Walking Through an Untouched 1968 Streng / Sparks Home
Today we had the opportunity to walk through the most well-preserved home we have ever experienced; A 1968 Modified Streng Brothers home designed by architect, Carter Sparks in Davis, CA.
The home sits in a Streng Brothers Subdivision in Davis, CA just up the street from Sycamore Park and Willett Elementary. Given its modifications the 2,352 square foot specimen boasts a larger layout than your standard Streng Bros. plan. High ceilings, spacious walls, and built in storage really open the space up. Small, original details seal the deal and put this time capsule over the top.
The deluxe entry way atop large ceramic tile and under a custom Gunnar Lindh pendant light leads you into the uncrowded family and dining room where the flow is natural and inspiring.
The built in seating on each side of the fireplace sits comfortably below original wall unit shelving. The wall units are seen throughout the home as they hang up against redwood siding you can't help but gawk at. With clear redwood throughout, the home feels warm, inviting, and purely original.
Original Blomberg sliding glass doors establish the entire back of the home's three points of exit/entry. Clerestory windows match the sliders up top as they spread the entire back of the home's exterior wherever you see glass. It reflects exactly what you keep in mind when you think mid-century modern, clean lines, and indoor/outdoor living.
The kitchen, oh the kitchen! With original cabinets to die for, the original flying coffin, and original Formica countertops, this kitchen is 1968 magic. Drawers and cabinets included meticulous details like knife slots, tiered shelving, retractable fixture stands, and even cutting boards instructed to be left behind with the home. As beautiful an original Streng Brothers kitchen as it gets!
Did we forget to mention the floor? The blue floor, which spanned the entire kitchen and into the living room. Bright blue beauty that would make the 1970's smile.
A perfect example of the details we continue to mention include this built in magazine rack under the kitchen island; Custom, calculated, and cute!
The built in shelving, desks, and drawers in two of the guest bedrooms made us smile. The original curtains made us blush.
Oh you wanted more yellow?
The back yard was a retreat. With a show stopping coy pond topped by a Japanese inspired tea house, the back yard was dressed to impress. The under eaves extend out while aggregate cement make up large amounts of patio space. A classic extension of the home's space and another uncanny example of indoor/outdoor living.
With a custom, Gunnar Lindh Pendant light above the outdoor patio space Carter Sparks was just teasing at this point.
At the end of the day it was the sensible, original details that stole the show. From outlet and light switch covers to doorknobs and cabinet pulls. Ceramic tile placed strategically in high foot traffic areas and infinite amounts of hidden storage. Every detail was executed flawlessly.
1210 Colby Drive in Davis, CA is the kind of home that must be preserved and protected. The type of home that must sell to a buyer who is looking for just this. The thought of anything less is undeserving.
The eventual (and fortunate) buyers will only be the second owners of the home. The woman who lived longest in the original owning family died peacefully at age 99 inside the home. We feel it is only right her spirit will live on through those redwood walls, beams, and glass.
Of the many closets in the home one off the main entry hall kept safe the original plans, blueprints, details, and notes. Such a sweet inheritance for the next caretaker. May they treat this home the same way its original caretakers did for 54 years.
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Loved the first hand tour of the home. That blue kitchen floor and warm wood cabinetry really is such a great combo. Really hope it goes to the right minded buyer.