Palo Alto Area Eichler Homes

Unique, architecturally designed homes that embody the California modern style

Inspired by his own Frank Lloyd Wright home, Joseph Eichler revolutionized suburban developments in the 1950s-1970s with his modern, eclectic designed communities. Working with respected architects and designers such as Robert Anshen, A. Quincy Jones and Raphael Soriano, Joseph Eichler built over 11,000 homes, largely in San Mateo and Santa Clara County.

Joseph Eichler Design

Eichlers embody the California Modern style of home, most noted for Eichler’s signature concept to “bring the outside in.” With glass walls, post-and-beam construction, open floor plans, skylights and floor-to-ceiling glass windows, Joseph Eichler sought to blur the lines between the mild climate of the San Francisco Bay Area and the clean modern interiors of the Eichler style home. Eichler exteriors were marked by flat or low-sloping roofs, Spartan facades with geometric liens and vertical siding, with protected gardens, pools and patios surrounding the home.

Eichler Communities in the Palo Alto Area

Joseph Eichler was a visionary in that he was the first to establish a non-discrimination policy for his homes. While some banks refused to give loans to certain ethnicities, Jospeh Eichler offered homes for sale to anyone of any race or religion, putting him at odds with the National Association of Home Builders, which he resigned from in 1958.

Street layouts in some Eichler communities such as Fairmeadow in Palo Alto, CA are designed in concentric circles to promote cohesiveness in the neighborhood as well as reduce through traffic and keep pedestrians and children safe. Eichler communities originally had integrated parks and community centers, with pools and other recreation facilities for the residents.

Eichlers on the Rise

During California’s major population boom post-World War II, Eichler homes were considered to be very avant garde. Ex-servicemen often sought convention rather than innovation and opted for the plainer, ranch style tract homes. Now, Eichler homes are very popular, as is all mid-century design. There are many Eichler enthusiast groups which can be found on the web. They exchange original hardware and parts from their Eichler homes, and proudly diplay their tasteful remodels of their Eichler homes. Eichler enclaves can be found in Palo Alto, California neighborhoods such as Green Meadow, Green Gables, and Fairmeadow and are typically selling in excess of 1.3M. More reasonably priced Eichlers can be found in Sunnyvale, Santa Clara and San Jose and throughout San Mateo County and Santa Clara County.

Finding an Eichler for You

Charmed by the eclectic Eichler home? Give us a call at (650) 331-2993 and we can help you find an Eichler home in an excellent Palo Alto Area community. Our extensive real estate expertise will guide you from finding the perfect Eichler home to suit your tastes and needs in the best neighborhood for you and your family. We’ll assist you through negotiations, inspection, closing and even relocation. Whether you are moving from within the state of California or from another part of the globe, we can make your transition to an Eichler home efficient and rewarding.

www.ArjaniHomes.com is owned by Anne Arjani who is a licensed Realtor® of Keller Williams Realty, 505 Hamilton Avenue, Suite 100, Palo Alto, CA 94301. Keller Williams Realty is licensed in the state of California, is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports the Fair Housing Act. Terms and Conditions apply.