Walnut Hills — tract homes in San Ramon (1966)

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.

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

Where is Walnut Hills in San Ramon?

Annotated aerial map of the Walnut Hills tract in the Country Club neighborhood in San Ramon, California. Base imagery from Google Maps.

Selling the tract

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.

From an April 1966 Daily Review—the Plan 1 under towering walnut trees.

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

From an October 1966 Oakland Tribune—Spanish flair and sky-high trees in the Los Altos model—because in the ’60s, big dreams (and landscaping) knew no limits.

From a May 1968 Oakland Tribune ad—why stop at curb appeal when you can go full forest?

From a September 1966 Oakland Tribune ad—the floor plan of the Los Altos model.

Pricing history of Walnut Hills homes

• 1966: $26,950 - $31,500
• 1967: $28,450 - $32,950
• 1968: $28,450 - $32,950
• 1969 (Young America Homes): $31,950 - $35,950
• 1970 (Young America Homes): $31,950 - $35,950
• 1971: $24,950 + 
• 1972: $25,950 + 

The homes of Walnut Hills (1966–1968)

When Walnut Hills opened, buyers toured a carefully staged collection of Brown & Kauffmann model homes showcasing the neighborhood’s mix of architecture, indoor-outdoor living, and family-oriented floor plans. Though individual elevations varied, these original models helped define much of the neighborhood’s visual identity.

The three original models opened in 1966 on Northland Avenue. Later that year, a fourth model arrived.

Annotated aerial map of the first Walnut Hills model home complex on Northland Avenue. Base imagery from Apple Maps.

Model homes of Walnut Hills

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

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

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

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

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.

Original Plan 1 model today via Google Street View.

Original Almaden model today via Google Street View.

Original Heritage Home model today via Google Street View.

Original Los Altos model today. via Google Street View

Young America Homes arrives (1969)

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—The Cresta Blanca, where the walk-in closet was bigger than your first apartment—and the California island kitchen made every night feel like a cocktail party.

Model home complex (1969–1970): Northland Place

The second model complex, built by Young America Homes, opened on Northland Place.

Annotated aerial map of the Young America model home complex on Northland Place. Base imagery from Apple Maps.

Model homes of Young America

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

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

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

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

Original Wente model today via Google Street View. It also was the sales office.

Original Glen Ellen model today via Google Street View.

Original Cresta Blanca model today via Google Street View.

Original Inglenook model today via Google Street View.

Brown & Kauffmann return (1971)

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.

Model home complex (1971–1972): May Way

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

Annotated aerial map of the third Walnut Hills model home complex on May Way. Base imagery from Apple Maps.

Model homes of Walnut Hills

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

Original Meadow Park model today via Google Street View.

Legacy of Walnut Hills

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 posts

• The last walnut orchard — suburban transformation in San Ramon
• San Ramon history — Country Club neighborhood
• History of San Ramon neighborhoods