The Wildwood series (1970—1974): Sunset Homes’ suburban masterpiece
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.
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| Homes from Wildwood were built in the Three Fountains, Whispering Pines, Sunset East, and Shadowbrook neighborhoods in Livermore, California. |
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| 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.
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| From a July 12, 1970 Oakland Tribune ad—run, run (away?)... it's a grand opening. |
Wildwood model homes
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.”
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| Site of the Wildwood series model homes. |
1. The Cypress: a kitchen with a twist
One of the first homes introduced in the series, the Cypress was quietly revolutionary. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,730 sq. ft.
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| The original Cypress model today. |
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.
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| 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.
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| The floor plan of the Cypress. |
2. The Pinewood: elegant, gracious living
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. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,172 sq. ft.
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| The original Pinewood model today, with olive tree. |
3. The Redwood: the one everyone remembers
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.
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| The original Redwood model today. |
With 2,304 sq. ft. of living, 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.
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| From a February 1973 Oakland Tribune ad—once upon a time in a magical land called Sunsetown, everyone had their own bedroom. |
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| 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: a staircase worth swooning over
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. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,291 sq. ft.
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| The original Silvertip model today (remodeled). |
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.
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| 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. |
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| Fan favorite alternative elevation of the Silvertip on Lomitas Avenue. |
5. The Magnolia: a perfect addition
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. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,760 sq. ft.
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| The original Magnolia model today. |
What did a dream cost?
Prices for Wildwood homes started modestly—but like their square footage, they grew quickly:
- 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
Not bad for what were considered some of the most luxurious homes Sunset had ever built.
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.
Related post: The story of Sunsetown
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