443 Ferne
It’s a bit to the south of San Francisco (Palo Alto), and the hardcore Eichler purists are sure to have a fit (“OMG! They used stainless steel and slate!”).
443 Ferne: Floor Plan
But we’re fans of the “modernized” 443 Ferne. In a rather big way.
443 Ferne: Floor Plan and Photos [mac.com]
∙ Listing: 443 Ferne, Palo Alto (4/2) – $1,849,000 [Nil Erdal]

17 thoughts on “An Updated Palo Alto Eichler Sure To Give Hardcore Purists A Fit”
  1. I grew up a few blocks from this house. Our house had the same floorplan — pre-remodel, I hasten to add. These weren’t lavish houses, and I’m tremendously fond of them. This re-do takes the house decidedly upmarket, but it’s not at odds with the original aesthetic. Some of the neighboring houses, “warmed up” with rustic maple or knotty pine, etc. in the late ’70s and early ’80s, are another story altogether.

  2. I would move out of the city in a minute. I love these houses, especially when they are updated. This is California living at it’s best. I’d almost consider giving up my boyfriend and getting a wife.

  3. i agree with 94131. i grew up in an eichler, and this renovation seems like a logical evolution, unlike some of the ill-advised stuff i’ve seen.

  4. I like the modern look of the interior and the use of floor to ceiling glass in the back. However, I think that the exterior is rather ugly and dated. It sort of devalues the beauty that is inside. I would’ve liked to have seen an exterior facelift as well, to go with the interior beautification.

  5. I personally think it’s fantastic to update the interior of the homes to a modern living and at the same time maintain the homes’ original architecture. And this is a beautiful example of it. It gives an old house a new breath of life, and I love that!
    I think this is an interesting article because I sometimes encounter it in my job. I love architecture, both old and new, but sometimes my job puts me in an tricky spot. I stage homes for a living, my job is all about updating the aesthetics for today’s buyers, who want updates and live in modern homes and enjoy the amenities that come with modern updates. So it’s interesting when I get requests for architecture “purists” to stage with original period furniture. (Yeah, that wouldn’t work so well for Victorians at all.)
    Updates if done well, like this home, can look fantastic and great to live in.
    Cheers,
    Cindy

  6. Ha, ha, ha. This is not even Palo Alto. It is South Palo Alto. The fabulous “Eichler” is nothing but a hen house without even a proper roof. Enjoy the 120 degree heat in summer in your close to 2 Million “Eichler”. A sucker is born every minute……..

  7. It may not be the poshest of PA neighborhoods but south Palo Alto certainly is Palo Alto (unlike East Palo Alto, which is a separate city in a different county). 120 degree heat in the summer? What planet are you living on? And if you think it’s overpriced you should check out other Palo Alto listings.

  8. “Enjoy the 120 degree heat in the summer” ?
    Really? Didn’t we just experience above 90 degree temps here in the city? What is with all the bashing of anywhere that is not San Francisco? Palo Alto may have the best climate in California as far as I am concerned. Look it up, average summer temps are in the 70’s for downtown Palo Alto.

  9. “120 degree heat in the summer? What planet are you living on”
    Well, if it’s 90 degrees outside, how hot do you think it is inside the hen house?
    Only $1.8 Mill. Heck of a deal. And still some money left for the air conditioning. LoooooooooooooL

    1. I spent many days in that house in the 1970s. It was never, ever 120 degrees. On hot days, you open the glass doors but left the screen doors closed to keep the bugs out.

      And the over-priced $2 million hen house is now worth 50% to 75% more than it was when you wrote. Maybe $1 million appreciation

  10. Hmmm. Lemme see. Listing says the roof is insulated. Big overhangs. Good cross ventilation. I’d say 80.

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