Sunset Homes' Wildwood Series in Livermore (1970

A historical tour of Sunset's Wildwood Series, Livermore (1970–1974)

Explore Sunset’s Wildwood Series through vintage 1970–1974 newspaper ads and see what the original model homes look like today. Spanning five Livermore neighborhoods—Whispering Pines, Sunset East, Three Fountains, The Meadows, and Shadowbrook, the Wildwood homes were Sunset’s most iconic and enduring achievement—a curated archive for fans of 1960s–70s architecture, suburban design, and East Bay history.

Welcome to Wildwood, 1970–1974

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.

Map showing Sunset’s Wildwood homes built across multiple Livermore neighborhoods, including Three Fountains, Whispering Pines, Sunset East, and Shadowbrook.

Homes from Wildwood were built in the Three Fountains, Whispering Pines, Sunset East, and Shadowbrook neighborhoods in Livermore, California.

Map highlighting The Meadows neighborhood in Livermore, one of the areas where Sunset’s Wildwood series homes were built.

Homes were also built in The Meadows neighborhood.

A new standard of living

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.

1970 newspaper ad promoting the grand opening of Sunset’s Wildwood series, with bold headline and mid-century graphic style.

From a July 12, 1970 Oakland Tribune ad—run, run (away?)... it's a grand opening.

The model homes of Wildwood

The model complex on Asti Court in Sunset East featured four fully decorated homes to start, later expanded to five. Each plan brought its own personality—spacious, sunny, and packed with design details that whispered (or shouted) “this is not your parents’ ranch house.”

Site map showing the location of the original Wildwood model home complex on Asti Court in Sunset East, Livermore.

Site of the Sunset Homes Wildwood series model homes.

Pricing history

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

Model homes

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

The Cypress was quietly revolutionary. At the heart of the floor plan? A circular kitchen island, a Polynesian-inspired idea that seemed tailor-made for the food-loving, open-living lifestyles that were emerging in the early ‘70s.

1973 ad for the Cypress model featuring a modern kitchen with circular island, daughters baking with their mother in an open-plan space.

From a May 1973 Oakland Tribune ad—in the modern kitchen, even the brownies came in a box—and mother made sure to pass down the secret. Nothing says 'homemade' like teaching your daughters to follow directions printed by Duncan Hines.

No more cooking hidden away in a walled-off galley—this was a kitchen meant to be shared. Add in a wall of curtains, floor-to-ceiling sliders, and a thoughtful flow between living spaces, and the Cypress quickly became a favorite for both style and substance.

Floor plan of the Cypress model showing 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and an open circular kitchen layout.

The floor plan of the Cypress.

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

A generous two-story plan, the Pinewood was ideal for growing families, with a bit more formal structure to its layout. A classic that quietly got the job done—stylish and spacious.

3. The Redwood- 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2,304 sq. ft.

Ask anyone about Sunset homes, and chances are they’ll mention the Redwood. With five bedrooms and two bathrooms on a single level, it was a rare find even then—and remains one of the most sought-after Sunset homes today.

The Redwood embodied the idea of open-plan living before that was a buzzword. Its kitchen was bright and open, its layout ideal for families, guests, and just about any phase of life. 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.

Ad for the Redwood model showcasing a family-oriented layout with five bedrooms, emphasizing space and privacy.

From a February 1973 Oakland Tribune ad—once upon a time in a magical land called Sunsetown, everyone had their own bedroom.

1973 ad for the Redwood model featuring large picture windows and open-plan kitchen, reflecting mid-century modern design ideals.

From a June 1973 Oakland Tribune ad—designed for open living—and even opener observation. With picture windows this big, you could cook dinner and give the neighbors something to talk about.

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

The Silvertip was Sunset’s most architecturally adventurous Wildwood home. It had presence. It had flair. And at its heart was a dramatic, sweeping staircase that became the centerpiece of the design.

Whether you walked into a Silvertip in The Meadows neighborhood or Shadowbrook, it was immediately clear: this home had ambition. From its elevated ceiling heights to its dynamic layout, the Silvertip was made for those who wanted a bit more drama in their daily life.

Vintage ad for the Silvertip model showing a dramatic staircase and grand interior ideal for hosting or entertaining.

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.

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.

Wildwood today

Here’s what the original Wildwood models look like in 2024.

The Cypress today

Exterior of the original Wildwood Cypress model home in 2024, showcasing preserved architecture and updated landscaping.

The original Cypress model today.

The Pinewood today

Current view of the Pinewood model in Livermore, with olive tree in front and its original two-story design intact.

The original Pinewood model today, with olive tree.

The Redwood today

Present-day exterior of the Redwood model home, highlighting its single-level layout and spacious front facade.

The original Redwood model today.

The Silvertip today

Remodeled Silvertip model photographed in 2024, with updated exterior while retaining original architectural character.

The original Silvertip model today (remodeled).

The Magnolia today

Contemporary photo of the Magnolia model, originally from the Quietwood series, now part of the Wildwood collection in Shadowbrook.

The original Magnolia model today.

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.

A legacy that still shines

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.

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