In 1958, a Korean War veteran and artist designed and built an early mid-century modern home in Sacramento with concrete walls thick enough to withstand a bomb blast and a bomb bunker at the back of the property, according to the property listing.
Today, those unique features mostly serve purposes other than their original intention. The fortified walls keep the house quiet and cool, while the deep metal bunker — 8 feet wide, 20 feet long and 8 feet high — was recently restored and used as a wine cellar.
On the market for $1.2 million, the blast-resistant sanctuary offers more than a protective design. The residence is a stunning combination of craftsmanship, spaciousness, privacy and refuge on a tidy street in the suburb of Carmichael.
Seller Douglas Wade Trieschman is a huge fan of mid-century modern homes, a style that peaked in the 1950s and 1960s and is known for its clean lines, minimalism, open floor plans, expansive windows and indoor-outdoor appeal.
Trieschman was scrolling apps late one night and came across the house, which is located on Valhalla Drive in a neighborhood of mostly ranch-style homes. He loved the property’s unique architectural style and size compared to his small East Sacramento home.
The Carmichael home invites a fabulous backyard party. Shot Archives
Magnificent remodel
But, the five-bedroom home needed a remodel.
“I came across this listing, and I was like, nobody’s gonna see the potential,” he said. “We embarked on a six-month, morning-to-night renovation, and I think it turned out OK.”
He’s being modest — a recent visit to the home revealed magnificent results from the renovation.
The 2,845-square-foot home’s high points include a flood of natural light from 14 skylights and glass walls throughout; an effortless indoor-outdoor connection; and a resort-style backyard par excellence with a sprawling terrace, pool and diving board, bocce ball court, numerous sitting areas, outdoor grilling station and wonderful gardens.
“It’s super bright. It’s got a ton of natural light, ton of windows in the back,” listing agent Gaby Moreira of Mod Real Estate said. “In the front of the house, it feels super private and mysterious. But once you’re in the house, it’s bright, it’s airy. The backyard is perfect for entertaining. You can really host a fabulous party here.”
The original owner built a bunker in the backyard. Shot Archives
The remodel unveiled a classic sunken fireplace that had been covered up by carpet. Other highlights from the remake included:
▪ Removing 1980s oak cabinets in the hallway to create an art gallery that leads to the guest quarters;
▪ Replacing the roof;
▪ Updating the bathroom in a dramatic motif with a new shower and fixtures;
▪ Landscaping the backyard and adding privacy plants while maintaining existing varieties, such as quince, pomegranate, apple, plum, orange, pineapple guava and fig trees.
▪ Opening up spaces, such as the primary bedroom, which was formerly a rumpus room.
With an expansive primary bedroom, the home spans 2,845 square feet. Shot Archives
‘Villa Concretus’
“Welcome to Villa Concretus,” the property listing states, “where iconic architectural design meets tastefully executed modern updates.”
Trieschman and Justin MacDonald, who both work in the real estate industry, purchased the house in 2022 for $700,000, according to public property records.
Trieschman said they often go down to Palm Springs and participate in the city’s Modernism Week so they knew what they wanted in a mid-century modern.
“This place is somewhere you can host friends and entertain and feel super private in the backyard,” Moreira said. “It’s kind of like a resort. It totally has that Palm Springs vibe that I love.”
Inside, the southern wing unfolds through an impressive art gallery—a transformed hallway that once featured dark oak cabinetry. Today, the gallery-style corridor is bright and well-suited for displaying artwork. The hallway leads to the guest quarters, a modern gym and cozy media room.
The sunken fireplace and atrium is a charming part of the living room in the Carmichael home. Shot Archives
At the heart of the home is the living room and sunken fireplace.
“This is our conversation space,” Trieschman said. “So this is where we have our guests over. We wake up in the morning, we have coffee. This is where we talk about life.”
The dining room and kitchen lead to an expansive primary suite overlooking the backyard terrace. The suite has a spa-like bathroom.
Withstanding a blast
The home’s functionality is punctuated by a carport, circular driveway and large workshop.
A previous owner’s son, who grew up in the home, told Trieschman about the property’s specific safety considerations, and how the concrete walls on the south and west sides were positioned to potentially withstand a blast from the former McClellan Air Force Base.
It all means the custom-built home was made to last, and the sellers have made sure it has been meticulously maintained for the next owner.
The mid-century modern home was built in 1958. It’s for sale for $1.2 million. Shot Archives
David Caraccio is a video producer for The Sacramento Bee who was born and raised in Sacramento. He is a graduate of San Diego State University and a longtime journalist who has worked for newspapers as a reporter, editor, page designer and digital content producer.
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