Pleasanton's Amador Estates: 1964–1966 homes & subdivision history

Cover photo of a single-level home in Pleasanton’s Amador Estates neighborhood, built between 1964 and 1966. The home displays classic mid-century ranch characteristics, including a low-pitched roof, wide front lawn, and simple, functional design—typical of early Pleasanton suburban development.

Welcome to Amador Estates

In the golden summer of 1964, a modest neighborhood in Pleasanton opened its doors—and its sun-filled windows—to a world of hopeful new homeowners. Amador Estates, a charming development by DevMar, offered the kind of lifestyle that urban dwellers only dreamed of: clean air, open skies, and a commute that boasted just one stop between your driveway and downtown San Francisco.

Map of Amador Estates neighborhood in Pleasanton, California
Map of the Amador Estates neighborhood in Pleasanton, California.

And if that wasn’t enough, it came wrapped in a cheerful new slogan: “Live in the Sunshine Belt!”

A vintage 1964 advertisement for Amador Estates promoting the benefits of living in the sunshine belt, highlighting morning sunlight and offering spacious homes at great value.
Vintage August 16, 1964 Amador Estates ad inviting homebuyers to live in the sunshine belt, enjoy morning sun, and get more home for their dollar.

Escaping the smog, embracing the sun

In the mid-60s, city life had started to lose its shine. As cars multiplied and smog settled over Bay Area skylines, many families looked east—for bluer skies and breathing room. Enter Pleasanton, a then-sleepy town with a name that sounded like a promise. And nestled right in the heart of it, Amador Estates was calling.

With prices starting at just $16,500—the lowest in the area—the value was undeniable. But the real sell? Sunshine. Happiness. Easy freeway access. These weren’t just amenities; they were the new luxuries of modern living.

A vintage 1964 Oakland Tribune ad showing a joyful little girl playing a banjo, with the tagline "The happiest homes in Pleasanton," promoting cheerful family living in the community.
From a 1964 Oakland Tribune ad—teasing the joy of being as happy as a little girl with a banjo. In 1964, that was practically an aspirational lifestyle brand.

A perfect place, perfectly placed

While other suburban tracts were springing up in the middle of nowhere, Amador Estates got the geography right. Yes, the freeway (then still called Highway 50, soon to become I-580) made commuting west a breeze. But even better? You didn’t need to drive much at all.

Schools? A short walk away.
Shopping? Right around the corner.
Parks, playgrounds, downtown Pleasanton? Practically on your doorstep.

It was the best of both worlds—a peaceful, residential escape with urban convenience baked in. And for growing families? It hit every mark.

A 1966 vintage ad for Amador Estates in Pleasanton featuring the floorplan of the Colleen model, a 4-bedroom home, with the bold statement "Countdown, only 9 4-bedroom homes remain," highlighting the limited availability of homes in this desirable suburban development.
From a 1966 Oakland Tribune ad—with a new freeway in place, just 38 minutes from your home to work in San Francisco. Ah, the good ole days.

The homes of Amador Estates

DevMar initially launched with three model homes on the Santa Rita Road frontage street, each tailored to meet the practical needs—and stylish dreams—of mid-century buyers. A fourth joined the lineup in 1965.

Map of Amador Estates model home complex in Pleasanton on Santa Rita Road.
Map of the Amador Estates model homes on Santa Rita Road.

Pricing history

  • 1964: $16,500 +
  • 1965 (second unit): $16,700 +
  • 1965 (third unit): $16,300 - $19,300
  • 1966: $16,300 - $19,300

Model homes

1. The Candia (Plan 200) - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,236 sq. ft.

Vintage 1965 ad for the Candia floor plan at Amador Estates in Pleasanton. The ad features a black-and-white rendering of the single-story home alongside a labeled floor plan, showing its layout. Promotional text highlights modern living, spacious design, and suburban comfort, typical of mid-1960s real estate marketing.
The floor plan of the Candia from 1965.

2. The Carousel (Plan 100) - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,159 sq. ft.

A 1964 vintage advertisement for Amador Estates in Pleasanton, showcasing the Carousel home model with a floor plan, priced from $16,500. The ad emphasizes the unbeatable location of the development, offering a prime spot in the desirable area of Pleasanton.
Vintage 1964 ad for Amador Estates in Pleasanton, featuring the Carousel home model, priced from $16,500, with the tagline, "You can’t beat Amador Estates for location!"

3. The Colleen (Plan 300) - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,368 sq. ft.

4. The Calico (Plan 400) - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,104 sq. ft. Added in 1965.

Vintage 1965 ad for the Calico floor plan. Includes a detailed black-and-white layout of the home, with the tagline: “Priced for today’s budget... planned for tomorrow’s family.” The design emphasizes affordability and future-ready suburban living, reflecting mid-century optimism and practicality.
The floor plan for the Calico from 1965.

Amador Estates today

Here are the former model homes as they appear today.

A Candia (Plan 200) today

Current photo of a Candia (Plan 200) home in Amador Estates, Pleasanton. A single-story house with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1,236 square feet. Features include a low-pitched roof, wide front windows, and a neatly landscaped yard—typical of 1960s suburban ranch-style architecture.
A Candia home (not original model).

The Carousel (Plan 100) today

A current photo of The Carousel (Plan 100) model home, featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms in 1,159 square feet, showcasing a classic mid-century suburban design with clean lines and a modest front yard.
The original Carousel model today.

The Colleen (Plan 300) today

Current photo of a Colleen (Plan 300) home in Amador Estates, Pleasanton. A single-story ranch-style house with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1,368 square feet. Features include a broad front facade, large windows, and a simple, well-kept yard—reflecting classic 1960s suburban design.
The original Colleen model today.

The Calico (Plan 400) today

A current photo of The Calico (Plan 400), a former model home built in 1965 featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1,104 square feet, showcasing a classic mid-century suburban design with clean lines and a modest footprint.
The original Calico model today.

Still golden after all these years

Yes, these homes were small by today’s standards. But in the age of one car, one breadwinner, and one black-and-white TV, they were more than enough. Sales wrapped up in 1966, and Amador Estates carved out a beloved niche in Pleasanton’s history. Many of the original homes have since been modified, expanded, and lovingly maintained—but the bones remain, and so does the unbeatable location.

Today, homeowners still enjoy:

  • Walking distance to Amador Valley High, Alisal Elementary, and Amador Valley Community Park
  • Quick trips to downtown Pleasanton
  • Proximity to shopping, dining, and business hubs

In short, location still wins—just as it did in 1964.

Legacy of light

Amador Estates may not be flashy. Its homes were modest, its streets quiet. But for those first families—drawn by sunshine, happiness, and the promise of something better—it was everything.

A commute to the city. A kitchen filled with morning sun. A swing set under a blue sky.

It was the Sunshine Belt dream—and for many, it still is.

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