Original ‘Survivor’ Up for Sale

Reaching back to Eichler’s earliest days— a rare Menlo Park time capsule from 1952
By Adriene Biondo
Fridays on the Homefront
While unadulterated Eichlers are practically unheard of in Menlo Park these days, the unusually fine example at 1611 Oakdell Drive (above), now up for sale, is a real find. The unfortunate truth is that many original homes in this region have simply been replaced over time, or lost to drastic remodels. All photos courtesy Jack Woodson

There's nothing unusual about Eichler homes built between 1956 and '74 finding their way to the marketplace. Happens all the time.

But when earlier Eichler models surface, we take special notice. Why? Because teardowns, unsympathetic remodels, and Father Time himself have destroyed so many from that era.

But every so often, a bonafide Eichler original surfaces alive and well. This includes our latest welcome discovery, from Menlo Park.

This lovingly preserved Eichler is one of the only 16 homes that builder Joe Eichler planned for the tiny Oakdell Park development in 1952. Today it represents a rare opportunity to own an authentic piece of architectural history.

 

Fridays on the Homefront
Vintage kitchen: a mix of original built‐ins and mild updates.

Oakdell Park consists of a pair of cul‐de‐sacs at the intersection of Oakdell Drive and Olive Street. Each of the Eichlers built here was set onto a quarter‐acre lot. Beautifully designed by architects Anshen and Allen and Jones & Emmons, at the time these homes were built they were priced from $25,000 to $29,500.

Located on the San Francisco Peninsula, Menlo Park has some of the most beautiful neighborhoods anywhere, including clusters of Eichlers that remain practically unknown. Out of approximately 50 Eichler‐built homes in Menlo Park, you'll find some of the first and last Joe ever built. They also include some of the smallest early Eichlers to some of his largest '50s‐era homes.

Listed at $3.880 million, the property at 1611 Oakdell Drive is represented by Jack and Jolaine Woodson of Compass Realty.

 

Fridays on the Homefront

 

According to Jack Woodson, a retired architect‐turned‐realtor, the single‐family home was owned for 50‐plus years by Florence Barr, "an employee of mine who was the office manager in my architectural firm. She bought it around 1970, and it's possible the house may only have had two owners."

As shown in the home's virtual tour, original details abound, showcasing Eichler's timeless vision of modern California living. Signature design elements still shine, including Philippine mahogany paneling, beamed and paneled vaulted ceilings, and transparent walls of floor‐to‐ceiling glass.

Set onto a large corner lot in the heart of West Menlo Park, the 1,610‐square‐foot home features three bedrooms and two baths (one recently updated). But, as Woodson points out, "There's room for expansion on the property, with a large lot that's over 10,000 square feet."

 

Fridays on the Homefront
Original site plan of Eichler's Oakdell Park. 1611 Oakdell Drive, a corner home, is represented at the lower right edge.

Stepping into a vintage Eichler is always a special treat, and this well‐preserved example is a joy from the minute you set foot inside.

"This home is very true to the original spirit of the Eichlers," Woodson comments. "The texture T‐111 exterior siding is still in great shape, and there's cork flooring throughout. The cork floors and walls are what everybody comments on, and what I really noticed too.

"It's also got a wonderful exposure to the garden, with floor‐to‐ceiling glass from living room to dining room. As we all talk about with Eichlers, there's just a seamless blend from interior to exterior."