Fairorchard Eichler Tract 

Fairorchard Eichler Tract — Mid-Century Warmth Meets Silicon Valley Convenience

A Neighborhood Rooted in Light, Community, and Design

Tucked between Wolfe Road and Fremont Avenue, just moments from the heart of Sunnyvale, Fairorchard feels like a time capsule from California’s mid-century golden age — one that still hums with neighborhood laughter, glowing atriums, and the unmistakable warmth of Eichler design. Morning joggers pass under canopies of mature camphor trees, their sunlight dappling onto the flat rooflines below. Evenings bring neighbors chatting across driveways or gathering in open-air courtyards, where glass walls reflect the sunset and the rhythm of daily life slows to something simpler.

Fairorchard, built between 1959 and 1961, is one of Sunnyvale’s largest and most architecturally cohesive Eichler tracts. Designed by Jones & Emmons, it includes roughly 200 homes that together create a quiet, connected enclave — one that feels distinctly modern yet deeply nostalgic. Here, Joseph Eichler’s ideals of community and democratic design come alive: open plans, radiant heat, and transparent architecture that literally invites neighbors to see and share in each other’s lives.

“There’s something magical about Fairorchard at dusk,” says one longtime resident. “Every house glows from within — the glass walls, the soft globe lights — it’s like living in a lantern village.”

Architectural Hallmarks: A Study in Honest Modernism

Fairorchard showcases many of Eichler’s most beloved design innovations. The tract’s homes are primarily flat- and low-gabled-roof models, featuring post-and-beam construction, floor-to-ceiling glass, and tongue-and-groove redwood ceilings that stretch unbroken from living room to patio. Many feature central atriums, a hallmark of Jones & Emmons’ influence — creating the indoor-outdoor harmony that defines Eichler living.

Common layouts include the 2,000 sq ft 4-bedroom atrium plan, and the more compact 3-bedroom gallery model, both anchored by open living spaces that orient around courtyards or gardens. Fairorchard was also one of the first Sunnyvale tracts to incorporate double-car carports and enclosed garages, subtly marking the transition from 1950s to 1960s suburban life.

Original materials still shine in well-preserved examples: Philippine mahogany panels, terrazzo or cork floors, and period globe lighting that gives off that quintessential warm Eichler glow. The open kitchens — once futuristic, now fashionable again — encourage family connection and entertaining, while radiant floor heat and clerestory windows maintain year-round comfort and privacy.

Many homes have been lovingly restored or sensitively modernized, with owners choosing to enhance energy efficiency and comfort while preserving the architectural integrity. Solar upgrades, foam roof insulation, and aluminum-frame double-pane glass are common, yet these updates rarely compromise the timeless aesthetic that makes Fairorchard so desirable

History and Significance

Built during Eichler’s most prolific decade, Fairorchard represents the mature phase of the Eichler experiment — when form, function, and livability reached near perfection. The tract was strategically placed near Apple’s early Cupertino footprint and the then-emerging Lockheed and Fairchild Semiconductor corridors, appealing to the Valley’s first generation of engineers and innovators.

These were not just homes; they were statements of a modern lifestyle — designed to blur the boundaries between architecture, nature, and family. Eichler’s collaboration with Jones & Emmons produced open, flowing plans that encouraged creativity and inclusion, perfectly suited to the optimistic energy of Silicon Valley’s early days.

Today, Fairorchard remains one of Sunnyvale’s most intact Eichler neighborhoods, earning frequent recognition in preservation and design circles. Its scale and cohesion make it a living museum of California Modernism, yet still very much alive with young families, tech professionals, and original owners who remember buying here when the homes cost under $30,000.

Lifestyle and Community

Fairorchard embodies the kind of community Eichler envisioned — connected yet private, artistic yet grounded. With its wide streets, low-traffic courts, and abundant greenery, it’s common to see kids riding bikes between homes while adults gather for front-yard barbecues or evening walks.

The community takes pride in maintaining the tract’s architectural character. Many homeowners participate in informal Eichler tours, share restoration tips, and collectively resist teardown trends. This shared sense of purpose has kept Fairorchard remarkably consistent in scale and spirit for over six decades.

Nearby Ortega Park and De Anza Park offer playgrounds, tennis courts, and open lawns — neighborhood staples for weekend relaxation. The local Fairwood Shopping Center and Downtown Sunnyvale’s CityLine district provide easy access to cafés, restaurants, and boutique shopping, while Apple, Google, and LinkedIn campuses sit within a 10- to 15-minute drive. Despite being surrounded by Silicon Valley’s hustle, Fairorchard still feels sheltered — a quiet modernist oasis that lives up to its name: a fair and flourishing orchard of homes.

Schools and Family Appeal

Families are drawn to Fairorchard for its combination of mid-century charm and top-rated schools in the Cupertino Union and Fremont Union High School districts. Most homes are served by Stocklmeir Elementary, Cupertino Middle School, and Fremont High, all highly regarded for academic excellence and extracurricular programs. The proximity to local parks, after-school activities, and short commutes for tech professionals makes Fairorchard especially appealing to young families looking to balance design-minded living with practicality.

Real Estate & Market Perspective

In recent years, Fairorchard has emerged as one of Sunnyvale’s most sought-after Eichler neighborhoods, rivaling Fairbrae and Rancho Verde for buyer attention. Well-maintained original models typically sell in the mid–$2 million range, while modernized or expanded Eichlers can exceed $3 million depending on condition and location within the tract.

Inventory remains low — usually only a handful of sales per year — and listings often attract multiple offers within days. Buyers are drawn not only by the architecture but by the community consistency, school access, and proximity to major tech employers. Homes retaining original mahogany paneling, radiant heating, and atrium layouts tend to command a premium, especially when paired with tasteful period-sensitive updates.

Preserving Fairorchard’s Integrity

Owners in Fairorchard take preservation seriously. The City of Sunnyvale’s Eichler Design Guidelines apply here, ensuring that remodels respect Eichler’s defining features: clean rooflines, unbroken planes, and cohesive materials. Additions are typically kept to the rear or side, maintaining the neighborhood’s elegant horizontal rhythm.

When renovating, experts recommend using mid-century–inspired palettes (earthy ochres, teal, graphite gray), preserving globe lighting and natural wood, and embracing landscaping that complements Eichler geometry — think Japanese maples, succulents, and lava rock beds. Fairorchard’s charm lies in its authenticity, and residents collectively work to keep that heritage intact while adapting for modern living.

Live “The Fairorchard Way”

Fairorchard isn’t just a tract — it’s a living, breathing design community where Eichler’s dream of inclusive, inspiring architecture still thrives. Whether you’re a mid-century devotee, an architectural purist, or a family craving a serene home base in the heart of Silicon Valley, Fairorchard delivers an unmatched blend of style, community, and convenience.

In Fairorchard, every glass wall tells a story — of light, connection, and the enduring beauty of modernism done right.

For more on available Fairorchard homes, Eichler restoration resources, or private tours of Sunnyvale’s mid-century neighborhoods, visit www.EichlerHomesForSale.com or contact Eric & Janelle Boyenga, Silicon Valley’s leading Eichler experts.