Beautiful home designed by Caywood & Nopp


Special thanks to my pal jwoo, who posted the listing for this outstanding 1963 custom mid-century modern ranch in Carmichael on Facebook and helped me finally make the connection where this home is located. I've had an old two page Architectural Digest article from 1965 and knew that the home likely still existed but had no idea as to where.






Per the listing, "Rare opportunity to own a 4400 sqft one story home on the American River w/outrageous river riews! Pvt. gated setting w/pool, boat hoist & retractable stairs to the river. The main house has 3 bedrooms and an office. There is a one bedroom apartment w/living room, kitchen, separate bedroom and full bathroom w/its own entrance for a live-in or an additional bedroom/playroom for the main house."




I love the use of natural materials with special attention given to the ceilings and surfaces - such a well-crafted home with gorgeous views of the river! I can only imagine that architects Grant Caywood and Jack Nopp had a great time designing this home. According to the listing agent, the home was built for the family that started Crystal Dairy and then was owned for 40 years by philanthropist Hardie Setzer of Setzer Forest Products.

A little more about the architects: Grant D. Caywood was a respected and decorated WWII pilot who helped rebuild Germany by designing roads, hospitals, shopping centers and homes after the war. In 1953, he founded his architectural firm in Sacramento. His firm worked on diverse projects throughout Northern California, including the KCRA television studios, the Sacramento Municipal Airport Master Plan, and numerous commercial buildings, residences, and institutions. He was Chairman of the Sacramento City Planning Commission from 1953 to 1957. He shared his passion with his students – as an instructor/lecturer in both aeronautics and architecture.

Jack D. Nopp worked independently in Ukiah before working with local firms such as Barovetto & Thomas and Cox, Liske & Associates. He worked with Grant Caywood from 1963 to 1978, and designed several residences and commercial buildings in Sacramento and Placerville.

I've posted a little bit about Mr. Caywood previously in this blog. He was friends and neighbors with the original owners of our Eichler home. In 1962, Mr. Caywood designed an addition to our Eichler home. He also designed a wonderful lighting system in the dining room and den, a cool bookcase, and an improved roof and gutter system.

I'm not an agent nor am I affliated with one; I am posting this as a public service to those who are interested and love MCM design and architecture as much as I do.