Sunset Magazine readers might remember the Glidehouse, a modern prefabricated home designed by architect Michelle Kaufmann. PBS considered the original one of the 10 homes that changed America and soon they went into production for others to live in. The prefab factory that made the homes closed in 2009, which makes these designs even more valuable now.
One version of the Glidehouse just hit the market up in Clinton on Whidbey Island and it's asking $640K.
This version appears to be a little bigger than the original 1,344-square-foot 2-bedroom, 2-bath house model. This version is a 1,862-square-foot 3-bedroom, 2.75-bath model that simply gives the features more room to breathe.
Despite the fact that it's prefab, best to go with Sunset Magazine's idea of the home. "Think Japanesque contemporary ranch house or modern California bungalow; don't think mobile home." The dual module design is connected on the inside as well as by the open wood deck that runs along the entire length. The kitchen, living and dining area make up one light-filled module while the bedrooms are located in the other module.
The kitchen and living/dining area occupy one module, which stays bright and airy thanks to a wall of sliding glass doors. The huge wooden screens that slide on barn-door tracks help create privacy when wanted or slide back open for great natural light access.
The history of the prefab home has seen a lot of ups and downs. We imagine that those who live here are less concerned with the big picture and more concerned with the very comfortable present.
· 4535 Cedar Point Rd, Clinton [Estately]
· Meet the Glidehouse, a modern prefab [Sunset]
· 10 homes that changed America [PBS]