San Ramon's Fairway Hills: 1965–1968 homes & subdivision history

A typical 1960s home in the Fairway Hills subdivision of San Ramon, built between 1965 and 1968 near the San Ramon Golf Club. The house features a Monterey-style elevation, with a low-pitched roof, second-story balcony with wood railing, and a mix of stucco and wood siding—reflecting mid-century interpretations of California Colonial design.

Home nestled in a golf course

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.

Map highlighting the location of the Fairway Park neighborhood in San Ramon, California. The map shows surrounding streets, nearby parks, and major roads such as Alcosta Boulevard, providing geographic context within the city and its residential areas.
Map 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The homes of Fairway Hills

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.

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.
Map of the Fairway Hills model home complex on Boca Raton Court at Olympia Fields Drive.

Pricing history

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

Model homes

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

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.

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

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.

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

Fairway Hills today

Here are the former model homes as they appear today.

The Santa Barbara today

Current exterior photo of the Santa Barbara model home in Fairway Park, San Ramon. The spacious two-story home features 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, with a classic mid-century design, well-maintained siding, and mature landscaping in a suburban setting.
The original Santa Barbara model today.

The Pennsylvania today

Current exterior photo of the Pennsylvania model home in Fairway Park, San Ramon. This distinctive Dutch Colonial-style home features steep gables and unique architectural details inspired by 17th-century German settler homes in Pennsylvania. The 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom residence stands out with its historic charm amid modern surroundings.
The original Pennsylvania model today.

The San Ramon today

Current exterior photo of the San Ramon model home in Fairway Park, San Ramon. This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home showcases a modest two-story design with traditional mid-century features and updated landscaping, blending seamlessly into the neighborhood.
The original San Ramon model today.

The Monterey today

Current exterior photo of the Monterey model home in Fairway Park, San Ramon. Known for its iconic cantilevered balcony off the main bedroom, this 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home combines Central Coast architectural charm with a classic suburban setting.
The original Monterey model today (expanded).

The Plan 5 today

Current exterior photo of the Plan 5 model home in Fairway Park, San Ramon. This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence features a straightforward mid-century design with clean lines, a balanced facade, and well-maintained landscaping.
The original Plan 5 model today.

Sell out

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.

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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