Published July 28, 2025
The Ivanhoe Villas housing tract debuted in late September 1970, as Sunset Homes began diversifying its designs to meet the needs of modern buyers. These 104 zero lot-line homes were a bold step forward: semidetached units with a double-leaf party wall between them, offering the feel of a detached home but with less upkeep.
These homes were so successful, Sunset Homes reported they sold out in just eight months.
Mapping Ivanhoe Villas
Set within the Sunset East neighborhood, Ivanhoe Villas catered to buyers seeking an affordable, low-maintenance lifestyle—without compromising on location or architectural style.
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| Annotated aerial map of the Ivanhoe Villas tract in the Sunset East neighborhood in Livermore, California. Base imagery from Google Maps. |
Ivanhoe Villas homes and architectural style
When Sunset Homes introduced Ivanhoe Villas in 1970, prospective buyers encountered the housing tract through its model homes. The models showcased the different designs, floor plans, and lifestyles the builder was offering to buyers in Livermore.
The original Ivanhoe Villas models
The original model homes provide a useful cross-section of the Ivanhoe Villas' architecture. Sunset Homes selected six models for the 1970 opening on Cartier Drive. Although buyers could choose among different elevations and options, these models document the versions Sunset chose to put on display.
The Plan 1
This model offered approximately 1,192 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
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| Original Plan 1 model today via Google Street View. |
The Plan 2
This model offered approximately 1,008 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
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| Original Plan 2 model today via Google Street View. It also housed the sales office. |
The Saxon
This model offered approximately 1,496 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
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| Original Saxon model today via Google Street View. Note the original Sunset lamp post. |
The Plan 4
This model offered approximately 1,192 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms.
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| Original Plan 4 model today via Google Street View. |
The Plan 5
This model offered approximately 1,200 square feet with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
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| Original Plan 5 model today via Google Street View. |
The Plan 1000
This model offered approximately 858 square feet with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom.
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| 1979 newspaper clipping showing the floor plan of the Plan 1000. |
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| Original Plan 1000 model today via Google Street View. |
Marketing Ivanhoe Villas
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.
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| September 1970 Oakland Tribune ad announcing the grand opening of Ivanhoe Villas. |
While the tradeoff in lawn space was notable, the design gave homeowners clear separation from neighbors and a sense of ownership usually reserved for detached homes.
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| January 1971 Oakland Tribune newspaper clipping—Sunset Homes kitchens were always the star of the show, with a walls of windows in the Saxon model looking out onto the patio. |
Legacy of Ivanhoe Villas
Ivanhoe Villas sold rapidly—half of the homes were purchased by November 1970. By May 1971, Sunset Homes was reporting all units were sold, completing one of their fastest-selling developments.
Ivanhoe Villas was more than just a practical solution for budget-conscious buyers—it was a bold experiment in neighborhood planning. Today, these homes still reflect Sunset’s forward-thinking approach to suburban design: space-efficient, low-maintenance, and woven into one of Livermore’s most desirable neighborhoods.
Collection
Livermore — the making of a suburban city
Just a simple mistake, there is no shared wall between the Ivanhoe Villas. Each home has its own wall. Air gap in the middle separates each , I have the brochure. Builder is very proud of how quiet this makes his homes!
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