Published July 26, 2025 · Last updated October 6, 2026
The Orchards was Tom Gentry's 1968 housing development in south San Ramon on land that included a mature walnut orchard. The development offered predominantly California Ranch-style homes in several sizes and configurations, while contemporary advertising emphasized the orchard setting and a range of modern features.
Mapping The Orchards
The Orchards tract forms part of the larger south San Ramon neighborhood. Streets in the tract follow a nut theme, like Hazelnut Court, Almond Court, and Acorn Court.
 |
| The Orchards tract 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. |
The Orchards homes and architectural style
The Orchards' original homes were predominantly California Ranch-style houses, reflecting the architectural character of suburban development in the late-1960s. Tom Gentry offered several variations in size, floor plan, and exterior design.
The original The Orchards models
The original model homes provide a useful cross-section of The Orchards' architecture. Tom Gentry selected four models for the 1968 opening on Tareyton Avenue, with two more added in 1969. Although buyers could choose among different elevations and options, these models document the versions Gentry chose to put on display.
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 tract.
 |
| Original Plan 1 model today via Google Street View. |
The Plan 2
This model offered approximately 1,611 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
 |
| Original Plan 2 model today via Google Street View. It also was the sales office. |
The Plan 3
This model offered approximately 1,979 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms.
 |
| Original Plan 3 model home today via Google Street View. |
The Plan 4
This model offered approximately 1,491 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
 |
| October 1968 Daily Review newspaper clipping— the Plan 4 model at The Orchards, showcasing Gentry's signature blend of comfort and curb appeal. |
|
| Original Plan 4 model today via Google Street View. |
The Plan 5
This model offered approximately 1,699 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Added in 1969.
 |
| Original Plan 5 model today via Google Street View. |
The Plan 6
This two-story model offered approximately 1,997 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms.
 |
| Original Plan 6 model today via Google Street View. |
Marketing The Orchards
Contemporary advertising presented The Orchards as a modern housing development set within a mature walnut orchard. The grand-opening advertising emphasized the unusual setting, while later advertisements highlighted features intended to distinguish the homes from conventional production housing.
 |
| 1969 Oakland Tribune grand-opening advertisement for The Orchards, emphasizing the development's mature walnut orchard setting. |
Gentry also promoted features that reflected changing expectations for suburban homes in the late 1960s. A built-in central vacuum was advertised as a household convenience, with the marketing directed specifically toward the woman of the household.
 |
| 1968 Oakland Tribune newspaper clipping for the central vacuum feature at The Orchards. |
Another advertisement highlighted a sunken Grecian bath as a feature of the homes, presenting it as an example of the decorative and recreational amenities available to buyers.
 |
| 1968 Contra Costa Times newspaper clipping highlighting the sunken Grecian bath at The Orchards. |
Together, the advertising and model homes show how Gentry presented The Orchards: standardized production housing offered in several sizes and designs, differentiated through architectural variations, interior features, and the existing orchard setting.
Comments
Post a Comment