Fairbrae Eichler Tract

Fairbrae Eichler Homes in Sunnyvale – Mid-Century Modern Gem, Market Trends & Lifestyle

In the Fairbrae Eichler tract of Sunnyvale, mid-century modern design meets Silicon Valley history. This neighborhood was developed by pioneering builder Joseph Eichler in the late 1950s and early 1960s eichlerhomesforsale.com. Eichler’s vision was to bring modern architecture to mainstream California suburbs, emphasizing open layouts, integration with nature, and inclusive communities. Fairbrae embodies that vision – over 350 Eichler homes were built here between 1958 and 1961, making it one of Eichler’s largest and most cohesive projects eichlerhomesforsale.com. The original Fairbrae tract opened in 1958 with 78 single-story homes on streets like Pome, Sheraton, Pulora, Quince and Hollenbeck eichlerhomesforsale.com. Eichler aimed slightly upscale with these models, many of which were L-shaped courtyard homes offering privacy and indoor-outdoor living. The success of the initial phase led to the Fairbrae Addition in 1959–60 – an expansion of 275 more Eichler houses on newly created cul-de-sacs such as Sesame Drive, Torrington, Templeton, Strawberry, Rockport, Sage, and Smyrna. Every home in the Fairbrae Addition was a four-bedroom, two-bathroom model (either atrium or courtyard layout), reflecting Eichler’s shift toward larger family homes by the end of the 1950s eichlerhomesforsale.com.

From the start, Fairbrae held a special place in Eichler’s portfolio. It showcased the evolution of his design principles at the peak of his mid-century development phase. Eichler enlisted renowned modernist architects – Anshen & Allen, Jones & Emmons, and Claude Oakland – to design many of the Fairbrae models eichlerhomesforsale.com boyengarealestateteam.com. This collaboration produced a variety of floor plans while maintaining a harmonious aesthetic throughout the tract. By 1960, construction was complete and Fairbrae stood as a thriving modernist enclave in what was then a valley of orchards. Historically, Sunnyvale became Eichler’s “proving ground” with 16 Eichler tracts built citywide eichlerhomesforsale.com, and Fairbrae emerged as “the heart of Sunnyvale’s Eichler community” due to its scale and iconic character eichlerhomesforsale.com. In an era when suburban homes were mostly ranch-style and traditional, Fairbrae’s glass-walled, flat-roofed houses were revolutionary. The tract also carried Eichler’s social vision: like all Eichler developments, Fairbrae homes were sold without discrimination, a bold policy in the 1950s that Eichler championed. Today, the historical significance of Fairbrae is undisputed – it represents a pinnacle of mid-century modern suburban design and a key chapter in Silicon Valley’s postwar housing boom.

Architectural Highlights

Fairbrae Eichler homes are celebrated for their distinctive mid-century modern architecture and thoughtful design details. Stepping into this neighborhood, one immediately notices the sleek, low-slung profiles and uniform one-story rooflines that define the streetscape. Most homes feature either a flat or a gently gabled roof, with broad eaves that extend outward, creating deep overhangs boyengarealestateteam.com. These extended eaves not only shade the floor-to-ceiling windows from the California sun but also blur the line between indoor and outdoor spaces – a hallmark of Eichler’s “bring the outside in” philosophy boyengarealestateteam.com. In Fairbrae’s era of construction (1958–60), nearly all homes were single-story; towering structures were eschewed in favor of horizontal lines and unobstructed views of the sky boyengarealestateteam.com. Even the rarer A-frame or double-gable forms are scaled modestly here, ensuring a cohesive look and preserving privacy and light for each home.

Inside and out, Fairbrae homes showcase Eichler’s signature architectural features. They were built with post-and-beam construction, which eliminates the need for many interior load-bearing walls and enables the open floorplans Eichlers are known for boyengarealestateteam.com. Walk through a Fairbrae Eichler and you’ll see exposed wooden beams and tongue-and-groove ceilings, often stained in natural wood tones – a striking visual element that adds warmth and rhythm to the interiors boyengarealestateteam.com. Original interior walls were frequently clad in Philippine mahogany paneling, giving a rich mid-century ambience boyengarealestateteam.com. Perhaps most dramatic are the expanses of floor-to-ceiling glass: huge fixed pane windows and sliding glass doors that open onto the atriums and backyards boyengarealestateteam.com. As a result, natural light floods the living spaces, and there’s a constant visual connection to gardens and outdoor courtyards. It’s not uncommon in an Eichler to stand at the front door and see clear through the house to the backyard, thanks to this transparency boyengarealestateteam.com.

At the heart of many Fairbrae homes is the atrium, one of Eichler’s most celebrated innovations. Eichler introduced the open-air atrium model around 1958, and Fairbrae was among the early beneficiaries of this design boyengarealestateteam.com. In an atrium model Eichler, you step through the front door into an open sky courtyard, enclosed on all sides by the house itself – essentially a private outdoor room in the center of the home. This feature creates a breathtaking indoor-outdoor interplay: bedrooms and living areas have glass walls facing into the atrium, so every day you experience the outdoors from within the home’s core. Other Fairbrae houses use L-shaped courtyard designs – where the home wraps around a front or side patio – to achieve a similar effect of a sheltered outdoor extension of the living space boyengarealestateteam.com. Both the atrium and courtyard models exemplify Eichler’s goal of fostering privacy without sacrificing light; even today, Eichler enthusiasts pay a premium for these features because they offer an “quintessential Eichler” living experience boyengarealestateteam.com. Notably, every home built in the Fairbrae Addition (the 275-home expansion) was either an atrium or a courtyard model, all with 4-bedroom, 2-bath layouts – signaling Eichler’s move toward family-friendly designs that still felt cutting-edge eichlerhomesforsale.com.

Other architectural highlights include the homes’ materials and mechanical systems, which were ahead of their time. Floors in Fairbrae Eichlers are a concrete slab foundation embedded with radiant heating pipes. This in-floor radiant heating was an Eichler trademark – it provided even, silent warmth with no need for visible radiators or forced-air ducts boyengarealestateteam.com. The result is comfort that seems to emanate from the floors themselves, ideal for the open plan houses (and a delight on cool mornings). While older radiant systems used copper pipes that have faced maintenance issues over decades, many homeowners have upgraded them (we discuss that in Preservation and Modernization below). Exterior materials originally included vertical groove wood siding and occasional brick or stone accents on the facade, keeping ornamentation minimal in line with Modernist aesthetics boyengarealestateteam.com. Original Eichler kitchens were compact but efficient, open to the living area via a pass-through – many Fairbrae owners have preserved these layouts, including the iconic Philco-built appliances and sliding partition walls, as part of the home’s mid-century charm. Finally, no Eichler would be complete without certain mid-century touches: Fairbrae homes often still sport the globe pendant lights in the entry or atrium planter, and feature the indoor/outdoor Philippine mahogany paneling that extends to exterior soffits, visually blending interior and exterior boyengarealestateteam.com. Collectively, these architectural elements – post-and-beam construction, open atriums, glass walls, flat or low-gabled roofs, radiant floor heating – give Fairbrae a unique identity. Each home is a modernist jewel box that feels custom-designed, yet they all work in harmony to define the neighborhood’s character. It’s a testament to Eichler’s architects that Fairbrae looks as striking today as it did 60+ years ago, truly an embodiment of “California Modern” living.

Neighborhood & Lifestyle

Location: The Fairbrae Eichler tract sits in central Sunnyvale, roughly bounded by Wolfe Road, Remington Drive, Hollenbeck Avenue and Fremont Avenue eichlerhomesforsale.com. This prime location means residents enjoy a blend of suburban tranquility and easy access to Silicon Valley amenities. The neighborhood’s streets are quiet, broad, and tree-lined, fostering a classic community feel. Many streets end in cul-de-sacs, minimizing through traffic and creating a safe environment where kids can ride bikes and neighbors can chat. It’s not uncommon to see children biking to school or to nearby parks on these streets, a scene that enhances Fairbrae’s old-fashioned community vibe boyengarealestateteam.com. In fact, Fairbrae directly borders De Anza Park and is close to several other parks, giving families ample green space. This proximity allows for a lifestyle where an after-dinner stroll or a quick trip to the playground is part of the daily routine – a rare treat in bustling Silicon Valley.

Community Amenities: One of the social hubs of the neighborhood is the Fairbrae Swim & Racquet Club, a private community club founded by Eichler homeowners during the tract’s early years boyengarealestateteam.com. For over 60 years, Fairbrae Swim & Racquet has anchored the neighborhood’s recreational life, offering a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a venue for year-round social events and gatherings eichlerhomesforsale.com. Generations of residents have joined this club – it’s where kids learn to swim on the local swim team, neighbors hold summer barbecues, and families mingle at holiday parties. The club’s longevity (and waiting list for membership) speaks to Fairbrae’s strong community spirit and the value residents place on shared spaces. In addition to the swim club, Fairbrae residents enjoy easy access to several city parks. Las Palmas Park, just a few minutes away, features walking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds and sports fields – a perfect weekend destination for outdoor fun eichlerhomesforsale.com. Serra Park, another nearby green space, offers shaded areas and recreational facilities for all ages eichlerhomesforsale.com. These parks, with their mature trees and open lawns, echo the mid-century ideal of combining nature with suburban living (indeed, many of Sunnyvale’s Eichler tracts were built adjacent to planned parks). For more organized activities, the Sunnyvale Community Center is a short drive, hosting cultural events, theater performances, classes, and community programs eichlerhomesforsale.com. It’s a beloved resource where you might find anything from children’s dance recitals to weekend art fairs.

Lifestyle and Convenience: Living in Fairbrae offers the best of both worlds: a serene residential atmosphere and close proximity to shopping, dining, and jobs. Downtown Sunnyvale, with its array of restaurants, cafes, weekly farmers’ market, and the modern CityLine development, is just a few miles up Fremont Avenue eichlerhomesforsale.com. Residents can easily enjoy a night out or run errands at Target, Whole Foods, or local boutiques in the downtown core. Additionally, the popular Cherry Chase Shopping Center (with grocery stores and services) is conveniently nearby, serving as a local retail hub. Fairbrae is also enviably close to the heart of Silicon Valley’s tech industry. The Apple Park campus in Cupertino is only about a 5–10 minute drive, and Google’s Mountain View headquarters (Googleplex) is within 15 minutes – meaning many Fairbrae residents have the option of a short commute to some of the world’s largest tech employers eichlerhomesforsale.com. This proximity has attracted tech professionals who seek a distinctive Eichler home lifestyle without sacrificing convenience. Moreover, Fairbrae is well-connected by major transportation routes: Highway 85 and Interstate 280 are easily accessible, as is the Central Expressway, allowing commuters to reach Palo Alto, San Jose, or other parts of the Bay Area with relative ease eichlerhomesforsale.com. Despite being in the middle of a metropolitan region, Fairbrae retains a peaceful ambience – there are no high-rises or dense developments immediately adjacent, thanks to Sunnyvale’s zoning and the single-story overlay (discussed later) that keeps the neighborhood’s profile low. This contributes to quality of life metrics that locals cherish: low noise, a sense of openness, and a tight-knit feel. Neighbors in Fairbrae often organize block parties and seasonal events; for example, summer ice cream socials at the Swim Club or group outings to Sunnyvale’s Art & Wine Festival. The result is a community where newcomers are warmly welcomed and many residents form friendships that last decades. Fairbrae’s blend of mid-century charm and modern convenience consistently ranks highly in Sunnyvale neighborhood satisfaction surveys (anecdotally, homes here tend to sell to people who already know and love the area). For anyone seeking mid-century modern homes in Sunnyvale with a family-friendly environment, Fairbrae delivers an unparalleled lifestyle package: architectural uniqueness, suburban comfort, plus all the amenities of Silicon Valley at your fingertips.

Market Trends

Historical Appreciation: Fairbrae’s Eichler homes have proven to be not just architecturally iconic, but also wise investments. Over the decades, property values in this tract have seen robust appreciation, often outperforming the broader Sunnyvale real estate market. In recent years (2020–2025), demand for mid-century modern homes like Eichlers has surged dramatically, driving prices to record highs eichlerhomesforsale.com. Eichler houses, once considered quirky tract homes, are now treated as collectible architectural assets – akin to “classic cars” in the housing market – with enthusiastic buyers (especially tech professionals and design aficionados) vying for the limited supply eichlerhomesforsale.com. This has led to multiple-offer situations and bidding wars on many Fairbrae listings. It’s not uncommon for a well-preserved Eichler here to sell over asking price due to competition. For example, in 2023 a 4-bedroom atrium-model Eichler in Fairbrae was listed at $2.90 million and attracted strong interest immediately, thanks to its iconic indoor-outdoor design and tasteful updates eichlerhomesforsale.com. In that case, several buyers competed, reflecting how desirable a move-in-ready Eichler has become. Overall, limited inventory and high demand characterize the Fairbrae market – only a handful of these homes change hands each year, and when they do, they are snapped up quickly eichlerhomesforsale.com.

Current Prices and Comparisons: As of the mid-2020s, Fairbrae Eichler homes typically sell in the $2.1 million to $3.4 million range, depending on size, condition, and upgrades. Most houses here are about 1,500–2,100 square feet of living space boyengarealestateteam.com, which puts the average price per square foot well above $1,000 (reflecting the premium for Eichler design). Impeccably updated or expanded Eichlers in Fairbrae – especially those that have modern kitchens, upgraded electrical and plumbing, yet preserve the mid-century aesthetics – can reach the higher end ($3 million-plus) of that range. For instance, fully renovated 4-bedroom Eichlers with atriums have been listed and sold in the mid-$3 millions in Sunnyvale eichlerhomesforsale.com. On the other hand, an Eichler that is smaller (3BR, ~1,300 sq ft) or in original fixer-upper condition might trade closer to the low $2 millions, if not slightly below, which is still strong by Sunnyvale standards eichlerhomesforsale.com. When comparing Fairbrae to other Eichler enclaves, it holds its value very well. Sunnyvale’s overall Eichler market is the second-priciest in the Bay Area (after Palo Alto) – recent data showed Sunnyvale Eichlers had a median sale price around $2.8–$2.9 million, notably higher than the city’s overall median home price (~$1.7 million) eichlerhomesforsale.com. This indicates that Eichler homes carry a substantial architectural premium. In Palo Alto, which has the largest concentration of Eichlers, prices are even higher – the median Eichler there is roughly $3.0 million and many sales range from $3–$4 million for a 1,500–2,000 sq ft house boyengarealestateteam.com. By comparison, Fairbrae’s top prices (~$3.3–$3.4 million for a large, updated home) are slightly below Palo Alto’s peak, making Sunnyvale’s Eichlers relatively more accessible while still expensive. Fairbrae and its sister tracts (such as Rancho Verde and Fairwood in Sunnyvale) are often seen as attractive alternatives to the ultra-high-priced Palo Alto or Los Altos Eichlers boyengarealestateteam.com. In Cupertino, another Eichler area, median Eichler prices are around $2.6 million eichlerhomesforsale.com for similar square footage, owing to Cupertino’s smaller Eichler supply but top schools. Mountain View and San Jose Eichlers tend to sell for slightly less (medians in the low-to-mid $2 millions)eichlerhomesforsale.com, largely due to location and school district differences. So Fairbrae sits in a sweet spot: more affordable than Palo Alto, but generally pricier than Eichlers in San Jose, while offering comparable architectural appeal and often larger lot sizes.

Key Market Trends: Recent trends in Fairbrae and Sunnyvale’s Eichler market include: (1) Persistently Low Inventory – Owners tend to hold onto these homes, so only a few list each year; when they do, pent-up demand means many eager buyers show up eichlerhomesforsale.com. (2) Rising Price Trajectory – Home values have shown steady appreciation. Even with cyclical market fluctuations, the long-term trajectory is upward, reflecting Eichlers’ growing desirability. Many long-time Fairbrae owners have seen their home values double in the past 10–15 years. (3) Renovation vs. Preservation – A noticeable trend is buyers wanting the “best of both worlds.” New owners often invest in updates like modern kitchens, insulation, and solar panels, but they also strive to retain original Eichler elements (like open atriums, mahogany walls, globe lights) to protect resale value and honor the home’s character eichlerhomesforsale.com. Homes that hit the market with preserved mid-century features (or period-correct restorations) tend to spark bidding wars, whereas those with misguided remodels (e.g. a filled-in atrium or a generic second-story addition) might face a pricing penalty. (4) Tech Industry Influence – Given Sunnyvale’s location, a large portion of Eichler buyers are tech professionals (Apple, Google, LinkedIn, etc.). Their strong incomes and appreciation for design have helped buoy the Eichler market even when broader market cools. Many Eichler buyers in Sunnyvale are willing to pay a premium to live in a distinctive home near work eichlerhomesforsale.com. We’ve seen instances of Apple employees specifically seeking Fairbrae or Fairwood Eichlers so they can have a short commute to Cupertino in a “California modern” home instead of a cookie-cutter townhouse boyengarealestateteam.com. Lastly, (5) Eichler Premium Recognition – Both appraisers and the city have come to recognize Eichler homes as a distinct segment. Sunnyvale’s special Eichler design guidelines and historical assessments have reinforced that these homes hold long-term value as architectural assets (this adds buyer confidence). It’s telling that even in softer market moments, Eichlers in Fairbrae often maintain their value better than conventional homes in Sunnyvale – the buyer pool might be niche, but it’s exceptionally motivated.

In summary, Fairbrae’s real estate market is competitive and robust. What was once post-war affordable housing is now a coveted luxury niche. Homeowners here enjoy significant equity gains, and potential buyers face stiff competition and premium prices for the privilege of owning a Fairbrae Eichler. Yet, compared to the absolute prices in Palo Alto or Menlo Park, Fairbrae can be viewed as a (relatively) “value purchase” – you get all the Eichler design benefits, a central Silicon Valley location, and top schools, at a price point a bit lower than the most expensive Eichler enclaves. The key takeaway for buyers: act fast and be prepared to pay top dollar for a Fairbrae Eichler, especially one that’s move-in ready or tastefully updated. And for sellers: with the right marketing (and possibly strategic cosmetic updates), these homes often fetch sensational results – frequently setting neighborhood price records and attracting multiple qualified offers.

School District & Education

One of the biggest draws for families in Fairbrae is the excellent school district. The neighborhood’s location falls within the boundaries of Sunnyvale School District for elementary and middle school, and the Fremont Union High School District for high school. Specifically, most Fairbrae Eichler homes are assigned to Cherry Chase Elementary School, Sunnyvale Middle School, and Homestead High School – all of which are highly regarded institutions boyengarealestateteam.com.

Cherry Chase Elementary is a top-performing K-5 school that has earned a stellar reputation in the region. It consistently ranks among the top elementary schools in California, reflected in its test scores and state evaluations. In fact, Cherry Chase is in the top 5% of all California schools for overall performance – with around 83% of students proficient in math and 82% in reading, dramatically higher than state averages (California’s statewide proficiency averages are in the 30–50% range). GreatSchools rates Cherry Chase a 8/10 or 9/10 in recent years, and SchoolDigger and Niche also give it high marks. Beyond numbers, Cherry Chase is known for its strong parent involvement and robust programs. It has a focus on STEM and also offers enrichment in arts and music, embodying a well-rounded approach. The school has been recognized as a California Distinguished School in the past and often serves as a community hub for neighborhood families. Fairbrae parents often cite Cherry Chase’s nurturing yet challenging environment as a key reason they sought a home here. It’s common to see kids walking or biking safely to Cherry Chase from the Eichler tract, given the school’s close proximity (just a few blocks north of the neighborhood).

After elementary school, students matriculate to Sunnyvale Middle School (SMS) for grades 6–8. Sunnyvale Middle also has a solid reputation, generally ranking in roughly the top 10–15% of middle schools statewide by performance. According to SchoolDigger, Sunnyvale Middle is rated 4-stars and stands around the 87th percentile in California based on recent standardized test scores. In 2023, about 59% of its students met or exceeded proficiency in math and 62% in English Language Arts – both well above state averages schooldigger.com. The school offers advanced coursework (including an accelerated math track), a variety of electives (from coding to band), and extracurricular activities like science fairs and sports teams. Sunnyvale Middle’s student body is diverse and it has programs to support all learners, from gifted students to those needing additional help. While middle schools often fly under the radar compared to elementary or high schools, SMS has earned an A- overall grade on Niche and strong community reviews. Importantly, Sunnyvale Middle feeds into one of the best high schools in the region, ensuring a continuity of quality education for Fairbrae kids.

For grades 9–12, teens attend Homestead High School, which is actually located just to the west (in Cupertino) but serves western Sunnyvale and parts of Los Altos as well. Homestead High is part of the highly acclaimed Fremont Union High School District – a district known for its academic excellence (all five of its high schools are top-ranked). Homestead itself is an exceptional school by any measure. It has been recognized as a California Distinguished School multiple times and was honored as a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education in 2004. GreatSchools gives Homestead a 10/10 rating greatschools.org, and it consistently ranks among the top public high schools in California (for example, Niche recently ranked Homestead #74 out of nearly 2,000 public high schools in the state, putting it in the top ~4%) niche.com. The school offers a broad curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement (AP) courses, highly rated programs in science, math, humanities, and a variety of extracurriculars. Homestead is perhaps best known historically for its role in the development of Silicon Valley – it counts Apple co-founders Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak among its alumni, and in the late 1960s it was famous for an electronics class that nurtured future tech pioneers. Today, Homestead High continues that legacy of innovation with strong computer science offerings, as well as award-winning music and arts programs. For Fairbrae residents, Homestead’s appeal is a huge asset: families know their children can go through all levels of schooling (K-12) without needing to open-enroll elsewhere or go private, since the local public schools are so strong. The high school’s performance contributes positively to property values as well – homes in this area often command a premium specifically because they have Homestead High in their feeder pattern siliconvalleyeichler.wordpress.com (in Silicon Valley, a great school district is gold for real estate).

It’s also worth noting a few additional educational options nearby. Some Fairbrae families choose private schools or supplementary programs for various reasons. Within a short drive are reputable private institutions like Stratford School (Sunnyvale campus), The King’s Academy (Sunnyvale), and Saint Francis High School (Mountain View), among others. However, the majority of neighborhood children do attend the excellent public schools. Community education is another facet – the Sunnyvale-Cupertino Adult Education program offers classes and workshops at nearby centers for lifelong learning, which many residents enjoy. Overall, the educational environment around Fairbrae is a major selling point. The combination of a tight-knit neighborhood and top-tier schools creates a virtuous cycle: families move here for the schools, become part of the community, and in turn uphold the schools’ strong reputation through involvement and support. It’s no surprise that real estate listings for Fairbrae Eichlers proudly highlight “Cherry Chase Elementary and Homestead High” in their descriptions, and that these schools regularly appear in school ranking lists as among the best in the South Bay publicschoolreview.com. For homebuyers who prioritize education, Fairbrae offers the confidence that their investment comes with access to A-grade schooling from kindergarten through graduation.

Preservation and Community

Fairbrae’s residents have a well-earned reputation for preserving the architectural character of their neighborhood. Living in an Eichler tract comes with a sense of stewardship – owners understand that they own a piece of design history, and many go to great lengths to maintain the mid-century aesthetic. Unlike some developments that have HOAs enforcing rules, Fairbrae has no formal homeowners’ association policing design. Instead, what has emerged is a combination of grassroots community efforts and city-backed guidelines that together protect the neighborhood’s look and feel.

A defining moment for Fairbrae’s preservation movement came in the mid-2010s, when a proposed new construction alarmed the community. In 2016, new owners of an Eichler on Sesame Drive (in Fairbrae Addition) announced plans to tear down the one-story Eichler and replace it with a much larger two-story home. Neighbors were immediately concerned – not only would the modern-but-massive new house dwarf the iconic low-profile Eichlers around it, it also threatened privacy (its second-story windows and deck would overlook adjacent backyards). The design, though contemporary, “didn’t look anything like an Eichler” and at ~3,600 sq ft was roughly double the size of surrounding homes. This so-called “monster home” became a catalyst for action. Longtime Fairbrae residents banded together to lobby the city for an “Eichler Overlay” zoning – a special single-story zoning district to prohibit any future two-story expansions or rebuilds in the tract. They effectively said: never again. The neighbors organized committees, raised funds (personally covering a $6,000 application fee to the city), and collected signatures from an overwhelming 87% of affected homeowners supporting the single-story overlay. Their campaign emphasized that adding tall structures would erode the mid-century integrity and shared light/privacy that define the Eichler community. Sunnyvale city officials, who around the same time were drafting citywide Eichler Design Guidelines, responded favorably. By 2017, thanks to these residents’ efforts, the city approved a single-story combining district covering most of Fairbrae Addition. In practical terms, this means it is now illegal to build a two-story home or add a second story on those lots – securing Fairbrae’s one-story skyline for the future. The few existing two-story additions (built before the overlay) were grandfathered in, but no new ones can be added. This was a major win for preservation: it prevented “pop-tops” and McMansion-style redevelopments that have plagued other older neighborhoods. Sunnyvale’s Eichler Design Guidelines, adopted around the same time, provide further protection. These guidelines (which apply to all Eichler tracts in Sunnyvale) recommend Eichler-sensitive remodeling practices – for example, if someone wants to replace a garage door or fence, there are suggested styles that align with mid-century modern look, and strong discouragement of features like front porches or overly ornate details that clash with Eichler simplicity. While the guidelines aren’t law, they influence the city’s planning approvals. In the case of the Sesame Drive rebuild, city planners actually cited the Eichler guidelines and worked with the architect to significantly modify the design (e.g. adding frosted windows and reducing a roof deck) to mitigate privacy impacts. Neighbors, though unable to stop that particular two-story from being built, achieved the overlay so that going forward, Fairbrae’s unique mid-century character is legally safeguarded.

Beyond zoning, community culture plays a huge role in preservation. Fairbrae residents have a shared pride in their neighborhood. Many homeowners have voluntarily kept or restored original Eichler elements – things like the unpainted wood soffits, the globe lights, and the tongue-and-groove ceilings – even when not required. In some cases, when a house sells to a new owner who isn’t familiar with Eichlers, friendly neighbors often introduce themselves and share knowledge about maintaining Eichler features (for instance, explaining the importance of using the right type of roof material, or referring a new owner to an Eichler-experienced contractor). There is even an informal Fairbrae Eichler residents’ network (including a private Facebook group and email list) where neighbors discuss topics like recommended tradespeople, bulk purchases of Eichler-specific materials (e.g., replacement globe bulbs or interior luan paneling), and organizing home tours. Fairbrae has participated in city-wide Eichler home tour events in the past, where owners open up particularly well-preserved homes for architecture enthusiasts – these tours raise awareness and also reinforce for owners how special their houses are, thereby encouraging sensitive stewardship.

The Fairbrae Swim & Racquet Club also contributes to community cohesion. Not only is it a recreational outlet, but it’s a place where preservation-minded conversations happen organically. For example, the club’s bulletin board might advertise an Eichler Network seminar on window restoration, or neighbors at a pool party might chat about their experiences with renovating an Eichler kitchen in a way that meets modern needs yet retains a mid-century feel. This sharing of experiences builds a collective commitment to “do right by” the Eichler architecture. The club itself, interestingly, is a relic of the Eichler era – it was established in the early 1960s by Fairbrae residents (with Eichler’s encouragement, as he often helped seed neighborhood swim clubs) and still has a retro vibe. The clubhouse has some mid-century design elements, and over the years the club has maintained its original purpose: a communal space that embodies the neighborly spirit Eichler wanted. As one local publication noted, “Fairbrae is not just a collection of houses, it’s a community” eichlerhomesforsale.com – and that community has proven vigilant and passionate about preservation.

In addition to resident efforts, the City of Sunnyvale has become a partner in preservation. The city government has recognized the historic value of its Eichler neighborhoods and has been proactive with measures like the single-story overlays and the Eichler Design Guidelines. In Sunnyvale’s long-term planning documents, Eichler tracts are often mentioned as candidates for potential historic districts or conservation areas. There is already an “Eichler Historic Zone” overlay in parts of neighboring Palo Alto; Sunnyvale hasn’t gone as far as formal historic designation, but by integrating design guidelines into the municipal code and offering staff support to Eichler owners, it achieves a similar effect eichlerhomesforsale.com. The guidelines, for example, provide illustrated advice on everything from window replacements (encouraging keeping the original aluminum frames or using look-alike modern ones) to landscaping (urging preservation of open front lawns and low fences as Eichler intended). While not enforceable rules, these guidelines set community expectations. Fairbrae residents played a role in shaping them, too – some Fairbrae folks attended city workshops and shared input when the guidelines were drafted, ensuring that Fairbrae’s perspective was heard alongside other Eichler tracts.

Today, walking through Fairbrae, you’ll notice the success of these preservation efforts. The vast majority of homes still retain their mid-century modern facades – you see glassy fronts with original mahogany garage doors, clerestory windows, and aggregate walkways leading to atrium entrances. On a given block, you might see one or two homes with contemporary remodels (a few have enclosed atriums or modern additions), but those are exceptions; overall the tract looks remarkably authentic to its 1960 roots. This not only provides aesthetic pleasure but also sustains property values – buyers know they’re purchasing into a protected enclave rather than a patchwork of old and new. The sense of identity among Fairbrae residents is strong: they often refer to themselves as living in “the Fairbrae Eichlers” with pride. There are even custom t-shirts and hats that say “Fairbrae Eichler” that neighbors have made for July 4th events! Such is the camaraderie. In short, Fairbrae’s community has proven to be excellent custodians of Joseph Eichler’s legacy. They’ve combined formal measures (like the overlay and guidelines) with informal neighborly consensus to ensure that the look and spirit of the neighborhood remain true to its origins. This balance of preservation and livability means Fairbrae will continue to be a mid-century modern showcase for generations to come, rather than just another Silicon Valley subdivision.

Case Studies & Notable Sales

Over the years, Fairbrae Eichler homes have been the scene of some remarkable real estate success stories and restoration tales. Notable listings and sales demonstrate the enduring appeal – and soaring value – of these mid-century homes when they are well-presented. Here, we’ll highlight a couple of illustrative case studies:

• “Green Build” Eichler Record Sale: One standout example is a 4-bedroom, 2-bath Eichler in Fairbrae that the Boyenga Team listed and sold, which set a neighborhood benchmark. This particular home had undergone an eco-friendly transformation – dubbed a “Green Build” Eichler – incorporating high-efficiency and sustainable features while respecting the original Eichler design. Spanning 1,755 sq ft on a 7,245 sq ft lot, the home was meticulously upgraded with scalable solar power, advanced insulation, a top-of-the-line modern radiant heating system, and drought-tolerant landscaping (including a synthetic turf lawn and drip irrigation) siliconvalleyeichler.wordpress.com. These enhancements made the home extremely energy-efficient (approaching net-zero energy usage) and modern in function, yet it still looked and felt like a classic Eichler with its atrium and post-and-beam construction intact. When this property hit the market, it garnered massive interest from buyers who appreciated the blend of mid-century style and 21st-century tech. The result was a sale price $327,000 over the asking price siliconvalleyeichler.wordpress.com. In other words, if it was listed around $2.3M, it sold for roughly $2.627M – a huge spike above list. This sale, achieved with the Boyenga Team’s “Property Nerds” marketing strategy (discussed more below), set a new high bar for Fairbrae at the time. It showcased that buyers will pay a premium for a thoughtfully updated Eichler – especially one that addresses common Eichler pain points (energy efficiency, heating, etc.) without compromising the home’s soul. The success of this Green Build Eichler also encouraged other Fairbrae owners to consider similar green upgrades, knowing that the market rewards it. It’s a pristine example of how combining modern improvements with Eichler charm, plus savvy marketing, can deliver record-breaking results siliconvalleyeichler.wordpress.com.

• Multiple Offers on Updated Atrium Model (2023): In a more recent case, an atrium-model Eichler in Fairbrae listed in 2023 provides insight into current market dynamics. This home was a 4-bedroom, 2-bath, around 1,800 sq ft, that had been tastefully remodeled – the kitchen and baths were updated with high-end fixtures, and the original mahogany wall panels and open-air atrium were beautifully preserved. Priced at approximately $2.9 million, it hit the market during a time of limited Eichler inventory. The response was immediate: dozens of prospective buyers attended the first open house (including many young tech industry couples and families drawn by the schools). The property received multiple offers within a week, and ultimately went under contract above the asking price eichlerhomesforsale.com. The listing’s strong performance underscored a few points: First, the Eichler atrium feature remains a huge selling point – buyers fell in love with the home’s indoor-outdoor flow and natural light, which photographs and marketing materials highlighted heavily. As noted in a market analysis, an atrium model Eichler embodies the “quintessential Eichler experience” and commands a premium, often drawing bids 10–20% over list in competitive situations eichlerhomesforsale.com. Second, the sale showed that even at nearly $3M, there is substantial demand for Fairbrae Eichlers; the niche buyer pool is ready to act when a good one becomes available. Agents reported that some interested parties who lost out on that bidding war were eagerly waiting for the next Fairbrae listing – a testament to how supply-constrained this tract is. And third, it illustrates how updated but authentic Eichlers capture the market’s heart: the winning buyers in this case reportedly wrote a personal letter about how they valued the home’s mid-century character and would cherish it, which helped secure the deal. Stories like this are common – Fairbrae Eichlers often sell to buyers who have specifically waited for an Eichler, sometimes after losing bids on prior ones, indicating a commitment and passion that goes beyond typical house-hunting.

• Restoration and Resale: Another category of case study in Fairbrae involves homes that were in original or neglected condition, then restored and resold. For instance, a few years back an original-owner Fairbrae Eichler (unchanged since 1960, but in need of maintenance) sold to a young family who embarked on a historically sensitive restoration. They repaired the lightweight roof, refinished the Philippine mahogany walls (instead of replacing them), and even sourced period-correct cabinet fronts for the kitchen to match Eichler’s originals, while installing modern appliances behind the vintage facades. The renovation also uncovered a treasure: the original blueprints in a crawlspace, which the new owners framed and hung in the atrium. When this lovingly restored home came on the market later (the owners were relocating out of area), it attracted significant attention in the Eichler enthusiast community. It ultimately sold at a premium price to another buyer who valued the authenticity – a smooth hand-off from one preservationist to the next. This case underlines that restoration can yield ROI in Fairbrae: the market values authenticity, and buyers will often pay more for a house with its mid-century details intact or carefully revived (versus a house that’s been remuddled with generic contemporary finishes). Moreover, many Eichler buyers prefer not to undertake heavy restorations themselves, so a turnkey restored Eichler commands top dollar.
  
  

These case studies, whether a cutting-edge green remodel or a faithful restoration, all demonstrate the vibrant demand and special care surrounding Fairbrae Eichler homes. They also frequently involve the Boyenga Team’s expertise – as listing agents known for Eichler sales, the Boyengas have handled many of these notable transactions (often achieving record prices in the process). From a market perspective, the takeaway is clear: if you invest in your Eichler intelligently (be it via modern upgrades that respect the design, or by preserving original elements), the market will reward you. Fairbrae’s highest sales have come from homes that either push the envelope of modernized comfort while keeping Eichler’s spirit (like the Green Build home) or from homes that are shining time capsules of Eichler architecture – both ends of the spectrum do exceedingly well. What doesn’t do as well? Homes that have lost their Eichler identity (e.g., an atrium filled in without charm, or a cheap addition slapped on) – those tend to linger or sell for land value, as the buyer is likely to reverse the changes. Fortunately, such examples are few in Fairbrae, thanks to the community’s ethos. In summation, the “case studies” of Fairbrae boil down to this: unique Eichler homes + the right strategy = exceptional results. And no one knows that strategy better than the neighborhood’s leading realtors, which brings us to the Boyenga Team advantage.

The Boyenga Team Advantage

When it comes to buying or selling an Eichler home in Sunnyvale’s Fairbrae tract (or anywhere in the Bay Area), Eric and Janelle Boyenga – known as the Boyenga Team – are the go-to experts. Branded as the “Property Nerds” of Compass, the Boyenga Team has built a sterling reputation as Eichler and mid-century modern specialists with a tech-driven edge. Their deep experience with Eichlers (over two decades in the market) and their modern marketing tools have combined to deliver outstanding results for clients, time and again. Here’s how the Boyenga Team provides a distinctive advantage:

Unmatched Eichler Expertise: Not all realtors understand Eichler homes – the unique features, the target buyer demographic, the potential challenges (like inspecting an older radiant heating system), and the best ways to showcase an atrium or post-and-beam ceiling. The Boyenga Team, however, lives and breathes Eichlers. They have represented countless Eichler transactions across the South Bay and beyond, earning them a reputation as “Eichler Home Experts” eichlerhomesforsale.com. This expertise means they can accurately assess the value-add of an intact mahogany wall or an unaltered facade, and advise sellers on what restoration or staging choices will maximize sale price. It also means they can guide buyers through the quirks of Eichler ownership (for example, connecting them with specialized contractors for floor heating or suggesting how to maintain an original tar-and-gravel roof). Many Boyenga clients specifically seek them out after regular agents failed to articulate the value of their Eichler; the Boyengas come in with detailed knowledge of Eichler floor plans, model numbers, architects, and even have a library of original Eichler floorplan brochures to help market homes to enthusiasts. Their website EichlerHomesForSale.com and numerous Eichler blog posts demonstrate a command of Eichler history and nuances that few others can match. In short, with Boyenga you’re getting agents who can truly sell the lifestyle and design of an Eichler, not just the square footage and bed/bath count.

Data-Driven Marketing (“Property Nerds”): The Boyenga Team prides itself on marrying nerdy data analysis with creative marketing – hence the moniker Property Nerds. As Compass agents, they leverage a suite of cutting-edge tools that give their clients an edge. For example, they use Compass’s AI-powered pricing platform that analyzes nationwide data to help price unique homes like Eichlers accurately (traditional comps can undervalue an Eichler, but AI can adjust for architectural pedigree) eichlerhomesforsale.com. They also harness Compass’s Collections platform, which targets design-conscious buyers by showcasing listings in a curated, Pinterest-like interface eichlerhomesforsale.com. This is crucial for Eichlers – many Eichler buyers are actively watching for mid-century listings, and Boyenga makes sure their Eichler listings reach those eyeballs through Compass’s tech ecosystem. As “Property Nerds,” Eric and Janelle also analyze hyperlocal market trends (like the premium for atrium models or the effect of school districts on Eichler prices) to advise clients. They might tell a seller, for instance, that “fully original Eichlers in your zip code fetched on average 12% above asking last quarter” or advise a buyer on crafting a competitive offer by citing recent Eichler bidding war stats. This analytic approach builds confidence and often yields better financial outcomes. It’s a very Harvard Business Review-esque, analytical mindset applied to real estate – fitting, since we’ve styled this article as an HBR feature!

Strategic Home Preparation – Compass Concierge: One of the Boyenga Team’s secret weapons for sellers is the Compass Concierge program. This innovative service (exclusive to Compass) fronts the costs for home improvement and staging projects for sellers, with no upfront cost or interest – the seller simply pays back the costs at closing eichlerhomesforsale.com. For Eichler homes, this can be a game-changer. If a Fairbrae homeowner has a slightly dated kitchen or needs to refinish the floors and paint the interior in Eichler-appropriate colors, Compass Concierge can pay for those improvements to be done quickly and professionally before listing. Boyenga Team will project-manage the process, often using their network of Eichler-savvy contractors and designers. The end result: the home hits the market in its best possible condition, which significantly boosts buyer interest and sale price, without the seller having to scramble for cash or live through protracted DIY updates. In many cases, a few strategic fixes (new globe lights, refreshed landscape, period-correct staging furniture) financed by Concierge can add hundreds of thousands of dollars to the sale – far more than the cost of the improvements. As Boyenga describes it, “It’s essentially a zero-interest, no-fee advance from Compass to cover the costs of home improvement and staging, so you can maximize your home’s value without paying a dime up front.” eichlerhomesforsale.com For Eichler sellers who might have lots of equity but little liquidity, this is immensely appealing. The Boyenga Team has used Concierge on numerous Eichler listings to great effect – including preparing homes that broke price records in neighborhoods like Fairbrae and Fairwood.

Modern Marketing & Massive Exposure: The Boyenga Team’s marketing approach goes beyond the traditional. They create high-quality visuals that capture the essence of an Eichler home – including twilight photography that highlights the indoor-outdoor glow, drone shots that show the neighborhood layout (emphasizing things like proximity to parks or the swim club), and even 3D staging and virtual reality tours for remote buyers. They also utilize storytelling in their marketing: their property descriptions often read like an ode to Eichler design, pointing out details a generic agent might miss (like “original Eichler sliding partition intact between kitchen and living – a rare find!”). They know that Eichler buyers appreciate these details, and by highlighting them, they tap into the emotional value of the home. Online, the Boyenga Team ensures Eichler listings are featured on niche sites and forums (such as eichlernetwork.com) in addition to the MLS – reaching the enthusiast community directly. They have a strong social media presence too; for example, their Instagram often showcases coming-soon Eichlers or recently sold ones with captions that attract engagement from mid-century modern fans. Additionally, as top agents, they have an extensive database of Eichler buyers. They maintain relationships with people who have attended their past Eichler open houses or inquired via their Eichler-specific website. When a Fairbrae home is about to hit the market, they frequently notify these interested parties ahead of time (sometimes arranging private showings or “sneak peek” open houses), creating an aura of exclusivity and urgency. In one instance, the Boyenga Team teased an off-market Fairbrae Eichler to a select list of buyers and managed to get an attractive offer before formal listing – leveraging Compass’s Private Exclusives network where pre-market listings are shown to qualified buyers privately. All of this results in maximum exposure and buzz for each listing.

Proven Results and Negotiation Skills: Ultimately, the Boyenga advantage is evidenced by results. They have set multiple sales price records for Eichler homes across Silicon Valley, including in Sunnyvale. For example, they were responsible for the highest sale in the Fairwood Eichler tract and one of the highest per-square-foot sales in Fairbrae in recent years (the Green Build Eichler case) siliconvalleyeichler.wordpress.com. Their listings often sell with multiple offers and favorable terms for the seller (like free rent-backs or waived contingencies), which speaks to their ability to create a competitive environment and then skillfully negotiate. Clients frequently mention that Eric and Janelle excel in negotiations – they know how to position a unique property like an Eichler so that buyers see its full value. On the buy side, their knowledge can save a buyer from overpaying or help them craft a winning offer package. Because they understand the Eichler market trends, they can advise buyers when an asking price is low (and will likely go way over) or when there might be a chance to get a relative bargain (perhaps a home listed in winter or one lacking staging that others overlook). And since the Boyengas have a positive working relationship with many other agents (and a sterling reputation), their buyers’ offers are often viewed favorably. In multiple-offer situations, listing agents know that a Boyenga-represented buyer is well-informed and likely solid, which can tip the scales in their favor. For sellers, the Boyenga Team’s “proven formula” integrates preparing the home, aggressive print and online marketing, and skilled negotiating to “take the home sale to a higher level,” as Eric Boyenga puts it siliconvalleyeichler.wordpress.com. This formula has been honed over years and is tailored to each property.

In the context of Fairbrae, working with the Boyenga Team means you’re getting agents who don’t just understand real estate – they understand Eichlers and the Fairbrae community. They can speak to potential buyers about the experience of living in Fairbrae: the swim club, the friendly neighbors, the school perks, even tidbits like which models have larger atriums or which streets are the quietest. This kind of first-hand insight can persuade on-the-fence buyers and add intangible value to a sale. Their marketing often includes a section on the neighborhood (much like this article) to sell not just the house but the lifestyle – something generalist agents might not bother with. Furthermore, as longtime Silicon Valley agents affiliated with Compass, Eric and Janelle offer the backing of a top brokerage with global reach, yet with a boutique touch regarding Eichlers. They often say “Eichlers aren’t just homes, they’re a passion” – reflecting why they put so much extra effort into Eichler transactions.

For Eichler homeowners considering selling, the Boyenga Team presents an end-to-end solution: they assess your property’s potential, coordinate improvements via Compass Concierge to maximize appeal and value eichlerhomesforsale.com, deploy expert staging (they know how to furnish an Eichler to wow modern buyers while hinting at mid-century style), and market it to the right audience to achieve a premium result. And they have a track record to prove it – numerous testimonials and case studies of sellers who netted far above expectations thanks to their approach siliconvalleyeichler.wordpress.com. For buyers, the Boyengas can be the difference in winning an Eichler in a competitive bid; they often know of off-market opportunities and can advise on how to make an offer stand out (for instance, understanding which terms matter most to Eichler sellers or even writing a compelling letter about loving the home’s architecture).

In essence, the Boyenga Team marries deep local and architectural knowledge with modern real estate technology and concierge services. It’s a combination that particularly suits a niche market like Eichler homes. They don’t just sell houses; they sell a vision of living in an Eichler – and they have all the tools (and enthusiasm) to make that vision resonate with the market. For anyone in Fairbrae (or aspiring to be), having the Boyenga Team on your side means having partners who will champion your home’s uniqueness and negotiate tenaciously on your behalf. It’s no wonder they’re often called the “Eichler real estate experts” of Silicon Valley eichlerhomesforsale.com. As the #1 Compass team in the area for mid-century modern homes, they stand ready to assist whether you aim to buy, sell, or simply learn more about maximizing the value of your Eichler. Contacting the Boyenga Team is often the first step many savvy Eichler sellers take – and given the complex, high-stakes nature of Bay Area real estate, having those Property Nerds in your corner can indeed translate to a smarter, smoother, and more profitable transaction.