The "wife-saving" wonders of Tom Gentry: Oak Creek and The Orchards

Between 1965 and 1972, a quiet walnut orchard in south San Ramon became the stage for a bold experiment in suburban living. Visionary developer Tom Gentry didn’t just build homes; he built stories, blending rustic charm with futuristic innovations that turned heads and sparked curiosity. From Spanish courtyards to Grecian baths and built-in central vacuums, Gentry’s Oak Creek and The Orchards developments weren’t merely places to live—they were places to marvel.

Map of Oak Creek and The Orchards San Ramon
Location of the Oak Creek and The Orchards neighborhoods in San Ramon, California.

Oak Creek, not just a name

The story begins with Oak Creek, Gentry’s first subdivision, where he reimagined a walnut orchard as a tranquil neighborhood named after a creek winding through the property. With authenticity at the forefront, he crafted homes featuring rustic wainscoting, Spanish courtyards, and handcrafted front doors. Each detail reflected California’s rich heritage, making these homes feel less like structures and more like extensions of the land’s history. Priced from $18,960, they sold quickly, drawing families eager for character and quality.

Ad for Oak Creek
From a 1965 Oakland Tribune ad—grand opening of Oak Creek.

Gentry’s commitment to quality extended to the smallest details—like four available fireplace facades.

From a 1967 Oakland Tribune ad—Fireplace choice as architectural anchor is early 'buyer empowerment' before personalization became a marketing norm. Gentry wasn’t just selling homes—he was selling narrative control.

Every home came with a “Garden Room Kitchen,” equipped with the ultra-modern Caloric Ultra-Ray broiler. Cutting broiling time as much as 30%, it was guaranteed by Good Housekeeping to be the easiest range to keep clean.

From a 1967 Oakland Tribune ad—Caloric’s Ultra-Ray broiler was part design object, part miracle appliance.

These kitchens became a focal point for family gatherings, blending utility with style in a way that felt ahead of its time.

The Orchards

By the end of 1968, all 184 Oak Creek homes were sold. In that same year, Gentry launched The Orchards in the adjacent parcel. Some of his best innovations were set to be introduced.

Ad for The Orchards
From a 1969 Oakland Tribune ad—a rare opportunity for the few to enjoy an orchard of mature walnut trees the homes were built between.

The "wife-saving" central vacuum

In a time when housework was considered a cornerstone of suburban life, Gentry’s homes offered a glimpse of liberation: the central vacuum. Marketed as a "wife-saving" marvel, this innovation replaced the hassle of lugging heavy cleaners with a lightweight hose that plugged directly into the walls. Strategically placed outlets throughout the home allowed for seamless cleaning—a feature so cutting-edge it felt like something out of science fiction.

From a 1968 Oakland Tribune ad—central vacuums were marketed as wife-saving and a perfect example of 1960s gender roles baked into home design.

Advertised with a touch of humor, the central vacuum became a selling point as much for its novelty as its practicality. Whether it truly saved marriages is up for debate, but it certainly left a lasting impression on homeowners who took pride in showing off this “modern magic” to neighbors and friends.

Grecian baths: Cleopatra in your bathroom

As if the central vacuum weren’t enough, Gentry introduced another opulent feature: the Grecian bath. Straight out of Cleopatra’s playbook, these oversized soaking tubs were flanked by fluted columns and paired with marble vanities and separate shower stalls—a rarity in middle-class homes. Bathrooms transformed into sanctuaries of luxury, where homeowners could unwind and revel in a sense of Hollywood glamour.

From a 1968 Contra Costa Times ad—The ultimate status symbol for the lady of the house: a sunken Grecian bath in a sea of shag.

These baths weren’t just functional; they were aspirational. Guests often marveled at the indulgent spaces, turning the bathrooms into a centerpiece of Gentry’s distinctive homes.

Charm and character in every detail

While the central vacuum and Grecian baths stole the show, Gentry’s designs never lost sight of their roots. Oak Creek, the first phase of development, retained much of the original walnut orchard’s character, with homes featuring old-Californian style. By the time Gentry moved on to The Orchards, his whimsical touch extended even to street names—Pecan, Hazelnut, and Pinenut—adding a sense of fun to the growing community.

Oak Creek model homes

Opened in 1965, the Oak Creek model home complex was on Cody Court at Oak Creek Drive. First with 4 homes, and a fifth added in 1966, they backed Oak Creek.

Map of Oak Creek model homes
Site of the Oak Creek model homes.

1. The Walnut - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,294 sq. ft.

Oak Creek Walnut model
The original Walnut model today.

2. The Willow - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,202 sq. ft.

Oak Creek Willow model
The original Willow model today.

3. The Pine - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,472 sq. ft.

Oak Creek Pine model
The original Pine model today.

4. The Oak - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,288 sq. ft.

Oak Creek Oak model
The original Oak model today.

5. The Elm - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,288 sq. ft. Added in 1966. Picture not available.

The Orchards model homes

The model complex was located on Tareyton Avenue just south of Oak Creek Drive. Originally 4 models were available, but 2 more were added in 1969.

Map of The Orchards model homes
Site of The Orchards model homes.

Pricing history
1968: $24,950 +
1969: $26,950 +
1970: $27,950 +
1971: $29,950 +

1. The Plan 1 - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,288 sq. ft. Added in 1969 and carried over from the Oak Creek subdivision.

The original Plan 1 today.

2. The Plan 2 - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,611 sq. ft. This particular home was also the sales office.

The original Plan 2 today.

3. The Plan 3 - 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 1,979 sq. ft.

The original Plan 3 today.

4. The Plan 4 - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,491 sq. ft.

The original Plan 4 today.

5. The Plan 5 - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,699 sq. ft. Added in 1969.

The original Plan 5 today.

6. The Plan 6 - 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 1,997 sq. ft.

The original Plan 6 today.

A legacy of innovation

By 1972, The Orchards was complete, and Gentry’s work in south San Ramon came to a close. His neighborhoods remain cherished for their blend of charm, innovation, and thoughtful design.

Tom Gentry didn’t just build houses; he built homes that sparked joy and curiosity. From the practicality of the central vacuum to the extravagance of Grecian baths, his creations celebrated the art of living well. Decades later, these "wife-saving" wonders continue to inspire, reminding us that even the most unexpected details can leave a legacy.

Related post: The last walnut orchard in San Ramon

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