Appletree: a mid-century orchard in the heart of Dublin

In the mid-1960s, Appletree took root as a small but vibrant piece of Dublin’s suburban tapestry. Developed by the prolific American Housing Guild, the neighborhood was part of a broader dream: bringing thoughtfully designed, character-rich homes to the rising hills of the Tri-Valley.

Between 1965 and 1968, 161 homes were built—each one a modest monument to a changing way of life. With six unique models, ranging from 3 to 5 bedrooms, Appletree offered a little something for everyone: clean lines, playful architecture, and just enough room to grow.

Location of the Appletree neighborhood in Dublin, California.

A neighborhood searching for its name

Before the “Appletree” name ever graced a map, the neighborhood cycled through a few identities. It was almost called California Home Show, a name that suggested something more temporary than timeless. At the last minute, the builder settled on Redwing Valley, and under that name the model complex opened on July 4, 1965—a fitting date for a suburban independence day.

At the time, the broader area was still known as San Ramon Village, and it wasn’t until 1967, as the town itself shifted toward being known as Dublin, that the neighborhood got its final name: Appletree.

Architecture you had to see for yourself

Marketing for Redwing Valley was often vague, relying more on ambiance than on specifics. Ads promised “beauty and charm,” but left out the part about the wall of windows or Monterey-style balconies. Prospective buyers had to see the homes in person to understand just how unique they really were.

And once they did, one model stood out above the rest.

From an October 1965 Oakland Tribune—homes in Redwing Valley are beautiful, we promise. You just have to see for yourself.

The New Pacifica: a bright idea in every sense

Perhaps the most striking of Appletree’s designs, The New Pacifica was mid-century modern at its most joyful. Anchored by a wall of glass facing an internal courtyard, it invited sunlight to spill across every room, creating a sense of space that felt far beyond its square footage.

The design wasn’t just beautiful—it was bold, especially for a suburban tract home. Walking into a Pacifica felt less like arriving at a house and more like entering a sanctuary. Even today, spotting one on Prince Drive feels like discovering a time capsule, still humming with the optimism of the space age.

A fan favorite New Pacifica on Prince Drive.

The Room Maker: a dream deferred

In 1967, Appletree introduced one last model: The Room Maker. It came with a simple idea—an unfinished upstairs that could become anything. A craft loft. A quiet study. A secret library. 

From a 1967 Oakland Tribune ad—"room to grow later,” they said. The expandable house promised room to grow—just add drywall, a second bath... maybe a contractor. The potential? Staggering. The reality? Depends how handy you are.

But while the concept sparked imaginations, execution proved tricky. Without the option to pay to have the upstairs completed, many buyers left it unfinished—an attic with ambition. Still, its very presence hinted at a growing desire for flexibility in home life, long before that became a buzzword.

Appletree model homes

A model complex on Tyne Court launched with four home plans and expanded to five with the arrival of the Room Maker. Each design offered something different, and yet all shared the same architectural through-line: practicality wrapped in personality

Site of the Appletree model homes.

Pricing history
1965: $19,950 - $23,950
1966 (Unit 2): $19,950 - $24,450
1966: $20,450 - $24,950
1967: $20,950 - $24,950
1968: $21,950 - $24,950

1. The Spanish Hacienda - 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,848 or 1,867 sq. ft. The largest of the bunch, this model boasted two elevations, though the Monterey-style with its cantilevered balcony was by far the favorite. It was stately yet warm—perfect for larger families who wanted to stand out.

The original Spanish Hacienda model today.

2. The New Pacifica - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,590 or 1,638 sq. ft. Defined by its courtyard-facing glass wall and flowing floorplan, this home is still considered a local gem of mid-century design.

The original New Pacifica model today.

From a 1966 Oakland Tribune—where the martinis are dry, the ceilings are high, and every lamp has a twin. It’s not a set from a 1965 sitcom—it’s your new living room (laugh track optional).

3. The Old San Francisco - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,437 sq. ft. A cozy, character-rich plan. Its name was a nod to the past, but the home itself was forward-thinking.

The original Old San Francisco model today (with second-story expansion).

4. The California Ranch - 3 or 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,276 to 1,491 sq. ft. Classic and adaptable, this model evolved with families. Many owners opted for a fourth bedroom in front, a testament to its long-term livability.

The original California Ranch model today (expanded in front).

Another California Ranch home on Prince Drive.

5. The Room Maker - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,629+ sq. ft. New for 1967. A flexible home for forward thinkers. While its upstairs rarely saw full realization, the idea itself was a reflection of a world beginning to imagine “extra space” not as luxury, but as necessity.

The original Room Maker model today.

The model suggested using the unfinished second floor as a sewing room, a novelty so delightfully specific it bordered on comical.

From a 1967 Oakland Tribune—a dark place for mother and her antique sewing machine. Is it luxury... or punishment. You decide.

A lasting legacy

By 1968, Appletree was fully built out. Though modest in size, the neighborhood became one of Dublin’s most memorable enclaves, offering homes with enough personality to withstand the decades—and the remodels.

Today, Appletree remains a sought-after neighborhood. You’ll find additions, paint changes, and solar panels—but underneath it all, the original homes are still standing proud. Still modern. Still optimistic. Still whispering a promise of space, light, and possibility.