Inside Somerset West in Livermore (1972—1974): one last swing at the dream
A historical tour of Somerset West, Livermore (1972–1974)
Explore Somerset West in Livermore through vintage 1972–1974 newspaper ads and see what the original model homes look like today. A curated archive for fans of 1960s–70s architecture, suburban design, and East Bay history.
Welcome to Somerset West, 1972–1974
By the early 1970s, Livermore was growing up—and so were its subdivisions. In May 1972, builder H.C. Elliott launched what would be one of his final acts in the city: Somerset West, a 90-acre neighborhood tucked just west of the original Town Square neighborhood. Between 1972 and 1974, 279 homes were built here—a suburban send-off wrapped in wood siding, avocado-green appliances, and gently curved cul-de-sacs.
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| From a 1972 Oakland Tribune ad—grand opening of Somerset West. |
The first 186 homes (Units 1 through 3) borrowed from earlier Somerset Homes models on Delaware Way, while the last two units brought in fresh floor plans—and a new model home complex for the touring public to admire, judge, and imagine their futures in.
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| Location of the Somerset West section of the Town Square neighborhood in Livermore, California. |
The model homes of Somerset West
The September 1973 grand opening on Hagemann Drive at Olympic Way delivered what every prospective homebuyer wanted: a six-home parade of shag carpet, sliding glass doors, and brochures promising “contemporary living with traditional comfort.” Translation: mid-size ranchers, a curvilinear kitchen or two, and enough square footage to raise a family—with maybe a little leftover for hobbies.
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| Site of the Somerset West model homes. |
Pricing history
- 1972: $23,450 – $29,450
- 1973: $26,550 – $33,450
Model homes
1. The Scottsdale - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,343 sq. ft. The workhorse of the group—and the sales office too. Reliable, practical, and just enough flair to impress your in-laws without showing off.
2. The Danbury - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,130 sq. ft. The Danbury proved that charm didn’t require square footage—just a clever floor plan and a decent lot.
3. The Homestead - 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, 1,048 sq. ft. Ideal for first-time buyers, empty nesters, or anyone allergic to home maintenance. Bonus: no confusing layout to get lost in.
4. The Monterey - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,427 sq. ft. A classic plan that whispered “California cool,” even if your kids left their socks everywhere.
5. The Huntington - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,479 sq. ft. The showstopper, thanks to its famed “curvilinear kitchen,” which looked like it belonged in a sci-fi movie—and functioned just as futuristically (if you liked bumping elbows while sautéing).
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| From a 1973 Oakland Tribune ad—the Huntington featured a round kitchen, more or less modeled off Sunset Homes' Kitchen-in-the-Round. |
6. The Sheffield (Plan 6) - 4 bedrooms or 3 + den, 2 bathrooms, 1,573 sq. ft. A familiar face in a new outfit. This was the same model as the original “Huntington” from Elliott’s Delaware Way days—just renamed for a fresh start.
Somerset West today
Here's what the Somerset West model homes look like in 2024.
The Scottsdale today
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| The original Scottsdale model today. |
The Danbury today
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| The original Danbury model today. |
The Homestead today
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| The original Homestead model today. |
The Monterey today
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| The original Monterey model today. |
The Huntington today
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| The original Huntington model today. |
The Sheffield today
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| The original Sheffield model today |
Bonus floor plans (not shown in the model complex)
The New Somerset (Plan 5) - 2–4 bedrooms, 1–2 bathrooms, 1,562+ sq. ft. A reimagining of the original Somerset, this version came with an optional finished upper level. You could keep it raw and mysterious (Plan 5), or finish it off for two extra bedrooms and a bath (Plan 5-2). Perfect for teenagers, guests, or a quiet reading space you never actually use.
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| A New Somerset home (not original model). |
The Californian (Plan 4) - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,561 sq. ft. All the sun-drenched charm the name implies—without the Malibu price tag.
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| A Californian home. |
The Ridgewood (Plan 2-L) - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,366 sq. ft. The kind of house where you could host a PTA meeting and still have time to put a roast in the oven.
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| A Ridgewood home. |
The Ranch Californian (Plan 4-SL) - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,536 sq. ft. Sprawling, breezy, and ready for cocktail hour. This was a backyard barbecue waiting to happen.
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| A Ranch Californian home. |
The last dance
By the end of 1974, construction wrapped up and Somerset West quietly faded into neighborhood life. No fanfare, no final curtain call. Just another street of garage doors, garden beds, and families settling in.
While it wasn’t the flashiest of H.C. Elliott’s developments, Somerset West was the builder’s soft landing—a final bow on a decade of helping Livermore grow up. And for the families who bought in, it was everything they needed: just enough house, just enough yard, and a cul-de-sac to call their own.
Related post: H. C. Elliott's old Livermore airport
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