Hey folks-
Check out one of my most recent articles for SFGATE. It allowed me to learn about Max Schlienger, founder of Retech, and the significance the company had on the local economy. Sounds like he was quite the man of industry.
Schlienger’s home called the “Sky House,” is a unique hilltop home between Hopland and Ukiah, and it is up for sale for the first time in 30 years, listed at $2.5 million. Built by Schlienger, a World War II veteran, the home was his way of fulfilling a promise to his wife, Joan, to recreate a version of the “Hanging Garden House” they left behind in Marin County. Finished in 1993, the house combines Asian-inspired touches—like a pagoda-style roof and bonsai trees—with modern engineering, using steel trusses to give it a floating effect over the hillside.
The 3,300-square-foot home features three bedrooms, three bathrooms, expansive decks with sweeping views, and a wine cellar. It sits on nearly 100 acres, with a guest suite and garage connected by a breezeway.
Schlienger wasn’t just known for his architectural ambitions—he also left a lasting mark on Mendocino County’s economy. He was named the Greater Ukiah Chamber of Commerce’s Outstanding Citizen in 1985 and, a decade later, earned national recognition from the U.S. Small Business Administration. In 2017, he built a prototype train on the property using vacuum power and magnets, though the tracks have since been removed. Now, with both Max and Joan passed on, the Sky House is looking for its next chapter.
Read my coverage at SFGATE.
Omfg… who cares about rich people doing rich people 5h1t????? Jesus! It’s hard enough to buy FOOD, I do t want I hear about the upper class building sci-fi homes! Eat the rich!
Typos, whatever. YAY, another upper class home! YAY! I’m depositing a huge cloudy load into my toilet in celebration……
Sorry you’re so unsuccessful. Hating on others won’t do you any good
You can’t separate the owner from the work? Do you see ancient cathedrals and castles and think “Who cares?? The owners were rich!”? It says a lot about your ability to think with nuance to have a take like this. You should try exercising your brain more often. If you don’t use it, you lose it.
It’s a marketing ad for a multi-million dollar house…not a castle or cathedral from Europe with centuries of history behind it.
Another great story, Matt!
Congratulations!
I agree!
All it needs is a Pizza Hut sign on the top to complete the look
Something many people may not know is that Schlienger mortgaged that house, at least once, to keep his employees paid and avoid layoffs through some of the down cycles of his business. His creativity and industry provided food for a lot of people in the area.
This was a good article explaining how this engineer, who provided jobs to the area for years, came up with a great idea for transit. Thanks Matt??