Barkley Square: ambition and a touch of Soviet flare

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.

Location 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.

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.

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.

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.

From a 1964 San Francisco Chronicle—it ain't Russia, it's decadent San Ramon Village.

Barkley Square model homes

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

Site of the Barkley Square model homes.

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."

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

The original Fairchild model today.

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

The original Westmont model today.

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

The original Bridgeport model today.

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.

The original Westchester model today (expanded).

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

The original Hartford model today.

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.

The original Briarcliff model today.

7. The New Englander - 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.

The original New Englander model today (remodeled).

The New Englander 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.

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

One of two 4-bedroom/2-bath; 1,584 sq. ft. infill homes on Tamarack Dr.

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 post: Volk-McLain's San Ramon Village