A stunning example of California modernist architecture designed by the legendary duo of Claude Oakland and Joseph Eichler has hit the real estate market in Concord, just outside San Francisco. This 1964 mid-century modern home, distinguished by its eye-catching acid-green door, represents one of the final gems from Eichler's prolific development career and has had only two owners in its 60-year history.
The architectural partnership between Claude Oakland and Joseph Eichler made significant contributions to California's housing landscape, constructing thousands of homes that pioneered the open-plan, indoor-outdoor aesthetic that became synonymous with California modernism. When Eichler was nearing the end of his development activities in Concord, he turned to his most prolific architect to design a series of bungalows, of which this property stands as a prime example.
The current owners, who have deep roots in architecture and a lifelong passion for 20th-century minimalism, discovered this corner property during the early days of the pandemic. They describe themselves as having an admitted obsession with what they call "the world of Eichler." The quarter-acre property immediately captured their attention, leading them to embark on an extensive six-figure renovation that balanced preservation with modern functionality.
The home's original owners had lived there since its construction 56 years ago, making the current owners only the second family to call it home. The property maintains its signature post-and-beam design, featuring a low-slung profile that appears private from the street facade, enhanced by fresh paint and carefully curated plantings. However, the true magic reveals itself beyond the entrance, where expansive banks of floor-to-ceiling glass create dramatic sightlines that flow seamlessly through an open courtyard to the newly installed pool and meticulously designed gardens.
"The connection to the outdoors is what makes this home truly special," explains co-owner Laura. "With so much glass throughout, we're constantly surrounded by reflections of the sky, trees, and soft landscaping – it's like living inside a moving painting." When searching for their perfect Eichler home, the couple had specifically prioritized finding a property with an open-air atrium, and this home delivered exactly that feature.
The central atrium creates a seamless flow between the front and back sections of the house while adding another layer of connection to nature. Moving through the home becomes a journey of discovery, with pathways that flow in and out of open-air spaces, past original mahogany wall panels, and into the thoughtfully preserved kitchen. The kitchen retains its authentic 1960s character with a breakfast bar and built-in table that have been in continuous use since the home's construction.
"There is no bad angle in this home," Laura notes with pride. The renovation successfully integrated new appliances and quartz countertops while preserving authentic mid-century elements such as globe lighting fixtures and the recurring acid-green motif that echoes the front door and picks up tones from the lush surrounding gardens.
The home features four bedrooms equipped with new closets and updated lighting systems, sharing two bathrooms that include operational skylights. The primary bedroom boasts an en-suite bathroom that has retained its original period-appropriate tiling, maintaining the home's authentic character while providing modern functionality.
Laura explains their renovation philosophy: "Our goal was to preserve the spirit of the era while integrating modern comforts. For the flooring, we chose solid vinyl tile, a material that was actually used in the 1960s and was original to this home." Their approach to the interior walls demonstrated particular thoughtfulness in balancing preservation with contemporary needs.
"To strike a balance between preservation and modernity, we decided to keep three walls of paneling in rooms that originally had four, replacing one wall in each space with drywall," Laura details. "This approach, used in the kitchen, laundry room and dining room, adds contrast and lightness while still celebrating the warmth and texture of the original wood."
The comprehensive renovation included significant outdoor improvements and infrastructure updates. The couple installed a saltwater pool and spa system, along with a heated dining pergola that extends the home's living space into the garden. They also invested in a new foam roof and completely updated electrical systems to meet contemporary standards while maintaining the home's aesthetic integrity.
The landscaping reflects the same attention to detail as the interior renovation. A side yard features productive citrus, fig, and crab apple trees, all maintained through a smart irrigation system that ensures efficient water usage while keeping the gardens lush and vibrant throughout California's varied seasons.
With plans to relocate to the East Coast to be closer to their families, the couple has made the difficult decision to part with their beloved Eichler home. They have listed the property with real estate agent Dara Buzzard for $1,375,000, offering the next owners an opportunity to own a piece of California's architectural history.
This Eichler home represents more than just a residence; it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of mid-century modern design and the vision of architects who understood how to create spaces that seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living. For architecture enthusiasts and those who appreciate the limited footprint and carefully curated material palette of an Oakland-Eichler collaboration, this property offers a rare opportunity to own an authentic piece of California modernism that has been lovingly preserved and thoughtfully updated for contemporary living.
