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 subdivision—it was a glimpse into the future of California living.
After the conclusion of Gentry's earlier Oak Creek development in 1968, Tom Gentry launched The Orchards in the adjacent tract. Some of his best innovations were set to be introduced.
Much of the community was set in the old-growth Walnut orchard that preceded urbanization.
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| 1969 Oakland Tribune ad—a rare opportunity for the few to enjoy an orchard of mature walnut trees the homes were built between. |
Where is The Orchards?
The Orchards forms part of the larger South San Ramon neighborhood. Streets in the subdivision follow a nut theme, like Hazelnut Court, Almond Court, and Acorn Court.
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| Where is The Orchards today? The Orchards community by Tom Gentry occupies an area roughly between Country Club Elementary School and Pine Valley Middle School in San Ramon. Base imagery from Google Maps. |
Selling the dream
In a time when housework was considered a cornerstone of suburban life, Gentry’s homes offered a glimpse of liberation: the central vacuum. Marketed as a "wife-saving" marvel, this innovation replaced the hassle of lugging heavy cleaners with a lightweight hose that plugged directly into the walls. Strategically placed outlets throughout the home allowed for seamless cleaning.
The central vacuum became a selling point as much for its novelty as its practicality. The feature became as much a conversation piece as a household convenience.
As if the central vacuum weren’t enough, Gentry introduced another opulent feature: the Grecian bath. Inspired by classical luxury motifs popular in late-1960s design, these oversized soaking tubs were flanked by fluted columns and paired with marble vanities and separate shower stalls—a rarity in middle-class homes. Bathrooms transformed into sanctuaries of luxury, where homeowners could unwind and revel in a sense of Hollywood glamour.
These baths weren’t just functional; they were aspirational. Guests often marveled at the indulgent spaces, turning the bathrooms into a centerpiece of Gentry’s distinctive homes.
While the central vacuum and Grecian baths became some of the development’s most memorable features, Gentry’s designs never lost sight of their roots. The Orchards retained much of the original walnut orchard’s character, with homes featuring old-Californian style. Gentry's whimsical touch extended even to street names—Pecan, Hazelnut, and Pinenut—adding a sense of fun to the growing community.
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| October 1968 Daily Review newspaper clipping— the Plan 4 model at The Orchards, showcasing Gentry's signature blend of comfort and curb appeal. |
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| 1968 Oakland Tribune newspaper clipping—central vacuums were marketed as wife-saving and a perfect example of 1960s gender roles baked into home design. |
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| 1968 Contra Costa Times newspaper clipping—The ultimate status symbol for the lady of the house: a sunken Grecian bath in a sea of shag. |
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| Contra Costa Times newspaper clipping dated July 1968—An artfully staged home in Oak Creek offered a sunken living room and berber carpeting, an indicator of key buyer desires in the late 60s. |
Legacy of The Orchards
By 1972, The Orchards was complete, and Gentry’s work in south San Ramon came to a close. His neighborhoods remain cherished for their blend of charm, innovation, and thoughtful design.
Tom Gentry didn’t just build houses; he built homes that reflected the era’s fascination with convenience, leisure, and domestic luxury. From the practicality of the central vacuum to the extravagance of Grecian baths, his creations celebrated the art of living well. Decades later, these "wife-saving" wonders continue to inspire, reminding us that even the most unexpected details can leave a legacy.
Exploring the original The Orchards today
Although the sales office is long gone and the advertisements have faded, the original The Orchards model homes remain part of the neighborhood. These homes gave prospective buyers their first glimpse of Gentry's vision for suburban living in 1968.
Today, they provide a tangible connection to The Orchards' earliest days. The guide below documents the original model home complex, the homes themselves, and how they appear today.
Original advertised prices
- 1968: From $24,950
- 1969: From $26,950
- 1970: From $27,950
- 1971: From $29,950
Original model home complex
When The Orchards opened, buyers toured a carefully staged collection of Tom Gentry 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 four original models opened in 1968 on Tareyton Avenue. Two more models arrived in 1969.
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| Annotated aerial map of the original The Orchards model home complex on Tareyton Avenue. Base imagery from Apple Maps. |
Original model home designs
1. The Plan 1 - This model offered approximately 1,288 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Added in 1969 and carried over from the Oak Creek subdivision.
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| Original Plan 1 model today via Google Street View. |
2. The Plan 2 - This model offered approximately 1,611 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
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| Original Plan 2 model today via Google Street View. It also was the sales office. |
3. The Plan 3 - This model offered approximately 1,979 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms.
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| Original Plan 3 model home today via Google Street View. |
4. The Plan 4 - This model offered approximately 1,491 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
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| Original Plan 4 model today via Google Street View. |
5. The Plan 5 - This model offered approximately 1,699 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Added in 1969.
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| Original Plan 5 model today via Google Street View. |
6. The Plan 6 - This model offered approximately 1,997 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms.
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| Original Plan 6 model today via Google Street View. |
Collections
San Ramon — the neighborhoods that built a suburban city
This collection explores the new-home communities, builders, and neighborhoods that shaped San Ramon during its principle years of suburban growth that gradually became the modern city.
The San Ramon Village collection explores the master-planned community that transformed former ranches and orchards into today's Dublin and South San Ramon. Although the name has largely disappeared, the neighborhoods, subdivisions, schools, parks, and shopping centers built as part of the original plan continue to shape the Tri-Valley.
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