Walnut Hills: when orchards met suburbia

Walnut Hills logo

Set in the heart of an old walnut orchard, Walnut Hills opened in early 1966 with a marketing pitch no suburban buyer could resist: all the free walnuts you could ever want—right from your backyard. Developed by Brown & Kauffmann, the subdivision promised about 200 homes shaded by towering walnut trees and wrapped in country-club charm.

Map of Walnut Hill San Ramon
Location of the Walnut Hills neighborhood in San Ramon, California.

Living among giants

Located in San Ramon’s county club neighborhood, Walnut Hills wasn’t just another subdivision—it was a lifestyle. Prices started at $26,950, a step above nearby tracts, but buyers gained eligibility for membership in the nearby San Ramon Country Club.

Walnut Hills ad
From an April 1966 Oakland Tribune ad—picture it: all the free walnuts you could ever want—without even leaving your driveway. Suburbia had it all.

From Spanish-style façades to cathedral-like canopies, the trees were the stars of the show. They weren’t just curb appeal—they were a whole forest.

From a May 1968 Oakland Tribune ad—why stop at curb appeal when you can go full forest?
From an October 1966 Oakland Tribune—Spanish flair and sky-high trees—because in the ’60s, big dreams (and landscaping) knew no limits.

Walnut Hills model homes (1966-1968)

Brown & Kauffmann opened their first model complex at Northland Avenue and May Way.

Map of Walnut Hills model homes
Site of the Walnut Hills model complex.

1. The Plan 1 (unknown name) - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,706 sq. ft.

The original Plan 1 model today.

2. The Almaden - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,721 sq. ft.

Walnut Hills Almaden model
The original Almaden model today.

3. The Heritage Home - 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2,247 or 2,423 sq. ft.

Walnut Hills Heritage Home model
The original Heritage Home model today.

From a July 1967 Oakland Tribune—The Heritage House, perfectly framed by majestic walnut trees—until the roots met the sprinkler system.

4. The Los Altos - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,935 sq. ft. The late addition for more variety.

The original Los Altos model today.

After 80 homes, Brown & Kauffmann wrapped up the first phase in 1968 and sold the remaining lots to other builders. These homes were built along Northland Avenue, Devon Court, Amherst Court, and May Way.

A new builder steps in

Young America Homes took over in 1969 with big plans—107 homes with prices from $32,950 to $35,950. Their homes offered extras like walk-in closets, California island kitchens, and high-gloss marketing charm. But by 1970, they had only built 34 scattered homes and exited the scene. These homes were built in incongruous pockets along Ernwood Place, Kent Place, and the four models on Northland Place.

From an June 1969 Contra Costa Times ad—where the walk-in closet was bigger than your first apartment—and the California island kitchen made every night feel like a cocktail party.

Young America's model homes (1969-1970)

The second model complex opened on Northland Place.

Site of the Young American model homes.

1. The Wente - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,921 sq. ft.

The original Wente model today. It also was the sales office.

2. The Glen Ellen - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,859-1,863 sq. ft.

The original Glen Ellen model today.

3. The Cresta Blanca - 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2,212 sq. ft.

The original Cresta Blanca model today.

4. The Inglenook - 4 bedroom, 3 bathrooms, 2,167 sq. ft.

The original Inglenook model today.

The return of Brown & Kauffmann

In 1971, the original builders returned to finish what they started. The final 71 homes, located primarily along May Way, were angled on their lots for privacy—a rare touch. These homes sold out by 1972, and one final custom home filled the last empty lot in 1977.

Final model homes (1971-1972)

The model complex was on May Way between Davona and Northland place.

Site of the final model home complex.

4. The Meadow Park - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,548 sq. ft.

The original Meadow Park model today.

A living legacy

What began as a bold vision of orchard living faced the challenges of builder turnover and disappearing trees. Today, Walnut Hills remains a neighborhood rooted in its agrarian past—even if the only walnuts now come from Safeway.

Its leafy streets and enduring mid-century charm stand as a tribute to San Ramon’s evolution—from farmland to suburbia, with a little fanfare and a lot of shade.

Related post: The last walnut orchard in San Ramon

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