First Marin Tour Since 2009 - Page 2

Another Adelmann tour favorite is a four-bedroom atrium model in Lucas Valley by Jones and Emmons that has been so faithfully restored, she says, "It's like a virgin Eichler, which I think is going to be really great."

Others are "people who have remodeled and gutted," like the Brodeurs.

"We tried to do it as if Eichler were alive today, the way he would do it," Patricia says, noting that they kept the existing roof and stayed with radiant heating in the slab foundation. They did add some front windows and a slider that opens to a front yard play area. Of the latter, her favorite part of the remodel, she says, "We wanted to have a view of the mountains, and we wanted the kids to have a safe place to play."

The Brodeurs also strove to make their older child, Hugo, then 3, a participant in the remodel throughout the project.

"Each step of the way, we came in the house with him," she related, adding that the tyke has toy construction tools of his own. To begin an extensive re-landscaping, for instance, "Hugo planted the first tree," Patricia recalls happily.

During their yearlong remodel, the Brodeurs uncovered a choice MCM artifact tied to their house. It brought additional excitement to the project.

"It was signed by him! It's so great!" she exclaimed about a letter from Joe Eichler welcoming the first owners. It's now framed and will be displayed on the tour.

While organizer Adelmann stands proudly alongside the quality, variety, and condition of the 12 models on the tour, she is particularly excited about the event's May 19 raffle of numerous cool modern-oriented gifts. They include items from Heath Ceramics, Hip Haven, Design Within Reach, Modern Mailbox, and others, plus a framed original Ernie Braun Eichler photograph.

Adelmann says they hope to sell 1,000 or more tour tickets at $75 each. Tickets to the raffle are $5 each. A tour ticket includes a program booklet profiling each of the dozen homes and a tote bag of modernist swag. A handful of lunch trucks will be parked near picnic tables at the Dixie Elementary School for a midday tour break.

The Saturday May 19 'Marin Eichler Home Tour 2018' will run from 9:30am to 4:30pm. Check-in begins at 9am.

"We are really thrilled with the quality of the homes we've brought together, even models that we didn't even know had been done," the realtor bubbled. Noting that Marin has not presented an Eichler home tour since 2009, she sighed, "We were due."

For more information or to purchase tickets for the 'Marin Eichler Home Tour 2018,' click here.