eichler spotting: ginkgo glen eichlers, san jose

Nearby our Eichler subdivision is a small pocket of Eichler homes which I love to walk around.  I found myself there last weekend with the fortunate combination of both daylight and my iPhone, so I thought I’d snap a few pictures.  We are thinking of changing our landscaping and exterior colours, so I’m keeping tabs on what other Eichler owners are up to.

These Eichlers have been dubbed ‘Ginkgo Glen’ due to the ginkgo trees that line the streets.  They were built in the late 1950s and there are about thirty houses altogether.  The models range from flat roofs, to huge A-frame garages, to side-entrance models with neat mid-century concrete brick fronts.

This black house has a little zen garden in the front, in a sort of half-atrium:

 

And the classic garage-door-only facade abounds, which I find quite amusing about Eichlers.  They’re not exactly the friendliest of houses.

 

 

And my top pick:

This last one is, in my opinion, one of the best houses in the tract.  The tongue-and-groove ceilings have been stripped and refinished, and the trim colours are understated but totally sharp.  The front lawn is planted with clumps of ornamental grass.  All in all, I am this close from knocking on their door and asking them to give me a tour.

If you’re in San Jose, these houses are on Adele Place and Margot Place, just north of Curtner Ave.  I’ll have to come back for more pictures next fall when the ginkgo trees are in their full, golden glory.