Pleasanton's Vintage Hills: 1970–1976 homes & subdivision history


Cover photo of a typical two-story home in Pleasanton's Vintage Hills neighborhood, built between 1970 and 1976 by H. C. Elliott. The home features a 3-car garage, traditional roofline, and a broad front façade—reflecting the spacious, upscale suburban style popular in Pleasanton during the 1970s.

Welcome to Vintage Hills

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.

Map showing the location of H. C. Elliott’s Vintage Hills neighborhood in Pleasanton, California.
Map 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.

Scan of an August 1970 Oakland Tribune ad announcing the opening of Vintage Hills by H.C. Elliott. The ad emphasizes the development’s sweeping views and picturesque setting, inviting potential buyers to experience the scenic beauty of the new community.
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.

Scan of an October 1970 Contra Costa Times newspaper ad for Vintage Hills, encouraging readers to go to Pleasanton Meadows. The ad highlights the challenge of finding the new development—and the rewarding views once you arrived.
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.

Newspaper ad from the March 1973 Oakland Tribune featuring The Huntington model home in Vintage Hills, Pleasanton. The design highlights two prominent arches, reflecting the neighborhood's signature architectural style.
From a March 1973 Oakland Tribune ad—double the arches, double the charm—Vintage Hills knew how to make an entrance.

Newspaper ad from the February 1972 Oakland Tribune showcasing the San Simeon model home in Vintage Hills, Pleasanton. The home features a distinctive design with triple arches, a signature architectural element of the neighborhood.
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.

1970s ad featuring the floorplan of the Huntington model, showcasing its distinctive round kitchen design—a unique feature of the home that was ahead of its time.
From a March 1973 Oakland Tribune ad—why be square? Vintage Hills’ round kitchen floor plans turned every meal into a conversation piece.

The 1970 homes of Vintage Hills

Homes from H.C. Elliott's Pleasanton Meadows model complex on Cambridge Court were used to market Vintage Hills. Homes from this series were mainly built along Crellin Road and Vintner Way.

Pricing history

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

1970 Vintage Hills today

To see the full line of model homes, visit Pleasanton Meadows history: H. C. Elliott's 1970–1971 homes

The 1972 homes of Vintage Hills

Model home complex (1972–1974): Gamay Court

Vintage Hills finally got its own model complex that opened in early 1972 on Gamay Court. Reflecting the growing demand for new floor plans, some popular earlier models remained, while new ones were introduced.

Aerial image of the former model homes of Vintage Hills in Pleasanton in 1972.
Map of the Vintage Hill's model home complex on Gamay Court.

Pricing history

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

Model homes

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

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

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

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

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

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

Historical newspaper ad from March 1973 in the Oakland Tribune, promoting The Huntington model in Vintage Hills, Pleasanton. The ad features the home’s floorplan and exterior, highlighting a 4-bedroom layout with a round kitchen. Priced from $38,950, it exemplifies early 1970s suburban development in the Amador Valley.
‘Something New at Vintage Hills’: The 1973 debut of The Huntington model — a 4-bedroom Pleasanton home featuring a distinctive round kitchen, reflecting the era’s suburban growth and design trends. Prices started at $38,950.

1972 Vintage Hills today

Here’s what the former 1972 Vintage Hills models look like today.

The Coronado today

Photograph of the Coronado model in Vintage Hills, a tri-level home featuring 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 2,050 sq. ft. The home’s bold design with its multiple levels highlights the era’s preference for dynamic, functional layouts.
Current photo of the Coronado model, a 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom tri-level home with 2,050 sq. ft. A distinctive design with multiple levels, this home showcases the architectural style popular in the early 1970s.

The Californian today

Image of the Californian model in Vintage Hills, a single-story 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom house with 1,549 sq. ft. The home features a clean, simple exterior and an open layout, ideal for comfortable family living.
Current photo of the Californian model, a single-story 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with 1,549 sq. ft. This modest design offers a practical layout that was perfect for suburban families of the early 1970s.

The Montebello today

Photograph of the Montebello model in Vintage Hills, a two-story 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home with 2,003 sq. ft. The home’s large 3-car garage and expansive design made it a standout option for families needing extra space.
Current photo of the Montebello model, a 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom, 2,003 sq. ft. two-story home with a 3-car garage. The model offers spacious living across two levels, showcasing the 1970s demand for larger homes.

The San Simeon today

Image of the San Simeon model in Vintage Hills, a 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom house with 1,830 sq. ft. The home’s standout feature is its elegant atrium entrance framed by 3 arches, offering a dramatic and unique entryway.
Current photo of the San Simeon model, a 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with 1,830 sq. ft. featuring an eye-catching atrium entrance set beneath 3 stunning arches. This home was a luxurious choice for those seeking a distinctive, sophisticated design.

The Carmel today

Photograph of the Carmel model in Vintage Hills, a single-story 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom house with 1,323 sq. ft. The home features a simple and approachable design, perfect for those seeking comfort and functionality in a compact space.
Current photo of the Carmel model, a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom single-story home with 1,323 sq. ft. A modest yet stylish design, this home was a popular choice for smaller families or those looking for a cozy, efficient layout.

The Huntington today

Image of the Huntington model in Vintage Hills, a 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom single-story house with 1,699 sq. ft. The home’s defining feature is the grand arch in its design, adding elegance and charm to its spacious layout.
Current photo of the Huntington model, a 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom single-story home with 1,699 sq. ft. Added in 1973, this model features a striking single grand arch and a thoughtfully designed layout.

The 1975 homes of Vintage Hills

Model home complex (1975–1976): Tawny Drive

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

Aerial image showing the Vintage Hills model home complex on Tawny Drive in Pleasanton, used to display homes for the neighborhood’s 1975 development. The layout shows the placement of the model homes and surrounding streets.
Map of the Vintage Hills model complex on Tawny Drive in Pleasanton, where homes were showcased during the neighborhood's development in 1975. This location was pivotal in introducing prospective buyers to the new homes of Vintage Hills.

Pricing history

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

Model homes

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

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

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

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

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

1975 Vintage Hills today

Here’s what the former 1975 Vintage Hills models look like today.

The Californian (Plan 74) today

Photograph of the Californian (Plan 74) model in Vintage Hills, a 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom single-story home with 1,549 sq. ft. The home features a clean, straightforward design perfect for suburban living.
Current photo of the Californian (Plan 74), a 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom single-story home with 1,549 sq. ft. This design offered simplicity and comfort, ideal for families looking for a practical and spacious layout in 1975.

The Newporter (Plan 76) today

Image of the Newporter (Plan 76) model in Vintage Hills, a tri-level 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home with 1,993 sq. ft. The home’s unique tri-level design and spacious interiors make it a classic of mid-1970s suburban architecture.
Current photo of the Newporter (Plan 76), a 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom tri-level home with 1,993 sq. ft. This tri-level design was a standout for families who sought both space and a bit of architectural flair.

The San Simeon (Plan 72) today

Photograph of the San Simeon (Plan 72) model in Vintage Hills, a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom ranch-style home with 1,471 sq. ft. The home features a traditional ranch design with an open floor plan, suited for practical family living.
Current photo of the San Simeon (Plan 72), a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom single-story ranch-style home with 1,471 sq. ft. This modest yet elegant design was popular for its ranch layout and easy-to-manage size.

The Arcadian (Plan 75) today

Image of the Arcadian (Plan 75) model in Vintage Hills, a two-story, 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home with 2,442 sq. ft. The home’s contemporary design includes large windows and an open layout, perfect for modern suburban living.
Current photo of the Arcadian (Plan 75), a 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom, 2,442 sq. ft. two-story contemporary home. A spacious design that combines modern style with a comfortable, family-friendly layout.

A Monterey (Plan 73) today

Image of a Monterey (Plan 73) home in Vintage Hills, a 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom single-story home with 1,601 sq. ft. This model features a spacious floor plan and modern amenities, designed for families looking for both comfort and style.
A photo of a Monterey (Plan 73) home, 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 1,601 sq. ft. in Vintage Hills. Although not displayed in the original model complex, this design remains a popular choice for its spacious and functional layout.

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.

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