Vintage Hills (1970–1976): the H.C. Elliott era in Pleasanton

If you’ve ever wandered into Pleasanton and stumbled upon Vintage Hills, you’ve probably asked yourself: what’s the story behind this delightful neighborhood? With its sweeping views, architectural quirks, and unmistakable character, Vintage Hills is a hillside treasure full of personality.

Location of H. C. Elliott's Vintage Hills neighborhood in Pleasanton, California.

A neighborhood with a view

Developed by H.C. Elliott between 1970 and 1976, Vintage Hills occupies roughly 139 acres on what was once vineyard-covered terrain. With 472 homes overlooking the Amador Valley, the neighborhood quickly became a coveted spot for buyers looking for charm, views, and something just a little different.

From an August 1970 Oakland Tribune ad—a world apart at its grand opening—where the views were sweeping, the model complex was miles away, and the dream was worth the detour.

The grand opening & early sales

Vintage Hills launched with a grand opening on August 23, 1970, but homes weren’t actually sold on-site. Early sales were conducted through Elliott’s Pleasanton Meadows office—freeway-close, but nowhere near the hills. Prospective buyers had to follow a winding trail of turns to get there, making the journey feel more like a treasure hunt than a house hunt.

From an October 1970 Contra Costa Times ad—bring a map and patience. Finding Vintage Hills was half the adventure, but the views made it all worth it.

Despite the detour, it worked: by 1974, 339 homes had been sold across the first 100 acres. A housing moratorium paused development for over a year, but when sales resumed in 1975, interest was so strong that some buyers camped out overnight to secure a lot. Another 133 homes were built between 1975 and 1976, rounding out the original H.C. Elliott development.

A symphony of arches

Architecturally, Vintage Hills stood apart. Elliott offered homes in four styles—Spanish, Traditional, Ranch, and Colonial—but it was the Spanish-style models that stole the show. Dramatic arches, sometimes in singles, doubles, or even triples, created a visual rhythm throughout the neighborhood. These weren’t just decorative—they embodied the open, inviting lifestyle that Elliott was selling.

From a May 1970 Oakland Tribune ad—grace in every curve—Vintage Hills homes made arches more than architecture; they made them a signature.

From a March 1973 Oakland Tribune ad—double the arches, double the charm—Vintage Hills knew how to make an entrance.

From a February 1972 Oakland Tribune ad—triple arches, because subtlety was never the point—Vintage Hills brought drama to the driveway.

The round kitchen revolution

In 1973, Elliott introduced a feature that would become a legend in Vintage Hills: the curvilinear kitchen. Installed in homes like the Huntington model, these rounded kitchens flowed effortlessly into family rooms, enhancing both movement and sightlines. A pass-through window to the patio added functionality and flair—perfect for backyard parties, lemonade stands, or sneakily passing snacks outside. More than just a novelty, these kitchens were unforgettable.

From a March 1973 Oakland Tribune ad—why be square? Vintage Hills’ round kitchen floor plans turned every meal into a conversation piece.

Model homes through the years

Vintage Hills sold homes in three distinct waves, each with its own model home complex.

1970–1972: Pleasanton Meadows office models

Homes from H.C. Elliott's Cambridge Court series (in Pleasanton Meadows) were used to market Vintage Hills from an off-site location. Homes from this series were mainly built along Crellin Road and Vintner Way in Vintage Hills.

Site of the Cambridge Court series model complex in Pleasanton Meadows.

Pricing history
1970: $25,950 - $31,950
1971: $26,950 - $34,200
1972: $28,500 - $36,750

1. The Sandpiper - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,136 sq. ft.

The original Sandpiper model today.

2. The Capistrano - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,584 sq. ft.

The original Capistrano model today.

3. The Partridge - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,400 sq. ft. Added in July 1971.

The original Partridge model today.

4. The Newporter - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2,078 sq. ft. Over the garage is a 18 x 20 bonus room.

The original Newporter model today.

5. The Valencia - 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1,742 sq. ft.

The original Valencia model today.

1972–1974: Gamay Court model complex

The second model complex was located within Vintage Hills, reflecting a growing demand and new floorplans.

Site of the Gamay Court model complex.

Pricing history
1972: $28,500 - $36,750
1973: $34,950 - $43,950
1974: $35,950 +

1. The Coronado - 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,050 sq. ft.

The original Coronado model today.

2. The Californian - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,549 sq. ft.

The original Californian model today.

3. The Montebello - 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,003 sq. ft.

The original Montebello model today.

4. The San Simeon - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,830 sq. ft. A gorgeous atrium entrance.

The original San Simeon model today.

5. The Carmel - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,323 sq. ft.

The original Carmel model today.

6. The Huntington - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,699 sq. ft. Added in 1973.

The original Huntington model today.

1975–1976: Tawny Drive model complex

In its final phase, Vintage Hills featured new floorplans and refined designs to meet pent-up demand.

Site of the Tawny Drive model complex.

Pricing history
1975: $44,500 - $59,000
1976: $46,950 - $59,950

1. The Californian (Plan 74) - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,549 sq. ft.

The original Californian model today.

2. The Newporter (Plan 76) - 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 1,993 sq. ft.

The original Newporter model today.

3. The San Simeon (Plan 72) - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,471 sq. ft.

The original San Simeon model today.

4. The Arcadian (Plan 75) - 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2,442 sq. ft.

The original Arcadian model today.

The Monterey (Plan 73) - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,601 sq. ft. Not shown in the model complex.

A Monterey home (not original model).

Vintage Hills lives on

Though the original H.C. Elliott era ended in 1976, Great American Homes picked up where Elliott left off, developing additional homes in 1978–79 under the same Vintage Hills name. The neighborhood’s charm endured, and its identity remained intact.

Today, Vintage Hills is as inviting as ever. Its famous arches still welcome visitors with a smile, and those bold round kitchens continue to spark curiosity and conversation. It’s a neighborhood shaped not just by its architecture, but by its spirit—a place where the homes are as full of personality as the people who live in them.