San Ramon Village: Dublin’s first dream homes

San Ramon Village logo

Once upon a freeway crossroads—where the future highways to San Francisco and San Jose were still just lines on planning maps—a new vision for suburban living took root. In 1960, San Ramon Village became the very first subdivision in what would soon grow into the thriving city of Dublin, California.

Developed by Volk-McLain, San Ramon Village wasn't just a housing tract—it was a beginning. This charming neighborhood marked the dawn of mass-produced homes in Dublin and laid the foundation for an entire master-planned community that would proudly share its name.

Map of San Ramon Village Dublin
Location of the San Ramon Village neighborhood in Dublin, California.

A village begins

On Labor Day weekend, 1960, San Ramon Village opened its doors to eager homebuyers. By November, the first residents had moved in, proudly calling the village home. With its promise of quiet streets, mountain views, and modern conveniences, it quickly captured the imagination of young families chasing the American Dream.

Nestled between Alcosta Boulevard and Amador Valley Road, the neighborhood’s location was no accident—it sat strategically at the junction of future freeways, making it ideal for commuters and dreamers alike.

From a 1960 San Francisco Chronicle ad—4,000 acres of peaceful countryside that could be your new home.

Homes with heart

The homes were designed by architect Raymond Dean Conwell, AIA (1925–1965), who infused each with both practicality and charm. Features included thermostatically controlled heating, acoustical ceilings, and diamond-pane windows that sparkled in the California sun. Stylish wallpaper added flair, while thoughtful floor plans made daily life a little easier.

With prices starting at just $13,995, San Ramon Village offered first-time buyers something nearly magical: modern homes at an accessible price.

Plans, models & styles

Volk-McLain built five main floor plans—labeled simply as Plans D, E, J, L, and M—but offered a variety of exterior designs with names like The Hacienda, The Cape Cod, or The New Orleans. Some were classic ranch or colonial, others tropical modern, and all brought their own character.

Interestingly, while most developers gave new floor plans creative names, Volk-McLain did the reverse—“new models” were usually just new exterior facades on existing layouts, leading to some playful confusion on model tour days!

A few fan favorites

The Hacienda (Plan D-1): A cozy 3-bed, 2-bath with colonial flair and stone accents.

From a 1960 San Francisco Chronicle ad—close up detail of The Hacienda with its window coverings and unique roof trim. 

The Waikiki (Plan D): A rare “tropical modern” home with bold window treatments—few were built, and fewer remain.

From a 1960 Oakland Tribune ad—the original Waikiki model in all its tropical modern glory.

The epitome of perfection. The last surviving intact Waikiki before it was remodeled.

The New Orleans (Plan E-7): A French Colonial with charming wrought ironwork.

From a 1961 Oakland Tribune ad—artist's rendering of the smartly designed New Orleans elevation.

San Ramon Village model homes

At the model complex on Hillrose Drive and Donohue, paths wound through the backyards, inviting prospective homeowners to imagine a life of neighborhood barbecues and backyard games. The original showcase featured eight models, growing to twelve by year’s end.

Map of San Ramon Village model homes
Site of the San Ramon Village model homes.

1. The Bel Aire (Plan J-?) - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,338 - 1345 sq. ft.

San Ramon Village Bel Aire model
The original Bel Aire model today.

2. The Ranchero (Plan E-?) - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,116 sq. ft.

San Ramon Village Ranchero model
The original Ranchero model today.

3. The Hacienda (Plan D-1) - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,038 sq. ft.

San Ramon Village Hacienda model
The original Hacienda model today.

4. The Farmhouse (Plan E-7) - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,116 sq. ft. 

San Ramon Village Farmhouse model
The original Farmhouse model today.

5. The Cape Cod (Plan J-3) - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,338 - 1345 sq. ft.

San Ramon Village Cape Cod model
The original Cape Cod model today.

6. The Mount Vernon (Plan E-?) - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,080 – 1,116~ sq. ft.

San Ramon Village Mount Vernon model
The original Mount Vernon model today.

7. The Waikiki (Plan D-?) - 3 bedrooms, 2-bathrooms, 1,038 sq. ft.

San Ramon Village Waikiki model
The original Waikiki model today. Adornments sadly removed.

8. The New Orleans (Plan E-7) - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,080 – 1,116~ sq. ft.

San Ramon Village New Orleans model
The original New Orleans model today. Completely renovated.

If you preferred a Cape Cod exterior, you could choose The New England (E-8). It wasn't shown in the model complex.

San Ramon Village New England model
The New England in its heyday.

9. The Westerner (Plan J-?) - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,338 - 1345 sq. ft.

San Ramon Village Westerner model
The original Westerner model today.

10. The San Ramon (Plan M-1) - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,424 sq. ft.

San Ramon Village San Ramon model
The original San Ramon model today.

If you preferred a contemporary exterior, you could choose the The Palm Springs (M-?). It wasn't shown in the model complex.

San Ramon Village Palm Springs model
The Palm Springs in its heyday.

11. The Southerner (Plan L-7) - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,475 sq. ft.

San Ramon Village Southerner model
The original Southerner model today. Completely renovated.

12. The Suburban (Plan L-1) - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,475 sq. ft.

San Ramon Village Suburban model
The original Suburban model today. Completely renovated.

If you preferred a contemporary exterior, you could choose The Westwood (L-?). It was released in Unit 5 and wasn't shown in the model complex.

San Ramon Village Westwood model

Buildout and pricing

Between 1960 and 1961, 874 homes were constructed in five phases, or “units.” The bulk of construction took place in 1960 (650 homes), with the final batch—Unit 5—released in early 1961 (234 homes), offering subtle style enhancements. Pricing rose slightly as demand grew:

  • 1960: $13,995 +
  • 1961: $14,995 +
  • 1962: $14,995 +

After wrapping up San Ramon Village, Volk-McLain expanded their vision, building nearby neighborhoods like Country Club Park, Barkley Square, and Brighton Circle, each tailored to different lifestyles and budgets.

A lasting legacy

Though many of the original facades have been remodeled or modernized, the heart of San Ramon Village remains. The neighborhood’s prime location, thoughtful layout, and role as Dublin’s first true subdivision have ensured its place in local history.

San Ramon Village was more than just the first development in Dublin—it was where the city’s suburban story began. With every floor plan, every pathway, and every white picket fence, a little piece of the American Dream took shape.

Related post: Volk-McLain's San Ramon Village

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

San Ramon Village: Volk-McLain's grand blueprint that gave us two cities

Image
Before there were bustling freeways, shopping centers, or city limits, there were just fields—miles of open ranchland and quiet orchards stretching across the San Ramon Valley. Up until 1960, the areas we now call Dublin and San Ramon were rural and unincorporated, dotted with cattle, orchards, and little else. That all changed when a pair of Los Angeles developers—Kenneth Q. Volk and Robert B. McLain—arrived with bold blueprints and an even bolder vision: to transform this pastoral valley into a $300 million master-planned community called San Ramon Village. From ranches to a model city The name “San Ramon Village” wasn’t chosen at random—it honored the area’s deep roots, particularly Rancho San Ramon, a 20,000-acre Mexican land grant awarded to José María Amador in 1834. Over time, Amador sold pieces of his land, including large portions to Leo Norris and James Witt Dougherty. These sprawling ranches, along with adjoining land from Rancho Santa Rita, formed the patchwork that woul...
Read more

Kitchens in the round, style all around: Sunset’s Quietwood series (1971—1973)

Image
On November 21, 1971, Sunset Homes unveiled a new vision for suburban living with the debut of the Quietwood series—a refreshingly modern lineup of homes designed for mid-level buyers with an eye for comfort, efficiency, and flair. Launched in Livermore’s Three Fountains neighborhood, Quietwood marked a vibrant next step following Sunset’s entry-level Ripplebrook and high-end Wildwood series. A neighborhood that gave you space to breathe Set against a backdrop of minimum 10,000 sq. ft. lots, the Three Fountains neighborhood offered something more than just another subdivision—it was a place where families could stretch out, settle in, and stay awhile. The model complex a 722 Alden Lane opened to wide-eyed buyers who found four homes decked out in bold finishes and colorful details—each a reflection of Sunset’s evolving design sensibility. Buyers could also build a Quietwood home in Whispering Pines or Sunset East , making the series a flexible and popular option across several d...
Read more

Silvergate: how Tom Gentry gave Dublin a name

Image
Tucked among the oak-studded hills of Dublin, California, the quiet streets of Silvergate might seem like just another 1960s neighborhood—but this was no ordinary subdivision. This is where Dublin truly got its name. From an August 1964 Oakland Tribune ad —the sun had never been so excited to see the name "Dublin" used in print. Early history: before Dublin had a name The story begins long before tract homes and cul-de-sacs. In 1834, José María Amador received a vast Mexican land grant called Rancho San Ramón . For decades, this expanse of open hills and grassland stretched across what would eventually become parts of two counties—Contra Costa and Alameda. After California gained statehood, Contra Costa County was formed and originally included the territory of today’s Alameda County. In 1852, Leo Norris bought 10,000 acres of Rancho San Ramón from Amador. Just one year later, Alameda County was carved out, and the new county line sliced right through Amador’s rancho. Th...
Read more