The last walnut orchard in San Ramon

Up until the mid 1960s, the San Ramon Valley was primarily known for its ranches and farms, but progress was moving at an unparalleled rate. Starting in the south San Ramon area, tract homes were replacing ranches and farms on a grand scale. By 1963, just one old walnut orchard remained. The owner of the orchard, Volk-McLain, the developer of the massive San Ramon Village that was urbanizing the area, saw the orchard as an opportunity to experiment.

Site of the last walnut orchard in south San Ramon, circa 1961. Old-growth orchard planted about 1940; north orchard planted about 1955.

Instead of cutting down all the trees and building more cookie-cutter houses, Volk-McLain imagined a neighborhood with the charm and character that only an old orchard could provide. They designed a neighborhood that retained a number of the stately old trees with new houses built among them. Most home sites would have one or two trees each, and perhaps fetch a premium. Volk-McLain started building homes in the eastern portion of the old-growth orchard in 1963 with their Country Club Park subdivision.

From a March 1963 Oakland Tribune ad—while the golf course lots had sold out, luxury home buyers might prefer a beautiful old walnut grove.

By the mid 1960s, the housing market was experiencing a slow down and Volk-McLain decided to exit home building. In turn, they started selling their now-valuable land to other developers. They sold the younger northern orchard to Tom Gentry, who would go on to build the Oak Creek and The Orchards subdivisions, the latter a nod to the former walnut orchard.

From a 1969 Oakland Tribune ad—although Tom Gentry rarely mentioned the orchard for his Oak Creek subdivision, it became prominentwith The Orchards subdivision.

The west half of the old-growth orchard was sold by Volk-McLain to H. C. Elliott, who was busy building Crestview just south of the tracts.

Map of subdivided walnut orchard among three developers.

H. C. Elliott ended up selling his parcel to Brown & Kauffmann in early 1966, and they announced the Walnut Hills subdivision with a marketing campaign centered around living in an orchard. With about 200 homes planned amongst the old, towering walnut trees, all you needed with your free walnuts was a hammock and a tall glass of lemonade.

From a February 1966 Oakland Tribune—builder H. C. Elliott, seller of the orchard, inspects plans from Kauffmann and Brown.

Brown & Kauffman kicked off a line of homes worthy of the fine walnut trees. Home prices started at $26,950, a premium compared to other neighborhoods, but included eligibility for membership in the nearby San Ramon Country Club.

From an April 1966 Oakland Tribune ad—the trees were inviting you to Walnut Hills.

An early departure

After selling 80 homes along Northland Avenue, Devon Court, Amherst Court, and May Way, Brown & Kauffmann closed their model complex in 1968. In turn, they sold 107 lots to Young America Homes to finish out the neighborhood.

Meanwhile, Tom Gentry was experiencing success with his The Orchards subdivision. With lots suddenly becoming available by Brown & Kauffmann (along Winthrop Avenue) and Volk-McClain's Country Club Park (along western Hillsboro Avenue), Tom swooped in and acquired the northern portion of the desirable old-growth orchard.

A new developer comes and goes

Young America Homes entered the scene in 1969 with 107 luxurious homes planned in the remainder of the neighborhood. Prices started between $32,950 and $35,950. However, the stay was cut short. Instead of building 107 homes, they only built 34 homes. Young America Homes would also depart the neighborhood prematurely in 1970.

Brown & Kauffmann return

In 1971, Brown & Kauffmann were back to complete the neighborhood with a new collection of 71 homes. They sold out by 1972, completing Walnut Hills’ transformation from orchard to thriving neighborhood.

Legacy and buildout

Walnuts come from the English walnut tree (Juglans regia). These trees are great for commercial walnuts, but terrible as landscape trees. They are leafless a long time, messy while in leaf, have messy fruit, and the wind-borne pollen makes people sneeze. If that wasn't enough, they take a lot of water and nothing grows underneath them. Then came a drought, and their demise was imminent. Within 10 years after the neighborhood came to life, the trees were gone.

What started as a great idea may have ended in disappointment, but Walnut Hills stands as a living connection to San Ramon's agricultural past. While the iconic walnut trees have disappeared, the neighborhood continues to exude the rustic charm and tranquility they once symbolized. Today, Walnut Hills is more than just a name—it's a testament to the area's transformation, blending history with modern living. For those who call it home, the story of Walnut Hills is a reminder that even as landscapes change, the roots of a community endure.

Related posts: County Club Park | Oak Creek and The Orchards | Walnut Hills