light in the entrance

livingroom entrance with ball light

atrium view from livingroom

diningroom area glass nad hill view with bamboo

 

tile walkway from kitchen to livingroom

turning the corner, giant kitchen slider to atrium

looking up @Marin hills and that great roof line in atrium

kitchen overview. original cabinets, flying coffin, pantry

all original kitchen!

kitchen

walk in pantry- what a luxury!- all mahogany unpainted

Iconic Eichler pantry with sliding cabinets & double finger pulls with metal (my favorite kind!)

yes! everything's in good condition. wow!! (floor's an easy fix)

kitchen window with Marin hills view- a great place to wash your coffee mug in the am!

Eichler cooktop, cabinet with spice rack, oven cabinet, mahogany garage door

original Thermador oven. Don't think I have seen a double before...

flying coffin

flying coffin detail- love this color combo of the dark brown stain with the off white zolatone doors

those magic finger pulls. think it's the most modernist style- we had these in so cal too. extremely cool!

kitchen ball light and t&g

just off the kitchen is the large craft/laundry room!

Eichler door knob

laundry room slider to side yard with bamboo

laundry slider with bamboo

Eichler light

simple back yard with aggregate patio

Back yard view of West Marin hills

back of the house with bamboo and that sexy, curvy roof line!

back inside, still staring at that view

that fab entrance again with stained siding & clerastory

leaving 6 Mount Diablo Circle with a heavy heart. Hope it goes to the right buyer! 

In the end there's always that Eichler Urban Legend: Joseph Eichler was very proud of his subdivisions and drove through them regularly. One day he saw a man re-painting his home with the wrong color. Eichler parked, got out of his car, and proceeded to get into an arguement with the man. "It is not your house, and it never was. It’s my house!" Eichler shouted. As legend has it Joseph Eichler won the fight, and the house was restored to its original glory.

 

Photographs copyright Suzanne Dunn, The Glass Box 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any realtors or real estate brokerages. 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cheapest Eichler in the Bay Area... Pleasant Jones & Emmons In Concord!

In my last post I got on a soap box about adding and substracting from an Eichler to make it outside of what would be an ideal style which harmonized with the house. 

Asking...When does updating, personalizing, remodeling, renovating compete with, or illiminate what is unique about Eichler homes?

It's a tough line to tow, especially if Mid Century Modern is not your cup of tea.

The problem, however, is that when an Eichler home goes on the market, there is a style, apart from what was there initially, which will hamonize with the home, thus getting you top dollar in this niche market. If you stray too far from this style, you may be considered a fixer. Hopefully a *liveable* fixer, but a fixer none-the-less...

A pleasant, well cared for home has just come on the market in Concord. It's an Eichler, heavily remodeled in a Southwest style, original owner. Here is info & my impressions:

4076 Wilson Lane, Concord  asking $504,950  (holy cow!! a real bargain even in Concord!)

Update: This home is currently off the market. If you were interested in this Eichler, contact the realtor...

DOM: 2 days  CONTACT: Greg Francis  Millineum Realty 866-444-4838

• 4,2, 1,656 sf, 7,300 sf lot
• atrium model, single garage, carport
• Built 1963
• Jones & Emmons Designed, Model #1184

What I like:

• Home is well maintained and clean
• Lot has some nice landscaping in parts 
• Some ball lights remain and are in good condition
• Luan is there in diningroom, will need restoration
• Original swinging kitchen door is present
• Original pantry is present, needs to be stripped
• Original fixtures outside are great
• Skylights in kitchen are nice to have
• Sliders, screen, back glass all look good
• Original front door is there
• Siding looks good
• Some newer Milgard windows
• Great aggregate driveway
• Newer foam roof (3 years old) keeps home cool

What I would change:

• Glass screen needs to be restored on one panel, take out wood strips over screeen
• Atrium is sealed- this is a tough one, may have to work around it
• Change atrium floor material- now a pebble/epoxy floor
• House has large amount of saltillo tile, would remove and put back VCT or alike
• Add back large ball light in entry
• Restore Luan which is present and add more
• Kitchen is 1970-80's redo, needs to be remodeled
• Original Mahaogany trim needs to be stripped
• Strange epoxy floor in some of the bedrooms
• Bathrooms are somewhat dated
• Take out all bushes against the house, especially in back 

Summary: This house has promise, especially for the price. However, it desperately needs Re-Eichlering! Since the competing Eichler a few doors down just went into escrow today, this is now the cheapest Eichler in the SF Bay Area. Not a bad deal for a clean home on a larger lot!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Modern Eichler in Walnut Creek

children play in the back yard

So here's the big question... When does an Eichler stop being and Eichler?

Further...

When do you say a home has *good bones* and not take it as a whole, as a MCM masterpiece? When it's had a bad 1980's remodel? OK then, what if the remodel is newer, follows current tastes and trends?

When does an Eichler stop being Contemporary and slip into Modern or even, gulp, Post Modern?

These are all questions that I often wrestle with in my own Eichler home. And, certainly, I think about when I view Eichler homes for sale. Even beautiful ones.

Yes, no one added a second story here! Additionally, you can argue that it's fine to update an Eichler, especially the mechanicals, appliances, etc.

But, I believe, you tread a thin line.

And this may seem like I'm nit-picking. My criticisms on this particular Eichler are all about the cosmetic. Mostly about the things removed. Important things. 

It's so easy to loose the spirit of the design: the contrasts- especialy the dark *moments*, moods, textures, colors, lighting. And to spray everything white, white, white.

I believe consideration and respect has to be paid to the finishes, the frosting on the cake, because too much is often lost.

I was definitely put to the test, with all of these philosophical Eichler-related questions, when viewing the latest listing in Walnut Creek's Rancho San Miguel neighborhood.

264 San Antonio Way Walnut Creek, CA   asking $835,000

Update: This home is now Pending!

DOM: 10 days  Contact: Ken Fox  510-999-0923

• 3/3, 1,996 sf, 11,200 sf lot
• Ashen & Allen designed,  Built 1956
• Rancho San Miguel neighborhood: large Eichler subdivision w/club house & community pool
• Renovated, updated, enlarged home
• HVAC added, no Radiant Floor heating
• Large & flat lot, double garage, no atrium

Side Note: My husband and I were very close to buying an Eichler which was a similar model Ashen & Allen design, similar year, in RSM, but it was all original & not expanded.

What I liked about this home:

• Super clean, owner occupied, well maintained
• Spaces and flow of the home are great
• Expansion: Looks well done! t&g extended, slab looks level, siding matches. Having a larger master with walk in closet & bath is a good idea in this model, especially if you have the lot size to accomodate it. This major renovation was done in the 1970's, adding a Master Suite with bathroom, but it has been remodeled sometime after 2000. This Eichler was originally a 3/2. The old Master was converted into a family room.
• Siding looks excellent
• Large, minimally landscaped lot could take a lap pool & nice garden. Even though lot is a pie shape, it's very workable.
• Nice, new fencing
• Vertical space in this model is excellent, even though it's a flat roof, the ceilings are high in the common areas
• Ball lights are intact which is good- unfortunately they received a silver paint job at some point
• Bathrooms are nice. They are minimal, remodeled & modern and don't not clash with the Eichler
• Replacement windows are good- they are louver-style aluminum which works well with a MCM home
• Double garage
• Great original back glass which has a glass corner, *glass box* feel
• An original square block fireplace/wall is to die for!!... it acts as a large two-room divider. Separates the kitchen on one side and the dinigroom on the other 

What I'd change:

• One word: RE-EICHLER! the finishes... you've got this killer sqaure block wall as the main feature of the interior. The rest of the home is letting it down style-wise.
• The late 90's-early 2000's kitchen remodel is bad. None of these finishes should be in an Eichler
• The crazy-thick coating of white semi-gloss paint which was applied with such a heavy hand as to be a bit shocking. Somehow, the painter managed to make the beams and t&g look like one unit. Undoing this is gonna take some work/money & a lot of mess.
• Please repaint the ball lights black!
• Pergo flooring should be changed out to VCT or alike
• Post-modern smoked glass barn door system on the Master does not go in the Eichler
• This home is screaming for MAHOGANY! Luan, mahogany veneer, trim, etc. Originally this home was 100% luan paneling, even in the bathrooms 
• All doors are painted/modern replacements, closet doors are changed out (this home originally had very groovy grasscloth doors), and the door casings are all non-Eichler: they have an intricate, traditional home profile. Does not work...

Summary: This is a pretty Eichler... pricey, but pretty. It has TONS of potential to be an MCM masterpiece with some more money spent to change/add some things. Definitely worth a look for the square block wall alone!

front view of 264 San Antonio Way

love, shady entrance... not sure about the color scheme and paneled door, but that's easily remedied

first view of the kitchen. slider looks to side yard, garage door on the right

kitchen

turning the corner & heading to the diningroom you see the beginning of that groovy block wall *love*

diningroom  faces the back

diningroom

rounding the corner to the livingroom and that *wall*

OK... this rocks!! Many of us fellow Eichler owners would kill for this fireplace!

outside patio, glass corner turns from the livingroom to the familyroom & Master

it's hard not too geek out about this back glass! nice plants.

family room & Master have their own sliders

new familyroom- former Master

sliding glass *barn* door to Master

Master bath

hallway closets... would be great to bring back the Eichler doors

bathroom 2 is nicely renovated

bedroom 2 is super small in these 50's Eichlers

bathroom 3 and laundry area

bedroom 3, at the front of the house

back in livingroom area... painted ceiling with ball lights

patio and back of house

back yard- looking back at Master and livingroom glass

back yard- on patio looking at largest part of the yard

heading around to the kitchen side & front of the lot, lots of potential here!

slider off the kitchen

looking back at yard from side of house, area off kitchen

small side yard on bedroom side, this house is situated on the lot very far to the left

wide line, 1950's siding detail

side yard looking to front of house. nice windows

view from the front door

these exterior modernist lights work well with the Eichler

replacement garage door and modernist numbers

new front fence with new landscaping

street view. extra large oak tree blocks the view of the home & might be an issue with sewer lines? But, it provides great shade in the Summer!

 

Photographs copyright Suzanne Dunn, The Glass Box 

 

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any realtors or real estate brokerages. 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.

 

 

 

Attractive Jones & Emmons Eichler in Concord!

New on the market! Nice Eichler home in Concord. 

4076 Wilson Lane, Concord  asking $504,950

Contact: Millineum Realty  866-444-4838

• 4/2, 1,656 sf,  7,300 sf lot
• ORIGINAL OWNER!
• Jones & Emmons designed, model #1184
• Atrium, carport, single garage
• Looks very clean & well maintained from the street, newer driveway & paint

More photos coming soon!!

 

A Lovely *Double A* in Sequoyah Hills

the twin peaks! one over the carport & one over the livingroom...how this model got its nickname

Walking into the spacious Jones & Emmons designed *Double A* Eichler for sale in the Oakland Hills subdivision of Sequoyah Hills was a trip down memory lane for me. I once owned a 1963 version of this this model in Southern California. And as fascinating as it was to see the slight differences in layout between my home and this one in Oakland, the best aspects of the architecture, the things which made me fall in love with my former house, still resonated with me in this house.

8199 Hansom Drive  Oakland, CA  asking $765,000

UPDATE: This home is now PENDING!

DOM: 7 days  Contact: Ken Fox  510-999-0923

• 5/2, 2,121 sf, 9,694 sf lot
• built 1965
• Jones & Emmons designed
• atrium model
• carport and single garage
• radiant works (as per listing)

The Good:

• spacious house, one of the largest models!
• fun fact: this home was the original Eichler sales office for the subdivision
• great *U* shaped floor plan
• has iconic Jones & Emmons glass screen
• lovely *glass box* feel with 90 degree glass corners
• kitchen is clean, has a new ikea peninsula
• original Eichler stain on ceilings intact, no water stains on ceiling so roof is probably in good shape
• all original Eichler ball lights intact, including the long stemmed light in the entrance
• original Eichler vanities & fixtures in both bathrooms
• all mahogany doors are present
• house presents as very clean and maintained. looks as if some cosmetic work was done to sell including new paint (nice color on exterior)
• original Eichler "plank tex" siding in excellent condition
• beams look to be in excellent shape
•  atrium is lovely
• new fencing on one side of exterior

Needs work:

• the yard is large, but most of it is a hill- needs a more substantial retaining wall & terracing to make the hill useable
• side yards are narrow and very plain, one side needs new fencing and gate
• much of the common area flooring looks to be white painted saltillo tile. i suspect that paint would not hold up. over-all thick tile does not work in this house. also, the tile was laid well into the livingroom area making the room appear smaller, should be taken out... might find original interior aggragate walkway below? 
• the livingroom has old parquet flooring which would need to be changed
• new carpet in common area is both good and not-so good. raidiant would work better with VCT or alike
• luan is missing or painted over
• the home is positioned right at the mouth of the subdivision & has no views- although this is something that you cannot change, it needed to be mentioned.

Summary: this is a great model with many original features. the tranquil atrium is a strong selling feature as is the extra large kitchen area. definitely worth a look!

iconic Jones & Emmons glass screen

atrium view, screen from inside

one of the four sliders which open onto the atrium

great *double A* livingroom, no paint on fireplace is a bonus!

this long stem ball light at the entrance to the livingroom is often missing! nice to see it here. stained t&g everywhere, original dark beam color. lovely!

atrium glass with pretty bamboo, painted saltillo tile flooring

*glass box* aspect of the atrium corner. livingroom going into kitchen

large family room or eat-in kitchen area. through atrium slider, directly in front of the kitchen

kitchen with original layout. looks like the cabinets are older but non-Eichler. new counters, back splash and peninsula. new appliances

original pantry to the right of fridge and back wall- looks like they painted the mahogany

original stained t&g, original beam color and Eichler lights in kitchen/family room area

new ikea peninsula

back wall of kitchen- definitely workable

kitchen slider to side yard... i always loved having this door!

from kitchen looking back towards atrium, familyroom & livingroom- so much light in the common areas in this model!

hallway looking back towards kitchen. three bedrooms  & second bathroom off this hall. awkward laundry area in foreground- would be helpd by something more built-in

original Eichler  double vanity in second bathroom. this model has these sinks right off the hallway with no door.

original tub and tile in bathroom #2, mahogany door detail

back of house, master slider closest

back yard is narrow, but useable- all hardscape.

back of the house, looking into livingroom

back of house

yard from other side, simple wood retaining wall and hill in back

back hillside- barbed wire fence runs most of the hill in back

that beautiful Jones & Emmons screen!

bamboo through *mistolite* glass

entrance to subidivion is right across the street

8199 Hansom Drive

 

Photographs copyright Suzanne Dunn, The Glass Box 

 

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any realtors or real estate brokerages. 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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