Did Eichler Inspire Apple?

For anyone who loves mid-century modernism, an Eichler house is irresistible. But passion for these airy 1950s-era homes soared after Walter Isaacson's best-selling biography of Apple guru Steve Jobs. Seems that Jobs spent part of his childhood in a classic Eichler ranch with exposed beams and an open floor plan. Or did he?

The Eichler Network Online says not so fast. These experts in California mid-century architecture claim that Jobs lived in a Likeler—a house like an Eichler, but not the real thing.

Likeler or not, where we live can be an inspiration, and good design has some crossover effect.

Photo of bookcover, Eichler/ Modernism Rebuilds the American Dream, courtesy PriceGrabber.com