Granada Village (Sunset West) — Sunset Homes tract series in Livermore (1964)

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.

Black-and-white newspaper ad from February 1964 promoting the grand opening of the Sunset Homes 300 Series in Livermore. The ad features the phrase “Who would dream... that just over the hill is the city,” along with illustrations of suburban homes nestled in a quiet landscape, highlighting the development’s serene location near the Bay Area.
Vintage February 1964 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.

Where is the 300 Series in Livermore?

Annotated aerial map showing the boundaries of the Granada Village (Sunset West) neighborhood in Livermore.
Annotated aerial map of the Granada Village (Sunset West) neighborhood in Livermore, California. Base imagery from Google Maps.

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.

Vintage newspaper ad from February 1964 featuring the exterior of the two-story La Mouette model in Sunset West by Sunset Homes. The illustration shows a mid-century suburban home with clean lines, a front-facing garage, and prominent windows, reflecting the era’s architectural style.
February 1964 ad for the La Mouette model in Sunset West 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.

Vintage newspaper ad from September 1964 featuring the La Continental model by Sunset Homes. The ad showcases a stylish mid-century home design with European-inspired branding, promoting modern suburban living in Livermore.
From a September 1964 Oakland Tribune ad—the La Continental—always on time, always in style.

Illustration from a May 1964 Oakland Tribune ad showcasing Sunset Homes’ famous built-in backyard barbecue. The design features a brick structure with a chimney and countertop space, highlighting mid-century outdoor living amenities.
From a May 1964 Oakland Tribune ad—the famous Sunset built-in barbecue in the family room of the Le Colibri model.

Floor plan of the La Sirène model home from a July 1964 Oakland Tribune ad. The layout shows a mid-century single-story design with clearly labeled rooms, including multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, living spaces, and integrated garage.
From a July 1964 Oakland Tribune ad—floor plan of La Sirène with a practical innovation: garage doors on both sides of the garage.

Pricing history of the 300 Series homes

  • 1964: $16,700 – $22,350
  • 1965: $16,700 – $22,350

The homes of the 300 Series on Camellia Drive

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 was located next to an earlier complex on Grace Street.

Map showing the site of the 300 Series model home complex by Sunset Homes, located on Camellia Drive in Livermore, California. The map highlights the layout of the model homes within the residential neighborhood.
Annotated aerial map of the Sunset 300 Series model home complex on Camilla Drive. Base imagery from Google Maps.

Model homes of the 300 Series

1. La Sirène - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,127 sq. ft.

2. La Rouge-Gorge - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.

3. Le Colibri - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,484 sq. ft.

4. La Corneille - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,496 sq. ft.

5. La Mouette - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,792 sq. ft.

6. La Continental - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,384 sq. ft. Added in September 1964.

Current appearance of the original La Sirène home in Livermore's 300 Series (Sunset West).
Original La Sirène model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original La Rouge-Gorge home in Livermore's 300 Series (Sunset West).
Original La Rouge-Gorge model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Le Colibri home in Livermore's 300 Series (Sunset West).
Original Le Colibri model today (with second-story expansion) via Google Street View. This home also housed the sales office.

Current appearance of the original La Corneille home in Livermore's 300 Series (Sunset West).
Original La Corneille model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original La Mouette home in Livermore's 300 Series (Sunset West).
Original La Mouette model today via Google Street View.

The La Continental is camera shy.

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.

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