Mid-Century Modern Home Tour in San Mateo's Highlands

SAN MATEO, CALIF. — In a rare event that's sure to sell out, 10 Eichlers in the largest contiguous neighborhood of these Mid-Century Modern homes will open to the public May 6 - 7.

The Highlands Eichler Home Tour will showcase houses ranging from the sought-after atrium model to an unusual, original two-story Eichler during a two day event that illustrates the kind of modern California style that's been popular in T.V., new architecture and home furnishings.

Over the last decade the clean lines, simple decor and soaring windows emblematic of Eichler homes have popped up everywhere. This year's tour homes were carefully curated by a team of Eichler and modern home enthusiasts to showcase how the Mid-Century Modern design aesthetic can be restored, adapted or recreated in every way from high-end to budget conscious.

“Eichlers tend to attract unusual people who are artistic, non-conformist, free spirits. This tour showcases some really amazing homes that capture that essence with creative ideas and solutions that any homeowner could apply to their project, whether they live in an Eichler or not,” said Jim Palmer, Home Tour organizer.

Jim and Kim Palmer's house exemplifies how to modernize without stripping out character. The couple bought the house in mostly original condition seven years ago. They strove to update it, but at the same time preserve the mahogany paneling, lighting, paneling and indoor/outdoor connection. They even replaced the flooring, which was in terrible condition and not original, with VCT squares, a material that closely mirrors the kind of linoleum Eichler used. Their kitchen maintains the sliding cabinetry commonly used in Eichler's and the same footprint.

Each home on the tour has a slightly different spin on Eichler. Ticket holders will see an original, rare two story Eichler featuring soaring ceilings, mahogany paneling and a sleek white remodeled kitchen that hides everything, including the refrigerator.

An atrium model pays homage to Eichler's emphasis on embracing nature with a Japanese-inspired wood-carved mural decorating the interior atrium and a the raised backyard deck with fire pit overlooking the open space and Coastal Range. It's a remodeled, modern dwelling with an open floor plan ideal for entertaining.

One home offers visitors the opportunity to see how a greywater and rainwater collection system works, while other homes on tour share fun details that take advantage of Eichler’s vision: Swings in a carport, a living wall and artful, graphic fences. There's even a non-Eichler, a reproduction built after the original burnt down in a fire. The final product is a state-of-art home that reflects how Mid-Century design principles can be adapted into modern construction.

The tour will take place on both Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with single day tickets costing $75 for a one day pass and $100 for two. There will be tote bags, tour books, a modern marketplace, free shuttles, food options and more.

The San Mateo Highlands is located halfway between San Francisco and San Jose, easily accessible from the Bunker Hill Drive exit off I-280. All proceeds will be donated to the Highlands Elementary School PTA. The Highlands Elementary School PTA enhances learning experiences by exposing children to activities, assemblies, and tools that are not funded by the school district. This event helps pay for field trips, classroom enrichment, classroom supplies, computers, Art-In Action, the science fair and more.

For more information, go to http://eichlerhometour.org