Fairgrove Eichler Homes in Cupertino: Mid-Century Modern

Joseph Eichler was a transformative figure in post-war American housing, bringing architect-driven modernism to everyday families. Between the late 1940s and the early 1970s, Eichler Homes, Inc. built over 11,000 mid-century modern residences across California—collaborating with leading architectural firms like Anshen & Allen, Jones & Emmons, and Claude Oakland & Associates. His homes introduced concepts then considered revolutionary for tract housing: open floor plans, post-and-beam construction, floor-to-ceiling glass, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Equally groundbreaking was Eichler’s moral stance. He refused to follow discriminatory real estate practices and famously left the National Association of Home Builders in 1958 when they would not support inclusive sales policies. Today, Eichler homes stand as icons of mid-century design—celebrated for their spatial clarity, warm simplicity, and ability to capture California light and landscape in everyday living.

History of Eichler Homes in Cupertino’s Fairgrove Tract

Cupertino may be globally known today as the headquarters of Apple, but long before its rise as a tech capital, it was one of the most architecturally important suburbs in the Bay Area thanks to Joseph Eichler.
Fairgrove—built between 1960 and 1961—is the only major Eichler tract in all of Cupertino, comprising approximately 225 mid-century modern homes. Positioned at the northeast corner of Miller Avenue and Bollinger Road, the tract represents Eichler’s expansion into higher-performing school districts and rapidly growing Santa Clara Valley communities during the early 1960s.

Most of the Fairgrove models were designed by Anshen & Allen and Jones & Emmons, with later refinements based on Claude Oakland’s evolving architectural vocabulary. These were foundational years for Eichler design. Atriums grew larger. Glass walls expanded. Floor plans became more family-friendly. And Eichler’s design language shifted toward the spacious, modern California lifestyle that would define his best-known neighborhoods.

In 2001, Cupertino formally adopted Eichler Design Guidelines specifically to protect Fairgrove’s architectural character—making it one of the few cities in Silicon Valley to codify mid-century preservation in its planning documents. The result: Fairgrove remains an unusually intact, visually consistent Eichler neighborhood even as Cupertino has grown into one of the region’s most sought-after residential markets.

Architectural Features

Just like the Saratoga tract, Fairgrove exemplifies classic Eichler modernism, though with slightly more modest square footage and an emphasis on clean, family-oriented layouts. Key architectural elements include:

Post-and-Beam Structure

The hallmark of every Eichler, these exposed beams eliminate the need for interior load-bearing walls, creating the airy, open-plan interiors that define mid-century modern design. Tongue-and-groove ceilings visually emphasize the home’s linear geometry and warmth.

Signature Atriums

Many Fairgrove models feature open-air atriums, serving as dramatic focal points that greet visitors at the entry. These courtyards bathe the homes in natural light and create private outdoor rooms framed by glass.

Floor-to-Ceiling Glass Walls

Nearly every major living area is bordered by walls of glass—sliding doors, clerestories, and fixed panels—creating transparency between indoor living spaces and the outdoor gardens. This “indoor-outdoor fusion” is one of the most beloved aspects of Fairgrove Eichlers.

Radiant Heating in Concrete Slab

True to Eichler tradition, Fairgrove homes use in-slab radiant heating, delivering gentle, silent warmth that complements the open architecture and avoids bulky vents.

Low-Pitched or Flat Rooflines

Fairgrove displays the classic low-slung Eichler silhouette, with broad eaves and horizontal emphasis. The architecture blends seamlessly into its tree-lined streets, maintaining a calm, understated streetscape aesthetic.

Natural Materials and Minimalism

Vertical wood siding, Philippine mahogany interior panels, built-in cabinetry, and simple geometric forms reflect the mid-century ethos of honesty in materials and design purity.

Fairgrove’s models range from smaller 3-bedroom plans to larger 4-bedroom layouts, but all retain the modernist principles that make Eichlers enduringly relevant and visually timeless.

Neighborhood and Community

Fairgrove is located just off Miller Avenue and Bollinger Road, placing it in the heart of Cupertino’s residential core. Yet despite its central location, the neighborhood feels calm and tightly knit, thanks to its modestly scaled streets, consistent one-story profiles, and a strong sense of community pride.

Schools and Education

One major reason Fairgrove is so desirable is access to Cupertino’s top-ranked public schools—some of the best in California. Most homes feed into:

• Sedgwick Elementary School

• Hyde Middle School

• Cupertino High School
  
  

The quality of these districts significantly bolsters property values and continuously drives buyer demand.

Walkability & Amenities

Fairgrove enjoys excellent proximity to Cupertino amenities:

• Cupertino Crossroads shopping

• De Anza College

• Apple Park

• Jollyman Park

• Ortega Park

• Library, coffee shops, and neighborhood centers along Stevens Creek Boulevard and Miller Avenue
  
  

While suburban in character, the area offers enough nearby retail, plazas, and services to make everyday living exceptionally convenient.

A Connected, Design-Savvy Community

Fairgrove residents share a strong affinity for mid-century modern architecture. Many have restored their homes in period-appropriate styles, while others collaborate with Eichler-friendly architects and contractors. Because Cupertino adopted Eichler Design Guidelines, the neighborhood maintains a remarkable degree of architectural consistency—something cherished by both longtime residents and new buyers.

Fairgrove offers a tight-knit, neighborly atmosphere, where evening walks, kids on scooters, and well-preserved modern façades create a warm, lived-in mid-century ambiance reminiscent of its original 1960s intent.

Market Trends for Fairgrove Eichler Homes

Fairgrove is one of the most stable and sought-after Eichler neighborhoods in Silicon Valley, thanks to its combination of architecture, location, and school districts.

Pricing & Value

Recent years have placed Fairgrove’s typical pricing in the $2.2M–$2.8M+ range, depending on condition, model, lot size, and level of restoration.
This places Fairgrove below Saratoga and Palo Alto Eichler valuations but above most neighborhoods in Sunnyvale or San Jose—reflecting Cupertino’s school-district premium and the neighborhood’s strong preservation ethos.

Buyer Profile

Most interested buyers fall into one of three groups:

1. Mid-century modern enthusiasts seeking an authentic Eichler lifestyle

2. Tech families prioritizing Cupertino schools and commute proximity

3. Design-forward luxury buyers drawn to architecture rather than square footage

Because Fairgrove offers larger spaces than early-period Palo Alto Eichlers but more affordability than Saratoga, it occupies a strategic middle ground in the Eichler market.

Scarcity & Turnover

With around 225 homes and strong owner retention, Fairgrove inventory remains low. Some years see only a handful of listings, creating consistent upward pressure on values. Well-preserved or sensitively remodeled homes often spark multiple offers.

Renovation Value

Modernized Fairgrove Eichlers—especially those with insulated foam roofs, updated radiant or mini-split systems, dual-pane MCM-appropriate windows, and high-quality Eichler-respectful kitchen/bath updates—can command top-tier pricing.
“Time-capsule” original Eichlers also attract bidding wars among preservation-minded buyers.

Renovation and Preservation

Like all Eichler communities, Fairgrove presents unique renovation considerations. But Cupertino’s Eichler Design Guidelines create a strong preservation framework that helps maintain architectural integrity.

Common Upgrades

• Foam roofing for insulation and waterproofing

• Radiant heat repairs or replacement with modern hydronic or mini-split solutions

• Dual-pane glass in custom MCM frames

• Kitchen/bath upgrades using flat-panel cabinetry and modernist materials

• Electrical and plumbing modernization

• Solar panels positioned discreetly to preserve façade clarity

Preserving Character

Homeowners typically protect:

• Original Eichler siding

• Tongue-and-groove ceilings

• Mahogany paneling

• Globe pendant lights

• Iconic Eichler color palettes

• Overhangs and atrium geometry
  
  

As with the Saratoga tract, Fairgrove residents share contractor tips, collaborate on preservation, and maintain a strong architectural identity. Pop-tops (second-story additions) are rare due to design guidelines, ensuring that Fairgrove keeps its one-story modernist horizon line.

Lifestyle Appeal: Why Buyers Love Fairgrove

Fairgrove attracts buyers who want more than just a house—they want a design-driven living experience:

Indoor-Outdoor Living

Floor-to-ceiling windows frame gardens, patios, and private courtyards, creating a year-round California lifestyle of light-filled rooms and natural connection.

Modern Family Flow

Eichler’s open-concept plans feel remarkably current, ideal for entertaining, remote work, and day-to-day flexibility.

Community Vibe

Fairgrove residents often describe the neighborhood as welcoming, creative, and engaged—united by a shared love for architecture and the comfort of a human-scaled streetscape.

Prime Silicon Valley Access

Minutes to Apple, major tech corridors, parks, De Anza College, and top schools, Fairgrove balances serenity with convenience.

Architectural Identity

Owning a Fairgrove Eichler is joining a legacy of mid-century modern innovation—a narrative that resonates with both nostalgic buyers and new generations discovering Eichler design for the first time.

Final Reflection

The Fairgrove Eichler Tract is one of the most architecturally significant and best-preserved mid-century neighborhoods in Silicon Valley. With its combination of authentic Eichler design, strong community identity, top Cupertino schools, and unbeatable access to the tech corridor, Fairgrove remains a coveted destination for design lovers and families alike.

It stands today exactly as Joseph Eichler intended: a place where modern architecture elevates everyday living—simple, elegant, and connected to the outdoors.  

Work With Silicon Valley’s Premier Eichler Experts

The Boyenga Team stands at the forefront of Silicon Valley’s mid-century modern market, representing more Eichlers, Mackays, Gavellos, and modern architectural homes than nearly any other real estate group in the region. As trusted authorities and founding Compass partners, Eric and Janelle Boyenga bring decades of specialization, deep neighborhood insight, and a proven record of maximizing value for modern homeowners. From representing Joseph Eichler’s personal residence in Atherton to advising on sensitive restorations and marketing architecturally significant properties, the Boyenga Team blends design fluency with data-driven strategy—providing unmatched guidance for both buyers and sellers in Silicon Valley’s competitive Eichler market.

Boyenga Team — Eichler & Mid-Century Modern Specialists

Compass | Silicon Valley • Peninsula • South Bay

📧 eichlers@boyenga.com

📞 408.373.1660 (Eric)
📞 408.506.3942 (Janelle)

DRE #01254725 (Eric Boyenga)
DRE #01254724 (Janelle Boyenga)

🌐 www.EichlerHomesForSale.com
🌐 www.BoyengaTeam.com