To say interior designer Tamara Marsh and her husband were bigs fans of Eichler homes would be an understatement. After remodeling and living in their Terra Linda Eichler in Marin County, they were searching for the right double A-frame Eichler in Lucas Valley to move their growing family into. They hit the jackpot when this one went on the market—it was built in 1964 as part of Joseph Eichler’s last development in Marin County.
“Elegance, functionality and ease of living—being able to truly blend indoor and outdoor living,” explains Tamara. “Eichlers provide a lifestyle that is equally appealing to young families with small children (or pets), and to the elderly. With the single-level living, massive windows that offer uninterrupted views into the backyard area, and sliding glass doors that allow the inside space to merge with the outside, one doesn’t ever need to plan for the outings, but yet always feel connected to nature.”
The five-bedroom, two-bathroom house features a double-gabled roof; a central atrium with a vaulted ceiling, glass doors, and a stone fireplace; an open, single-level floorpan with light-filled spaces; and post-and-beam construction.
“The original owner worked as a pool designer for Joseph Eichler at the time that Lucas Valley development was being built (he actually designed the house pool) and chose this house for his growing family because of its unique position on a secluded and spacious lot located on a circle, across from the tennis courts,” says Tamara. “The generous lot offers complete privacy and overlooks the valley and the surrounding mountains of Sleepy Hollow National Preserve, offering tranquility and retreat-like setting.”
Since Tamara and her husband bought the house from its original owners, it was well-preserved and maintained. It even had its original 1960s appliances that were still in working condition. It needed a contemporary update, though.
“A few of the general Eichler design issues consistent with this house included markedly small bedrooms, notoriously small bathrooms which were purely functional and devoid of any charm or beauty, as well as the relatively small and linear kitchen, designed using simple materials,” says Tamara.
Tamara’s vision was to expand on the elegance of the space, upgrading the design, finishes, colors, and textures. She wanted it to feel slightly more luxurious than its natural simple state. “Eichlers are known for their simple, yet functional and well-planned space where every square foot is thoughtfully used as a living space,” Tamara explains. “The materials are bare—mainly wood paneling, vinyl floors, and massive glass windows that provide seamless indoor-outdoor transition. The lighting is simple, consisting of strategically and evenly distributed globe lights, which provide for a nice contrast to otherwise straight lines and angular design.”
The plan was to add more square footage to the kitchen, bathroom, and primary suite areas; make the kitchen feel more connected to the living/family room areas; and design the primary suite to feel like a sanctuary…