Appletree (Redwing Valley) — tract homes in Dublin (1965)

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 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.

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.

However, much of that original identity has been lost, as the area is now commonly referred to as "Echo Park"—a misinterpretation of the neighboring community's name, Ecco Park.

Vintage 1967 Oakland Tribune newspaper ad promoting an expandable home model in the Appletree neighborhood of Dublin. The ad features a sketch of a single-story home with a large unfinished upstairs space, accompanied by marketing text promising “room to grow later” and suggesting easy future additions like drywall and a second bathroom.
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.

Where is Appletree in Dublin?

Annotated aerial map showing the boundaries of the Appletree (Redwing Valley) neighborhood in Dublin.
Annotated aerial map of the Appletree neighborhood in Dublin, California. Now considered Ecco Park. Base imagery from Apple Maps.

Selling the tract

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.

Vintage October 1965 Oakland Tribune newspaper ad for Appletree, originally named Redwing Valley. The ad features cheerful mid-century illustrations of single-story homes with manicured lawns and bold text proclaiming, “Homes in Redwing Valley are beautiful,” promoting stylish suburban living in Dublin, California.Vintage October 1965 Oakland Tribune newspaper ad for Appletree, originally named Redwing Valley. The ad features cheerful mid-century illustrations of single-story homes with manicured lawns and bold text proclaiming, “Homes in Redwing Valley are beautiful,” promoting stylish suburban living in Dublin, California.
From an October 1965 Oakland Tribune—before it was known as Appletree, it was known as Redwing Valley. The ad says the homes are beautiful, but you'd have to see for yourself.

Vintage 1966 Oakland Tribune newspaper ad showcasing the interior of the New Pacifica model home. The space features sleek mid-century modern décor with high ceilings, matching table lamps, and a stylish living area set up for entertaining—complete with cocktail glasses and a tray of martinis.
From a 1966 Oakland Tribune—the living room inside the New Pacific model, where the martinis are dry, the ceilings are high, and every lamp has a twin.

Vintage 1967 Oakland Tribune newspaper clipping showing the interior of the second story of the "Room Maker" model home in Appletree, Dublin. A dimly lit bonus room features an antique sewing machine near a small window, highlighting the low ceilings and limited natural light.
From a 1967 Oakland Tribune—the unfinished second story of the Room Maker model. A dark place for mother and her antique sewing machine. Is it luxury... or punishment. You decide.

Pricing history of Appletree homes

  • 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

The homes of Appletree

When Redwing Valley opened, buyers toured a carefully staged collection of American Housing Guild model homes showcasing the neighborhood’s mix of architecture, indoor-outdoor living, and family-oriented floor plans. Though individual elevations varied, these original models helped define much of the neighborhood’s visual identity.

The four original models opened in 1965 on Tyne Court. When the subdivision rebranded as Appletree in 1967, a fifth model was added. 

Map showing the location of the former Appletree model home complex in Dublin, California, highlighting the streets and layout where the mid-century homes were originally showcased.
Annotated aerial map of the Appletree model home complex on Tyne Court. Base imagery from Apple Maps.

Model homes of Appletree

1. The Spanish Hacienda - 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,848 or 1,867 sq. ft.

2. The New Pacifica - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,590 or 1,638 sq. ft.

3. The Old San Francisco - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,437 sq. ft.

4. The California Ranch - 3 or 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,276 to 1,491 sq. ft.

5. The Room Maker - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,629+ sq. ft. New for 1967. A flexible home for forward thinkers. It came with a simple idea—an unfinished upstairs that could become anything. Its very presence hinted at a growing desire for flexibility in home life.

Current appearance of the original Spanish Hacienda home in Dublin's Appletree.
Original Spanish Hacienda model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original New Pacifica home in Dublin's Appletree.
Original New Pacifica model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Old San Francisco home in Dublin's Appletree.
Original Old San Francisco model today (with second-story extension) via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original California Ranch home in Dublin's Appletree.
Original California Ranch model today (expanded in front) via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Room Maker home in Dublin's Appletree.
Original Room Maker model today via Google Street View.

Legacy of Appletree

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.

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