Published June 12, 2025
In 1971, Sunset Homes introduced the Quietwood Series in Livermore. Quietwood was one of three Sunset Homes series being marketed around 1970–71, alongside the lower-priced Ripplebrook Series and the more expensive Wildwood Series.
The three series were part of Sunset Homes' expanding Livermore operation, which the builder promoted under the broader name “Sunsetown.” Sunset marketed the series separately, with each offering its own group of home designs and price range, while building the homes within its developing Livermore neighborhoods.
Where Quietwood homes were built
Quietwood homes were built by Sunset Homes in several Livermore neighborhoods being developed concurrently, including what are now known as Sunset East, Three Fountains, and Whispering Pines. In its early-1970s advertising, Sunset Homes promoted these developments collectively as “Sunsetown.”
Quietwood homes and architectural style
When Sunset Homes opened the Quietwood model complex in 1971, prospective buyers could tour furnished models showcasing the series' designs, floor plans, features, and finishes. The complex opened on November 21, 1971, on Alden Lane in the Three Fountains neighborhood.
The Quietwood home designs
The original model homes provide a useful cross-section of Quietwood's architecture. Sunset Homes selected four models for the 1971 opening on Alden Lane. Although buyers could choose among different elevations and options, these models document the versions Sunset chose to put on display.
The Escalonia
This design offered approximately 1,324 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
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| Present-day view of the home that served as Sunset Homes’ 1971 Escalonia model in Quietwood. Imagery from Google Street View. |
The Gardenia
This design offered approximately 1,466 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
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| November 1973 newspaper ad showing the Gardenia floor plan. |
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| Present-day view of the home that served as Sunset Homes’ 1971 Gardenia model (modified) in Quietwood. Imagery from Google Street View. |
The Magnolia
This design offered approximately 1,664 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
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| March 1973 newspaper advertisement for the Magnolia model at Quietwood in Livermore, featuring the floor plan and Sunset's famous “Kitchen in the Round.” |
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| December 1972 newspaper ad showing the Magnolia floor plan. |
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| Present-day view of the home that served as Sunset Homes’ 1971 Magnolia model in Quietwood. Imagery from Google Street View. |
The Nandina
This design offered approximately 1,674 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
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| Present-day view of the home that served as Sunset Homes’ 1971 Nandina model in Quietwood. Imagery from Google Street View. |
Marketing Quietwood
Quietwood offered four home designs, ranging from approximately 1,324 to 1,674 square feet. The series included the Escalonia, Gardenia, Magnolia, and Nandina.
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| December 1971 newspaper ad for Sunset Homes' Quietwood Series in Livermore, highlighting the “Kitchen-in-the-Round” featured in the Magnolia design. |
The designs featured open living areas and a variety of kitchen layouts. The Magnolia was particularly distinctive for its circular “Kitchen-in-the-Round,” a feature Sunset highlighted repeatedly in its advertising.
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| December 1971 Daily Review newspaper clipping describing the Magnolia as the “queen” of the Quietwood Series and highlighting its signature round kitchen. |
The Gardenia and other Quietwood designs incorporated entertainment islands and open kitchen layouts, both of which Sunset featured in its advertising for the series.
Quietwood or Three Fountains?
The overlap between a series of homes and a Sunset neighborhood name created lasting confusion. Some longtime residents refer to Quietwood as “Three Fountains,” because the Quietwood Series model complex was located within the Three Fountains neighborhood. However, Quietwood was a Sunset Homes series, while Three Fountains is a neighborhood.
Quietwood's later history
Sunset Homes put the Quietwood model homes up for sale in October 1973, but the Magnolia design continued to appear in Sunset's later developments. The Magnolia was added to the model complex at The Meadows and to the existing Wildwood models, and it appeared again in the Shadowbrook model complex.
The reuse of the Magnolia shows how Sunset's house designs could outlive the series under which they were originally marketed. Rather than remaining tied to Quietwood, the design became part of Sunset's evolving lineup of homes as the company's Livermore developments changed.
Collection
Livermore — the making of a suburban city
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