Dublin's Barkley Square: 1964–1965 homes & subdivision history

Cover photo of a single-story home in Dublin’s Barkley Square neighborhood, built between 1964 and 1965. The home features classic mid-century ranch styling with a broad front façade, low-pitched roof, and large picture window—reflecting the early suburban growth of the area.

Welcome to Barkley Square

Barkley Square wasn’t just another subdivision in Dublin—it was part of a bold vision for a new kind of suburban life. In 1964, Volk-McLain set out to redefine what “home” could mean for middle-class families. With prices starting at $16,996, these homes were accessible, modern, and designed for a generation ready to move up.

Map showing the location of the Barkley Square neighborhood in Dublin, California. The map highlights the residential area within the city, including surrounding streets and nearby landmarks for context.
Map of the Barkley Square neighborhood in Dublin, California.

When the Cold War came to the suburbs

But Barkley Square wasn’t just about homes; it was about ideas. In one of the most unusual marketing stunts of the time, Volk-McLain built a replica of a Soviet-style home right in the middle of their sales complex. The small, utilitarian house was meant to show buyers how “good” they had it in America--or rather, how good they could have it in Barkley Square.

Imagine walking through a cramped replica of a Cold War apartment, only to step into one of Barkley Square’s models, complete with sunken living rooms and sleek Philippine Mahogany cabinetry. The contrast wasn’t subtle, but it worked.

Vintage 1964 Oakland Tribune ad inviting readers to “come see a typical Russian home,” featuring a Cold War-era cottage with a wood stove and a shared goat. Reflecting mid-1960s anxieties, the ad served as a reminder—especially by 1966—that suburban life in America could always be worse.
From a 1964 Oakland Tribune—sure, your house only has one bathroom—but at least it’s not a Cold War cottage with a wood stove and a shared goat. 1966 reminded us: it could always be worse.

Vintage 1964 San Francisco Chronicle ad featuring a replica of a Soviet home placed in the middle of a newly built suburban neighborhood. The ad invites readers to “take in the stucco, stay for the propaganda,” using the stark, dreary design to contrast American comfort with Soviet austerity—emphasizing the privilege of having your own bedroom.
From a 1964 San Francisco Chronicle—take in the stucco, stay for the propaganda. A dreary Soviet home replica was dropped into the middle of shiny new suburbia—just to remind you how lucky you were to have your own bedroom.

“More of everything”: homes designed for the future

These homes weren’t just selling comfort; they were selling a vision of the future. They promised “more of everything”—more space, more style, and more freedom to customize your life. The homes offered something for everyone. Need a home office? Convert a bedroom. Want a cozy den? There’s a plan for that, too.

For those seeking something even bigger, the New Englander model came with 1,610 square feet of possibilities, including a convertible bedroom and an oversized garage. It was suburban living with just a bit of flair.

Grand opening ad from a 1964 Oakland Tribune announcing Volk-McLain’s launch of Barkley Square in Dublin, California. The ad promotes a new line of mid-market homes, highlighting affordability, modern design, and suburban appeal aimed at growing Bay Area families.
From a 1964 Oakland Tribune—After nearly four years of building the same five floor plans, Volk-McLain thought it'd try new mid-market homes.

Vintage 1964 newspaper photo from the San Francisco Chronicle showing a stylish interior with a decorative room divider in a model home at San Ramon Village. Contrasting mid-century suburban luxury with Cold War-era austerity.
From a 1964 San Francisco Chronicle—ornate room dividers. it ain't Russia, it's decadent San Ramon Village.

The homes of Barkley Square

Originally 6 models, later 7, were shown in a sales complex on the north side of Tamarack Drive at Village Parkway.

Small map showing the site of the Barkley Square model homes in Dublin, California. The map marks the model home location within the neighborhood, along with nearby streets for orientation.
Map of the Barkley Square model home complex on Tamarack Drive in Dublin.

Three floor plans, each in two elevations with Hawaiian, contemporary, or ranch styles. By May 1964, Volk-McLain had sold half the homes in the initial 190 Unit 1 release. In response to an increasing demand for larger homes, they introduced a fourth plan in two elevations, "The New Englander" and "The Country Squire."

Model homes

1. The Fairchild - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,246 sq. ft. Same floor plan as the Bridgeport.

2. The Westmont - 4 bedrooms or 3 and a den, bathrooms, 1,305 sq. ft. Same floor plan as the Hartford.

3. The Bridgeport - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,246 sq. ft. Same floor plan as the Fairchild.

Artist’s rendering from a March 1964 vintage ad depicting The Bridgeport model home. The illustration showcases a classic mid-century suburban design with clean lines, a low-pitched roof, and a landscaped front yard, capturing the aspirational style of the era.
An artist's rendering of the Bridgeport from March 1964.

4. The Westchester - 3 bedrooms or 2 and a den, 2 bathrooms, 1,053 sq. ft. Same floor plan as The Briarcliff.

5. The Hartford - 4 bedrooms or 3 and a den, 2 bathrooms, 1,305 sq. ft. Same floor plan as The Westmont.

Vintage 1964 San Francisco Chronicle ad featuring the original Hartford model home, complete with a unique garage door design that has since become rare. The ad highlights the distinctive architectural feature, which stands out as a nostalgic nod to mid-century suburban style.
From a 1964 San Francisco Chronicle—The original Hartford model with a garage door we never see anymore.

6. The Briarcliff - 3 bedrooms or 2 with a den, 2 bathrooms, 1,053 sq. ft. Same floor plan as the Westchester.

7. The New Englander - 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 1,610 sq. ft. Added soon after initial opening. This home had it all. From an oversized garage to a convertible bedroom with a retractable room divider.

Vintage ad from May 3, 1964, showcasing the New Englander elevation and floor plan for homes in Barkley Square, Dublin. The ad highlights the classic New England-inspired design, featuring a traditional exterior with a gabled roof and spacious interior layout, ideal for suburban living.
The New Englander elevation and floorplan from May 3, 1964.

If you liked the floor plan, but wanted a different elevation, then you could choose the Country Squire. It wasn't shown in the model complex.

Barkley Square today

Here are the former model homes as they appear today

The Fairchild today

Current photo of the former Fairchild model home, featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1,246 square feet. The design mirrors the Bridgeport model, with a classic mid-century suburban layout, showcasing a compact yet functional floor plan for modern living.
The original Fairchild model today.

The Westmont today

Current photo of the former Westmont model home, featuring 4 bedrooms (or 3 bedrooms and a den), 2 bathrooms, and 1,305 square feet. This design mirrors the Hartford model, offering a spacious and versatile layout perfect for families or those needing additional living space.
The original Westmont model today.

The Bridgeport today

Current photo of the original Bridgeport model home at Barkley Square in Dublin, featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1,246 square feet. This design mirrors the Fairchild model, offering a compact yet functional layout perfect for suburban living, with a classic mid-century style.
The original Bridgeport model today.

The Westchester today

Current photo of the Westchester model home, featuring 3 bedrooms (or 2 bedrooms and a den), 2 bathrooms, and 1,053 square feet. This layout mirrors the Briarcliff model, offering a cozy yet functional design perfect for those seeking efficient living space in a suburban setting.
The original Westchester model today (expanded).

The Hartford today

Current photo of the Hartford model home, featuring 4 bedrooms (or 3 bedrooms and a den), 2 bathrooms, and 1,305 square feet. This design mirrors the Westmont model, offering a versatile layout with ample space for growing families or those in need of a home office or additional living area.
The original Hartford model today.

The Briarcliff today

Current photo of the Briarcliff model home, featuring 3 bedrooms (or 2 bedrooms with a den), 2 bathrooms, and 1,053 square feet. This design mirrors the Westchester model, offering an efficient and compact layout perfect for small families or those needing flexible living space.
The original Briarcliff model today.

The New Englander today

Current photo of The New Englander model home, featuring 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 1,610 square feet. Added soon after the initial opening, this home includes an oversized garage and a convertible bedroom with a retractable room divider, offering versatile living space for families.
The original New Englander model today (remodeled).

If you liked the floor plan, but wanted a different elevation, then you could choose the Country Squire. It wasn't shown in the model complex.

Photo of a Country Squire home, featuring a similar floor plan to The New Englander but with a distinct elevation. This home, though not shown in the original model complex, offers 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 1,610 square feet, with a more traditional exterior design ideal for those seeking a unique style.
The Country Squire (not original model, remodeled).

A sudden exit leaves an incomplete dream

Yet Barkley Square’s story isn’t all polished brochures and open-house dreams. Volk-McLain, known for its ambitious developments, quickly ran into challenges. In the original plan, Barkley Square was to fill in all the land around Frederiksen Elementary with 600 homes. However, by 1965, they decided to pull out of the area entirely, leaving behind unsold lots and unfulfilled plans.

Just a year before Volk-McLain's exit from Barkley Square, they sold off eights lots across from the model complex, and one lot in between models 6 and 7. Purchased by a local reality company, nine homes were built and unique compared to Volk-McLain's homes. While the neighborhood reached completion, it did so without the grand flourish originally envisioned.

Current photo of one of two 4-bedroom, 2-bath infill homes on Tamarack Drive, featuring a spacious 1,584 square foot layout. The home showcases modern design elements within an established neighborhood, offering ample living space for families.
One of two 4-bedroom/2-bath; 1,584 sq. ft. infill homes on Tamarack Dr.

Current photo of one of seven 3-bedroom, 2-bath infill homes on Tamarack Drive, offering 1,698 square feet of living space. The home combines contemporary design with the charm of the surrounding neighborhood, providing a spacious and functional layout for modern families.
One of seven 3-bedroom/2-baths; 1,698 sq. ft. infill homes in Tamarack Dr.

From mid-century modern to a living time capsule

Today, Barkley Square is a blend of its mid-century roots and decades of homeowner updates. Drive through the neighborhood, and you’ll see the charm of 1960s architecture alongside the personality of modern touches.

It’s a reminder of a time when optimism fueled big ideas—and sometimes, a little showmanship (and a Soviet house) helped sell the dream.

Related posts


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

San Ramon's Country Club Park: 1961–1965 homes & subdivision history

Image
Welcome to San Ramon Country Club Park In the early 1960s, Country Club Park wasn’t just a place to live—it was a way of life. Located alongside the San Ramon Golf Club, the 531 homes built between 1961 and 1965 were crafted to reflect a lifestyle of sun-drenched leisure and striking mid-century architecture. Each home was designed to meet the tastes of a modern, active generation—one for whom a golf cart was as much a part of the scenery as the fairways it cruised upon. With its winding streets, manicured lawns, and quiet elegance, Country Club Park offered the kind of suburban paradise where Sunday drives could become an endless journey through leisure. Location of the County Club Park neighborhood in San Ramon, California. Volk-McLain and the bold architecture of Country Club Park The development of Country Club Park was entrusted to Volk-McLain , with homes designed by the talented Raymond Dean Conwell. Between 1961 and 1965, the neighborhood’s architecture took shape through...
Read more

Walnut Grove Series: 1966–1968 homes in Pleasanton Valley

Image
Welcome to the Walnut Grove series homes at Pleasanton Valley When Morrison Homes broke ground on its second phase in Pleasanton Valley — the Walnut Grove Series — it did so with a nod to the land’s past. Built between 1966 and 1968, the homes were sited on generous lots — many measuring over 11,000 square feet — and often came with a quiet legacy: up to six mature walnut trees left from the original orchard. These weren’t just new homes; they were new roots planted in old soil. A view from Hopyard Road in 1968 shows the Pleasanton Valley model home complex—fresh sidewalks, young trees, and homes awaiting families. The photo hints at Pleasanton’s rural feel before suburban expansion. Pleasanton in the mid-to-late 1960s was undergoing a slow but steady transformation. While nearby Dublin was developing its first shopping centers and San Ramon remained mostly pasture, Pleasanton was emerging as a town with modern schools, growing families, and a suburban identity still grounded in r...
Read more

Pleasanton Valley history: Pleasanton's 1964–1979 neighborhood development

Image
From 1964 to 1979, Pleasanton Valley quietly transformed Pleasanton from a rural crossroads into a thriving hometown. Developed by Morrison Homes on the former Orloff Ranch, this neighborhood became one of the city’s largest and most defining suburban expansions—home to over 1,470 families. For 15 straight years, Pleasanton families had something new to look forward to: a fresh model home to tour, a new floor plan to dream about, and another reason to fall in love with this growing community. Map of the Pleasanton Valley neighborhood in Pleasanton, California. A neighborhood of birds, trees—and families Locals often called it “Birdland” or “The Woods,” thanks to the whimsical street names inspired by birds and trees. But the names weren’t what made Pleasanton Valley special. It was the families. Generations of kids rode bikes past new construction, splashed through sprinklers in front yards, and chased each other through parks and cul-de-sacs. Nearly everyone in Pleasanton at the t...
Read more