The 300 series by Sunset Homes
In February 1964, Sunset Homes unveiled their second act in Livermore’s up-and-coming Granada Village—a blossoming patch of suburbia that promised modern living with a twist of charm. This new collection of homes wasn’t just another phase; it was a leap into “a new dimension in suburban sophistication,” as the grand opening ad so boldly declared. And with good reason.
Sunset wasn’t just building homes—they were building desire. With thoughtful layouts, whimsical features, and prices that made first-time buyers blink twice, Sunset Homes quickly became the dominant builder in Livermore. Before long, the neighborhood itself would earn a new name: Sunset West.
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| February 1964 newspaper ad announcing the grand opening of Sunset Homes’ 300 series in Livermore. Featuring the tagline “Who would dream... that just over the hill is the city,” the ad emphasized the community’s peaceful setting just beyond the urban bustle. |
Selling the series
Sales took off at the Camellia Drive model complex, nestled near Elaine Avenue. By July 1965, the homes had sold out, and the spotlight shifted to a new set of models on Catalina Drive. But for a brief, sparkling moment, Camellia Drive was the stage for Sunset’s show-stopping 300 series.
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| February 1964 newspaper clipping of the La Mouette model by Sunset Homes. This two-story design was part of Sunset’s early offerings in Livermore, showcasing modern suburban style with spacious living and a bold exterior aesthetic. |
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| September 1964 Oakland Tribune newspaper clipping—the La Continental—always on time, always in style. |
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| May 1964 Oakland Tribune newspaper clipping—the famous Sunset built-in barbecue in the family room of the Le Colibri model. |
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| July 1964 Oakland Tribune newspaper clipping—floor plan of La Sirène with a practical innovation: garage doors on both sides of the garage. |
Legacy of the 300 series
Though the 300 series only graced Livermore for a brief window between 1964 and 1965, its impact was anything but fleeting. These homes—part bird, part daydream—set the tone for everything Sunset would do next. With whimsical names, built-in barbecues, and just enough French flair to make a tract home feel like a treasure, they invited families into a lifestyle that felt modern, warm, and just a little bit enchanted.
These homes weren’t just structures; they were characters in Sunset’s ever-growing ensemble—each offering a new way to live, entertain, and imagine suburban life. As the flags moved from Camellia to Catalina, and from colibris to castillos, one thing was certain: Sunset wasn’t done dreaming—and neither were the families lucky enough to move in.
Exploring the original 300 series today
Although the sales office is long gone and the advertisements have faded, the original 300 series model homes remain part of the neighborhood. These homes gave prospective buyers their first glimpse of Sunset's vision for suburban living in 1964.
Today, they provide a tangible connection to the 300 series' earliest days. The guide below documents the original model home complex, the homes themselves, and how they appear today.
The original prices
- 1964: $16,700 – $22,350
- 1965: $16,700 – $22,350
The original model home complex
Open for admiration, imagination, and a well-timed financing brochure. 35-year loans had started becoming available; 15 years longer than the usual 20-year loans at the time. The show home complex on Camellia was located next to an earlier complex on Grace Street.
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| Annotated aerial map of the Sunset 300 series model home complex on Camilla Drive. Base imagery from Google Maps. |
The original model homes
1. La Sirène - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,127 sq. ft.
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| Original La Sirène model today via Google Street View. |
2. La Rouge-Gorge - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.
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| Original La Rouge-Gorge model today via Google Street View. |
3. Le Colibri - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,484 sq. ft.
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4. La Corneille - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,496 sq. ft.
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| Original La Corneille model today via Google Street View. |
5. La Mouette - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,792 sq. ft.
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| Original La Mouette model today via Google Street View. |
6. La Continental - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,384 sq. ft. Added in September 1964.
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