San Ramon's Country Club Park: 1961–1965 homes & subdivision history

Photo of a typical two-story Colonial-style home in San Ramon’s Country Club Park subdivision, built between 1961 and 1965. The house features a symmetrical façade, shuttered windows, a centered front door with decorative trim, and a low-pitched roof—reflecting the popular American Colonial revival style of early suburban developments.

Welcome to San Ramon Country Club Park

In the early 1960s, Country Club Park wasn’t just a place to live—it was a way of life. Located alongside the San Ramon Golf Club, the 531 homes built between 1961 and 1965 were crafted to reflect a lifestyle of sun-drenched leisure and striking mid-century architecture. Each home was designed to meet the tastes of a modern, active generation—one for whom a golf cart was as much a part of the scenery as the fairways it cruised upon. With its winding streets, manicured lawns, and quiet elegance, Country Club Park offered the kind of suburban paradise where Sunday drives could become an endless journey through leisure.

Map showing the location of the Country Club Park neighborhood in San Ramon, California. The map includes nearby streets, such as Alcosta Boulevard and Fairway Drive, with the neighborhood outlined near the San Ramon Golf Club. Local landmarks, parks, and schools provide geographic context within the surrounding residential area.

Location of the County Club Park neighborhood in San Ramon, California.

Volk-McLain and the bold architecture of Country Club Park

The development of Country Club Park was entrusted to Volk-McLain, with homes designed by the talented Raymond Dean Conwell. Between 1961 and 1965, the neighborhood’s architecture took shape through the creation of five original models, which later expanded to twelve, offering a variety of layouts and designs that kept the streets feeling dynamic and innovative. Each home was more than a building; it was a statement—crafted from materials like Georgia Oak floors, Philippine mahogany, and Western knotty pine cabinetry, all evoking a sense of understated luxury.

Inside, the homes offered spacious floor plans, clean lines, and open living spaces, setting the stage for a new kind of suburban life. Expansive kitchens, wood-paneled dens, and rooms designed for entertaining became the hallmark of mid-century living, where cocktail parties and quiet evenings were equally at home.

A suburban paradise with a golf course view

The opening of the San Ramon Country Club in June 1962 added the finishing touch to this idyllic vision of suburban living. With its rolling fairways and close proximity to the homes, it created a resort-like atmosphere that was unique for the time. At Country Club Park, residents could enjoy the best of both worlds: the elegance of mid-century modern design coupled with the relaxed vibe of a golf-and-leisure lifestyle.

Residents often cruised past manicured lawns and engaged in daily rituals that felt like a gentle glide through history. Whether heading to a neighbor’s cocktail party or enjoying a round of golf, every moment in this neighborhood felt like part of an exclusive, laid-back lifestyle.

From a September 1961 Oakland Tribune—just another Sunday on the links... or the driveway. At Country Club Park, even the golf carts feel like convertibles. For the leisure-minded elite who prefer their commutes under par.

Black-and-white newspaper ad from the November 1961 Oakland Tribune promoting Country Club Park in San Ramon. The ad features futuristic, mid-century modern imagery with sleek home renderings and golfers on a lush fairway. Taglines evoke the era’s space-age optimism: “The fairway might be green, but the vibe is pure outer space,” blending mid-century cool with country club living.

From a November 1961 Oakland Tribune ad—the fairway might be green, but the vibe is pure outer space. Mid-century cool meets country club living—like golfing on Mars, if Mars had air conditioning and cocktail hour.

From golf course to walnut orchard: the 1963 expansion

By 1963, the premium golf course lots at Country Club Park had nearly sold out, prompting Volk-McLain to expand the development into adjacent land that had once been a working walnut orchard. Rather than clearing the orchard entirely, they took a more measured approach—preserving many of the mature walnut trees and designing the new tracts around them. This decision gave the neighborhood’s later phases a distinct identity: shaded streets and a quiet, wooded charm that contrasted with the open vistas of the golf course homes.

Black-and-white newspaper ad from the March 1963 Oakland Tribune promoting new homes in San Ramon’s Country Club Park, nestled in a former walnut grove. The ad features illustrations of homes set among trees, with text reading, “The fairway may be full, but now you can plant roots in a former walnut orchard,” blending rustic charm with suburban growth.

From a March 1963 Oakland Tribune ad—missed the golf course lots? Don’t worry—there’s still room under the trees. The fairway may be full, but now you can plant roots in a former walnut orchard… where the shade is deep and the stories practically write themselves.

With this expansion came a new set of model homes, reflecting the evolving tastes of the early 1960s homebuyer. These 1963 models retained the clean lines and mid-century design language of earlier offerings but introduced more variation in style, size, and floor plans—many of which took advantage of the deeper, tree-filled lots.

1963 newspaper rendering of the Brentwood model home, highlighting its leisure room and covered lanai; released as part of a new phase built on a former walnut orchard in San Ramon.

From a September 1963 Oakland Tribune ad—The Brentwood model, introduced as development expanded into a historic walnut orchard. It featured a leisure room and a covered lanai.

Though most of the original walnut trees have since been lost to time and redevelopment, their presence is still felt in the layout of the streets and the enduring character of the homes built among them. The 1963 expansion marked not only a physical growth of the neighborhood but also an evolution in the vision of suburban living—where architecture and landscape worked together to create a sense of place.

The homes of County Club Park

Step onto Metairie Place at Belle Meade Drive, and you’re stepping into the heart of Country Club Park’s charm parade. This was more than a sales complex—it was a showcase of dreams, where 12 stunning models invited visitors to imagine life as a daily getaway.

Map showing layout of the Country Club Park model homes by Volk-McLain in San Ramon, California.

Map of the Country Club Park model homes on Metairie Place in Sam Ramon. The home of the south corner of Metairie and Belle Meade is custom and not a Volk-McLain home.

Each home was a masterpiece of mid-century flair, arranged along a winding path that overlooked the lush greens of the golf course. From cozy three-bedroom retreats to spacious four-bedroom statements, these models highlighted the thoughtful floor plans and eye-catching exteriors that made the neighborhood so special.

Black-and-white newspaper ad from the October 1961 Oakland Tribune showing a couple standing proudly outside the sales office at Country Club Park. She clutches a sales brochure with excitement, already imagining the décor; he stands beside her in a raincoat, fully committed. The caption reads, “First to buy, first to dream,” celebrating them as the very first buyers in the new community.

From an October 1961 Oakland Tribune—First to buy, first to dream. Clutching a sales brochure like it’s a winning lottery ticket, she’s already picturing drapes. He’s in a raincoat, but all in. This couple were the very first to buy in the new Country Club Park.

Pricing history

1961: $20,995 +
1962: $20,995 +
1963: $21,995 - $27,695
1964: $21,995 - $27,695
1965: $21,995 - $27,695

Model homes

Names of Volk-Mclain homes take some getting used to. They gave elevations quaint names while the floor plans were letters. Each floor plan came in at least two elevations. For example, the Plan R came in two elevations, The Tamarisk and The Kona.

1. The Palisades - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,422 sq. ft. After this home was retired at the end of the 1962 season, the name was re-used for a different home.

1962 newspaper ad showing floor plans for the Palisades and Ranchero model homes, featured in the Daily Review.

From a March 1962 Daily Review ad—the floor plan of the Palisades model.

Alternative ranch elevation, The Ranchero. It wasn't shown in the model complex.

Black-and-white newspaper ad from February 11, 1962, promoting the Ranchero model home at San Ramon Country Club Park. The ad features a rendering of the single-story home with clean ranch-style lines and wide eaves. A bold tagline reads, “You’ll like it,” suggesting comfort and appeal, while promotional text highlights the lifestyle of this new suburban development.

From a February 1962 Oakland Tribune ad—“You’ll like it,” promised the ad for the new Ranchero model at Country Club Park. With classic ranch lines and a growing waitlist, many did.

2. The Tamarisk (Plan R) - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,550 sq. ft.

Black-and-white newspaper ad from October 1962 Oakland Tribune showcasing the Tamarisk model home. The ad highlights the home’s distinctive Palm Springs modern style with sleek lines and flat roof, described as having “Palm Springs swagger dropped into suburbia like a martini at a Tupperware party.” The ad emphasizes the home’s unique, cool, and unconventional design for its suburban setting.

From an October 1962 Oakland Tribune ad—meet the Tamarisk—Palm Springs swagger dropped into suburbia like a martini at a Tupperware party. Totally out of place, and all the cooler for it.

Alternative tropical modern elevation, The Kona. It wasn't shown in the model complex.

Current exterior photo of a Kona home, the tropical modern elevation of the Tamarisk model (Plan R), featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms across 1,550 sq. ft. The home displays low-slung rooflines, clean stucco surfaces, wide eaves, and warm wood or stone accents, evoking a relaxed island-inspired aesthetic within a mid-century suburban setting.

Fan favorite Kona on Broadmoor Court.

3. The Manchester - 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 1,726 sq. ft. A single story home with a large attic space. Arguably the most memorable residence in the neighborhood, this Tudor-style home showcases a striking front gable adorned with half-timbering. It had unique metal window coverings that created a charming diamond-paned effect, although many of these details have since disappeared over time.

4. Design 4 (unknown name) - 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1,974 sq. ft.

Alternative colonial elevation, The Carmel. It wasn't shown in the model complex.

Black-and-white newspaper ad from October 1961 promoting The Carmel model home, a Colonial-style alternative to the Design 4 plan. The home features 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and 1,974 sq. ft., with classic Colonial architectural elements such as symmetrical windows and a centered front door. Notably, The Carmel was not displayed in the original model home complex.

From an October 1961 Oakland Tribune ad—The Carmel, a Colonial-style alternative to the Design 4 plan. Though not shown in the model home complex, its classic charm and spacious 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom layout made it a standout option for homebuyers.

5. The Hartford (Plan S) - 4 bedroom, 3 bathrooms, 1,790 sq. ft. A Cape Cod styling; a timeless beauty. The first 2-story tract home in San Ramon Village.

Black-and-white vintage photo from a May 1962 Oakland Tribune showing the Hartford model home, a Colonial-style residence with a white picket fence and large picture windows. The house features classic symmetrical design, neatly trimmed landscaping, and evokes the charm of suburban Americana in the early 1960s.

From a May 1962 Oakland Tribune—straight from prime time and into real life—this Colonial charmer has the white picket fence, the picture windows, and just enough room for mischief. All that’s missing is the laugh track.

Alternative contemporary elevation, The Imperial. It wasn't shown in the model complex.

Current exterior photo of an Imperial home, a contemporary-styled alternative to the Colonial Hartford. The home features clean modern lines, large windows, and a minimalist facade with updated materials, contrasting the traditional Colonial design while maintaining a spacious 4-bedroom layout.

An Imperial home (updated).

6. The Georgian - 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,088 sq. ft. Added in 1962.

7. The Westwood - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,582 sq. ft. Added in 1962.

8. The Woodside (Plan W) - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, up to 2,497 sq. ft. Added in 1962, this expandable home came standard with an unfinished second floor. Or, it could be finished to create up to 3 more bedrooms and a bathroom.

1964 newspaper artist rendering of the Woodside model (Plan W) home, published in the Oakland Tribune.

From an August 1964 issue of the Oakland Tribune—an artist’s rendering of the Woodside, also known as Plan W.

1962 newspaper clipping of Plan W standard floor plan, showing a mid-century layout with optional front-facing fireplace.

From an April 1962 issue of the Oakland Tribune—this is the standard floor plan for Plan W, a mid-century design that occasionally featured a front-facing fireplace.

Alternative English countryside elevation with 197 less sq. ft. of usable second-story bonus space (2,300 sq. ft.) due to the pitched roof, The Devonshire. It wasn't shown in the model complex.

Black-and-white vintage newspaper ad featuring The Devonshire model home, an English countryside-style elevation with a pitched roof that reduces usable second-story bonus space by 197 sq. ft., totaling approximately 2,300 sq. ft. The home offers classic English architectural details such as steep rooflines and charming gables. Notably, The Devonshire was not displayed in the original model home complex.

From a vintage ad — The Devonshire, an English countryside elevation with 2,300 sq. ft. and a pitched roof that limits bonus room space. Though not shown in the model complex, it offered a charming alternative for homebuyers seeking classic style and character.

9. The Westwood - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,874 sq. ft. Added in 1963 and reused a name from the 1962 release.

10. The Brentwood - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,407 sq. ft. Added in 1963.

11. The Californian (Plan W) - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, up to 2,497 sq. ft. Added in 1963 as a third elevation of the Plan W (joining the Woodside three houses up). It came with an unfinished second-level, or finished with up to 3 more bedrooms and a bathroom.

From a December 1963 Oakland Tribune ad—the showstopping Californian model, requiring a 100-foot-wide lot.

12. The Palisades - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,763 sq. ft. Added in 1963, this model re-used an earlier name for a discontinued model.

Country Club Park today

Here’s what the former Country Club Park model homes look like today.

The Palisades today (1961 version)

Exterior view of The Palisades model home, 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, with a wide front facade and low-pitched roof—reflecting its 1961 mid-century ranch design.

Current photo of The Palisades model, originally built in 1961. Retired in 1962, this 1,422 sq. ft. home featured clean ranch-style lines and mid-century finishes.

The Tamarisk today

Front view of The Tamarisk model home, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, featuring a flat roof, concrete block detailing, and horizontal lines evocative of 1960s Palm Springs modernism.

The Tamarisk today—Plan R’s bold Palm Springs modern design still stands out with its flat roof and clean architectural lines.

The Manchester today

Exterior photo of The Manchester model, a 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath Tudor-style home with steep gables, half-timbering, and a large olive tree in the front yard.

The Manchester today—this Tudor-style gem retains its signature gable and classic charm, nestled beneath a mature olive tree.

The Design 4 today

Single-story Design 4 model home with broad eaves and horizontal emphasis, surrounded by mature landscaping.

Current photo of Design 4, a spacious 1,974 sq. ft. ranch-style home with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.

The Hartford today

Two-story Hartford model home with symmetrical facade, white picket fence, and large picture windows—4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1,790 sq. ft.

The Hartford today—Plan S stands tall as San Ramon’s first two-story tract home, a timeless Colonial design with Cape Cod inspiration.

The Georgian today

Two-story Georgian model home with shuttered windows and a central entry—4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,088 sq. ft., originally added in 1962.

The Georgian model today, updated with a front porch but still boasting classic symmetry and stately 1960s style.

The Westwood today (1962 version)

Front view of the 1962 Westwood model, a 4-bedroom, 2-bath ranch-style home with low roofline and wide facade.

The original Westwood from 1962—still a picture of suburban simplicity with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and classic mid-century curb appeal.

The Woodside today

Exterior of The Woodside model, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, with steep-pitched roofline and optional unfinished second story—up to 2,497 sq. ft.

The Woodside today—an expandable 3-bedroom home with room to grow, marked by its steep roof hinting at the unfinished second story.

The Westwood today (1963 version)

Front view of the 1963 Westwood model home, 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, with clean lines, wide footprint, and mature front landscaping.

A second Westwood—this 1963 version expanded on the original with 1,874 sq. ft., keeping its classic mid-century ranch design.

The Brentwood today

The Brentwood today—modest, welcoming, and true to its 1963 origins with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a low-pitched roof.

The Californian today

Exterior of The Californian model, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, featuring a long horizontal layout and modern design updates—originally built in 1963.

The Californian—Plan W’s showstopper with up to 2,497 sq. ft. of living space, built for wide lots and big dreams.

The Palisades today (1963 version)

Front view of the 1963 Palisades model, 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, with a ranch-style design and wide roof overhangs.

The later Palisades, reusing the original model name but offering 1,763 sq. ft. of updated space and classic ranch styling.

Country Club Park today: a living legacy

Though construction wrapped in 1965, the story of Country Club Park didn’t end there. Today, this mid-century neighborhood remains one of San Ramon’s most distinctive and desirable areas—an enduring testament to the vision of Volk-McLain and the optimism of early suburban development.

Volk-McLain ultimately cut short the neighborhood, selling off their remaining assets in 1965—including an unbuilt 19-lot parcel on Hillsboro Avenue. But even without completing their original vision, they left behind a remarkably cohesive and character-rich community.

Many of the original homes, from the striking Tamarisk to the cozy Westwood, remain beautifully preserved or thoughtfully updated, standing as architectural time capsules of the 1960s. The once-new concepts of leisure living, open floor plans, and stylish modern design continue to resonate with residents and architecture enthusiasts alike.

Whether it's the tree-lined streets that recall the preserved walnut orchard, the expansive fairway views, or the rare variety of home styles, Country Club Park still reflects the careful planning and innovative spirit that shaped San Ramon's early growth. For longtime residents and new homeowners alike, the neighborhood offers more than just history—it offers a sense of place.

In a city that has grown and transformed dramatically since the 1960s, Country Club Park remains a quiet icon—proof that good design, thoughtful planning, and a little mid-century swagger can stand the test of time.

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