Wildwood — Sunset Homes tract series in Livermore (1970)

Part of Sunset Homes’ “Sunsetown” collection

At the close of June 1970, Sunset Homes unveiled what would become one of its most iconic and enduring achievements: the Wildwood series. These homes didn’t just mark a new phase in Sunset’s architectural evolution—they defined it.

For homebuyers in Livermore’s growing neighborhoods, Wildwood offered a level of flexibility and luxury that felt fresh and unexpected. You could pick one of these new designs and build it in any available Sunset neighborhood, from Three Fountains to Whispering Pines, from Sunset East to Shadowbrook, and even The Meadows. No matter where you chose to live, Wildwood promised a home that felt custom—modern, open, and filled with warmth.

Vintage June 1970 ad announcing the grand opening of the Wildwood homes in Livermore’s Sunsetown. 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.

Where is Wildwood in Livermore?

Annotated aerial map of the Sunset East, Three Fountains, Whispering Pines, and Shadowbrook neighborhoods in Livermore, California, where Wildwood homes were built. Base imagery from Google Maps.

Annotated aerial map of The Meadows neighborhood in Livermore, California, where Wildwood homes were also built. Base imagery from Google Maps.

Selling the series

With the Wildwood series, Sunset doubled down on what it did best: creating homes that looked good, lived even better, and aged like fine wine. It was a time of open floor plans, statement kitchens, and architectural boldness—and Wildwood delivered all of it in spades.

Vintage May 1973 ad for the Wildwood series in Livermore’s Sunsetown, showcasing the Cypress model’s innovative circular kitchen island. The ad features a mother teaching her daughters to cook, with the tagline: “Even the youngest of cooks will be delighted with the unique ‘Cypress’ all-electric kitchen.”

June 1973 Oakland Tribune ad showcasing the spacious kitchen inside the Redwood model on Asti Court. Featuring large picture windows and a bright, open layout, the ad captures a woman serving food at the dining table.

Floorplan of the Cypress model in Sunset Homes’ Wildwood series, featuring 3 bedrooms, a circular kitchen island, and an open-plan layout connecting the kitchen, family room, and casual dining area—alongside separate formal living and dining rooms.

January 1973 ad for the Redwood model, showcasing 2,304 square feet of ranch-style luxury. Perhaps the greatest home Sunset Homes ever made, the Redwood featured a spacious 17' x 21' family room and optional side access for RV or boat storage.

From a July 1971 Oakland Tribune ad—some women descended grand staircases to accept Oscars. Others did it to greet the Tupperware ladies. Either way, the flashbulbs were imaginary—but the poise was real.

Pricing history of Wildwood homes

• 1970: $29,950 – $34,950
• 1971: $31,400 – $36,750
• 1972: $33,950 – $40,100
• 1973: $36,750 – $42,000
• 1974 (Shadowbrook): $46,350 – $52,650

The homes of Wildwood

When Wildwood opened, buyers toured a carefully staged collection of Sunset 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 four original models opened in 1970 on Asti Court. A fifth model arrived in 1973.

Annotated aerial map of the Wildwood model home complex on Asti Court. Base imagery from Apple Maps.

Model homes of Wildwood

1. The Cypress - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,730 sq. ft.

2. The Pinewood - 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,172 sq. ft.

3. The Redwood- 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2,304 sq. ft. The Redwood embodied the idea of open-plan living before that was a buzzword. Fifty years on, you’ll still find the name “Redwood” popping up in real estate ads across Livermore—a sign of a floor plan that’s stood the test of time, both structurally and sentimentally.

4. The Silvertip - 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,291 sq. ft.

5. The Magnolia - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,760 sq. ft. 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 and practical charm, it felt right at home alongside the Wildwood originals.

Original Cypress model today via Google Street View.

Original Pinewood model today via Google Street View.

Original Redwood model today via Google Street View.

Original Silvertip model today via Google Street View.

Original Magnolia model today via Google Street View.

Buildout and the final chapter

By June 1974, Sunset moved its model complex and sales office to the Shadowbrook neighborhood. The original decorated models on Asti Court were put up for sale—and sold out by the end of the year.

Though the Wildwood series wrapped its run, the legacy lived on. These homes—especially the Redwood and Silvertip—continued to draw buyers for decades. They weren't just well-built; they were well-loved.

Legacy of Wildwood

More than 50 years later, homes from the Wildwood series are still turning heads. Their thoughtful design, generous space, and timeless charm continue to make them some of the most desirable homes in Livermore.

Whether it's the kitchen island in a Cypress, the elegant curve of a Silvertip staircase, or the comforting sprawl of a Redwood, Wildwood homes remind us of a time when the future of suburban living looked bright—and a little bit bold.

Related posts

• Masud Mehran and the creation of Sunsetown in Livermore
• Shadowbrook history — Livermore homes (1973)
• Livermore history — Sunset East neighborhood
• The Meadows history — Livermore homes (1973)
• Livermore history — Three Fountains neighborhood
• Livermore history — Whispering Pines neighborhood
• Livermore tract and neighborhood history