Published June 10, 2025
In June 1970, Sunset Homes introduced the Wildwood Series in Livermore. It was the first of three Sunset Homes series marketed around 1970–71, followed by the Ripplebrook Series and the Quietwood 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 Wildwood homes were built
Wildwood homes were built in several Livermore neighborhoods developed over the following years, including what are now known as Sunset East, Three Fountains, Whispering Pines, The Meadows, and Shadowbrook. In its early-1970s advertising, Sunset Homes promoted its expanding Livermore operation collectively as “Sunsetown.”
Wildwood homes and architectural style
When Sunset Homes introduced Wildwood in 1970, prospective buyers encountered the series through its model homes. The original models showcased the four designs, their floor plans, finishes, and features.
The Wildwood home designs
The original model homes provide a useful cross-section of Wildwood's architecture. Sunset Homes selected four models for the 1970 opening on Asti Court. A fifth model was added in 1973. Although buyers could choose among different elevations and options, these models document the versions Sunset chose to put on display.
The Cypress
This design offered approximately 1,730 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
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| Floor plan of the Cypress model showing the circular kitchen island, adjoining family room and casual dining area, and separate formal living and dining rooms. |
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| Present-day view of the home that served as Sunset Homes’ 1970 Cypress model in Wildwood. Imagery from Google Street View. |
The Pinewood
This design offered approximately 2,172 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms.
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| Present-day view of the home that served as Sunset Homes’ 1970 Pinewood model in Wildwood. Imagery from Google Street View. |
The Redwood
This design offered approximately 2,304 square feet with 5 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Its plan included a large 17-by-21-foot family room, a feature highlighted in Sunset Homes' advertising.
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| January 1973 advertisement for the Redwood model, highlighting its 2,304 square feet and spacious family room. |
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| Present-day view of the home that served as Sunset Homes’ 1970 Redwood model in Wildwood. Imagery from Google Street View. |
The Silvertip
This design offered approximately 2,291 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Its design included a dramatic staircase and a step-up retreat adjoining the primary bedroom.
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| July 1971 Oakland Tribune advertisement for the Silvertip model, highlighting its dramatic staircase and formal interior. |
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| Present-day view of the home that served as Sunset Homes’ 1970 Silvertip model (modified) in Wildwood. Imagery from Google Street View. |
The Magnolia
This design offered approximately 1,760 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Added in late 1973, the Magnolia was taken from the Quietwood Series—a slightly larger version perfect for the opening of the new Shadowbrook neighborhood. With its kitchen-in-the-round, it felt right at home alongside the Wildwood originals.
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| Present-day view of the home that served as Sunset Homes’ 1973 Magnolia model in Wildwood. Imagery from Google Street View. |
Marketing Wildwood
The original Wildwood Series included four home designs: the Cypress, Pinewood, Redwood, and Silvertip. They ranged from approximately 1,730 to 2,304 square feet, placing Wildwood at the larger and more expensive end of Sunset Homes' early Livermore lineup.
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| Newspaper ad from June 1970 announcing the grand opening of the Wildwood Series in Livermore. Promising “more home for the dollar… anywhere in the Bay Area,” the ad promoted estate-sized lots, modern features, and starting prices under $30,000. |
The designs varied considerably in layout and features. The Cypress incorporated a circular kitchen island, while the Redwood offered five bedrooms and a large family room. The Silvertip was distinguished by its dramatic staircase and step-up retreat adjoining the primary bedroom.
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| June 1973 Oakland Tribune clipping showcasing the kitchen inside the Redwood model on Asti Court. |
Wildwood's later history
The Wildwood model complex eventually moved beyond its original lineup. In 1973, Sunset Homes added the Magnolia design, originally introduced as part of the Quietwood Series, into the existing Wildwood models.
By June 1974, Sunset Homes closed the Wildwood model home complex, and put the decorated models up for sale. Subsequently, Sunset opened a new model complex, with the same Wildwood home designs, in the Shadowbrook neighborhood. Rather than continuing the Sunset tradition of naming neighborhoods and lines of homes independently, the new model complex was named after the neighborhood, Shadowbrook.
The history of Wildwood is therefore not simply the story of a single neighborhood or a fixed set of models. It shows how Sunset Homes developed, reused, and reorganized its house designs as its Livermore operation expanded.
Collection
Livermore — the making of a suburban city
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