Fairwood

Fairwood Eichler Tract – Sunnyvale 94087 

The Fairwood Eichler neighborhood was developed in two phases during the early 1960s, with the main tract completed in 1961–62 and a smaller “Fairwood Addition” built a decade later in 1971. The primary Fairwood tract lies roughly within Dartshire Way, Kingfisher Way, Duncardine Way, and Firebird Way boyengateam.com, while the 1971 Fairwood Addition is a separate enclave of two cul-de-sacs (Chickadee Court and Chukar Court) located about a mile west on Dunholme Way. Fairwood Eichler homes include both modest 3-bedroom models and larger 4-bedroom designs, all characterized by Eichler’s trademark open-plan layouts and indoor-outdoor integration. Many feature either a central atrium or a front courtyard entry, with living spaces ranging from approximately 1,545 sq ft in the smaller models up to over 1,800 sq ft in the larger atrium models. Fairwood today stands out as one of Sunnyvale’s most significant mid-century modern enclaves – prized by enthusiasts for its strong architectural identity, limited turnover, and premium pricing in the Silicon Valley housing market.

• Fairwood Eichlers: 230 homes built between 1961 and 1962. 

• Fairwood Addition Eichlers: 20 homes built in 1971. 

• Architect: Jones & Emmons (noted Eichler) architects)

Historical & Contextual Overview

• Eichler Legacy in Sunnyvale: Joseph Eichler’s vision left a lasting imprint on Sunnyvale. Between 1949 and 1974, over 1,100 Eichler homes were built across at least 16 tracts in the city. Fairwood emerged during this boom as a mature Eichler neighborhood exemplifying Eichler’s California Modern ideals in a suburban Silicon Valley setting. It sits alongside other Sunnyvale Eichler tracts (such as Fairbrae and Rancho Verde), contributing to Sunnyvale’s reputation as a hub of mid-century modern homes.

• Fairwood’s Role: Fairwood is often referenced as part of Sunnyvale’s Eichler core and remains one of the larger concentrations of Eichler homes in the city. Some sources cite roughly 215 Eichler homes in Fairwood built in the early ’60s, making it comparable in scale to nearby Fairbrae. Its prominence has figured into community discussions on zoning and preservation, underscoring Fairwood’s significance in Sunnyvale’s architectural heritage. (Not to be confused with a similarly named Fairwood tract in Redwood City, which is a separate Eichler development.)

• Preservation Pressures: Over the years, Fairwood has been at the forefront of Sunnyvale’s efforts to preserve Eichler neighborhood character. Like many Eichler communities, it faced pressure from remodels or rebuilds out-of-scale with Eichler’s low-slung profile. In response, residents advocated vigorously for preservation. Fairwood was among the first Sunnyvale tracts to secure a Single-Story Overlay (SSO) zoning, preemptively banning new two-story homes that could “mar” the one-story streetscape. Neighbors even organized a proactive petition before any specific “monster home” proposal arose, demonstrating foresight in protecting their Eichlers. These community-led preservation efforts have helped maintain Fairwood’s mid-century integrity and reinforced property values.

Architectural Highlights & Design Character

A classic Eichler home on Devonshire Way in Sunnyvale’s Fairwood neighborhood, exemplifying the low-slung roofline, open carport, and floor-to-ceiling glass typical of Eichler design. Fairwood’s Eichler homes embody many signature features that make mid-century modern houses so cherished. There is a consistent visual language of clean lines, post-and-beam construction, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow, yet with enough model variation to keep the streetscape interesting. Key design characteristics include:

• Consistency & Cohesion: As a unified Eichler tract, Fairwood’s homes share a common design DNA – flat or low-pitched rooflines, post-and-beam construction, broad eaves, and an emphasis on blurring indoor and outdoor spaces. This cohesive mid-century modern aesthetic gives the neighborhood a distinctive identity, where each house complements the next.

• Atrium & Courtyard Models: Many Fairwood Eichlers include an open-air atrium at the center or a walled courtyard at the entry. These features bring natural light and air into the heart of the home and provide a private outdoor extension of the living space, exemplifying Eichler’s hallmark indoor-outdoor flow boyengateam.com. Stepping into an atrium model, one often finds sky above and plants within the home’s footprint, creating a serene transition from outside to inside.

• Materials & Interiors: Well-preserved examples showcase original mid-century materials and finishes. Expect to see exposed tongue-and-groove wood ceilings and beams, Philippine mahogany paneled walls, and floors with in-floor radiant heating – all hallmark Eichler elements. These materials lend warmth and authenticity to the interiors. In homes that have not been remodeled beyond recognition, one can often still find globe pendant lights, vintage brick fireplaces, and other period touches intact.

• Rooflines & Scale: Virtually all Fairwood Eichlers are single-story structures with a horizontal emphasis. The street-facing elevations are purposely modest and unornamented, often featuring closed carport fronts or minimal windows to preserve privacy. The dramatic design elements – expansive glass walls, patios, and vaulted ceilings – reveal themselves on the inside or at the rear of the home. This one-story profile creates a human-scaled, harmonious streetscape and was a key aspect of Eichler’s vision (neighbors have even cited the importance of protecting sunlight and privacy by disallowing looming second stories).

• Adaptive Upgrades: Over time, many Fairwood owners have upgraded their homes with modern amenities or energy-efficient improvements, but usually in a way that respects the original aesthetic. It’s common to see updated kitchens, dual-pane windows or solar panels installed sensitively so as not to disrupt the home’s character. The Eichler community tends to prize authenticity – homeowners often opt for restorations that preserve original features (like unpainted wood paneling or authentic materials) rather than gut remodels, knowing that Eichler buyers value the mid-century integrity. In short, changes are often subtle and in keeping with Eichler’s design ethos, ensuring the “Eichler feel” remains strong throughout the neighborhood.
  
  

Neighborhood Lifestyle & Location Benefits

A peaceful street in Fairwood: single-story Eichler homes and mature trees create an inviting, human-scaled streetscape. Fairwood offers an appealing mid-century modern lifestyle with a strong sense of community and convenient location. Residents enjoy a blend of suburban tranquility and Silicon Valley accessibility – including nearby parks, top-notch schools, and short commutes to major tech campuses. Key aspects of the Fairwood lifestyle and location include:

• Community Identity: Fairwood enjoys a tight-knit community identity rooted in its Eichler heritage. Neighbors often bond over mid-century modern home ownership – whether it’s sharing renovation tips or banding together to preserve the tract’s character. This shared pride has tangible effects: for example, passionate Fairwood homeowners successfully lobbied for special zoning to protect their one-story Eichler ambiance. The result is a neighborhood where residents collectively celebrate and safeguard the unique architecture, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie.

• Proximity & Amenities: Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Fairwood is exceptionally well located. It’s only about a mile from Apple’s new Apple Park campus and within easy biking distance for many Apple employees. Other major employers like LinkedIn, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Yahoo, and Intel are a convenient commute away boyengateam.com. The neighborhood also has quick access to Highways 101, 237, 85, and 280, plus major arteries like El Camino Real and Lawrence/Central Expressways boyengateam.com. Despite this centrality, Fairwood’s immediate surroundings are residential and quiet. Daily needs are close at hand – shops, grocery stores, and restaurants in Sunnyvale are a short drive, and the broader Bay Area is easily reachable from this hub.
  
  

• Parks & Green Space: Fairwood is adjacent to some great outdoor amenities. Notably, the John W. Christian Greenbelt runs along the neighborhood – a 2.7-mile linear park (built atop a Hetch Hetchy aqueduct right-of-way) that stretches from Orchard Gardens Park to Fairwood Park on the Sunnyvale–Santa Clara border. This greenbelt is a landscaped biking and walking trail that links multiple parks, providing residents with a car-free path for recreation and exercise. Additionally, nearby Raynor Park and Ortega Park (in neighboring communities) offer playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas. The presence of these parks and the greenbelt’s tree-lined path adds to Fairwood’s appeal for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

• Walkability & Street Character: The layout of Fairwood’s streets – gently curving roads and cul-de-sacs lined exclusively with one-story homes – creates a calm, pedestrian-friendly environment. With no looming second stories, the neighborhood feels open and sun-filled; mid-century homes and mature trees define the vista in every direction. Sidewalks and the greenbelt trail encourage walking and biking. It’s common to see neighbors out for strolls or kids riding bikes down these quiet streets. Overall, Fairwood’s human-scaled design and well-kept mid-century homes give it a charming, almost nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of a 1960s suburb, yet it sits in the middle of today’s high-tech Silicon Valley.

Real Estate Market Dynamics

• Rarity & Turnover: As with many Eichler neighborhoods, homes in Fairwood tend to be held by owners for long periods, resulting in limited inventory. It’s not unusual for only a handful of Fairwood Eichlers to come on the market in a given year, if that. This rarity creates pent-up demand – when a new listing does appear, Eichler enthusiasts take notice quickly. Sunnyvale’s overall housing supply is very tight, and Eichler tracts like Fairwood are no exception boyengarealestateteam.com. For sellers, this limited turnover often means a well-priced Eichler will attract immediate attention; for buyers, patience and preparedness are key since opportunities are infrequent.

• Price Premiums: Eichler homes are considered architectural assets in Silicon Valley, and they command a substantial price premium relative to standard suburban homes. In Sunnyvale, the median sale price for Eichler properties has been significantly higher than the general market median – for example, as of 2024 Eichlers were selling around a median $2.85 million, compared to roughly $2.08 million for Sunnyvale homes overall boyengarealestateteam.com. This per-square-foot premium reflects their design pedigree, rarity, and passionate buyer pool. Fairwood Eichlers, with their prime location and preserved character, consistently fetch top-tier prices for the area. Buyers are willing to pay more for the Eichler lifestyle and aesthetic, which in turn supports strong property values neighborhood-wide.

• Competition & Bidding: When a Fairwood Eichler is listed, it often triggers intense interest among a niche set of buyers – including mid-century modern aficionados, tech professionals with design leanings, and architects/designers who appreciate Eichler craftsmanship. Multiple-offer situations are common. In practice, many Eichler listings in Sunnyvale receive several offers and can sell quickly, frequently above the asking price. Homes that are well-maintained or that have been tastefully updated (while keeping Eichler character intact) tend to spark bidding wars. The combination of limited supply and high demand means the days-on-market for Eichlers here are typically short. Sellers often work with Eichler-savvy agents to set offer deadlines and navigate bidding rounds, knowing the buyer competition can be fierce for these homes.

• Comparative Value: Compared to Eichler enclaves in ultra-expensive nearby cities like Palo Alto or Los Altos, Fairwood’s Eichlers can appear somewhat more affordable – even though they are still expensive by general standards. Recent Fairwood sales have often been in the high $1 millions to mid $2 millions range, whereas similar Eichler homes in Palo Alto (with its prestige and top schools) might command $3–4 million or more. This differential makes Fairwood attractive to design-minded buyers who seek an authentic Eichler but have a slightly lower budget or who prioritize location convenience. In Fairwood, buyers often get a bit more lot size or a shorter commute for their dollar, without sacrificing the mid-century style they love. In essence, Fairwood offers a chance to own a classic Eichler in the heart of Silicon Valley at a relative value, which keeps its demand robust.
  
  

Preservation, Guidelines & Zoning Impacts

• Eichler Design Guidelines: The City of Sunnyvale has taken formal steps to protect the character of its Eichler neighborhoods. In 2009, Sunnyvale adopted Eichler Design Guidelines tailored specifically to mid-century modern homes boyengarealestateteam.com. These guidelines provide direction for homeowners on how to remodel or expand their Eichlers without compromising the architectural integrity. For example, the guidelines address appropriate roof pitches, window styles, materials, and even paint colors, aiming to ensure that any new construction or addition remains compatible with the classic Eichler look. By superseding the generic single-family design rules, Sunnyvale’s Eichler-specific standards help prevent jarringly incompatible alterations. This city-backed preservation framework reinforces what Eichler owners in Fairwood and elsewhere already strive for: maintaining the “classic low-slung profile” and modernist aesthetic that define their neighborhoods boyengarealestateteam.com.
  
  

• Single-Story Overlay Protections: In addition to design guidelines, zoning tools have been used to preserve Fairwood’s scale. Fairwood was an early adopter of a Single-Story Overlay (SSO) zoning district, which legally prohibits the construction of new two-story houses (or adding a second story to existing homes) within the tract. This measure was pursued by Fairwood residents as a proactive “preemptive strike” against potential McMansion-style teardowns. The overlay ensures that all homes remain one-story, preventing any looming structures from disrupting privacy or the Eichler rooflines. Notably, Fairwood’s SSO was achieved through neighbor-led efforts rather than as a reaction to a specific project – a testament to the community’s commitment to preservation. The SSO, combined with the city’s design guidelines, gives Eichler owners peace of mind that the unique character of their street will be safeguarded long-term.

• Community Advocacy & Impact: Fairwood’s experience highlights how grassroots homeowner advocacy can shape policy. Neighbors in Fairwood organized petitions, attended city meetings, and collectively funded the application for their overlay zone. City officials even commended the group for being farsighted – implementing protections before any egregious development forced their hand. This kind of community action has had ripple effects: Fairwood’s success in obtaining an SSO inspired other Sunnyvale Eichler tracts to consider similar protective measures. The collaborative spirit (“it’s very much up to neighbors themselves to protect their neighborhoods” as one planner noted) has strengthened ties among residents and underscored the value of their Eichler heritage. In practical terms, these preservation initiatives have helped stabilize and enhance property values – Eichler buyers are often willing to pay a premium knowing the surrounding homes will remain architecturally consistent. Fairwood stands as an example of balancing progress with preservation: homeowners can modernize their mid-century homes, but within a framework that honors the original design vision.

The Boyenga Team Edge in Fairwood Eichler Transactions

When dealing with a rare and architecturally significant neighborhood like Fairwood, working with real estate specialists who understand Eichler homes is a major advantage. The Boyenga Team (Eric & Janelle Boyenga of Compass) are recognized Eichler experts in Silicon Valley, and they offer several key benefits to Eichler buyers and sellers:

• Architectural Expertise: The Boyenga Team has deep knowledge of mid-century modern design and Eichler construction nuances, honed by decades of experienceeichlerhomesforsale.com. They understand the unique elements of Eichler floor plans, post-and-beam structures, and components like atriums and radiant heating. This expertise means they can accurately evaluate an Eichler home’s features and condition, identify what makes it special, and communicate that value to prospective buyers. For sellers, having an agent who can explain the Eichler story – from the architects (Anshen & Allen, Jones & Emmons, Claude Oakland, etc.) to the philosophy of bringing “modern living to the masses” – ensures that the home is presented as an architectural asset rather than just another house.

• Targeted Marketing & Positioning: Eichler homes appeal to a particular buyer segment (design-savvy, architecture enthusiasts), and the Boyenga Team excels at reaching that audience. They employ a data-driven, next-generation marketing approach that leverages high-quality photography, mid-century modern staging, digital marketing, and social media to showcase the home’s design pedigree eichlerhomesforsale.com. Their branding as Silicon Valley’s “Property Nerds” underscores their focus on facts and features that matter to Eichler buyers. By positioning a Fairwood Eichler as a piece of architectural history and a desirable modern home, Boyenga’s marketing creates excitement and often attracts multiple qualified offers. In essence, they know how to tell an Eichler home’s story in a way that resonates with the right buyers, which can lead to a higher sale price and faster sale.

• Compass Tools & Concierge Prep: As part of Compass, the Boyenga Team gives clients access to exclusive seller tools like Compass Concierge. Through this program, sellers can make value-adding improvements or stage their Eichler with no upfront cost – Compass fronts the expenses for pre-sale renovations or staging and gets reimbursed at closing eichlerhomesforsale.com. The Boyenga Team are experts in identifying which touch-ups will yield the best return for an Eichler (be it polishing concrete floors, restoring mahogany walls, or refreshing landscaping to highlight indoor-outdoor spaces). They create a tailored plan to prepare the home for market, using vetted contractors and designers who understand Eichlers eichlerhomesforsale.com. This concierge-assisted preparation often results in a beautifully presented Eichler that wows buyers. Additionally, the Boyenga Team leverages Compass’s Private Exclusives network to quietly market Eichlers to select buyers before a public launch, creating pre-listing buzz. These tools and services minimize seller stress and maximize the home’s appeal when it hits the market.

• Comparative Analytics: Pricing an Eichler correctly requires more than looking at generic comps, and the Boyenga Team’s experience shines here. They maintain Eichler-specific market data and have intimate knowledge of recent Eichler sales across the Bay Area. Their data-driven approach means they can discern the premium that a well-preserved Fairwood Eichler can command versus a non-Eichler in Sunnyvale eichlerhomesforsale.com. They account for factors like original features (e.g. unpainted ceilings or original globe lights) and updates (e.g. an added skylight or remodeled kitchen done in Eichler-compatible style) in setting a price. By using specialized Eichler comps (including private sales they’ve handled), Boyenga can confidently price a home to attract strong interest without undercutting its value. For buyers, their analytical mindset helps in evaluating an Eichler’s worth and crafting a compelling yet sensible offer. This level of market insight protects clients from leaving money on the table or overpaying in the heat of competition. You 

• Negotiation Skill & Reputation: In multiple-offer situations – which are common for desirable Eichlers – it helps to have seasoned negotiators and a reputable team on your side. The Boyenga Team has built a strong reputation within the real estate community, particularly in the Eichler niche. Other agents know them as Eichler specialists who are knowledgeable and professional. For sellers, this can mean smoother negotiations and a greater likelihood that the chosen buyer will successfully close (as Boyenga can vet and work with Eichler-interested buyers effectively). For buyers, being represented by a known Eichler-savvy team can signal to sellers that the offer is serious and the buyers understand what they’re getting (less risk of deal fallout). Boyenga’s negotiating style is bolstered by their detailed understanding of the value of Eichler features – they can articulate these points during offer discussions or inspections, advocating strongly for their client’s interests. Whether it’s orchestrating a bidding war to drive up a selling price or crafting an offer strategy to win your dream Eichler, their experience in this niche yields tangible results.

• Preservation-Aligned Strategy: An often overlooked benefit of working with true Eichler experts is their alignment with the preservation values of these homes. The Boyenga Team actively participates in the Eichler community – they produce Eichler neighborhood guides, support preservation measures, and truly appreciate the architecture. This ethos translates into how they market and sell homes. They don’t just sell a property; they sell the architectural legacy and lifestyle that comes with an Eichler. Their listings highlight historical context (e.g. if a home was designed by Jones & Emmons or features a rare model type), which attracts the right kind of buyers. They also advise Eichler sellers on how to avoid common pitfalls (like inappropriate remodel choices) that could hurt value. By respecting Eichler Design Guidelines and encouraging buyers and sellers to do the same, Boyenga helps ensure that the integrity of neighborhoods like Fairwood is upheld even through the transaction process. This preservation-minded approach has earned them credibility with Eichler homeowners. In fact, the Boyenga Team often pairs “architectural stewardship” with cutting-edge marketing, a combination that delivers standout outcomes for their clients while honoring the mid-century spirit of the homes boyengateam.com.

In short, when a Fairwood Eichler comes up for sale, having the Boyenga Team represent it means you’re getting agents who understand the soul of the house and the community. They don’t just list a home; they curate its presentation as a mid-century modern gem, leverage specialized networks and tools, and skillfully manage the complexities that come with these unique properties. This comprehensive, Eichler-informed approach gives sellers a distinct edge in maximizing value, and gives buyers confidence that they’re making a smart investment in an architectural icon.