Fast sale of Sacramento-area home sums up attraction of mid-century modern style
A mid-century modern home in Sacramento built with walls built thick enough to withstand a bomb blast and a bunker at the back of the property closed in just eight days for the asking price of $1.2 million.
The Carmichael home on Valhalla Drive saw multiple offers, according to listing agent Gaby Moreira of Mod Real Estate, who specializes in the California Modern style.
“There was a lot of buzz and activity around it,” she said in an email. “The unique features of the home, the excellent maintenance, the spaciousness, the style (and) the mid-century modern vibe made it really appealing.”
She said mid-century modern homes are in high demand and typically sell fast, and at a good price.
“Mid-century modern architectural properties sell faster and for more money than a regular home,” Moreira said. “They’re highly sought after, especially by folks from big cities like L.A. or S.F. They’re liked by people of all ages and usually attract artists ... designers, photographers and the like with good taste. Sacramento is special because we have so many great MCMs at a reasonable price. “
Moreira said the winning bid came from a local couple.
Today, the 1958 Valhalla Drive home’s 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.
The blast-resistant sanctuary offers much more than a protective design. The residence combines craftsmanship and privacy. It sits on a tidy street in the Sacramento suburb of Carmichael.
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,” Moreira said in an earlier interview when the home first listed. “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.”
An extensive remodel unveiled a classic sunken fireplace that had been covered up by carpet. Other highlights from the recent 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
“Welcome to Villa Concretus,” the property listing stated, “where iconic architectural design meets tastefully executed modern updates.”
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.
At the heart of the home is the living room and sunken fireplace.
The dining room and kitchen lead to an expansive primary suite overlooking the backyard terrace. The suite has a spa-like bathroom.
