Fairgrove, Cupertino — The Definitive Guide to Eichler Homes in 95014

Fairgrove is Cupertino’s only Eichler tract – roughly 220–230 mid-century modern homes built in 1960–1961 eichlerhomesforsale.com. Centered near Miller Avenue and Bollinger Road in Cupertino’s southeast corner, the neighborhood was developed by Joseph Eichler’s team of modernist architects (including Anshen & Allen, Jones & Emmons, and Claude Oakland) eichlerhomesforsale.com. Hallmark Eichler features define Fairgrove: open atrium floor plans, dramatic post-and-beam construction, and walls of glass opening to private gardens. Despite being enveloped by Silicon Valley’s growth, Fairgrove has remained an authentic mid-century modern enclave. It even feeds into top-ranked local schools – typically D. J. Sedgwick Elementary, Hyde Middle, and Cupertino High (verify each address) – enhancing its draw for families eichlerhomesforsale.com.

Why Fairgrove Matters

Fairgrove is where Eichler’s vision of “modernism for the masses” took root in Cupertino. The tract exemplifies the indoor-outdoor lifestyle Eichler homes are famous for, with human-scaled, single-story streetscapes that feel unmistakably mid-century – even as Apple’s new campus and trendy shopping centers have sprung up nearby. For homebuyers, this neighborhood represents a rare combination: an intact pocket of genuine MCM (mid-century modern) architecture paired with the practical benefits of Cupertino’s central location and excellent schools. It’s a slice of 1960s California modernism thriving in the heart of today’s tech hub, which is why demand for Fairgrove Eichlers stays consistently high eichlerhomesforsale.com.

Facts (Quick Reference)

• Total Eichler homes: ~223–230 (counts vary by source)en.wikipedia.org. Most sources peg it around 225 homes in total.

• Years built: 1960–1961 (constructed in at least two phases) eichlerhomesforsale.com.

• Location: Northeast of Miller Ave & Bollinger Rd – roughly bounded by Phil Lane (north), Tantau Ave/Hyde Ave (east), Bollinger Rd (south), and Miller Ave (west) eichlerhomesforsale.com. Key Eichler streets include Shadygrove Dr, Stendhal Ln, Brookgrove Ln, Ferngrove Dr, and Willowgrove Ln eichlerhomesforsale.com.

• Architectural DNA: Single-story post-and-beam construction with open-beam ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glass panels, private courtyards/atriums, and low-pitched or butterfly rooflines. Many homes feature open-air atrium entries or enclosed front courtyards. Radiant-heated slab foundations were originally used in all homes.

• Nearby landmarks: Creekside Park lies adjacent, offering a playground and sports fields for the neighborhood eichlerhomesforsale.com. Apple Park (Apple’s spaceship campus) is ~2 miles away, and the Main Street Cupertino retail/dining district is within a few minutes’ drive.

• Schools: Highly regarded Cupertino schools (verify by address): likely D. J. Sedgwick Elementary (right in the neighborhood on Phil Lane), Warren E. Hyde Middle School (borders Fairgrove on the east), and Cupertino High School (approximately 1 mile north) eichlerhomesforsale.com. Always confirm attendance zones, as district lines can be quirky.

• Zoning/Preservation: Cupertino created special Eichler Design Guidelines in 2001 and designated Fairgrove as a unique R-1E “Eichler” zoning district eichlerhomesforsale.com. These guidelines encourage preserving Eichler characteristics (low rooflines, open fronts, etc.) but are voluntary and do not outright ban two-story additions. Neighbors have periodically discussed formal single-story overlay protection; the city even streamlined the process for such overlays in 2017, though as of late 2018 no petition had been filed by Fairgrove residents.

A Short History of Fairgrove

Cupertino’s lone Eichler tract emerged just as the area’s orchards were giving way to post-war suburbs. Joseph Eichler’s company built 229 homes in Fairgrove between 1960 and 1961, clustering them tightly around the Miller/Bollinger intersection. (Some references say ~223 homescupertinoeichlers.com – minor discrepancies arise from how tracts are counted or later lot changes.) At the time, Cupertino was newly incorporated (1955) and undergoing rapid growth. Eichler’s architects – notably A. Quincy Jones & Frederick Emmons (who designed many models here) and Claude Oakland (who would become Eichler’s chief architect by the mid-1960s) – brought cutting-edge modernist design to what had been rural land eichlerhomesforsale.com. Eichler’s vision of glass-walled, atrium-centered living was novel to Cupertino, and Fairgrove quickly stood out from other cookie-cutter developments of the era.

Early on, Fairgrove was marketed as attainable modern living: original prices were around $20,000 per home in the early ’60s. The tract was built in (at least) two phases: Phase 1 (1960) east of Hyde/Tantau Ave featured smaller 3-bedroom courtyard models (no atrium, but often a front patio). Phase 2 (1961) west of Hyde (around Stendhal, Brookgrove, Ferngrove) introduced the iconic atrium models and some larger 4-bedroom plans up to ~1,850 sq ft. This phased approach means Fairgrove showcases a range of Eichler model types from that era. Over the decades, the neighborhood remained relatively intact even as surrounding Cupertino filled up with malls, business parks, and eventually the Apple campus. Fairgrove’s mid-century charm endured, supported by residents’ pride in their Eichler homes and occasional city measures (like the 2001 Eichler design guidelines) to encourage preservation.

Neighborhood Anatomy & Boundaries

Fairgrove is a compact, easily defined enclave in the southern part of Cupertino. It occupies the northeast quadrant of Miller Avenue & Bollinger Road, with most Eichler homes radiating out along Shadygrove Drive, Stendhal Lane, Willowgrove Lane, and the network of “grove” courts (Brookgrove, Plumgrove, etc.) eichlerhomesforsale.com. The tract is roughly bounded by Phil Lane to the north (where Sedgwick Elementary sits), Tantau/Hyde Avenue to the east, Bollinger Road to the south, and Miller Avenue to the west eichlerhomesforsale.com. Inside these borders, almost every house is an Eichler, giving the streets a cohesive look and feel.

Geographically, this places Fairgrove in Cupertino’s southeastern reaches (near the Sunnyvale border). Despite that, it enjoys central convenience: Creekside Park lies just west across Miller, providing green space and a creekside trail eichlerhomesforsale.com. A short drive north on Miller leads to Cupertino’s shopping and dining core (Target, grocery stores, etc.), and a few minutes east is Main Street Cupertino, a modern mixed-use center with restaurants and a hotel. Notably, the massive Apple Park campus is also nearby – about a 5-minute drive or 2 miles away on Tantau Avenue. Yet inside Fairgrove, you’ll find quiet, low-traffic residential streets that hark back to the 1960s. The neighborhood has a single entry sign proudly announcing “Fairgrove Eichler Neighborhood, Circa 1960,” underscoring its identity.

Tip: If you need ultra-precise boundaries (for planning, outreach, etc.), consult Cupertino’s tract maps or an MLS neighborhood overlay. Various sources publish slightly different counts (223 vs 229 homes), but all refer to this same compact cluster. Some real estate sites even provide outline maps of Fairgrove’s 225-ish parcels. In general, if you’re near Miller & Bollinger and surrounded by Eichler mid-century homes, you’re in Fairgrove.

Architecture & Model Types You’ll See

Core Traits: Every home in Fairgrove is a single-story, post-and-beam Eichler with classic mid-century modern characteristics. Expect to see low-pitched or nearly flat roofs (some with gentle gables or the occasional double-gable form), exposed beam ceilings (often tongue-and-groove wood planks above), and iconic floor-to-ceiling glass panels opening to backyards or central courtyards. Most original models had open carports (sometimes later enclosed as garages) and radiant heating embedded in the concrete slab floors. Walls of Philippine mahogany paneling, globe pendant lights, and brick or concrete block fireplaces were common interior features. The emphasis is on horizontal lines, simplicity, and blurring the line between indoors and outdoors eichlerhomesforsale.com.

Plans & Phases: As mentioned, Fairgrove was built in two main phases which introduced different Eichler model types. Early-phase homes (east side of the tract) are often “courtyard” models – they have a walled front patio or courtyard at the entrance, but not a fully enclosed atrium atrium. Later-phase homes (west side, e.g. around Stendhal or Ferngrove) include true atrium models, where you enter through a contained open-air atrium in the center of the house. These later models also tend to be larger (some 4-bedroom layouts) and incorporate more dramatic rooflines and glass. A typical Fairgrove floor plan ranges from about 1,300 sq ft (for a 3-bed/2-bath courtyard model) up to around 1,800–1,850 sq ft for the biggest 4-bed atrium models eichlerhomesforsale.com. All original Fairgrove homes were built as one-story houses (no Eichler-built second stories). In fact, even today the vast majority remain single-story – preserving the original Eichler intent and sight lines eichlerhomesforsale.com.

Authentic Details to Look For: Many Fairgrove Eichlers still boast period details, thanks to owners who have lovingly preserved or restored them. Keep an eye out for globe light fixtures hanging in atriums or hallways (a signature Eichler touch), original mahogany wall paneling (sometimes revealed when owners remove drywall added in past remodels), and unpainted exposed beams overhead. Original Eichler front doors had a distinct proportion and simple design – some homes have kept or replicated these. In the carport models, look for the steel supports and paneled garage doors that were part of Eichler’s facade design. Of course, foam roofs (a common retrofit for Eichlers) and upgraded dual-pane windows are popular modern improvements, but good renovations will preserve the classic look of the clerestory windows and grid of floor-to-ceiling glass eichlerhomesforsale.com. In Fairgrove, you’ll find plenty of examples where updated kitchens, bathrooms, and even room additions have been done in an Eichler-sensitive way – maintaining the flat planes and open beams that make an Eichler an Eichler eichlerhomesforsale.com.

Schools (and Why Buyers Obsess)

Aside from architecture, one of Fairgrove’s biggest draws is its access to top-rated Cupertino schools. The neighborhood is zoned within Cupertino Union School District (CUSD) for elementary and middle school, and Fremont Union High School District (FUHSD) for high school. In practice, most Fairgrove addresses map to: D. J. Sedgwick Elementary School (K-5), Warren E. Hyde Middle School (6-8), and Cupertino High School (9-12) eichlerhomesforsale.com. This trifecta is highly regarded – Cupertino High (“Tino”) consistently posts strong test scores and sends many grads to top universities, and the elementary and middle schools are similarly well-regarded. Sedgwick Elementary is conveniently located right within Fairgrove (on Phil Lane at Miller), and Hyde Middle is immediately adjacent on the east side of the tract. This means many kids can walk or bike to K-8 without ever crossing a major street, a rarity in Silicon Valley. Cupertino High is a short drive or bike ride north on Finch Ave, roughly a mile away.

Always verify school assignments for a specific address, though. District boundaries can be quirky, and occasionally a home on the fringe of Fairgrove might be assigned differently. (For instance, a few homes closer to Tantau may have Eaton Elementary, etc., so use the official CUSD and FUHSD school locator tools to double-check.) But generally, Realtors and buyers alike prize Fairgrove because it offers authentic Eichler design without sacrificing educational opportunities. It’s the combination of “cool mid-century house + excellent schools” that drives much of the buyer demand here eichlerhomesforsale.com. In fact, many real estate listings for Fairgrove Eichlers prominently highlight the school pathway in the first lines of the description, knowing that’s a key selling point.

(Fun fact: Sedgwick Elementary’s campus, right in the center of the neighborhood, was built in the early 1960s as well – meaning kids attend school in mid-century modern style too. Hyde Middle, bordering Fairgrove, opened in the late ’60s. So the schools themselves are part of the post-war neighborhood fabric.)

Market Snapshot & Buyer Psychology

Why Fairgrove Eichlers Stay in High Demand: In Cupertino’s competitive real estate market, Fairgrove holds a special appeal. Buyers are willing to pay a premium because these homes offer a unique blend of design pedigree, location convenience, and school quality that is hard to replicate. Specifically, Fairgrove offers true mid-century modern architecture (in a region where Eichlers are relatively scarce) combined with a central Cupertino address minutes from Apple and other employers, plus access to coveted schools. Moreover, supply is always tight – with only ~225 homes total in the tract, turnover tends to be low (many residents stay for decades). Perhaps only a handful of Fairgrove Eichlers come on the market each year eichlerhomesforsale.com. This finite supply, against a backdrop of strong demand, keeps prices robust.

Recent sales bear this out. In the past year or so, Fairgrove Eichler listings often attract multiple offers, and sale prices have ranged roughly from mid-$2 millions up to around $3 million+ for an updated larger model eichlerhomesforsale.com. For example, a nicely upgraded 4-bedroom Eichler on Shadygrove Drive sold for about $3.6M in early 2025, demonstrating how eager some buyers are. Even smaller or more original-condition Eichlers in the tract easily surpass $2.2M, due to land value and inherent appeal. By comparison, a standard 1960s ranch house elsewhere in Cupertino with similar square footage might sell for less – the architectural cachet of an Eichler adds intangible (and tangible) value.

What today’s buyers look for: Many Eichler enthusiasts specifically target Fairgrove for its aesthetics, but they also keep a close eye on practical updates. Buyers love to see original mid-century features preserved, but they’ll pay even more if the home’s systems have been sensitively modernized (think updated electrical panels, efficient heating/cooling additions like mini-split AC, insulated foam roof, etc.). Walkability to Sedgwick Elementary and proximity to parks is another selling point often mentioned. The result is marketing that speaks to three angles: design (“authentic Eichler atrium!”), lifestyle (“indoor-outdoor living and walk to school!”), and location (“minutes from Apple and parks!”). It’s a winning formula that keeps Fairgrove Eichlers at the top of Cupertino house hunters’ wish lists eichlerhomesforsale.com.

Renovation & Preservation: Getting It Right

Eichler homes reward a “less is more” approach when it comes to upgrades. In Fairgrove, many homeowners have focused on restoring and improving core systems while respecting the original aesthetics. Here are some key considerations for renovating an Eichler in this neighborhood:

• Radiant Heat and Slabs: Fairgrove’s Eichlers were built with in-floor radiant heating (copper pipes embedded in the concrete slab). Over time, some of these systems failed or were capped. Owners often face a choice: repair the radiant (specialists can sometimes fix leaks) or replace it with modern solutions. A popular modern approach is installing hydronic radiant (using PEX tubing) or adding energy-efficient mini-split heat pump units for heating & cooling. The goal is to improve comfort without detracting from the design (e.g. avoiding bulky ductwork). If the original radiant works or is repairable, many Eichler purists keep it – it’s silent, clean, and part of the Eichler experience.

• Glazing and Insulation: Single-pane floor-to-ceiling glass is an Eichler signature, but not very energy efficient. Many Fairgrove owners have upgraded to double-pane windows and sliding doors that replicate the look of the originals. It’s critical to maintain the mullion pattern and narrow frame profile so the character isn’t lost. Likewise, adding insulation to the roof (often via a foam roofing system) dramatically improves energy performance while preserving the flat roof silhouette. New skylights can upgrade light quality, but they’re typically kept modest and in the spirit of Eichler’s originals.

• Roof and Electrical: Most Fairgrove homes now have foam roofs or high-quality membrane roofs (replacing the old tar-and-gravel). These not only insulate but also seal the many seams and edges an Eichler roof has. Electrical panels from 1960 were not designed for today’s loads, so upgrading the panel (and adding ample circuits and GFCI protection) is a common and wise improvement – usually done early in any renovation. Fortunately, Eichlers have accessible attics in the garage/carport and sometimes narrow attics along the bedroom wing, which makes running new wiring feasible without tearing open all the ceilings.

• Kitchens and Baths: Modernizing these can yield great livability gains, but the best updates respect Eichler’s horizontal lines and openness. For example, keep sightlines open from kitchen to living area (many Eichlers already have this feature). Use flat-front cabinets and simple, period-appropriate materials (wood, matte finishes, quartz or classic tiles) rather than ornate moldings or Tuscan-style flourishes which clash with mid-century style. A number of Fairgrove Eichlers have beautifully remodeled kitchens that manage to look contemporary yet “of a piece” with the Eichler architecture.

• Permits and Preservation: If replacing any windows or doors, permits are required – which also means bringing things up to code (e.g. installing tempered glass where needed for safety). Savvy Eichler remodelers try to work with architects or contractors familiar with Eichlers. The City of Cupertino’s Eichler Design Handbook (2001) is a great reference, providing guidelines on how to design additions or changes in a way that complements the original house. The community has an informal network of Eichler enthusiasts, and resources like Eichler Network and local Eichler Facebook groups can offer advice. Over the years there were talks of stricter protections (like a true single-story overlay zone), but as of now the preservation ethos is upheld mainly by homeowners’ shared passion. Bottom line: The best renovations in Fairgrove upgrade the performance and comfort of the home while honoring the clean lines, open spaces, and connection to outdoors that make these Eichlers special.

(Note: In 2001, Cupertino did adopt the Eichler District Guidelines to encourage sensitive improvements. These are voluntary guidelines, not strict rules. By 2017, the city allowed neighborhoods to petition for a binding single-story overlay, but Fairgrove hasn’t pursued this formally. The result is that a few two-story additions exist, but mostly dating from decades past. The prevailing culture in Fairgrove is to keep things one-story and Eichler-esque – a norm reinforced neighbor-to-neighbor.)

Streets to Know 

While every Fairgrove Eichler street has its charm, a few have become particularly noteworthy:

• Shadygrove Drive – Often cited as a showcase street for Fairgrove’s atrium model Eichlers. As you drive along Shadygrove, you’ll see multiple classic atrium entrances set behind Eichler’s characteristic screen walls. A number of Shadygrove homes have been featured in real estate tours for their well-preserved details. Eichler Network even highlighted a Shadygrove home as “a beautiful Fairgrove Eichler” exemplare. If you’re looking for textbook Eichler architecture, Shadygrove is a great start.

• Stendhal Lane – One of the main spines through the tract, Stendhal Lane is beloved for its row of carport-atrium models. Driving here feels like a time warp – original low-slung rooflines and neat, repetitive post-and-beam patterns create a quintessential mid-century street scene. Stendhal also has some of the larger 4-bedroom Eichlers toward its northern end. It’s named after a famous author (as are several streets in the tract), but around here Stendhal is synonymous with Eichler heritage.

• Willowgrove Lane – A smaller side street, but with a special claim to fame: the original model home for the Fairgrove development was on Willowgrove. In fact, 6148 Willowgrove Ln was the model home showcased by Eichler in 1960, sitting on a prime corner lot. That home still stands, modernized but retaining its open-beam ceilings and atrium entrance. Willowgrove today offers a quiet cul-de-sac feel, and knowing one of those homes launched the whole neighborhood’s sales adds a bit of historic allure.

• Brookgrove Lane & Ferngrove Drive – These adjoining streets were part of the 1961 phase and contain some of the largest models in Fairgrove (including an atrium model around 1850 sq ft that was used as a big 4-bedroom example). Brookgrove in particular has been mentioned in Eichler circles for having an atrium model used in marketing. Both streets are tucked deeper inside the tract, so they’re very peaceful and see little outside traffic. They truly feel like mid-century time capsules.

Of course, Phil Lane, Hyde Avenue, and others define the perimeter. Phil Lane is notable for the elementary school and for marking the northern edge of Eichler homes. Hyde (Tantau) along the eastern edge has a few Eichlers but also faces some newer homes across the street. Within the tract, virtually every street—Plumgrove, Lanceton, Stellings, etc.—is all-Eichler. Part of the fun for enthusiasts is simply wandering the courts and lanes, observing how different models or facade treatments create subtle variety within the Eichler vocabulary.

Living in Fairgrove

Beyond the architecture, Fairgrove offers a very livable environment with a strong sense of community. Parks & Play: The neighborhood is adjacent to Creekside Park, which has a playground, sports courts, and a shaded trail along Calabazas Creek – a perfect spot for kids and evening strolls eichlerhomesforsale.com. A bit further, you have Hoover Park and Three Oaks Park within a short drive, plus the larger Cupertino Memorial Park (with its pond and festival events) a couple miles away. For weekend hikers or nature lovers, the Rancho San Antonio Preserve is about a 10–15 minute drive, offering extensive trails.

Everyday Amenities: Fairgrove may feel tucked away, but daily conveniences are close. The new Main Street Cupertino development (at Stevens Creek Blvd and Tantau) is just down the road, providing trendy restaurants, coffee shops, a luxury fitness club, and even a hotel. Along Stevens Creek Blvd you’ll also find grocery stores, banks, and eateries. For a quick bite or groceries, the shopping centers at Wolfe Road or De Anza Boulevard are 5–10 minutes away. In essence, you don’t have to leave a 2-mile bubble to find pretty much anything — from specialty boba tea to Target to fine dining at Alexander’s Steakhouse.

Commute & Connectivity: Living in Fairgrove puts you within a short hop of several key routes. Need to get up to Mountain View or down to San Jose? Interstate 280 is about 5 minutes away via Wolfe or De Anza, and from 280 you can connect to 85 or 101 easily. Prefer side roads? Miller Avenue and Lawrence Expressway (just to the east) offer north-south access without freeway traffic. For Apple employees, you can literally bike to Apple Park or the Infinite Loop campus. Other major employers in Sunnyvale or Santa Clara are a straightforward drive. Despite being so central, Fairgrove’s interior remains quiet – it’s not a cut-through for traffic thanks to its court layouts. So you get the benefit of accessible mobility without constant cars rushing by.

Community Vibe: Fairgrove has been described by residents as “the perfect family neighborhood”eichlernetwork.com. Neighbors tend to know each other, brought together by both school connections and a mutual appreciation for their unique homes. There isn’t an official HOA, but informally people share contractor tips, Eichler-friendly repair advice, and sometimes band together to lobby the city (as happened when pushing for the Eichler design guidelines). The result is a community that feels cohesive. Events like neighborhood block parties or holiday decorations happen organically. And thanks to the shared mid-century modern pride, even newer arrivals often become avid stewards of the Eichler aesthetic. As one longtime resident put it, living in Fairgrove “is a combination of the suburban dream and a walkable, urban neighborhood” – you get a peaceful enclave with a retro vibe, yet you can walk to schools, parks, and even a Starbucks.

For Sellers: Positioning an Eichler in Fairgrove

If you’re planning to sell an Eichler in Fairgrove, consider that many buyers here are somewhat “Eichler aware” – they know what makes these homes special. Craft your marketing and preparations accordingly:

• Lead with Architecture: Highlight the home’s Eichler pedigree and any authentic elements you have. For example, if you’ve retained the open atrium, original mahogany paneling, or globe lights, make sure those features take center stage in photos and descriptions. Not all buyers know the term “post-and-beam,” but they will appreciate mentions of “walls of glass,” “indoor-outdoor flow,” and iconic mid-century design touches.

• Lifestyle Translation: Help buyers envision the lifestyle that comes with the design. Mention the private courtyard ideal for indoor-outdoor dining, the way natural light fills the home through clerestory windows, or the fact that the open layout is great for entertaining. Many people have never lived in an atrium Eichler – paint the picture of what makes it enjoyable day-to-day (e.g. “enjoy your morning coffee in the sun-soaked atrium as the home awakens with natural light”).

• Document Upgrades: Eichler shoppers will be keenly interested in the state of the roof, heating system, and any big-ticket updates. If you’ve upgraded the electrical panel, replaced the sewer line, or put on a new foam roof, have the receipts and permits ready. These homes are 60+ years old, so showing that crucial systems have been maintained or improved can boost buyer confidence (and your price).

• School and Location Perks: Don’t forget to tout the schools and convenience – even design-focused buyers appreciate that this neighborhood has top schools and is close to so much. In your brochure or online listing, include a note like “5-minute walk to Sedgwick Elementary and Hyde Middle; minutes to Cupertino High” and “2 miles from Apple Park, 1.5 miles from Main Street Cupertino dining.” This reminds buyers they aren’t trading location for architecture – in Fairgrove they get both.

• Eichler-Savvy Staging: Stage the home (or at least arrange the rooms) in a way that complements the Eichler aesthetic. That usually means uncluttered, modern furnishings that sit low to the ground, highlighting the open space and view to the outside. If you have an atrium, put some stylish outdoor furniture and plants to show it as usable living space. Professional photos at dusk with the interior lit up (showcasing the glass walls) can be magical for Eichlers. If you work with a company like Compass (which offers Concierge services), consider minor investments like fresh landscaping, painting plywood ceilings white if they’re overly dark, or polishing concrete floors – these can yield great ROI by amplifying the home’s mid-century appeal.

Ultimately, selling an Eichler is about telling a story: it’s not just a 4-bed/2-bath house, it’s a design statement in a community that cares about architecture. By conveying that narrative (while also checking the practical boxes), you’ll attract the right buyers who value what you have – often leading to competitive offers.

For Buyers: How to Shop Fairgrove Like a Pro

Hunting for an Eichler in Fairgrove? Here are savvy tips to make your search and purchase successful:

• Do Your Homework on Schools & Address Boundaries: If schools are a motivator, always plug the specific address into the CUSD and FUHSD school locator tools before falling in love with a listing. While most of Fairgrove goes to Sedgwick/Hyde/Cupertino Higheichlerhomesforsale.com, boundary quirks exist. Verify to ensure your future home feeds the schools you expect. (And remember, even within this neighborhood, addresses on one end might be a different elementary than the other – rare here, but common in Silicon Valley generally.)

• Inspect the Slab and Heating History: Ask the seller for any info on the radiant heating system (if still present). Many longtime owners will know if the radiant is working, was repaired, or was abandoned for another heat system. If it’s working, that’s a bonus (get an inspection to check for leaks). If not, factor in the cost of installing new heating/cooling – not a deal-breaker, but a key budget item. Also look for any signs of foundation slab issues (like significant cracks or uneven floors) as these homes rely on that slab for both structure and heating.

• Look for Unaltered Rooflines and Beams: One joy of buying an Eichler is the aesthetics – so take note of how much of the original design is intact. Does the house still have its exposed beams (and have they avoided false ceilings or attic conversions)? Is the foam or tar/gravel roof fairly flat or did someone add a peak? Houses with uncut rooflines and minimal exterior changes generally retain value better in an Eichler tract. A few Fairgrove homes over the years got faux Spanish tiles or second-story pop-ups that look out of place; if that bugs you, focus on homes that kept the classic lines. Fortunately, most in Fairgrove still “look like Eichlers” from the curb eichlerhomesforsale.com.

• Check Permits for Windows & Doors: Many Eichlers have updated windows. Ideally, those were done with permits, meaning tempered glass was used near floor areas and the replacements meet safety codes. When touring, ask if the large glass windows are tempered (safety glass) – if not, you’ll likely want to retrofit for safety/code compliance. Also, if original patio sliders were replaced, see if the new ones match the style (aluminum frames, similar grid). Poorly done vinyl window replacements can be a future expense to fix for the Eichler enthusiast.

• Assess Any Additions or Remodels: Some Fairgrove homes have expansions (e.g. a family room added or garage converted). Quality varies. Look for additions that align with Eichler geometry – e.g., a low profile, flat roof extension off the back is better than a towering second story. The best additions continue the beam lines and integrate so well you might not spot them at first. If an addition respects the Eichler style (and has permits), it can enhance functionality without detracting from the home’s value. But if you see a clunky addition, remember you’re also buying the task of potentially remodeling it later.

• Turn-Key vs. Fixer: Decide early on whether you want a move-in ready Eichler or are up for a project. Turn-key remodeled Eichlers (with new kitchens, updated heating, etc.) do come to market and they command top dollar – but they let you enjoy the lifestyle immediately. If you’re open to a fixer-upper, you might save some money on purchase, and then you can renovate to your taste (just be sure to budget accordingly; Eichler renovations can be costly if major systems need overhaul). Keep in mind, even fixer Eichlers in Fairgrove tend to get multiple offers if priced on the lower side, due to investors and Eichler buffs vying for them.

• Leverage Eichler-Savvy Professionals: When you get serious on a Fairgrove home, consider using inspectors and contractors who know Eichlers. For example, radiant heat specialists, or foundation experts who understand post-and-beam support (Eichlers don’t have crawl spaces, etc.). Termite inspections should include checking the exposed beams in the eaves for any dry rot. Having an agent who is experienced with Eichlers (and ideally loves them) can help too – they’ll know the nuances and can connect you with the right resources. Given the Boyenga Team even runs EichlerHomesForSale.com, there are dedicated experts in the area who focus on these properties.

Shopping in Fairgrove is exciting because you’re not just buying a home, you’re buying a piece of architectural history. Be diligent, but also be ready to act fast when the right one hits the market – the combination of Eichler design and Cupertino amenities means competition. With the right prep and mindset, you can land your dream Eichler and join this wonderful community.

FAQs

Q: How many Eichler homes are in Fairgrove?
A: Roughly 223 to 230 homes make up the Fairgrove tract. Different sources cite slightly different numbers – for example, Wikipedia lists 229 homes built in 1960–61en.wikipedia.org, while some real estate sources say about 223 homescupertinoeichlers.com. The minor variance is due to how tract boundaries are defined and any later lot subdivisions. It’s safe to say ~225 Eichlers exist in Cupertino’s Fairgrove neighborhood.

Q: When were the Fairgrove Eichlers built?
A: In 1960 and 1961. All the homes were constructed over about a two-year span in the early ’60s during two development phases eichlerhomesforsale.com. By the end of 1961, the entire tract was essentially completed.

Q: Who were the architects behind these Eichlers?
A: Joseph Eichler hired top modernist architects to design his developments. For Fairgrove, the homes were primarily designed by the firm Jones & Emmons (the partnership of A. Quincy Jones and Frederick Emmons), who did many Eichler tracts during that era eichlerhomesforsale.com. Some later models or variations may have had input from Claude Oakland, who was working under Jones & Emmons then and later started his own firm, becoming Eichler’s lead architect in the mid-60s. Earlier Eichler projects also involved Anshen + Allen, Eichler’s first architectural partners, but by 1960 most Cupertino models were Jones & Emmons blueprints. In short, Fairgrove’s Eichlers carry the DNA of Jones & Emmons designs, with Oakland’s influence evident in the 1961 phase.

Q: Is Fairgrove an officially protected historic neighborhood?
A: Not exactly – there’s no strict historic designation or absolute ban on changes, but there are special guidelines. In 2001, Cupertino created an Eichler Design Guidelines document and an R-1E zoning for Fairgrove to encourage preservation of the Eichler look eichlerhomesforsale.com. These guidelines cover things like maintaining one-story scale, using complementary materials, etc., but they are voluntary (not legally enforceable rules). Nothing in them outright forbids a second story or mandates a specific architectural review, beyond the normal city building permits. In 2017, the city made it easier for any neighborhood (including Fairgrove) to apply for a single-story overlay zone, which would legally prohibit new second-story additions if adopted. However, as of the last few years, Fairgrove residents have not pursued enacting that overlay – likely because the neighborhood has organically remained mostly one-story and cohesive without it. So, in summary: Fairgrove has some city recognition and guidelines promoting its mid-century character, but no ironclad historic protection. Always check current Cupertino planning rules if you’re considering a major change, as community sentiment here strongly favors keeping the Eichler aesthetic.

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