Sunnymount Gardens

Sunnymount Gardens Eichler Tract, Sunnyvale – A Mid-Mod Gem

Early Development and Eichler Significance

Sunnymount Gardens is one of Joseph Eichler’s earliest residential developments and holds a special place in Eichler’s portfolio eichlerhomesforsale.com. Built in 1949, it was the second subdivision that Eichler undertook under the newly formed Eichler Homes company, following the initial Sunnyvale Manor I tract a month earlier. This tract marked a pivotal step for Eichler as a developer – it was the first project fully marketed under his own name and an early proving ground for the modernist principles that would later define “Eichler homes”. Sunnymount Gardens consists of 36 Eichler-built houses nestled within a compact neighborhood, reflecting Eichler’s “modern in the middle class” vision at the dawn of the postwar housing boom eichlerhomesforsale.com. The development’s historical significance is enhanced by the fact that it embodies Eichler’s initial experiments in residential design – coming before his collaboration with famous architects like Anshen & Allen or Jones & Emmons. Despite its smaller scale, Sunnymount Gardens set the stage for Eichler’s later, more expansive communities, making it an important early chapter in the Eichler legacy.

Neighborhood Layout and Street Boundaries

Rather than a typical grid, Sunnymount Gardens was designed as an intimate horseshoe-shaped cul-de-sac enclave, which enhances its quiet, community-oriented character. The tract is tucked just off Sunnyvale–Saratoga Road near Remington Drive – an area that is now adjacent to Sunnyvale’s popular Las Palmas Park. Its U-shaped street plan is formed by Sunnymount Avenue and Dawn Drive, connected by a short spur called Dee Street, creating a self-contained loop with only a single entrance/exit. This layout means virtually no through-traffic: only residents and their guests drive inside the tract, contributing to a peaceful atmosphere where children play safely on the streets and neighbors greet each other freely. Las Palmas Park, a large and lush city park famous for its towering palm trees and whimsical Easter Island head sculptures, sits a short stroll away. The proximity of this park – along with nearby schools, grocery stores (Trader Joe’s, Safeway), and even Sunnyvale’s historic downtown – gives Sunnymount Gardens an enviable location balancing suburban tranquility with walkable amenities.

In terms of boundaries, Sunnymount Gardens is a relatively small enclave defined by the above three streets. It sits in an established part of Sunnyvale and is encircled by other mid-century residential areas, yet it manages to feel tucked away. The tract’s modernist homes occupy one side of each street, while about 30 more traditional ranch-style homes line the opposite side, blending the Eichler designs with more conventional houses of the same era eichlerhomesforsale.com. This mix was unique – according to local lore, the ranch homes may have been built either by Eichler himself (in a simpler style) or by another builder who purchased lots from him. The result is that Sunnymount Gardens organically integrates with its surroundings: the Eichler homes share the neighborhood with non-Eichlers, making the tract distinctive yet not isolated within the broader Sunnyvale community. From the street, an observer will notice two different architectural characters facing each other – the low-slung modernist profiles of the Eichlers opposite the modest mid-century ranch homes – all contributing to a cohesive 1940s/1950s ambiance.

Architectural Features and Design Elements

As a product of the late 1940s, the Eichler homes in Sunnymount Gardens showcase mid-century modern architecture in its nascent form. These houses were built before Eichler introduced his hallmark atriums and radiant-heated concrete slabs, so they differ in notable ways from the later Eichler models while still exhibiting many core Eichler traits. Key architectural features include:

• Rooflines: Most homes feature flat or low-pitched shed roofs, emphasizing clean horizontal lines in true modernist fashion eichlerhomesforsale.com. Uniquely, two houses in this tract sport butterfly roof designs – dramatic V-shaped roofs with upward-sloping “wings.” These rare butterfly-roof Eichlers are among the first (and few) that Eichler ever built. Eichler largely avoided the butterfly style in his later work, so the pair of “butterfly” homes here stand out as playful architectural curiosities treasured by mid-century enthusiasts.

• Floor Plans and Layout: The layouts in Sunnymount Gardens reflect a transitional design. Unlike Eichler’s later open-plan layouts with central atriums, these early homes have more traditional floor plans. Kitchens were initially separated from living areas (a more conventional arrangement for the era), and the overall interior footprints are modest (around 1,200–1,300 sq ft in the original 3-bedroom designs). Many homes did feature Eichler’s signature post-and-beam construction and open beam tongue-and-groove ceilings, which allowed for expanses of glass and a feeling of airiness despite the smaller size heritageparkmuseum.org. Large floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors were used to “bring the outdoors in,” although interestingly in these early models more glass faces the street than in Eichler’s later homes. At the rear, they did not yet have the walls of glass opening to backyards that later Eichlers became known for. Nevertheless, each home was oriented on its lot to maximize light and privacy, with fenced backyards providing private outdoor space even if the indoor-outdoor integration was less pronounced than in Eichler’s 1960s designs.
  
  

• Materials: Sunnymount Eichlers were built with quality mid-century materials similar to Eichler’s other projects. Exterior facades feature clean horizontal lines and natural materials, often with redwood or wood siding and minimal ornamentation to blend with the landscape. Interiors originally included rich Philippine mahogany wall paneling and exposed wood beams, imparting warmth and texture heritageparkmuseum.org. Expanses of glass (fixed windows and sliding doors) flood the homes with natural light, a dramatic departure from the “tiny windows” of pre-war houses heritageparkmuseum.org. Underfoot, these 1949 homes were built on raised foundations rather than slab-on-grade, and they used forced-air central heating (radiant floor heating would not be introduced until a few years later). Each house included a brick wood-burning fireplace as a cozy focal point – as advertised in Eichler’s original brochures – and most had an attached one- or two-car garage integrated into the design.

Overall, the architecture of Sunnymount Gardens can be seen as Eichler’s early exploration of modern living concepts. They lack the atrium courtyards and broad rear glass walls that later Eichlers became famous for, yet they embody the essential DNA of Eichler design: open-plan sensibilities, indoor-outdoor connectivity, bold roof profiles, and unadorned natural materials. In fact, these homes were modern to a degree that was radical for 1949, prompting Eichler’s ads of the time to boast of “truly up-to-the-minute modern homes” with features and a style Californians hadn’t seen before. Today, many homeowners in Sunnymount have tastefully updated their houses – often opening up the kitchen to living areas or expanding the small original footprint – while preserving iconic mid-century elements like the open-beam ceilings and minimalist facades. A few of the distinctive butterfly-roof homes have also been carefully maintained and restored, underscoring the neighborhood’s commitment to its architectural heritage.

Community Character and Lifestyle

What truly sets Sunnymount Gardens apart is its strong sense of community and the lifestyle it offers to residents. The enclave design naturally fosters neighborly interaction: with the homes arranged around a gentle curve and no through traffic, residents often meet each other walking pets, watching children play, or during casual street gatherings. Longtime residents recall that even in the early years, the tract’s secluded feel created an “everyone knows everyone” atmosphere.

Today, that tradition continues. Sunnymount Gardens is known for block parties, holiday get-togethers, and friendly camaraderie among neighbors eichlerhomesforsale.com. The neighborhood’s size – only a few dozen homes – means newcomers are warmly welcomed and often quickly get to know the whole community. Many homeowners share a pride in the mid-century modern character of their properties, which becomes a common bond. It’s not unusual to see neighbors exchanging tips on restoring an original Eichler globe light or coordinating efforts to maintain the look of their homes’ exteriors. This collaborative spirit gives Sunnymount a close-knit, almost “small-town” vibe right in the heart of Silicon Valley.

Another lifestyle perk is the tract’s access to parks and recreation. Sunnymount Gardens is adjacent to Las Palmas Park, one of Sunnyvale’s loveliest public parks, featuring expansive lawns, playgrounds, picnic areas, and even a whimsical display of Moai (Easter Island head) sculptures that delight children and adults alike. Residents can easily walk over for an afternoon at the park, join a weekend pickup soccer game, or attend community events there. The quiet streets within the tract also double as safe play areas for kids learning to ride bikes or neighbors enjoying an evening stroll under the mid-century style globe streetlights.

For day-to-day convenience, Sunnymount Gardens is surprisingly walkable. Just beyond the neighborhood, locals find shopping and dining options – a Trader Joe’s market and Safeway grocery are within walking distance, as are coffee shops and casual eateries. Sunnyvale’s historic downtown (Murphy Avenue area) is only a short drive or bike ride away, offering a farmers’ market, restaurants, and seasonal community events. This blend of suburban peace and urban accessibility means residents enjoy a balanced lifestyle: quiet retreat at home, with culture and conveniences at their fingertips.

Families are also drawn to Sunnymount Gardens for its high-quality schools and family-friendly environment. The tract is served by some of Sunnyvale’s top-rated public schools (such as Cumberland Elementary, Sunnyvale Middle, and Fremont High), which is a major benefit for homeowners with children eichlerhomesforsale.com. (Notably, these schools are well-regarded across Sunnyvale, and Sunnymount shares its school assignments with several other nearby neighborhoods.) The combination of great schools, a safe and sociable street scene, and nearby parks makes this Eichler enclave ideal for young families and established households alike.

In essence, life in Sunnymount Gardens offers a rare community spirit that can be hard to find in today’s fast-paced Silicon Valley. Neighbors here aren’t just homeowners on the same street – they become friends who value the character of their neighborhood and look out for one another. It’s a lifestyle that marries mid-century charm with modern community values, much as Eichler himself envisioned when he built these homes over 70 years ago.

Preservation Efforts and Planning Guidelines

Given Sunnymount Gardens’ historic character and architectural uniqueness, residents and the City of Sunnyvale have taken steps to preserve the Eichler aesthetic and ensure any changes remain sensitive to the mid-century design. In the past decade, Sunnyvale recognized the importance of its Eichler neighborhoods (over 1,100 Eichler homes citywide) and introduced Eichler Design Guidelines to maintain their cohesiveness heritageparkmuseum.org. These city guidelines provide direction for homeowners on exterior changes, encouraging the use of Eichler-appropriate materials and styles – for example, keeping low-profile rooflines, avoiding overly ornate detailing, and favoring wood, glass, and stone in lieu of stucco or faux-traditional additions. The goal is not to freeze the homes in time, but to guide renovations so that new additions (like second-story additions or rebuilds) do not clash with the clean lines and modest scale of the originals heritageparkmuseum.org.

One significant outcome of local preservation advocacy has been the adoption of single-story overlay zoning in many Eichler tracts, including Sunnymount Gardens. Between 2015 and 2017, homeowners in one Eichler neighborhood after another petitioned the city to rezone their area to R1 (single-story only), a reaction sparked by concerns that two-story “monster homes” would loom over their single-story mid-century houses and erode privacy and character heritageparkmuseum.org. Sunnymount Gardens residents joined this movement, seeking to protect their enclave’s low-slung profile. The City of Sunnyvale responded by approving zoning changes and design rules that restrict second-story constructions in these tracts heritageparkmuseum.org. This means that in Sunnymount Gardens today, any major remodel or rebuild must generally stay within the one-story height, preserving the iconic horizontal silhouette of the neighborhood. Neighbors have largely celebrated these measures, as they prevent outsized new homes and encourage homeowners to remodel in harmony with Eichler’s original vision.

Furthermore, the community itself is proactive in preservation. Homeowner education and advocacy groups share resources on period-appropriate renovations – for instance, how to replace a roof or update windows without compromising the mid-century style. Many residents opt for “Eichler-sensitive” upgrades: they might modernize kitchens and bathrooms for comfort, but they retain features like the exposed ceiling beams, floor-to-ceiling glass walls, and uncluttered facades that define the home’s character eichlerhomesforsale.com. There is a strong ethos of “do no harm” to the original design. Even sustainability improvements like adding solar panels are done thoughtfully (often flush-mounted to flat roofs, for example) so as not to detract from the clean rooflines.

Overall, Sunnymount Gardens benefits from both official city support and passionate resident involvement in preservation. These efforts ensure that this early Eichler tract will continue to look and feel much as it did in the mid-20th century – a time capsule of California modernism – while still allowing homeowners to enjoy 21st-century comforts. The result is a neighborhood that is proudly historic yet vibrantly livable, offering the best of old and new for current residents and future generations.

Real Estate Market Context and Desirability

Sunnymount Gardens may be a “hidden Eichler gem” in Sunnyvale, but it is no secret to mid-century home aficionados and Silicon Valley homebuyers – the neighborhood is highly sought-after in the real estate market. Several factors combine to drive the desirability of this tract:

• Historic Appeal: As an early Eichler tract, Sunnymount Gardens holds special cachet. Eichler enthusiasts value the neighborhood for its authentic mid-century modern pedigree and the relative rarity of its home designs (including the famed butterfly-roof examples). Owning one of these homes is like owning a piece of California architectural history. This heritage factor often attracts buyers who might have considered more conventional homes, but are drawn to the unique story and design of Sunnymount’s Eichlers.

• Limited Supply: With only 36 Eichler homes in the tract (and those seldom leaving the hands of their devoted owners), opportunities to purchase in Sunnymount Gardens are infrequent. Years can go by with few or no homes on the market. When a Sunnymount Eichler does become available, it often sparks competitive bidding among buyers who have been waiting for a chance eichlerhomesforsale.com. This limited inventory, combined with steady demand, has led to strong price appreciation over the past decade eichlerhomesforsale.com. Sunnymount homes consistently command premium values in line with – and sometimes exceeding – other Eichler neighborhoods in the region due to their coveted status and the tract’s charm.

• Location and Lifestyle: Compared to some larger Sunnyvale Eichler tracts located further from the city center, Sunnymount Gardens offers a particularly convenient location. Its central Sunnyvale setting (near major thoroughfares, parks, and shopping) and access to good schools enhance its market appeal for a broad range of buyers, from tech professionals with young families to empty-nesters looking for a design-forward home in a walkable area eichlerhomesforsale.com. While later Eichler developments like Fairbrae or Rancho Verde boast larger floor plans or private community swim clubs, Sunnymount’s advantage is its intimate scale and historic character. Many buyers find the small, close-knit community feel to be a big draw – something not easily replicated in larger subdivisions. In essence, Sunnymount Gardens is often compared to a “boutique” neighborhood – what it lacks in size, it makes up for in personality and uniqueness.
  
  

• Comparative Desirability: Within Sunnyvale’s 16 Eichler tracts, Sunnymount Gardens holds its own as a prized enclave. Later tracts (built in the mid/late 1950s and 60s) such as Fairorchard or Fairbrae might feature more expansive models or the classic atrium designs, but they also see heavy competition and, in some cases, higher prices due to their larger square footage. Sunnymount’s homes, being earlier, are generally more modest in size; this can make them slightly more attainable in price than a 2,000 sq ft Eichler elsewhere in Sunnyvale – yet they still offer all the fundamentals of Eichler design and the same neighborhood benefits. For many buyers, the trade-off of a bit less space is worth it to gain historic ambiance, a prime location, and a tight-knit community. Moreover, some savvy buyers see value in Sunnymount’s smaller homes as opportunities – many properties have been thoughtfully expanded or upgraded over time, meaning new owners can enjoy modernized interiors within a classic shell, or even plan a sensitive addition of their own (within the single-story guideline) to customize the home for their needs.

In recent years, market trends have shown rising interest and investment in mid-century modern homes, and Sunnymount Gardens is part of that wave. Eichler homes across Silicon Valley have developed almost a cult following, and Sunnymount’s blend of history, design, and community ticks all the boxes for this enthusiastic buyer segment. As a result, property values here have remained robust. Homes often sell quickly, sometimes off-market, to buyers specifically waiting in the wings. The neighborhood’s reputation as a “rare Eichler enclave” means that even in shifting markets, demand stays relatively high and stable.

For prospective sellers in Sunnymount Gardens, the limited competition (only a handful of similar Eichlers in Sunnyvale’s inventory at any given time) and the marketing appeal of Eichler design work in their favor. For buyers, successfully purchasing in Sunnymount can be challenging – requiring patience, preparedness, and often the guidance of a realtor knowledgeable in Eichler properties – but the reward is owning a home in one of Sunnyvale’s most unique and treasured neighborhoods.

In summary, Sunnymount Gardens offers a compelling profile for anyone interested in mid-century modern living. Its development history gives it a distinguished pedigree in Eichler lore; its architectural features capture the essence of 1940s modernism (with a few delightful surprises like butterfly roofs); its neighborhood layout provides peace and privacy amid a busy city; and its community spirit makes it feel welcoming and special. With active preservation efforts ensuring its character endures, and a strong real estate demand underscoring its desirability, Sunnymount Gardens stands out as a truly remarkable Eichler tract – a place where past and present blend to create an idyllic environment for lovers of timeless design and California modern lifestyle.

Sources: 

Sunnymount Gardens information eichlerhomesforsale.com

Sunnyvale historical records heritageparkmuseum.org

Sunnyvale Eichler guidelines heritageparkmuseum.org

 Local real estate market analyses eichlerhomesforsale.com

Sunnymount Gardens information eichlerhomesforsale.com