19 Irving Avenue, Atherton – Eichler’s Mid-Century Masterpiece
Nestled among the mature oaks of Atherton’s prestigious Lindenwood neighborhood, 19 Irving Avenue is more than just a house – it’s Joseph Eichler’s original 1951 residence and a living testament to his architectural vision. This single-story, 3,700 sq ft Eichler home (5 bedrooms, 5.5 baths) has just come on the market for the first time in 60 years. Designed by Anshen & Allen, its ultra–open floorplan, post-and-beam construction and walls of glass set a new standard in mid-century modern living. Today it remains immaculate in original condition: only the kitchen and landscaping have been updated – the rest of the home is preserved exactly as Eichler designed it.
Architecturally Significant Design
From every angle, 19 Irving Ave showcases the Eichler hallmarks of California Modern design. The home’s V-shaped floorplan and parallelogram-themed rooms unfold around a polygonal pool, creating a geometric precision that was revolutionary in 1951. Its low-sloping roof, open-beam ceilings, and post-and-beam structure clad in redwood and brick are textbook Eichler. Expansive floor-to-ceiling glass walls and skylights flood the interior with natural light and achieve Eichler’s signature goal of “bringing the outside in”. Sliding glass doors open effortlessly to the covered patio, blurring lines between indoor and outdoor living.
Inside, original details abound. Exposed redwood-paneled walls, tongue-and-groove wood ceilings and radiant concrete slab floors recall Eichler’s mid-century aesthetic. (Indeed, Eichler used this home as a “cinemascope” testbed for innovations – installing sliding doors, built-in cabinetry and modern materials here before rolling them out in his tract developments.) Built-in storage and bookshelves are seamlessly integrated, while multiple brick fireplaces (wood-burning and gas) add warmth and sculptural interest. The heart of the home is a vast great room and dining area framed by vaulted beams, where Eichler’s original lauan paneling and clerestory windows still glow. A skylit, updated chef’s kitchen features a center island, granite counters and stainless appliances, marrying modern functionality with the home’s retro style.
On the exterior, the nearly one-acre lot feels like a private park. Mature oaks and a manicured garden create a tranquil, park-like setting that complements the home’s clean lines. The V-shaped layout embraces an irregular patio and swimming pool – the pool’s rhomboid contours echo the home’s geometry. In warm months the rear patio becomes an alfresco lounge: the wood-paneled dining room flows directly to the “retro-perfect” poolside terrace, ideal for summer entertaining under the California sky. Modern conveniences include a programmable thermostat (energy-efficient radiant heating), security fencing, and even wide doorways for accessibility – all blended into the home’s character. Yet the overall experience is timeless: with original details intact, living here feels like stepping into an Eichler showcase of mid-century artistry.
Beds/Baths: 5 bedrooms, 5 full + 1 half bathrooms
Size: 3,700 sq ft (one story)
Lot: 0.90 acre (39,123 sq ft)
Year Built: 1951
Style: Custom Eichler / Mid-Century Modern
Highlights: Post-and-beam construction, exposed redwood paneling, vaulted open-beam ceilings, large skylights, expansive glass walls, in-ground pool, built-in shelving, radiant-heated slab floors.
Everyday Living and Entertaining
Living at 19 Irving Avenue is an experience in elegant modern comfort. Thanks to the home’s walls of glass and plentiful skylights, sunlight pours into nearly every room, creating bright, cheerful interiors throughout the day. Mornings begin in the spacious kitchen under a sky-lit ceiling, then move naturally to breakfast in the adjacent wood-paneled dining area. In summer, sliding glass doors disappear into the walls, transforming the living room and dining wing into a seamless indoor-outdoor entertaining space. A mid-century-style pool and patio lie just steps away, perfect for cocktails by lamplit evenings or weekend barbecues with friends.
Privacy is another luxury here. Set deep on its verdant lot, the property is buffered by tall trees and mature landscaping. Yet the house never feels closed-in; every room enjoys views of gardens or sky. With one bedroom wing serving as a private owner’s suite (full bath included), guests and family can easily spread out. The flexible floorplan also includes an art studio/bonus room, great room and home office areas – accommodating creative pursuits, work-from-home needs or quiet family time. In short, 19 Irving lives as a refined entertaining showplace by day and a serene family sanctuary by night. It will most appeal to design aficionados and discerning families who appreciate an authentic Eichler environment – those who want a home that literally encourages them to “think and live outside the box”, embracing creativity and California indoor-outdoor living at every turn.
Neighborhood and Lifestyle
Atherton is one of Silicon Valley’s most exclusive enclaves, known for its forest-like estate lots and serene atmosphere. Lindenwood, the neighborhood around 19 Irving, is especially picturesque: winding, oak-shaded streets and manicured yards give a private-enclave feel. This home is only moments from Holbrook-Palmer Park (22 acres of lawns, gardens, tennis and equestrian facilities) – a beloved community hub for farmers markets, concerts and recreation. Stanford University is a short drive away, offering cultural events and world-class education. Equally convenient are the shops and restaurants of downtown Menlo Park and downtown Palo Alto; each is under ten minutes by car, bringing Michelin-rated dining, boutique shopping and popular cafes within easy reach.
For commuters and tech professionals, 19 Irving Avenue is superbly located. Highway 101 is nearby, and the Caltrain stations in Menlo Park and Redwood City provide ready access up and down the Peninsula. Redwood City – Atherton’s neighboring city – is just a few minutes south. In Redwood City’s revitalized downtown (“Silicon Valley’s heart,” known for its ideal climate and vibrant community) you’ll find theaters, weekend festivals, and major tech offices. Local employers range from Meta (Facebook) in Menlo Park to Apple, Google and Tesla in nearby Palo Alto and Mountain View. In short, this location blends Atherton’s famous tranquility with immediate access to the Bay Area’s best schools, amenities and Silicon Valley opportunities.
Schools
This property sits at the nexus of two top school districts. For elementary and middle school, students can attend Menlo Park City School District (Encinal and Laurel Elementary in Atherton for K–5, and Hillview Middle School in Menlo Park for grades 6–8) or Redwood City School District (Selby Lane K–8). All of Atherton is zoned for the Sequoia Union High School District’s Menlo-Atherton High School. (These public schools are highly regarded in the region.) Families will appreciate the neighborhood’s appeal to children of all ages – but, as always, buyers should verify current enrollment policies and availability with the school districts.
Meet the Boyenga Team at Compass
The Boyenga Team – led by Eric and Janelle Boyenga – is widely recognized as Silicon Valley’s premier Eichler and mid-century modern specialist. With a proven track record in high-end architecture marketing and hundreds of five-star reviews, they combine deep local expertise with a passion for modernist design. Eric and Janelle personally handled the listing of 19 Irving Avenue, and their analytical, design-forward approach ensures this home will be showcased to its fullest. Whether you’re buying or selling an Eichler or any architecturally significant property in the Bay Area, the Boyengas offer strategic insight, creative marketing (from drone photography to targeted digital campaigns) and high-touch service. Clients rave that the Boyenga Team makes every detail seamless, from pricing to negotiation to closing, reflecting their commitment to excellent results and client satisfaction.
Contact for Private Showing
This is a rare opportunity to own an Eichler home of historical significance – one that feels more like an artful experience than an ordinary property. For more information or to arrange a private tour of 19 Irving Avenue, please contact Eric or Janelle Boyenga at Compass. They will be happy to share additional details on this listing and on buying or selling Eichler, mid-century modern, or luxury homes throughout Silicon Valley.
You are invited to schedule a private showing or request a full brochure through the Boyenga Team at Compass. Reach out today to experience this Mid-Century masterpiece in person and start a conversation about your next move in Atherton or nearby.