Somerset in Livermore (1968—1971): The subdivision that wouldn't stop

In the spring of 1968, builder H.C. Elliott cracked open a new parcel of land north of East Jack London Boulevard and introduced Livermore to what would soon become the Somerset neighborhood—though it started life as part of the larger Town Square development. 

At the heart of it all was the Somerset House, marketed as a “smart home” (back when that meant clever floor planning, not Wi-Fi). This flexible design came with two bedrooms, one bathroom, and plenty of room to grow. What some called an attic, Elliott called an unfinished second story—because the idea was simple: your home should grow with your family. Who needed a nursery when you had blueprints? The base model kept it modest, but for a bit more, you could finish that second floor with two extra bedrooms and a bathroom. 

Over time, the series of homes within the Town Square neighborhood earned their own identity, and Somerset was born.

From a May 1968 Oakland Tribune ad—the expandable home with unfinished second-story. Base price didn't include windows on the second story or a staircase to get there--those were extra.

The public caught on quickly. Within 60 days of opening, Elliott sold 90 homes. The Somerset name stuck—not just for the model, but the neighborhood itself.

Location of the Somerset and Somerset South sections of the Town Square neighborhood in Livermore, California.

Pantries: the unsung heroes of the kitchen

In the Somerset homes, pantries were designed with practicality and convenience in mind—no more cluttered countertops or last-minute grocery hunts. These spacious, organized spaces became a staple, giving families the room to stock up on staples, snacks, and all those little extras that make a kitchen feel like home. From canned goods to cereals, the pantry was the quiet workhorse behind every meal and midnight snack.

From a September 1968 Oakland Tribune—snack mission in progress: She’s tucking away Rice-A-Roni, Cap’n Crunch, and Special K—because a smart pantry means never having to say, “We’re out of cereal!”

Prices on the rise: don’t say we didn’t warn you

Back in the day, everyone knew one thing for sure—home prices were creeping up. Elliott wasn’t shy about it either. Ads bluntly reminded buyers: “Fact, prices are going up.” A little nudge to act fast, before that dream home got just a little out of reach.

From a August 1969 Oakland Tribune—Fear tactic alert! Because nothing says “buy now” like a little friendly panic over rising prices.

At first, Elliott planned to be finished by 1970. But builders, like homeowners, are easily tempted. When developer Jim Knuppe decided not to finish his Garden Homes project nearby, Elliott swooped in and picked up the remaining 135 lots—some nestled between Knuppe’s already-built homes. This new area, which stretched both sides of Murrieta Boulevard, became Somerset South.

Somerset model homes

The model complex opened in May 1968 at Delaware Way and Huron Drive with six homes on display. Over time, as models were added, retired, and renamed, up to 13 floor plans would be featured across Somerset, Somerset South, and Somerset West.

By September 1973, this model court was closed and sold off—because Elliott had opened a brand-new model complex for Somerset West just across town.

Site of the Somerset model homes.

Pricing history

• 1968: $17,950 +
• 1969: $19,950 - $24,950
• 1970: $19,500 - $25,950
• 1971: $19,500 - $26,400

1. The Danbury

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,130 - 1,150 sq. ft. This home also housed the sales office; the tour started here.

The original Danbury model today.

2. The Ridgewood

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,400 + sq. ft.

The original Ridgewood model today.

3. The Monterey

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,427 sq. ft.

The original Monterey model today.

4. The Sheffield

4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,600 sq. ft. Retired in 1973.

The original Sheffield model today.

5. The Somerset House

A flexible home with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and an unfinished second story. Or finished with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Came standard without stairs or second-floor windows—those were extra. As were the dreams.

The original Somerset House model today.

6. The Huntington

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,573 sq. ft. Included a flexible "three-way room" (9.5' x 10.5') that could be used as a den, retreat for the master bedroom, or 4th bedroom. Briefly renamed the Sheffield in 1973 because… why not?

The original Huntington model today.

The Somerset House II/The Spacemaster

2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1,100 sq. ft. Added in 1969; retired in 1972. A revision of the original Somerset House for narrower lots. Included were blueprints for a 500 sq. ft. second story with 2 additional bedrooms and a bathroom. Windows on the second story and a staircase were extra, though. Owners had trouble figuring out placement of the windows, so in 1970, this model was rebranded as the Spacemaster and included windows on the second story--and a kit with pre-cut lumber to build a staircase.

The original Somerset House II model today.

8. The Tamerlane

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,640 sq. ft. Added in 1969; retired in 1972. Not named after a medieval conqueror on purpose... but fitting.

The original Tamerlane model today.

9. The Homestead

3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms. Modestly sized and mildly charming. Added in 1970.

The original Homestead model today.

10. The La Paz

3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, 988 sq. ft. A lower-priced model added in 1971 with the San Juan; only 18 were built between the two models. Included were blueprints to add a master suite with bathroom, and a larger family room.

The original La Paz model today.

11. The San Juan

4 bedrooms or 3 bedrooms and a den, 2 bathrooms, 1,268 sq. ft. A lower-priced model added in 1971 with the La Paz; only 18 were built between the two models.

The original San Juan model today.

12. The Scottsdale

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,343 sq. ft. Introduced in 1973 to build in the Somerset West neighborhood.

The original Scottsdale model today.

13. The Huntington

4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,479 sq. ft. Introduced in 1973 to build in the Somerset West neighborhood. Featured the infamous "curvilinear kitchen." When introduced, it stole the Huntington name from a different model, which was then renamed the Sheffield. It’s fine. Everything’s fine.

The original Huntington model today.

What’s in a name?

By April 1971, every one of the 474 homes in Somerset and Somerset South had been sold. And here’s the kicker: through four years and two subdivisions, Elliott never raised the starting price of a home above $19,500. Let that sink in while you check Zillow.

Some people remember Somerset as a model. Others remember it as a place. But for the better part of a decade, it was a steady pulse in Livermore’s suburban heartbeat. With homes priced to start under $20,000, and flexible floor plans that grew with families, it was more than a subdivision. It was a strategy: build it smarter, sell it quickly, rename it later if needed.

And Elliott? He didn’t just ride the wave—he built the shoreline. One model home at a time.

Related post: H. C. Elliott's old Livermore airport