Most Marin Eichler homes are associated with sprawling suburban developments, often numbering in the hundreds. Hidden among the wooded hills of Sleepy Hollow, however, is a much smaller enclave of approximately 15 homes that offers a distinctly different interpretation of the iconic California house.
Built in the early 1970s and designed by longtime Eichler collaborator Claude Oakland, the development arrived towards the end of Joseph Eichler’s career. Here, the familiar post-and-beam architecture and floor-to-ceiling glass are set against a backdrop of mature trees, rolling hills and a woodland trail that follows Sleepy Hollow Creek. The effect is less suburban modernism and more “Eichler in the woods”.
One of these rare homes, 5 Katrina Lane, is currently on the market. Set on an unusually generous approximately 16 000-square-foot corner lot, the late-period Eichler combines its architectural pedigree with a swimming pool, towering palms, fruit trees, a custom pergola and interiors full of personality.
A Rare Eichler Enclave
The Sleepy Hollow development is unusual not only because of its small size, but also because of its setting. The approximately 15 homes are concentrated primarily along Katrina Lane and Catskill Court, where they sit among the trees on either side of Sleepy Hollow Creek.
The homes date to 1972–73, making them examples of Eichler’s later residential work. While better-known Eichler neighbourhoods across Marin contain hundreds of houses, this tucked-away collection has remained considerably more intimate. The enclave’s last reported Eichler sale was in 2023, making the current listing an especially uncommon opportunity for buyers interested in this chapter of California architectural history.
The surrounding landscape is equally integral to the experience. A woodland creek trail, created by Eichler at the request of local residents, runs alongside the homes and connects with the wider network of trails through Marin’s open spaces.
Claude Oakland’s Eichler Legacy
The Sleepy Hollow homes belong to a mature period in the long collaboration between architect Claude Oakland and developer Joseph Eichler. Oakland joined Anshen & Allen in 1950 and became closely involved with Eichler Homes, eventually becoming one of the principal designers responsible for developing the architectural language associated with the houses.
After establishing Claude Oakland & Associates in 1960, he continued working directly with Eichler. His later residences explored increasingly sophisticated roof forms, larger volumes and evolving floor plans while retaining the essential principles of post-and-beam construction, expansive glazing and indoor-outdoor living. Sleepy Hollow arrived towards the end of this collaboration, making the enclave a particularly interesting example of late-period Eichler modernism.
A Modernist Home Among The Trees
At 5 Katrina Lane, floor-to-ceiling glass brings abundant natural light into the interiors, while clean horizontal lines and post-and-beam construction retain the unmistakable Eichler character. Access to the outdoors from almost every room strengthens the relationship between the house and its substantial garden.
The approximately 16 000-square-foot corner site gives the property an unusually spacious feel. A swimming pool, generous lawn, palms, apple and fig trees and a custom-built pergola create a landscape suited to California’s indoor-outdoor way of life.
Inside, the original Mid-Century Modern character has been paired with more expressive contemporary details. Vibrant wallpaper, a custom bamboo island, geometric tile and dramatic accent walls bring colour and personality to the otherwise clean-lined architecture. Modern additions, including Tesla solar and Powerwall systems, introduce contemporary functionality without obscuring the home’s architectural identity.
An Eichler With A Different Perspective
What makes 5 Katrina Lane particularly compelling is the contrast between its architectural DNA and its surroundings. Eichler homes are celebrated for bringing modernist design into everyday suburban life, but this Sleepy Hollow enclave places those same ideas within a far more natural setting.
“We’re surrounded by mega-homes, but we never wanted to do that,” the property description notes. Instead, 5 Katrina Lane occupies its generous site with a lighter touch, surrounded by trees, open space and the sound of the creek.
It is a reminder that California modernism does not always have to mean the familiar suburban Eichler grid. Here, glass, timber, landscape and light come together in a home that feels remarkably at ease in its wooded setting – a rare example of an Eichler designed not simply around nature, but deeply immersed in it.
Credits
Photographer: Open Homes Photography
