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A restored and rarely available home known as a “super Eichler” in Walnut Creek, CA, flaunts an amazing architectural pedigree.

Listed for $1,995,000, the 2,435-square-foot dwelling is in the North Gate subdivision, the last Eichler development in the East Bay.

So, what is a super Eichler anyway?

“They were on larger parcels and the houses were larger,” says  Thomas Westfall, of Compass. “All of them had four bedrooms—if not five, even six.”

Completed in 1969, the four-bedroom, 2.5-bath home was designed by Claude Oakland, “one of the most prolific [Eichler] architects,” says Westfall. “Joe Eichler was the developer.”

Roughly 11,000 of these modest, midcentury modern, tract homes were designed and built between 1956 and the late 1960s, mostly in Northern and Southern California. As ranch-level dwellings, they feature atriums and range between 1,300 and 1,500 square feet.

This home is one of just five super Eichler designs in the East Bay. The extra-large floor plan and cheery, yellow decor made the listing a magnet for vintage-home enthusiasts.

And within a week, multiple bids were made. An offer was accepted, and the property is listed as pending sale.

“There is definitely a following of people who want to live in an Eichler,” Westfall says.

In 2004, the sellers—who previously lived in another Eichler home—snapped this one up for $720,000. After almost 20 years and major restorations, they are now letting it go.

The sellers added an insulated, foam roof to improve heating and cooling efficiency. There’s also a new boiler, updated electrical system, flooring, and custom closet doors.

The sellers “did all of the landscaping, including irrigation, accent lighting, and paving,” says Westfall. “They [also] remodeled the bathrooms and the kitchen and replaced the interior doors with solid-core doors, as well as heightened and lightened them.”

The listing includes an attached, two-car garage.

Standout space

The super-sized Eichler design has what’s known as the “H Plan” layout, a truly notable style.

“It’s the only Eichler with the double-door entrance and the only atrium, I’m aware of, that is more than 500 square feet,” says Westfall. “That’s the whole Eichler philosophy—bringing the outdoors in.”

Nearly all rooms open to the outdoors via sliding-glass doors.

The prospect of living in Walnut Creek is a major draw for buyers.

“It has some of the highest-rated schools in the Bay Area,” Westfall notes. “It’s like the Palo Alto of the East Bay. There’s a downtown with shopping, nice restaurants, and the Apple Store. North Gate is very walkable.”

Source: realtor.com