Eichler and Mid-Century Modern Homes in 95070 Saratoga
Mid-Century Modern Gems in Saratoga’s
Mid-century modern architecture has a surprisingly small but vibrant presence in Saratoga, California – especially around the Quito Road area near West Valley College. While cities like Palo Alto or Sunnyvale boast large Eichler neighborhoods, Saratoga’s collection of Joseph Eichler homes and other mid-century modern (MCM) designs are rare treasures. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of Eichler in Silicon Valley, profile the known Eichler tract and other MCM homes in the 95070 ZIP code, and delve into the local neighborhoods, schools, and real estate trends that make this area unique for mid-century enthusiasts.
Joseph Eichler’s Silicon Valley Legacy
Joseph Eichler was a visionary developer who famously brought modernist architecture to the Bay Area’s postwar suburbs eichlerhomesforsale.com. Inspired by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Eichler partnered with top architects (like Anshen & Allen, Jones & Emmons, and Claude Oakland) to design homes emphasizing indoor-outdoor harmony, open floor plans, and clean lines eichlerhomesforsale.com. Starting in the 1950s, he built entire neighborhoods of these modern tract homes across California – including Silicon Valley communities in Palo Alto, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, and beyond. Equally notable, Eichler insisted on inclusive communities: he refused to engage in racial discrimination or restrictive covenants at a time when such practices were common eichlerhomesforsale.com. This combination of modern design and progressive values cemented Eichler’s influence on Silicon Valley’s architectural and social landscape.
By the mid-1960s, Eichler Homes, Inc. had constructed thousands of residences, redefining the look of California suburbia. Eichler’s designs – often modest in size but bold in concept – proved that contemporary architecture could be accessible to middle-class families. His atrium models and open-plan layouts became an iconic part of Bay Area neighborhoods. Today, Eichler homes are celebrated as architectural gems, and Saratoga holds a distinguished (if small) place in this legacy with its own enclave of Eichlers eichlerhomesforsale.com.
Eichler Homes in Saratoga’s Quito Road Neighborhood
Saratoga is home to a single tract of authentic Eichler homes, all built in the mid-1960s as one of Eichler’s last developments in Silicon Valley. Tucked just off Cox Avenue (near Quito Road and Highway 85), this small subdivision contains 35 Eichler houses on Columbine Court, Shubert Drive, and De Havilland Drive. Unlike Eichler tracts in other cities, Saratoga’s Eichler neighborhood is mixed in with a few non-Eichler properties, but the Eichler designs here stand out as an exclusive enclave of mid-century modernism eichlerhomesforsale.com.
An Eichler home in Saratoga’s mid-1960s tract, featuring the characteristic low-pitched roof, vertical wood siding, and integrated landscaping of Eichler’s design philosophy. eichlerhomesforsale.com
Built between 1964 and 1965, these Saratoga Eichlers display many hallmarks of Eichler’s architecture. They are predominantly single-story 4-bedroom models (some with 5 bedrooms), offering generous living space of roughly 2,100–2,800 sq ft on large lots of about 11,000–14,000 sq ft eichlerhomesforsale.com. In fact, lot sizes in this tract are larger than those in most earlier Eichler neighborhoods – a distinguishing feature of the Saratoga homes. Many properties back up to a creek, providing a tranquil setting, and several even have swimming pools; one notable home on Shubert Drive was built with an indoor pool, an uncommon luxury for an Eichler.
Architecturally, the Eichlers in Saratoga include a mix of gallery and atrium models. Defining features include:
Post-and-beam construction: supporting broad roof spans and open interiors without need for many interior wallseichlerhomesforsale.com.
Central atriums: open-air courtyards at the heart of the home, blurring the line between indoors and outdoorseichlerhomesforsale.com.
Floor-to-ceiling glass: walls of glass and sliding doors that flood the interiors with natural light and connect to patios or yardseichlerhomesforsale.com.
Radiant heated floors: an innovative touch for the era, providing gentle heat from the slab upeichlerhomesforsale.com.
Flat or low-pitched roofs: with broad eaves and clean horizontal lines, emblematic of mid-century modern styleeichlerhomesforsale.com.
Notably, these Saratoga models were designed by Claude Oakland, one of Eichler’s principal architects who was instrumental in many late Eichler developmentseichlerhomesforsale.com. Oakland’s designs in Saratoga married Eichler’s modernist ideals with the upscale expectations of the area – resulting in homes that are both elegant and practical for family lifeeichlerhomesforsale.com. Today, homeowners in this tract take pride in preserving original features like mahogany wall paneling, globe pendant lights, and the indoor-outdoor atrium layouts, keeping the Eichler spirit alive eichlerhomesforsale.com.
Other Mid-Century Modern Homes in the 95070 ZIP Code
Beyond the official Eichler tract, Saratoga’s Quito Road area harbors a few other mid-century modern gems – including homes that are Eichler-inspired or designed by architects from the Eichler era. One fascinating example is the “Peremont” enclave near West Valley College, which features custom modernist homes from the 1950s. The original architect for this small enclave (around Montpere Way and nearby streets) was Anshen & Allen – the very architects who designed many early Eichler homes. In fact, a mid-century home on Montpere Way built in 1955 was designed by Anshen & Allen and showcases classic Eichler-like elements: sleek horizontal lines, post-and-beam construction, expansive glass walls, and an open floorplan that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor spaces. This unique 3-bedroom house sits on a creekside lot and even retains its original radiant floor heating, details that delight mid-century purists. The mid-1950s date means this enclave pre-dates the main Eichler tract and represents a truly early example of modern architecture in Saratoga.
A 1950s mid-century modern ranch in Saratoga’s Aspesi/Peremont enclave. Low-sloping rooflines, broad eaves, and vertical siding are telltale signs of Eichler-era design influence.
Another mid-century find is an “Eichler-esque” home on Quito Road itself. For instance, 13831 Quito Road (built in 1953) was described by listing agents as an “Eichler-esque” design in the Fruitvale neighborhood compass.com. This 3-bed, 1,254 sq ft home features classic MCM attributes like vaulted open-beam ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the interior with natural light compass.com. It’s essentially a mid-century ranch that channels the Eichler style – complete with a post-and-beam aesthetic and a focus on indoor/outdoor living – even though it was not part of an Eichler tract. Homes like this demonstrate that Eichler’s influence in the 1950s and 60s extended beyond his own developments, inspiring other builders in the South Bay to adopt similar modernist elements.
Additionally, the surrounding Aspesi Drive and Ravenwood Drive area (adjacent to Montpere Way) was developed in the late 1950s and includes ranch homes that, while more conventional, still reflect mid-century styling. Many of these were built around 1958–1959 and offer single-story layouts on generous lots (often ~10,000–12,000 sq ft) homes.com. Some have been tastefully remodeled in a modern style (for example, a 5-bedroom home on 13936 Quito Road was recently updated with an open-concept great room, skylights, and a modern kitchen homes.com). However, it’s important to note that Saratoga did not have large Mackay or Cliff May tracts like those found in Sunnyvale or Santa Clara. The mid-century modern homes in 95070 are generally limited to the Eichler tract and a handful of custom or small-tract homes like those above, making them truly special within a city better known for traditional ranch and upscale custom homes.
Neighborhood Overview: Lifestyle, Schools, and Walkability
The Eichler and mid-century homes near Quito Road benefit from being in one of Saratoga’s desirable neighborhoods, with a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient amenities. This area lies in the northeast part of Saratoga, close to the border of West San Jose, and is characterized by quiet, tree-lined streets. Many properties are within walking distance (or a short drive) of West Valley College, which hosts a popular Saturday farmers market and community events. The presence of the college means there are large open spaces and playing fields nearby, contributing to a spacious, uncrowded feel. There are also parks like El Quito Park in the vicinity, plus the Saratoga YMCA and Saratoga Library a few minutes away. While the neighborhood is primarily residential (so one might need to drive a few minutes for major shopping or dining), residents enjoy quick access to downtown Saratoga and downtown Los Gatos for boutique shops, restaurants, and wineries. Westgate Center and other shopping areas along Prospect Road are also a short drive, providing everyday conveniences.
Walkability in this part of Saratoga is moderate – the streets themselves are quiet and pleasant for walking, and one could stroll or bike to the college campus or nearby parks. However, for errands and groceries, a car or bike is useful. The neighborhood’s appeal is more about serenity and open space rather than urban-style walkability. Tall trees, creekside lots, and mountain views (the Santa Cruz Mountains form a scenic backdrop to the west) give the area a semi-rural charm even though it’s close to freeways and commerce.
Another major draw is the school access. Saratoga is renowned for top-tier schools, and the Eichler tract falls within the area served by Saratoga’s highly rated public schools redfin.com. Children in the Eichler neighborhood typically attend Saratoga Union School District (with schools like Foothill or Argonaut Elementary and Redwood Middle School) and then Saratoga High School – all of which boast excellent academics. In fact, a past listing for an Eichler on Columbine Court proudly advertised “excellent Saratoga schools” as a feature redfin.com. Meanwhile, the Montpere Way and nearby Aspesi Drive homes are in a slightly different school area (often the Campbell Union school district). These homes feed into Marshall Lane Elementary, Rolling Hills Middle, and Westmont High School. Those schools are well-regarded, though not as high-profile as Saratoga High, which is something home buyers note when comparing value. Even so, the Campbell district schools have the advantage of being a bit closer (Westmont High and Marshall Lane Elementary are just over the San Jose border). Overall, families find this area attractive for the mix of quality education and family-friendly environment.
In terms of community vibe, residents in this part of Saratoga enjoy a blend of privacy and neighborliness. The Eichler owners often form a tight-knit group, bonding over their unique homes – some even coordinate on preservation efforts or share contractor tips for specialized mid-century renovations. The surrounding neighbors, many of whom live in custom remodels or newer builds, contribute to a diverse architectural patchwork. Yet, despite varying home styles, the neighborhood cohesion is strong: pride of ownership is evident, and the streets have a low-traffic, almost cul-de-sac feel. This is a neighborhood where kids can ride bikes, and homeowners take evening strolls, enjoying the peace under mature oaks and redwoods.
Real Estate Trends and Notable Sales
Mid-century modern homes in Saratoga are highly sought after and relatively scarce – factors that drive strong competition and premium prices when these homes hit the market. The rarity and pedigree of Eichler homes here mean they command prices on the higher end for mid-century homes in the South Bay. In recent years, Eichler properties in Saratoga have typically sold in the range of roughly $2.5 million to $4 million eichlerhomesforsale.com. Well-preserved or tastefully restored Eichlers (with original elements intact) tend to fetch the highest prices, as Eichler enthusiasts are willing to pay a premium for authenticity eichlerhomesforsale.com.
For example, one Eichler on Columbine Court sold in late 2024 for about $3.68 million redfin.com, reflecting the strong demand for these 4-bedroom mid-century homes. Even smaller Eichler-inspired homes can command impressive prices: a 3-bedroom MCM home on Montpere Way (the Anshen & Allen-designed house mentioned earlier) was listed in spring 2025 and sold for $2.4 million after only a few weeks on the market homes.com. Similarly, a remodeled 5-bedroom ranch on Quito Road (blending mid-century bones with modern updates) sold in April 2025 for about $3.08 million homes.com after just 14 days on the market – illustrating how quickly well-presented homes attract buyers. Many of these sales occur with multiple offers, as mid-century design aficionados compete with more traditional buyers simply drawn to Saratoga’s location and schools.
Another trend is that turnkey condition matters: Eichler and MCM homes that have been updated for modern living (think: renovated kitchens, upgraded electrical and plumbing, added AC or solar panels) without losing their character often see brisk sales. Buyers appreciate when upgrades like dual-pane tempered glass (for those floor-to-ceiling windows) or foam roof insulation are already in place, as these improve efficiency while preserving the mid-century aesthetic. That said, even fixer-uppers attract interest – some buyers specifically seek out Eichlers needing restoration, viewing it as a chance to bring a classic back to life. The Saratoga market has seen instances of preservation-minded purchasers restoring original Philippine mahogany walls or Eichler’s signature globe lights, which speaks to the passion this architecture inspires.
Inventory is a major challenge: since there are only 35 Eichlers in Saratoga and a handful of other mid-century homes, listings are infrequent. Years might go by with just a few mid-century properties for sale in 95070. This low supply keeps values strong. In addition, Saratoga’s overall prestige and limited housing stock (the city has strict growth and zoning controls) mean that all homes in Saratoga tend to retain high value. The mid-century homes here have the dual advantage of being in Saratoga and being architecturally distinctive – a combination that attracts a niche market willing to pay top dollar. According to Eichler market specialists, Saratoga Eichlers “are highly sought after in Silicon Valley’s competitive real estate market” due to their rarity and design eichlerhomesforsale.com.
For homeowners, this means excellent equity growth and resale prospects. For buyers, it means acting decisively when an opportunity arises. Local Eichler realtors often maintain waitlists of interested buyers, and some homes sell off-market. As of early 2025, prices have generally trended upward in line with the broader luxury market recovery, with Eichler homes in Saratoga routinely achieving $1,200–$1,700 per square foot depending on condition and lot quality (for instance, a ~2,300 sq ft Eichler on a prime lot selling around $3.7M)redfin.com. Compared to similar Eichler models in neighboring cities, Saratoga’s examples trade higher – partly due to larger lots and partly due to the prestige factor of the Saratoga address.
The Rarity and Uniqueness of MCM Architecture in Saratoga
It’s worth underscoring just how uncommon mid-century modern architecture is in Saratoga. In classic Eichler hotspots like Palo Alto, there are entire neighborhoods of Eichlers (over 2,000 Eichler homes in Palo Alto alone) and in cities such as Sunnyvale or San Jose, one can find multiple MCM tract developments (from Eichlers to Mackay homes and others). Saratoga, by contrast, has only this single Eichler tract and a smattering of contemporaneous mid-century homes. With just ~35 Eichlers in the cityboyenga.com, Saratoga’s mid-mod houses truly stand out against a backdrop of ranch-style estates, Tuscan villas, and modern mansions that make up most of its housing stock. This contrast makes the Eichler cluster near Quito Road all the more special – a little time capsule of 1960s California modernism amid the vineyards, oak-studded hills, and executive homes of Saratoga.
Enthusiasts of mid-century design often marvel at finding Eichlers here at all. Saratoga’s image is usually one of wine tasting at Mountain Winery, strolling the historic village, or touring estates – not the Eichler atrium experience. Thus, for architecture buffs, visiting Saratoga’s Eichler neighborhood is a delightful surprise. The homes “serve as a vivid testament to the convergence of innovation, aesthetics, and sociocultural ideals” that Eichler brought to the suburbseichlerhomesforsale.com. And for those lucky enough to live in one, there’s pride in owning a piece of architectural history in a city where it’s a rare commodity. Local preservation efforts, including one Eichler that was the first mid-century modern home added to Saratoga’s Heritage Inventory in 2015, show that the city is beginning to recognize the historical value of these designseichlernetwork.com.
In comparing Saratoga to cities like Sunnyvale or Palo Alto, one finds that mid-century modern homes there are more commonplace – sometimes regarded as “tract homes” among many. In Saratoga, however, they are coveted rarities. This flips the script: while a Sunnyvale Eichler might be seen as a relatively affordable starter in a pricey market, a Saratoga Eichler is a luxury home by default, due to its location and scarcity. Furthermore, Saratoga Eichler owners enjoy the best of both worlds: the retro-cool style of an MCM home and the upscale ambiance of Saratoga, with its excellent public services, low crime, and semi-rural beauty. It’s a combination that’s hard to replicate.
In summary, Saratoga’s Quito Road and West Valley College area quietly harbors some mid-century modern treasures that richly reward those who discover them. From Joseph Eichler’s bold vision realized in a small 1960s tract, to custom modernist ranches hidden under the canopy of birch and oak, the 95070 ZIP code offers a niche but exciting market for MCM architecture. These homes capture the optimism and design innovation of mid-century California, all while residents enjoy the contemporary advantages of a Saratoga address. For home buyers passionate about architecture or design history, this neighborhood is a must-see – a place where Eichler’s legacy lives on in Silicon Valley, and where mid-century modern style meets Saratoga elegance in perfect harmony.
Sources:
Historical and architectural details of Joseph Eichler’s philosophy and Saratoga’s Eichler tracteichlerhomesforsale.com
Information on Saratoga’s Eichler homes (location, year built, models, architect Claude Oakland)
Architectural features of Eichler homes and community preservation effortseichlerhomesforsale.com.
Details on the Anshen & Allen-designed “Peremont” enclave home on Montpere Way (1955).
Example of an “Eichler-esque” 1953 home on Quito Road and its featurescompass.com.
Neighborhood amenities, schools, and lifestyle near Quito Rd & West Valley Collegeredfin.com.
Market insights and recent sale prices of mid-century homes in Saratogaeichlerhomesforsale.comredfin.comhomes.com.
Comparative uniqueness of Saratoga’s MCM homes vs. other Silicon Valley citiesboyenga.comeichlerhomesforsale.com.
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