Barkley Square — tract homes in Dublin (1964)

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.

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.

Where is Barkley Square in Dublin?

Annotated aerial map showing the boundaries of the Barkley Square neighborhood in Dublin.
Annotated aerial map of the Barkley Square neighborhood in Dublin, California. Base imagery from Google Maps.

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.

Selling the tract

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.


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.

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 floor plan from May 3, 1964.

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.

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.

Pricing history of Barkley Square homes

  • 1964: $16,995 +
  • 1965: $16,995 +

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. 

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

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.
Annotated aerial map of the Barkley Square model home complex on Tamarack Drive. Base imagery from Apple Maps.

Model homes of Barkley Square

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.

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.

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. If you liked the floor plan, but wanted a different elevation, then you could choose the Country Squire.

Current appearance of the original Fairchild home in Dublin's Barkley Square.
Original Fairchild model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Westmont home in Dublin's Barkley Square.
Original Westmont model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Bridgeport home in Dublin's Barkley Square.
Original Bridgeport model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Westchester home in Dublin's Barkley Square.
Original Westchester model today (expanded) via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Hartford home in Dublin's Barkley Square.
Original Hartford model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Briarcliff home in Dublin's Barkley Square.
Original Briarcliff model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original New Englander home in Dublin's Barkley Square.
Original New Englander model today (remodeled) via Google Street View.

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.

Legacy of Barkley Square

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.

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