Fairway Hills — tract homes in San Ramon (1965)

Tucked along the greens of what is now the San Ramon Golf Club, the 103-home Fairway Hills subdivision offered more than just a front-row seat to the fairway—it offered a lifestyle rooted in leisure, a bit of golf-course grandeur, and a few groan-worthy jokes along the way.

Built by Alpha Homes between 1965 and 1968, Fairway Hills was the third neighborhood to border the course, following in the footsteps of Country Club Park (1961) and Country Club Estates (1965). But unlike its predecessors, Fairway Hills had a winding journey to completion—one that involved builder handoffs, stubborn advertisements, and the occasional cantilevered balcony.

The story began with Volk-McLain, the original developer behind Country Club Estates. They opened a model complex on Firecrest Lane in early 1965, signaling big plans for more homes. But before long, they pulled out of the area entirely, leaving just ten of their homes around Winged Foot Place.

Enter Alpha Homes, who stepped in to complete the subdivision—and gave it the name Fairway Hills. Under their guidance, the neighborhood took shape with five spacious home plans, each designed to appeal to the growing number of Bay Area families dreaming of backyard barbecues and golf course views.

May 1968 Oakland Tribune ad for Alpha Homes Fairway Hills saying "homes on course." Billed as an alternative to Pebble Beach.
A May 1968 Oakland Tribune ad—Alpha Homes offering homes "on course" in San Ramon, an alternative to Pebble Beach, with lifestyle amenities like golf, swimming, and tennis.

Where is Fairway Hills in San Ramon?

Annotated aerial map showing the boundaries of the Fairway Hills tract in the Country Club neighborhood in San Ramon.
Annotated map of the Fairway Hills neighborhood in San Ramon, California.

Selling the tract

If the Fairway Hills ads are to be believed, you’d think the neighborhood was being marketed by a grumpy sitcom dad. One 1965 ad grumbles about children begging to visit “Harry the Horse,” while another insists you'll finally get peace and quiet because someone else mows the lawn.

By 1967, the advertising had become even wordier, filled with offbeat humor and a touch of suburban cynicism. But underneath the quirky copy was a clear message: this was a place to settle in and enjoy life—on large lots, next to a beautifully maintained golf course, with a view and a breeze to match.

The San Ramon Country Club (now San Ramon Golf Club) was itself a fairly new attraction when Fairway Hills broke ground. Designed by Clark Glasson, the course opened its first 9 holes in June 1962, with the back 9 arriving later that fall.

For many early buyers, having a home along this freshly minted course was a dream realized—resort-style living in the quiet countryside.

Black-and-white 1965 Oakland Tribune newspaper ad promoting Fairway Hills, San Ramon, with the tagline “Living at Fairway Hills is relaxing,” accompanied by a photo of a person standing beside a horse near nearby stables. The ad combines suburban charm with a lighthearted tone, suggesting peaceful living with a playful side-eye.
From a 1965 Oakland Tribune ad—living at Fairway Hills is relaxing, they insisted—albeit with a sigh and a side-eye.

A May 1966 Oakland Tribune ad for Fairway Hills in San Ramon with pictures of two homes and the golf course, offering free landscaping and fencing.
From a May 1966 Oakland Tribune ad—Alpha homes started offering free front yard landscaping and fencing to attract buyers.

Black-and-white 1967 Oakland Tribune newspaper ad promoting Fairway Hills in San Ramon with cheerful text promising “Instant mood lift, no prescription required—just a mortgage.” The ad highlights easy living with manicured lawns, blooming trees, and professional landscaping maintenance, appealing to homebuyers seeking a carefree suburban lifestyle.
From a 1967 Oakland Tribune ad—feeling low? Move where the lawns mow themselves, the trees are always in bloom, and someone else worries about the edging. Instant mood lift, no prescription required—just a mortgage.

An August 1968 Oakland Tribune photo of the backyard of a home in the Fairway Hills model complex, with a child sitting in the wide-open space.
From an August 1968 Oakland Tribune photo—the model complex of Fairway Hills emphasized the spacious backyards and open spaces for children to run around.

A June 1968 Oakland Tribune photo of the Pennsylvania model, with its Dutch-colonial exterior.
From a June 1968 Oakland Tribune photo—distinctive home styling, like the Dutch-colonial Pennsylvania model, was an attraction in itself.

Pricing history of Fairway Hills homes

  • 1965: $25,950 +
  • 1966: $26,975 – $31,975
  • 1967: $26,975 +
  • 1968: $27,975 +

The homes of Fairway Hills

When Fairway Hills opened, buyers toured a carefully staged collection of Alpha 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 five original models opened in 1966 on Boca Raton Court.

Map highlighting the site of the Fairway Hills model home complex located on Boca Raton Court in San Ramon, California. The map shows surrounding residential streets, nearby parks, and key landmarks, providing context for the model home location within the Fairway Hills neighborhood.
Annotated aerial map of the Fairway Hills model home complex on Boca Raton Court. Base imagery from Google Maps.

Model homes of Fairway Hills

1. The Santa Barbara - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2,013 sq. ft.

2. The Pennsylvania - 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms.

3. The San Ramon - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,711 sq. ft.

4. The Monterey - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2,040 sq. ft.

5. The Plan 5 (unknown name) - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. 

Current appearance of the original Santa Barbara home in San Ramon's Fairway Hills.
Original Santa Barbara model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Pennyslvania home in San Ramon's Fairway Hills.
Original Pennsylvania model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original San Ramon home in San Ramon's Fairway Hills.
Original San Ramon model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Monterey home in San Ramon's Fairway Hills.
Original Monterey model today (expanded) via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Plan 5 home in San Ramon's Fairway Hills.
Original Plan 5 model today via Google Street View.

Legacy of Fairway Hills

Fairway Hills hit the market at a competitive price point, especially for golf-course homes with large lots and stylish elevations. Sales concluded in 1968.

By the early 1970s, development around the golf course slowed, with much of the surrounding land remaining open until the Paseo San Ramon and Rancho Ramon subdivisions arrived in 1977. Today, Fairway Hills remains a highly sought-after neighborhood, with its large lots, charming homes, and mature trees offering a rare kind of space and serenity.

What began with a quirky ad campaign and a handoff between builders has endured as a classic San Ramon community—one where you can still catch a breeze off the 9th hole and hear the soft thwack of a tee shot from your backyard.

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