Tri-Valley Tract Tales

Welcome to Ivanhoe Villas Ivanhoe Villas debuted in late September 1970, as Sunset Homes began diversifying its designs to meet the needs of modern buyers. These 98 zero lot-line homes were a bold step forward: semidetached units with just one shared wall, offering the feel of a detached home but with less upkeep. Set within the desirable Sunset East neighborhood, Ivanhoe Villas catered to buyers seeking an affordable, low-maintenance lifestyle—without compromising on location or architectural style. Map of the Ivanhoe Villas community in Livermore’s Sunset East neighborhood. A new kind of suburban home Sunset Homes marketed Ivanhoe Villas as “a totally new concept in suburban living.” These compact homes were carefully arranged to maximize privacy and space efficiency. Garages were placed at the rear of the lot—evoking older design traditions—but without alley access, the result was long driveways that reduced green space. While the tradeoff in lawn space was notable, the desig...

Before it was called Sunset West , this sprawling Livermore neighborhood was known as Granada Village —a bold experiment in planned suburban living that would shape the city for generations. Between 1958 and 1968, developer Masud Mehran and his company Sunset Homes introduced multiple distinct home series here, each with their own style, ambition, and audience. A Sunset Homes' Castillo Series home in Sunset West. From ranchland to neighborhood In 1958, Mehran purchased 506 acres on the southern and western edges of Livermore. This land had deep roots in California history. But Mehran had a new vision: not just houses, but a self-contained community with schools, shopping, greenbelts, and recreation. The first Sunset Homes opened along Holmes Street in late 1958, marking the beginning of a neighborhood that would eventually include thousands of homes. The Granada Village era Granada Village attracted eager homebuyers with: Affordable prices Walkable downtown access Pro...

Welcome to Pleasanton Meadows Pleasanton Meadows captures the spirit of Tri-Valley’s ambitious suburban boom. Developed from 1968 through the mid-1980s by multiple builders—including Oliver Rousseau Homes, Galli Homes, H.C. Elliott, and the Larwin Group—this 300-acre neighborhood delivered more than homes: it created a lifestyle. With 30 cul-de-sacs, a swim club and cabana, and a public elementary school and park, Pleasanton Meadows became an idealized version of the American Dream for East Bay families. Where is Pleasanton Meadows? Located off Santa Rita Road in northeast Pleasanton, the neighborhood was originally called Fairlands. At the time, it sat far enough from downtown that it landed in the Livermore school district—a point of contention for early homebuyers. Map of the Pleasanton Meadows neighborhood in Pleasanton, California. Oliver Rousseau Homes: The original builder (1968–1969) Oliver Rousseau Homes launched Pleasanton Meadows in April 1968 with an impressive sales ...

Nestled in a quiet corner of Livermore, Three Fountains packed big design ambition into a small, thoughtfully planned neighborhood. Built between 1971 and 1973 by Sunset Homes, it featured an impressive range of architectural styles from their Wildwood, Ripplebrook, and Quietwood Series. But it wasn’t just the homes that stood out—it was the setting. With spacious 10,000+ sq. ft. lots, the neighborhood gave buyers room to breathe, grow gardens, and stretch out under Livermore’s big sky. From soaring rooflines to bold entryways and breezy indoor-outdoor layouts, each home was a subtle invitation to live large—without leaving suburbia. Often called "the planets," familiar street names in Three Fountains include Saturn Way, Orion Way, and Mars Road. A popular home in Three Fountains—the Magnolia from the Quietwood Series, known for its wide frontage, triples windows, and signature Sunset styling. Where is Three Fountains? Located in South Livermore, Three Fountains is border...

Tucked into Livermore’s scenic south end, Whispering Pines emerged as one of Sunset Homes’ most ambitious and complete expressions of its suburban vision. Carved from the larger Sunset South tract and nestled against the rolling hills, Whispering Pines opened in 1968 with generous 10,000+ sq. ft. lots, tree-lined streets, and floor plans pulled from every corner of Sunset’s catalog—from the charming 600 Series to the expansive, architecturally expressive Wildwood and Quietwood homes. Familiar streets like Lomitas Avenue, Stonebridge Road, and Lexington Way came to define the neighborhood’s graceful sprawl. Construction began in the northern section in 1968, taking full advantage of the elevated terrain and vineyard views. The southern half followed in 1972, and by 1973, every lot had been claimed—completing one of Sunset’s final great Livermore chapters. Stone and wood pillars mark the entrance to Whispering Pines on Hampton Road—setting a rustic, mid-century tone for the neighborhood...

Welcome to The Orchards From 1968 to 1972, a quiet walnut orchard in south San Ramon transformed into a bold showcase of suburban innovation. Developer Tom Gentry didn’t just build houses—he crafted experiences, blending old-world charm with forward-thinking features that captured imaginations. With Spanish-inspired courtyards, Grecian-style baths, and built-in central vacuums, The Orchards wasn’t just a neighborhood—it was a glimpse into the future of California living. Map of the Pine Valley neighborhood in south San Ramon, with The Orchards just south of Oak Creek. After the conclusion of Gentry's earlier development, Oak Creek in 1968, Gentry launched The Orchards in the adjacent parcel. Some of his best innovations were set to be introduced. From a 1969 Oakland Tribune ad—a rare opportunity for the few to enjoy an orchard of mature walnut trees the homes were built between. The "wife-saving" central vacuum In a time when housework was considered a cornerstone of s...

A brick monument welcomes you to Sunset East, complete with the original Sunset Homes emblem. Welcome to Sunset East Opened in 1968, Sunset East was Sunset Development’s most ambitious neighborhood—designed not just as another phase of Granada Village (now Sunset West ), but as a next-generation community for Livermore’s booming population. It represented the shift from simple suburban expansion to master-planned neighborhood building. A striking example of a 600 Series home—part of the first wave of construction in Sunset East, built in 1968. Over six years, Sunset Homes built more than 1,000 homes across Sunset East, launching no fewer than five distinct home series, each with its own personality and market focus. What emerged was a diverse yet cohesive neighborhood, tied together by thoughtful planning, bold architecture, and the familiar brick monument signs bearing the Sunset emblem. Where is Sunset East? The Sunset East neighborhood is just south of downtown Livermore...

Welcome to the Young Americans Series by Sunset Homes In September 1969, Sunset Homes launched a bold new idea: homes built specifically for younger buyers who didn’t want to compromise on style or quality. These new homes—part of what would become known as the Young Americans Series —were smartly priced, a little smaller than their predecessors, but full of thoughtful design and forward-thinking flair. From a February 1970 Argus ad—Masud Mehran’s “Homes for Young Americans” made their debut in the Sunset East neighborhood. The idea struck a chord. Sunset’s ads promised “style for young families” and emphasized open kitchens, flexible floor plans, and affordability. While the series debuted under the broader Sunset East brand, it was later known as the 700 Series , distinguishing it from the earlier 600 Series models built just a block away. Where they were built The Young Americans homes were built exclusively within the Sunset East neighborhood in Livermore, mostly concentrat...