Exploring San Mateo - The Highlands

San Mateo Highlands, located in the coastal hills of southwest San Mateo, boasts one of the most architecturally unique neighborhoods on the peninsula. Developed by the renowned Joseph Eichler, this community of over 650 Eichler homes offers a blend of mid-century modern design, scenic landscapes, and convenient amenities.

Brief History

Originally developed by Joseph Eichler in the 1960s, San Mateo Highlands has since become a hallmark of modern architecture and community living. Eichler's vision brought forth innovative designs that emphasized open floor plans, abundant natural light, and indoor-outdoor connectivity, setting a standard for contemporary living that continues to resonate today.

The development of San Mateo Highlands marked a departure from traditional suburban planning, with Eichler pioneering innovative designs that emphasized open floor plans, abundant natural light, and seamless indoor-outdoor living. These principles were not merely architectural choices but reflections of Eichler's commitment to fostering a sense of community and connection among residents. The result was a neighborhood that transcended the boundaries of conventional suburban living, offering a lifestyle that was both forward-thinking and aspirational.

Location and Living

Situated just 30 minutes from San Francisco, The Highlands offers residents a serene retreat from the bustling city life. The neighborhood's perch atop the coastal hills provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, creating a sense of tranquility and escape from the urban hustle. Residents can savor the beauty of the natural surroundings while still enjoying easy access to the vibrant cultural and economic hub of the Bay Area.

Beyond its scenic beauty, San Mateo Highlands boasts a prime location that strikes the perfect balance between convenience and seclusion. With major freeways such as Interstate 280 and Highway 92 nearby, residents have seamless connectivity to neighboring cities and employment centers across Silicon Valley. Whether commuting to work or embarking on weekend adventures, residents can navigate the Bay Area with ease, making the most of everything the region has to offer.

In addition to its proximity to major transportation arteries, San Mateo Highlands offers convenient access to a variety of amenities and services. The nearby Hillsdale Shopping Center provides a premier retail destination, featuring an array of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options for residents to enjoy. Likewise, downtown San Mateo offers a charming blend of boutique shops, gourmet eateries, and cultural attractions, making it a popular destination for leisurely outings and social gatherings. Whether seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or everyday conveniences, residents of San Mateo Highlands find themselves perfectly positioned to embrace the best of Bay Area living.

Real Estate Snapshot

San Mateo Highlands Eichler homes epitomize modern luxury, with over 900 homes designed by Joseph Eichler's preferred architectural teams. The Boyenga Real Estate Team, with their unparalleled expertise in Silicon Valley real estate, facilitates seamless transactions in this exclusive market. Homes in San Mateo Highlands rarely come to market, and when they do, they command premium prices, often exceeding $2 million. With extensive experience in family trusts and complex transactions, the Boyenga Team ensures that clients achieve maximum return on investment for their properties.

What the Homes Are Like

Eichler homes in San Mateo Highlands epitomize the epitome of mid-century modern architecture, offering a harmonious blend of form, function, and timeless elegance. Each residence boasts a distinctive design characterized by clean lines, open spaces, and an abundance of natural light. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by an atmosphere of warmth and sophistication, with features such as expansive windows, vaulted ceilings, and central atriums creating a sense of airiness and connectivity.

Mid-Century Modern Aesthetics: Eichler homes epitomize the mid-century modern architectural style, characterized by clean lines, geometric shapes, and minimalist design elements. The architecture reflects Joseph Eichler's commitment to innovative design, with an emphasis on simplicity, functionality, and beauty.
Distinctive Roof Designs: One of the defining features of Eichler homes is their distinctive roof designs, which often feature flat or slightly pitched roofs covered in tar-and-gravel. This unique roofing style not only adds visual interest to the homes but also contributes to their modern aesthetic.
Integration of Natural Elements: Eichler homes seamlessly integrate natural elements into their design, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. Floor-to-ceiling windows, skylights, and central atriums flood the interiors with natural light, while providing residents with views of the surrounding landscape.
Open Floor Plans: Eichler homes are known for their open floor plans, which prioritize spaciousness and connectivity. The interiors feature expansive living areas that flow seamlessly from one room to the next, creating a sense of continuity and ease of movement throughout the home.
Indoor-Outdoor Living: The architecture of Eichler homes encourages indoor-outdoor living, with many residences featuring private gardens, patios, and outdoor living spaces. Walls of glass and sliding glass doors allow residents to seamlessly transition between the interior and exterior, blurring the boundaries between inside and outside.

Meet the Architects

The architectural brilliance of San Mateo Highlands is the result of collaboration between Joseph Eichler and a cadre of visionary modernist architects. Eichler's commitment to innovative residential design led him to partner with some of the most respected architects of his time, ensuring that each home was not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and community-oriented. Among the notable architects involved in the design of Eichler homes were Anshen and Allen, Claude Oakland and Associates, Raphael Soriano, and A. Quincy Jones of the Los Angeles-based firm Jones and Emmons.

Anshen and Allen, the architects who designed one of the first atrium models for Eichler Homes, played a significant role in shaping the distinctive style of the Highlands. Their designs emphasized open floor plans and integration with the natural environment, features that became hallmarks of the Eichler aesthetic. Claude Oakland, another key figure, contributed extensively to the development of Eichler homes, with his firm designing many of the houses in San Mateo Highlands. Oakland's designs were known for their practical elegance, incorporating innovative materials and construction techniques that reflected the modernist ethos.

A. Quincy Jones and Frederick Emmons, through their firm Jones and Emmons, further expanded the architectural vocabulary of Eichler homes. Their most famous contribution to the Highlands is the X-100, an all-steel house that epitomized the futuristic vision of mid-century modern architecture. With its circular flow, Formica and plastic surfaces, and "Skydome" skylights, the X-100 showcased the possibilities of modern materials and design in creating functional yet inspiring living spaces. These architects, through their collaborative efforts with Eichler, ensured that San Mateo Highlands would be a testament to the enduring appeal of mid-century modern design, blending architectural innovation with a deep respect for the natural landscape.

Local Culture

San Mateo Highlands residents enjoy a host of amenities designed to enhance their quality of life. From the Highlands Recreation Center's recreational facilities to the lush green spaces and scenic vistas that surround the neighborhood, there's no shortage of opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment. With top-rated schools like Highlands Elementary School and convenient access to transportation, the Highlands community caters to families seeking both luxury and practicality

Standing on top of Pulgas Ridge, the San Mateo Highlands offers residents breathtaking views of both the Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir and the San Francisco Bay. With the Cahill Ridge of Montara Mountain to the west and the unobstructed vistas of the Bay to the east, every corner of the Highlands showcases stunning natural beauty. Residents enjoy a myriad of outdoor activities, from leisurely walks along Waterdog Lake to exhilarating hikes in the adjacent Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve. The area's mild climate, characterized by cool summers and moderate winters, ensures that outdoor exploration can be enjoyed year-round, making it an ideal locale for nature enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

In addition to its natural splendor, the Highlands boasts a thriving community culture centered around the Highlands Recreation Center. Here, residents have access to a range of recreational facilities, including a year-round swimming pool, tennis courts, playgrounds, and a community social room. Families with children benefit from the presence of esteemed educational institutions such as Highlands Elementary School, ensuring that young learners receive a top-tier education close to home. Convenient access to transportation networks further enhances the Highlands' appeal, providing residents with seamless connectivity to neighboring cities and beyond. Whether enjoying the scenic views, partaking in community events, or simply savoring the tranquil ambiance, life in the San Mateo Highlands offers the perfect blend of luxury, practicality, and natural beauty.

Crystal Springs Resevoir View ~ 2 min drive from Highlands

Waterdog Lake and Open Preserve ~ 10 mins drive from Highlands

Explore the Highlands with the Boyenga Team

San Mateo Highlands Eichler homes offer a rare combination of architectural excellence, coastal charm, and community camaraderie. With the Boyenga Real Estate Team's expertise, navigating this exclusive market becomes a seamless and rewarding experience. Whether you're buying, selling, or simply exploring the possibilities, San Mateo Highlands invites you to discover the timeless allure of Eichler living in the heart of Silicon Valley. Contact the Boyenga Team today to embark on your journey to luxury living in San Mateo Highlands.

With a track record of excellence and a reputation for delivering exceptional results, the Boyenga Team stands ready to assist you in every step of your real estate journey. Whether you're buying your dream Eichler home, selling your current property, or simply exploring the possibilities, their dedicated team of professionals is committed to providing personalized service tailored to your unique goals and preferences.

Tailored Services: Understanding the unique appeal and the specific market for Eichler homes enables us to provide tailored services to our clients. For sellers, we create marketing strategies that highlight the architectural uniqueness and lifestyle benefits of their Eichler home, attracting buyers who appreciate its value and are willing to pay a premium for well-preserved or thoughtfully updated properties. For buyers, we offer guidance on assessing the condition and potential of Eichler homes, helping them find a property that meets their needs and matches their dreams.

Community Connections: Our long-standing presence in the area has allowed us to develop strong community ties and an extensive network, which is invaluable in navigating the competitive real estate market of Silicon Valley. We leverage our relationships to connect buyers and sellers, creating opportunities that often go beyond the open market.

Commitment to Clients: The Boyenga Team’s commitment to exceptional service drives our approach to every client interaction. We believe in building lasting relationships based on trust and transparency, ensuring that our clients feel supported every step of the way. Whether you are looking to invest in an Eichler home or sell one, our team is committed to providing a seamless, rewarding experience that is informed by our passion for these unique properties.

Modern Luxery Eichler Homes: San Mateo Highland