Somerset West — tract homes in Livermore (1972)

By the early 1970s, Livermore was rapidly expanding—and so were its subdivisions. In May 1972, builder H.C. Elliott introduced his final project in the city: Somerset West, a 90-acre neighborhood nestled just west of the original Town Square. Over the next two years, 279 homes would take shape here—a quintessential suburban retreat, with wood siding, avocado-green appliances, and gently curving cul-de-sacs, marking a defining moment in Livermore’s postwar growth.

The first 186 homes (Units 1 through 3) borrowed from the 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.

"H. C. Elliott homes are back in Livermore at Somerset West, $23,450 to $29,450." A 1972 Oakland Tribune ad announcing the grand opening of Somerset West, showcasing the New Somerset model and its price range during the initial phase of the neighborhood’s development.

Where is Somerset West in Livermore?

Annotated aerial map of the Somerset West neighborhood in Livermore, California. H. C. Elliott's earlier tracts were Town Square, Town Square North, and Somerset South. Base imagery from Google Maps.

Selling the tract

Among the many features that have helped make Somerset West a success were hand-split cedar shake roofs, tiled entryways, insulation in outside walls and ceilings, forced air heating, and carpeting throughout living rooms, dining rooms, halls, and bedrooms. Fireplaces were included in four of the ten available floor plans and could be added as an option in three others.

From a May 1972 Contra Costa Times—in his eighth year of building in Livermore, H. C. Elliott boasted 1200 families loving their homes. 

From a May 1972 Contra Costa Times—a view inside the open-concept living area of the Californian model, complete with tasteful decorating, fireplace, and shag carpet.

“Exceptional Homes – Exceptional Values. Livermore living at its best.” A November 1973 advertisement for Somerset West, highlighting the Homestead model as part of H.C. Elliott’s final phase of homebuilding in the city.

"Something different for Livermore." A 1973 Oakland Tribune ad featuring the Huntington model, highlighting its unique design, including the standout curvilinear kitchen, as a bold step forward in suburban living.

From a September 1974 Contra Costa Times—H. C. Elliott's culmination of building Livermore nears sellout; only 30 homes left in Somerset West, where Livermore living is at its best.

Pricing history of Somerset West homes

• 1972: $23,450 – $29,450
• 1973: $26,550 – $33,450
• 1974: $29,950 – $37,450

The homes of Somerset West

When Somerset West opened, buyers toured a carefully staged collection of H. C. Elliott model homes showcasing the neighborhood’s mix of architecture, indoor-outdoor living, and family-oriented floor plans. Though individual elevations varied, these original models helped define much of the neighborhood’s visual identity.

The six original models opened in September 1973 on Hagemann Drive. At least four additional designs were available, but not modeled.

Annotated aerial map of the Somerset West model home complex on Hagemann Drive. Base imagery from Google Maps.

Model homes of Somerset West

1. The Scottsdale - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,343 sq. ft.

2. The Danbury - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,130 sq. ft.

3. The Homestead - 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, 1,048 sq. ft.

4. The Monterey - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,427 sq. ft.

5. The Huntington - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,479 sq. ft. Known for its innovative “curvilinear kitchen”, the Huntington model featured a unique round kitchen design that was ahead of its time.

6. The Sheffield (Plan 6) - 4 bedrooms or 3 + den, 2 bathrooms, 1,573 sq. ft A reworked version of the original Huntington from Delaware Way (Somerset Homes).

Original Scottsdale model today via Google Street View.

Original Danbury model today via Google Street View.

Original Homestead model today via Google Street View.

Original Monterey model today via Google Street View.

Original Huntington model today via Google Street View.

Original Sheffield model today via Google Street View.

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 with two extra bedrooms and a bath (Plan 5-2).

The Californian (Plan 4) - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,561 sq. ft.

The Ridgewood (Plan 2-L) - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,366 sq. ft.

A Ridgewood home (not shown in model complex) via Google Street View.

The Ranch Californian (Plan 4-SL) - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,536 sq. ft.

A Ranch Californian home (not shown in model complex) via Google Street View.

Legacy of Somerset West

By late 1974, construction in Somerset West had quietly wrapped up—no headlines, no grand finale. Like many suburban developments of the era, it simply transitioned from active construction site to lived-in neighborhood. Streets once lined with lumber and model homes gave way to bicycles, garden hoses, and the rhythms of daily life.

Though not the most high-profile of Elliott’s developments, Somerset West remains a noteworthy chapter in the city’s residential history. It marked the culmination of a builder’s influence and a community’s transition—offering attainable homeownership at a time of rapid regional change. For the families who moved in, it offered exactly what was needed: a comfortable home, a modest yard, and a place in one of Livermore’s most enduring neighborhoods.

Related posts

• H. C. Elliott Livermore neighborhoods history — Town Square, Somerset & Somerset West (1963–1974)
• The Expandables history — Livermore homes (1969)
• History of Livermore neighborhoods