Fairway Hills: country club living with a wink

Fairway Hills logo

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.

Location of the Fairway Park neighborhood in San Ramon, California.

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.

Ads with attitude

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.

From a 1965 Oakland Tribune ad—living at Fairway Hills is relaxing, they insisted—albeit with a sigh and a side-eye.

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.

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.

Life on the links

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.

Fairway Hills model homes

Model homes were showcased on Boca Raton Court, highlighting a range of architectural styles from Early New England Colonial to classic ranch and Spanish-influenced Monterey designs. The homes were known for their generous square footage and thoughtful floorplans—practical yet undeniably elegant.

Site of the Fairway Hills model homes.

1. The Santa Barbara- 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2,013 sq. ft. A roomy, ranch-style home with California flair and timeless curb appeal.

The original Santa Barbara model today.

2. The Pennsylvania- 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. With its Dutch Colonial elevation, this model stood out. A nod to homes built by German settlers in 17th-century Pennsylvania, it featured steep gables and a distinctive style rarely seen in the region.

The original Pennsylvania model today.

3. The San Ramon- 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,711 sq. ft. The namesake of the neighborhood—a solid, functional home with just enough elegance to make it special.

The original San Ramon model today.

4. The Monterey- 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2,040 sq. ft. This model was the showstopper. With its iconic cantilevered balcony off the main bedroom, it brought a touch of Central Coast charm to San Ramon’s inland hills.

The original Monterey model today (expanded).

5. The Plan 5 (unknown name) - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. A more traditional ranch layout—rarer in the neighborhood—offering a low-slung silhouette and a cozy floorplan.

The original Plan 5 model today.

Pricing history

Fairway Hills hit the market at a competitive price point, especially for golf-course homes with large lots and stylish elevations:

  • 1965: Starting at $25,950
  • 1966: $26,975 – $31,975
  • 1967: From $26,975
  • 1968: From $27,975

Sales concluded in 1968.

Legacy and location

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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