A rare 1971 Eichler home in San Anselmo, California, has hit the market. The asking price for the four-bedroom midcentury modern house is $2.75 million, according to a report by Realtor.com. The home, in the Sleepy Hollow neighbourhood of San Anselmo, underwent a major renovation recently. The 2,537-square-foot property features a unique indoor-outdoor design, modern kitchen, swimming pool, landscaped backyard and smart-home features.
Inside the restored midcentury Eichler home
Pic credit: Realtor.com
Built in 1971 by Joseph Eichler, a famous American builder, this home is a rare abode. There are only 15 Eichler homes in the San Anselmo area at present. Known for their seamless indoor-outdoor living integration, sun-kissed interiors and clean lines, the house also has “expansive floor-to-ceiling glass, sliding doors, open floor plans, and often has radiant heat,” listing agent Kira Swaim of Tam Team at City Real Estate told the outlet.The four-bedroom house was broken when a couple bought it in 2015 from Swaim. Everything in it was broken, quite literally. The pipes were failing, the bones were sound but tired, and almost nothing worked. “It was a distressed sale and was an auction property,” Swaim recalled.
Pic credit: Realtor.com
But the couple who purchased it had faith. They knew what they were buying, beyond the renovations it needed. Joseph Eichler’s tract homes, built between the 1950s and 1970s, remain among the most coveted midcentury residential designs in California. They took care of the renovations while still retaining the architectural beauty of the classic Eichler style.The couple replaced the entire plumbing system, upgraded the windows and doors, and then moved to the spaces where people actually live. The kitchen went through a complete overhaul. “It has all new piping, custom windows and doors; they renovated the kitchen and did a massive project in the backyard to create a camp oasis. There is not much they didn’t touch,” the agent told the outlet.
Pic credit: Realtor.com
Every corner of the house had designer details. The four bedrooms have absolutely bright and airy vaulted wood ceilings with exposed beams. A two-sided fireplace anchored the great room and dining space. Geometric tile and accent walls gave the rooms texture without cluttering them. Vibrant wallpaper throughout added another layer of detail. The retractable glass walls gave direct access to the patio.The kitchen underwent a massive makeover. The bamboo island has expansive cabinetry, high-end appliances, an oversized window overlooking a custom-built entertaining pergola, and sliders that open to the in-ground pool.The previous owners also ensured the house had modern amenities. Solar panels and smart power walls handle the energy side. Fruit and palm trees create corridors of shade.According to the listing agent, who has sold numerous homes in San Anselmo over the years, nothing is quite up to this one.
Pic credit: Realtor.com
“I have never seen one done to this level,” she added. She also commented on the previous owner, now seller’s, incredible taste. “They have an incredible eye for design,” which, according to her, provides a ‘fun, vibrant vibe’ to the house. “It has been a labour of love, for sure,” she said.Swaim says interest has been substantial since listing, with a particular demographic standing out: young families or couples expecting children. And it just makes sense. “Having met most buyers, it appears to live as a primary residence. A lot of families with young kids or kids on the way have looked at it.” The home is also ideal for older adults, given that it is all on one floor.“Sleepy Hollow is a really special community. In the summer especially, kids bike to the clubhouse; there are secret trails and walking paths along the creek. It’s kind of like a throwback to childhood memories,” Swaim said.