Mid-Century Modern 'Sundial House' in Boise Sells for Over $2 Million—A Record-Breaking High for the City

The Sundial House at twilight—designed in 1951 by architect Louis F. Pacheco, this Boise residence exemplifies mid-century modern principles with its bold geometry, natural materials, and a design that harmonizes effortlessly with its wooded surroundings. Photos courtesy of Abby Blossom.

A rare mid-century modern residence in Boise’s stunning North End—now virally dubbed the Sundial House—sold yesterday for just over its $1.9 million asking price, drawing immediate attention from buyers captivated by its iconic design, privacy, and architectural integrity.

Built in 1951 by architect Louis F. Pacheco, the 3,500-square-foot home was designed to follow the arc of the sun. This insight became immediately apparent to listing agent Vance Lichtenberger during his first walk-through. Struck by how the light moved deliberately through the space, Lichtenberger coined the nickname Sundial House on the spot. The home’s orientation and pronounced roof overhangs block the high summer sun while welcoming in low-angled winter light, passively warming the interiors and illuminating the stone and cedar-clad walls.

Learn more about listing agent Vance Lichtenberger, Boise’s leading expert in mid-century modern real estate, and how his strategic approach helped bring the Sundial House to market.

Learn More

“In winter, the sun drops below the roofline and reaches all the way to the back of the living room,” noted mid-century expert Jed Splittgerber of Mid-Century Homes by Anthology.

Recognizing the historical significance and nuanced buyer pool for a home of this caliber, Lichtenberger brought on longtime colleague and fellow mid-century modern authority, Jed Splittgerber, to support the sale. Together, they crafted a tailored marketing strategy that combined architectural fluency with wide-reaching media exposure.

The response was swift and decisive. The buyers, a financial consultant and a therapist, already lived just down the street and had long admired the neighborhood's character and quiet charm. Represented by Rachel Hausman Masse of Compass, they wasted no time, submitting a firm offer the very day the Sundial House hit the market.

“They fell in love with the circular lot, the privacy, and the feeling of retreat the home offered,” said Masse. “It was exactly what they’d been searching for, and they moved quickly to secure it.”

Long owned by a Boise local and his wife, the home sits on nearly a third of an acre and has been lovingly maintained over the past 25 years. A thoughtful 2012 renovation added a two-bedroom guest suite and remodeled the lower level to include additional bedrooms, a bathroom, and a flexible rec space.

The home's interiors are rich with natural materials, including cedar plank and beam ceilings, original stone walls, and custom millwork. Furnishings and fixtures throughout continue the organic narrative, with live-edge wood counters, metal and stone finishes, and floor-to-ceiling glass that blurs the line between inside and out.

Inside the Sundial House, exposed cedar beams and a massive stone hearth anchor the living space, while clerestory windows and floor-to-ceiling glass invite nature in throughout the primary bedroom.

Listing photos by Boise photographer Abby Blossom capture the refined simplicity and organic flow of the Sundial House’s main living space. Anchored by a dramatic slanted roofline and full-height stone fireplace, the open-concept great room flows seamlessly into a kitchen designed with both form and function in mind. Exposed wood beams and cedar-plank ceilings frame a warm and inviting space, where sleek stainless steel countertops contrast beautifully with custom honey-toned cabinetry.

The kitchen is outfitted with premium appliances and thoughtful design details, from minimalist open shelving to a large central island with integrated cooktop. Generous windows and clerestory transoms flood the space with natural light, while the built-in dining nook offers an intimate spot for morning coffee with garden views. Outside, the patio’s slatted pergola creates a rhythmic play of light and shadow, extending the home's intuitive design into the surrounding landscape.

The kitchen’s original custom cabinetry, stainless steel countertops, and clerestory lighting blend timeless mid-century form with practical function, an ideal space for large gatherings and everyday living.

The home, already well-known among mid-century modern enthusiasts for its feature on Zillow Gone Wild, quickly cemented its status as a local icon. During its brief time on the market, it went viral on TikTok and was spotlighted by Mansion Global, Pricey Pads, and BoiseDev, drawing interest far beyond the Treasure Valley. Described in marketing materials as “intuitive” and “calm,” the property stands as a masterpiece of passive solar design, enduring materials, and architecturally driven living.

Even before Lichtenberger had the chance to host his first open house, the Sundial House had already secured a buyer, highlighting both the architectural gravity of the home and the strategic foresight behind its representation. The response was immediate, decisive, and fitting for a property of such rare character.

“The buyers understood that a home like this—its style, setting, and orientation—would never be on the market in Boise again,” said Lichtenberger. “When you're representing a property of this caliber, you want to know the buyers are all-in. They toured the home at 1:00 p.m., and by 5:00 p.m., we had an offer in hand. That kind of clarity and commitment told us everything we needed to know.”

The sale officially closed on June 13, setting a new benchmark in the growing Boise real estate market: it is now the most expensive mid-century modern home ever sold in Boise, Idaho, that is not on acreage.

Typos? Not on our watch. This article has been fact-checked and finessed by the eagle-eyed editors at For The Writers. Have more to contribute or see something worth calling out? Let us know.