Faircourt Eichler Homes: A Hidden Mid-Century Gem in Palo Alto
Tucked away just east of Midtown Palo Alto, the Faircourt Eichler neighborhood is one of the city's smaller yet highly desirable Eichler enclaves. Built in 1956, Faircourt is a rare and intimate community of just 28 Eichler homes, each reflecting Joseph Eichler’s commitment to modernist architecture and community-focused living.
Located on Richardson Court and Murray Way, Faircourt is a peaceful cul-de-sac neighborhood, making it a perfect fit for families and professionals alike. With its open floor plans, floor-to-ceiling glass, post-and-beam construction, and radiant heating, Faircourt Eichlers exemplify mid-century modern design principles while offering a quiet, connected living environment just minutes from Palo Alto’s thriving tech industry and downtown attractions.
This blog explores the history, architecture, and unique character of Faircourt Eichler homes, showcasing why this neighborhood remains a sought-after destination for Eichler enthusiasts and modernist homeowners in Silicon Valley.
The History of Faircourt Eichler Homes
Faircourt was developed in 1956, during one of Joseph Eichler’s most prolific building periods. By this time, Eichler had already transformed Palo Alto into a hub for mid-century modern design, developing numerous Eichler communities across the city.
Unlike some of Palo Alto’s larger Eichler neighborhoods, Faircourt is a small, close-knit subdivision consisting of just 28 homes. Built in two phases, the homes were designed to prioritize simplicity, openness, and natural integration with the outdoors.
Faircourt is one of three small Eichler clusters located east of Midtown Palo Alto, each carefully planned to preserve a sense of privacy and community. Over the decades, Faircourt has retained its architectural integrity, with many homeowners embracing restoration and preservation efforts to maintain their homes’ original mid-century charm.
Architectural Features of Faircourt Eichler Homes
As with all Eichler homes, the Faircourt Eichlers were designed with modernist principles in mind, prioritizing functionality, aesthetics, and the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Signature Eichler Features in Faircourt:
Post-and-beam construction eliminates interior load-bearing walls, allowing for open, flexible living spaces.
Floor-to-ceiling glass windows flood interiors with natural light and create a seamless connection with private patios and gardens.
Radiant floor heating provides efficient, evenly distributed warmth without the need for bulky heating systems.
Flat and low-gabled rooflines reinforce the horizontal aesthetic, emphasizing clean, modern lines.
Open floor plans encourage a natural flow between living, dining, and kitchen areas, perfect for entertaining.
Carports and single-car garages maximize living space while maintaining a minimalist exterior.
Unlike some of Eichler’s earlier developments, Faircourt featured only two floor plans, keeping the neighborhood visually cohesive and architecturally unified.
Smaller Model: Three-bedroom, two-bathroom, 1,584 square feet
Larger Model: Four-bedroom, two-bathroom, 1,789 square feet
While these sizes may seem modest by today’s standards, they were considered spacious at the time, offering residents ample room for modern living while retaining the signature Eichler sense of openness and light.
Faircourt’s Ideal Location: A Neighborhood for Families and Professionals
Faircourt’s cul-de-sac layout and limited through-traffic make it a safe and family-friendly neighborhood. With quiet streets, mature trees, and easy walkability, it offers residents a peaceful retreat while remaining highly accessible to Palo Alto’s key destinations.
Proximity to Major Tech Hubs
Faircourt is ideally located for professionals working in Silicon Valley’s major tech industry, with easy access to:
Tesla, HP, Skype, and VMware (Palo Alto)
Apple, Google, and Facebook (neighboring cities)
Stanford University and the Stanford Research Park
Its proximity to Highway 101 and California State Route 82 also makes commuting convenient for those working in Mountain View, Menlo Park, and San Francisco.
Top-Ranked Palo Alto Schools
Families in Faircourt benefit from Palo Alto’s top-tier public school district, ranked number one in California. Students typically attend:
El Carmelo Elementary School
J.L. Stanford Middle School
Palo Alto High School
Additionally, Palo Alto is home to some of the best private schools in the state, making Faircourt an ideal choice for families prioritizing education.
Access to Downtown Palo Alto
A short drive or bike ride takes residents to downtown Palo Alto, where they can enjoy:
Outdoor cafés and coffee shops
Boutique shopping and bookstores
Fine dining and local restaurants
Art galleries and independent theaters
This unique blend of small-town charm and urban sophistication makes Faircourt a perfect neighborhood for those who appreciate both tranquility and convenience.
Real Estate Trends and Preservation in Faircourt
Despite being a small Eichler enclave, Faircourt remains one of Palo Alto’s most desirable Eichler neighborhoods, attracting buyers who appreciate the unique character of Eichler homes.
Homes in Faircourt are in high demand, with limited inventory making them a rare opportunity for mid-century modern enthusiasts.
Well-preserved Eichler homes often sell at premium prices, especially those that retain original features like mahogany paneling, post-and-beam ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling glass.
Many homeowners have updated their Eichlers with sustainability-focused renovations, such as solar panels, energy-efficient windows, and drought-tolerant landscaping.
Faircourt’s dedicated community of homeowners has played a key role in preserving its architectural identity, ensuring that the neighborhood remains a true Eichler gem in Palo Alto.
The Boyenga Team: Eichler Luxury Home Experts in Faircourt
For those looking to buy, sell, or restore an Eichler home in Faircourt, it’s crucial to work with real estate professionals who understand Eichler architecture and mid-century modern design.
Eric and Janelle Boyenga of the Boyenga Team at Compass are recognized Eichler experts, offering:
Eichler-specific real estate services, helping buyers find the perfect Eichler home and guiding sellers through strategic marketing.
Luxury home preparation and staging, showcasing Eichler homes with expert staging that highlights their unique architectural features.
Architectural restoration and renovation guidance, advising homeowners on preserving Eichler’s original vision while incorporating modern updates.
With a deep understanding of the Palo Alto Eichler market, Eric and Janelle Boyenga ensure that their clients receive the highest level of service, expert negotiation, and maximum property value.
For expert guidance on Eichler properties in Faircourt, visit SiliconValleyEichlers.com and BayAreaEichlerHomes.com.
Faircourt’s Timeless Eichler Appeal
Faircourt may be one of Palo Alto’s smaller Eichler neighborhoods, but its architectural significance, quiet community atmosphere, and prime location make it one of the most desirable places to live.
As Palo Alto continues to evolve, Faircourt remains a lasting example of Joseph Eichler’s commitment to thoughtful design and community-driven living. For those seeking a mid-century modern home in a peaceful yet accessible setting, Faircourt is a hidden gem worth discovering.