An untouched, midcentury modern home in Palo Alto, CA—for sale for the first time in over 50 years—has found a buyer after less than two weeks on the market. The classic beauty was listed for $2.65 million.
The time capsule built in 1966 is being sold by its original owner, in its original condition. Perfectly preserved, the home was designed by Aaron Green, who worked with Frank Lloyd Wright as his West Coast representative.
The midcentury project was built by the developer Joseph Eichler’s company, Eichler Homes. His home-building business created some 11,000 postwar, low-cost, modern suburban housing tracts mainly in California, between 1949 and 1966.
While now over half-a-century old, the open plan layouts with indoor-outdoor space and innovative designs have seen a resurgence in the ultradesirable Silicon Valley city of Palo Alto.
“When you enter the property, you’re greeted with the quintessential midcentury modern design and aesthetic of the home,” says listing agent Nancy Goldcamp, with Coldwell Banker. “The original owner of this home lovingly cared for this custom dream home, ensuring the integrity of the original architecture was maintained.”
Midcentury modern in Palo Alto
David Eichler
Walls of glass
David Eichler
Living room with concrete-block fireplace
David Eichler
Dining area
David Eichler
One of three bedrooms
David Eichler
Landscaped grounds
David Eichler
With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, the petite 1,595-square-foot layout features redwood beams, walls of glass, and concrete blocks, materials that were readily available at the time.
Finishes unique to the era include the extensive use of mahogany, slab floors with radiant heat, built-in beds, desks, and dressers, and Formica counters.
Outside, the space includes a patio area for dining, as well as landscaped plantings. In fact, the landscape design of the formerly flat terrain was added to include “highs and lows” for privacy and interest.
In preparation for the sale, the home was given just a bit of a refresh. Additions included custom furniture and fixtures, as well as new cushions in fabric colors in keeping with the era.
Clearly, the well-preserved architectural gem struck the right chord with a buyer, who snapped it up soon after it came onto the market.
Members of the 99% may want to sit down for what’s coming next: Tenants in the nation’s priciest ZIP—10282, the Battery Park neighborhood in Manhattan, which abuts ultratrendy Tribeca—paid an average $6,211 a month in rent.
Those sky-high price tags are due to the luxury rental towers lining the waterfront, offering just about every amenity imaginable.
The next priciest area was NYC’s 10013 ZIP, which includes hip Tribeca, Lower Manhattan, and Chinatown. The average monthly rent in this area that’s seen a lot of new construction in recent years is $5,327. That was followed by Manhattan’s tony Upper West Side ZIP of 10023, where average rents are $5,053.
Not surprisingly, the priciest areas of the other coast made the list. The Los Angeles neighborhoods of Westwood Village, 90024, and West Hollywood and Beverly Grove, 90048, rounded out the top five. These ZIP codes sit just off of Beverly Hills. Apartments in them went for an average $4,944 and $4,896 respectively.
San Francisco’s Rincon Hill neighborhood, 94105, on the bay came in sixth, with an average rent of $4,858. The rest of the top 10 were in Manhattan: the lower portion of the Upper East Side’s 10065, at $4,777; the Lower East Side’s 10002, at $4,666; the top of the Upper West Side’s 10025, at $4,646; and the Upper East Side’s 10028, at $4,642.
What are the most affordable rental markets?
On the other end of the spectrum are the most affordable places for renters. And guess what? Not a single one is in New York or California.
Heads up, bargain hunters: Four of the 10 cheapest neighborhoods were in Wichita, KS, where two-bedroom, single-family house rentals abound. The rest were also in the lower-priced Midwest or South.
Wichita’s Stanley/Aley, Delano, and McCormick neighborhoods, included in 67213, boasted the most inexpensive rents at just $423 a month. It was followed by 38106 in southern Memphis, at $471. The rest of the top five were in Wichita in the Linwood and Mead neighborhoods in 67211, at $472 a month; the Hilltop, East Mt. Vernon, and Grandview Heights neighborhoods in 67218, at $491 a month; and the Sherwood Glen, El Pueblo, and Benjamin Hills neighborhoods in 67204, at $500 a month.
“Game of Thrones,” everyone’s favorite wholesome family drama, is over. But if Daenerys Targaryen, mother of dragons, ever strolled into the 21st century, we’re pretty sure we know where she’d set up her kingdom.
Free from snow and ice, Fort Lauderdale, FL, would make for a balmy change of pace, and there’s already a home ready to go suited to the most medieval of tastes. It landed on the market in late August for $1.9 million and just had its price slashed to $1.75 million—a bargain worth holding the door for.
From the exterior, the home resembles any other posh South Florida abode. It’s once you step inside that you’re transported to a different time and place.
The home was custom-built in 1996, and the original owner took her inspiration from the book series “The Dragonriders of Pern,” which she used to read to her daughter.
Exterior
ONE Sotheby’s International Realty
Living space
ONE Sotheby’s International Realty
As a result, the home includes a series of custom dragon paintings, as well as delicious details that are positively medieval. Although the home underwent a complete renovation in 2011, the current owners loved these touches so much that they kept them intact.
In one of the main living spaces, exposed wooden beams are covered in dragon paintings. Lighting the room is a striking circular chandelier that looks as if it should be lit with 18 tallow candles, rather than lightbulbs.
Dining room
ONE Sotheby’s International Realty
Master bedroom
ONE Sotheby’s International Realty
Bathroom
ONE Sotheby’s International Realty
The library’s ceiling is covered in a dragon-themed mural, and in another of the living spaces, there’s a mural of a wooded landscape and (of course) more dragons.
The theme winds its way out to the exterior areas of the home as well. A portico of painted tiles with two dragons protects the doors of a screened-in porch just outside the courtyard.
Library
ONE Sotheby’s International Realty
The medieval allusions run through the length of the house, with more fanciful pendant lamps in the dining room, and light fixtures that look like astrolabes in the kitchen.
Apart from the fire-breathing theme, the house is an ideal example of South Florida luxury. It offers four bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and an abundance of French doors and windows that bring in natural light.
Pool and spa
ONE Sotheby’s International Realty
There’s also a turquoise pool out back and a spa on the screened-in porch. While it doesn’t offer quite enough space for a Red Wedding, this dragon-fueled fantasy is sure to charm a buyer who resonates with the fantastic elements within.
The action star Steven Seagal has decided to sell his high-drama hacienda in Scottsdale, AZ, a rugged 12-acre estate he has listed for $3,775,000.
After marrying his fourth wife, Erdenetuya Seagal, in 2009, the “Under Siege” tough guy bought the dramatic desert digs for $3.5 million in 2010. The outspoken conservative turned reality-show cop has ties with controversial former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, and even toyed with running for governor of Arizona in 2014, according to the Washington Post.
But his political run in the desert never materialized, because Seagal hadn’t yet reached the five-year residency threshold for eligibility.
Now, it seems he’s moved on from the Grand Canyon State, leaving behind this exquisite 2001-built home with five bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, and nearly 9,000 square feet, sitting on 12 acres of pristine desert in north Scottsdale.
With views of the Chiricahua Golf Course and city views of Phoenix and Scottsdale, the home is built for luxury living, in harmony with the rugged desert that surrounds it.
Highlights of the home include a home theater, copper roof, a three-car garage with copper doors, negative-edge heated pool, and 600-square-foot guesthouse.
Exterior
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Stairs
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Family room
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Dining room
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Kitchen
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Main bedroom
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Home theater
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Patio
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These days, Seagal likes to spend time in Russia with his bro Vladimir Putin, whom he has called “one of the great living world leaders,” procuring Russian citizenship in the process. Seagal is also a citizen of Serbia, where he owns a martial arts studio.
Seagal is currently on tour in Europe telling tales from his colorful life and career. He’s also no stranger to real estate deals. The star of “Above the Law” owned properties in Eads, TN, and across California over the years, including a Hollywood mansion purchased by actress Reese Witherspoon and a plot of undeveloped land in Montague, CA, near Oregon, according to Variety.
Now a lucky buyer has the chance to live like a star and scoop up this delicious desert dojo with 1990s action-star pedigree. Kimonos entirely optional.
Praise be! A Pennsylvania church converted into a cozy home sent clicks soaring toward the heavens this week. The former house of worship from the late 1800s wound up as this week’s most popular home on realtor.com®.
From the heavy wood double doors to the original stained glass and church bell, the property has held onto certain features of its ecclesiastical past, while being effortlessly transformed into a bright, airy family house.
Apart from this divine cathedral conversion, you also clicked on a brand-new castle in Illinois decorated in a pristine Scandinavian aesthetic, designer Betsey Johnson‘s $2 million hot-pink beach mobile home, and a Spanish Colonial Revival in the O.C. with a crow’s nest rooftop deck to take in water and city views. Plus there’s an appearance by former Packer wide receiver Randall Cobb, who’s selling his home in Green Bay, WI, after parting ways with the team last year.
No helmet required—but we ask you to tackle the complete list of this week’s most popular homes by scrolling down…
Why it’s here: This is a castle decorated in Scandinavian style, built in 2018. This large five-bedroom residence has over 5,000 square feet of airy living space. Highlights include white-oak hardwood floors, a grand white-oak staircase, 57 black casement-style windows, third-floor media room, and a walk-out on the lower level. The 12-acre lot offers rolling prairie views from almost every vantage point.
Why it’s here: This sprawling 37-acre estate is known as “Valley House” and overlooks Timber Lake and the Pine Valley Golf Course. It’s rumored to have been the home of Al Capone and his crew at one time. Built in 1920, the main house includes a studio, exercise room, vault room, game room, and an antique bar with views of the lake. There’s also a separate 2,400-square-foot guesthouse, heated pool and hot tub with cabana bar, European courtyards, seven-car garage, and tennis court.
Why it’s here: Love the slopes? Built in 2013, this lavish European estate in the Minneapolis suburbs comes with its very own ski hill and tow rope. It sits on a 4.7-acre lot on the riverbank and offers Minnesota River Valley views from nearly every room. Over-the-top amenities include a glass-enclosed sport court and fitness room, home theater, billiard-room, and woodshop.
Why it’s here: Ten bedrooms for less than the price of a car! There’s a big catch, though. This huge, three-level property is in need of major renovation. The old mansion has lovely details, like the huge front porch, two kitchens, a chapel, and a large stairwell, but its condition is dire. The property does offer the opportunity of housing a business on the lower floor, or it could be converted into a multifamily dwelling.
Why it’s here: Built in 1858 on the Fox River, this seven-bedroom home includes 10-foot ceilings, five fireplaces, maple hardwood floors, and exposed stone millwork. Outdoors, the nearly 2-acre lot has an in-ground pool, outdoor living area, and 200 feet of river frontage.
Why it’s here: This isn’t your average mobile home. This hot-pink beaut is situated on Paradise Cove, along one of the most sought-after stretches of beach in the world. Belonging to the legendary fashion icon Betsey Johnson, the beach boho dream is awash in audacious color and has several entertaining areas, like a pergola-covered outdoor living area, as well as a backyard with outdoor soaking tub.
Why it’s here: Built in 1928, this dramatic Spanish Colonial Revival bay-front villa was designed by the celebrated California architect Wallace Neff. The five-bedroom, four-story home was completely restored in 2003. It’s the tallest structure on the Balboa Peninsula, with spectacular views of Newport Harbor and Fashion Island from the “crow’s nest” rooftop deck. The property also includes a pier and slips for two boats.
Why it’s here: This historic four-bedroom home was built in 1835 and now needs a renovation. Highlights of the 19-acre property include seven fireplaces, hardwood floors, as well as original elements like the lights, doorknobs, and slide locks.
Why it’s here: This home of over 4,300-square-feet is being sold by Packers wideout Randall Cobb, who was released by the team after the 2018 season. Highlights of the prairie-ranch house built in 2013 include the hand-hewn hardwood floors, wine cellar, theater room, fireplace, and a mud room with lockers. Cobb’s already caught an offer—the home is already pending sale after just three weeks on the market.
Why it’s here: Holy moly! This charming church from 1873 still has its original bell, double doors, and stained-glass windows. It’s been converted into a modern two-bedroom, 2.5-bath home, complete with a finished walk-out basement, which could be used as an office space.
The open floor plan is whimsical yet functional, and takes advantage of the structure’s high ceilings and altar. The 2,800 square feet of interior space can be reformatted to adapt to almost any owner or lifestyle.
When you sign a 13-year, $98 million contract with a team from your home state, odds are you’ll be sticking around for a while.
Even so, change can be a positive. Which might explain why left winger Zach Parise has put his $4.65 million Orono, MN, mansion on the market.
Parise is a second-generation NHL star. His father, J.P., played for Minnesota’s original franchise the North Stars as well as Team Canada during the legendary 1972 Summit Series against the Soviet Union.
After starting his career with (and being named captain of) the New Jersey Devils, Parise signed his huge deal with the Minnesota Wild in 2012.
Married to his high school sweetheart and, until recently, based in Orono near his parents’ home in Prior Lake, the 35-year-old is clearly proud of his Minnesota roots.
Although his father, who died in 2015, was French-Canadian, Parise was born and raised in America while J.P. played for the then-North Stars. He was picked in the first round of the NHL draft in 2003.
Parise’s home itself is a worthy monument to the “State of Hockey.” Located in the elegant Crystal Bay neighborhood, the house is built to take full advantage of breathtaking views of Lake Minnetonka.
Exterior
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Backyard and Lake Minnetonka
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With huge bay windows and a back deck that sits just a few feet from the water, the elegant home sits on 1.15 acres with 116 feet of lakefront.
Measuring in with 7,047 square feet of living space, including five bedrooms and 6.5 baths, there’s ample room for entertaining. The luxury details include a roomy chef’s kitchen and a window-front sitting space.
In case you had any doubt you were buying the home of a bona fide NHL All-Star, there’s even a small practice rink in the basement to work on your slap shot.
The listing is being handled by Erin Bailey of Wexford Real Estate.
