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A Peek Inside a Mad Men Era Eichler in Granada Hills

Designed by: Claude Oakland
Location: Granada Hills, California
Size: 2,159 square feet

We don't watch a lot of TV (mostly because we don't have cable or even over the air reception), but we do admit to being big fans of Mad Men...as much for the set design as the excellent acting (and Joan Holloway's outfits)...

 
 

So we did a "well, hellllooo there!" when we came upon this renovated Granada Hills Joseph Eichler (designed by Claude Oakland) that just about screams out its Sterling Cooper worthy status.

Mint Joseph Eichler Icon! Classic modern architecture, 1963. A clean-lined masonry facade sweeps serenely across the wide ridge site affording protection & privacy to the occupants & beauty born of artistic minimalism to the passerby. Sheltered from the street, inside all is bright, open & free of confinement. The entry garden atrium subtly dissolves indoor-outdoor distinctions, an effect enhanced by the glass walled interiors opening to generous patios, and the garden. The residence includes: built-ins, modern appliances, upgraded interiors in keeping with the style, and extensive landscaping.

And if you like this dandy of a mid-century home, be sure to check out some of our past tours right around the corner from this residence, alongside this interesting article about Eichler's star architect, Claude Oakland:

Tags

Look!, midcentury, Granada Hills, Eichler, Claude Oakland, Mad Men

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Comments (15)

Can we put a moratorium on anything referred to as "Mad Men" era? This is a design blog with pretty good cred... can't you just save the mainstream bandwagon descriptions for say... People Magazine? I think pretty much most of the people here know what an Eichler is. That's all you had to say.

Sorry to be mean about it, but it has been driving me up the wall the last couple of years seeing every form of media trying to tie-into or cash-in-on "Mad Men". I expect better here.

posted by ridge_van_winkle on September 18th 2009 at 8:59pm
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Not a fan of Mad Men but LOVE this Eichler home.
I could live here.
Katy
http://fengshuibyfishgirl.com

posted by fishgirl on September 18th 2009 at 9:00pm
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ridge_van_winkle: Actually plenty of people do not know who Joseph Eichler was, let alone his Claude Oakland. Referencing pop culture can be the gateway for people who are new to design, decor, architecture...you'd be surprised how many of our readers enjoy design in a manner different from you describe. And if it takes referencing a popular show (one that I did indeed naturally think of when I saw these images) to introduce people to some architectural history, I'm willing to do so. I know plenty of native Angelenos who don't know the name Eichler at all, even those growing up right smack dab in Granada Hills, so I wouldn't assume so much.

posted by gregory on September 18th 2009 at 9:27pm
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I agree with Ridge. As someone born during that time, it sort of bothers me to have my whole generation reduced to a single TV show's interpretation of it.

I think even mentioning the date the house was built would place it in the right context. Why not just "A 1963 Granada Hills Eichler..."? That would both pin down the historical period AND give people a little architectural education at the same time.

posted by sally305 on September 18th 2009 at 10:11pm
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In that last shot of the hallway/patio, I love how the flooring "extends" outdoors with the stone. Brilliant!

posted by farmhousemoderne on September 19th 2009 at 8:17am
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Even though I like a mix of some mid century style, and I wouldn't design my whole house in it, this house is beautiful and perfectly mid century designed. Almost like a little time capsule.

posted by Aster on September 19th 2009 at 8:43am
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I live in the area and this has been one of my favorites but I think it's a tiny bit overpriced for what the other recent Eichlers have sold for. Regardless, the owners have done a tremendous job with it.

posted by Gigi818 on September 19th 2009 at 1:26pm
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The pictures alone drew me into the post :)

posted by Lizzykewl on September 19th 2009 at 1:45pm
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Everyone needs a compass point. If Mad Men is the one for now, so be it.

posted by dkzody on September 19th 2009 at 6:05pm
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What is Mad Men?

Ok really this is a nice remodel I have seen beautiful Mid Century destroyed like you want to ask them what part of the original architecture did you not get?

There are so many jewels in LA and the surrounding areas.
When I lived in LA you could pick up a Modern like this whether it was Eichler or Quincy Jones in the valley for under 400,000.00. While the ones in Brentwood (Crestwood Hills) and in LA were twice as high and now they are all triple.
Its unfortunate the wealthier neighborhoods many were torn down and replaced with faux Colonial or just a big house.

posted by LoriSF on September 20th 2009 at 11:53am
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I agree with dkzody.
For me what matters is it good or bad design - is it visually appealing and is it functional. References to Madison Avenue aside...
Yes to all on this Eichler/Oakland/Granada Hills residence - it is lovely to behold.

posted by ah2Bthee on September 20th 2009 at 12:48pm
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Awesome. A few places, to me, need just one more thing to warm it up a little... make it just a tad more livable. Like the dining room with the long wood wall... purrhaps a very low (14"-15") and long sideboard with just a couple items on it. Maybe one in red to give the room something of a contrast piece. Just looks a little lifeless to me. I wouldn't want to hang out there at all. Also, two smaller paintings instead of that one. Opens up more wood and adds a little perceived length. I dunno...lol

posted by Laughing Tiger on September 21st 2009 at 3:58am
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That last indoor/outdoor pic is dreamy! Wow...

posted by Laughing Tiger on September 21st 2009 at 3:59am
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I always get a little nostalgic when I see an Eichler home. I was fortunate enought to grow up in one. I still remember roller skating in the atrium in winter! Fabulous design and family friendly. Love it (miss it!)!

posted by La Vésigondine on September 21st 2009 at 11:10am
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my dream is to own an eichler =)

posted by JenJen on September 24th 2009 at 10:55am
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