Inside The Orchards: San Ramon's 1968–1972 model homes & neighborhood legacy

A historical tour of The Orchards, San Ramon (1968–1972)

Explore The Orchards in San Ramon through vintage 1968–1972 newspaper ads and see what the original model homes look like today. A curated archive for fans of 1960s–70s architecture, suburban design, and East Bay history.

The Orchards neighborhood logo featuring stylized green leaves arranged in a circular pattern with the words “The Orchards” in elegant serif font beneath, evoking a sense of nature and community.

Welcome to The Orchards, 1968–1972

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 showing location of The Orchards neighborhood adjacent to Oak Creek in San Ramon, California, highlighting street layout and proximity to surrounding areas.
Location of the The Orchards neighborhood in San Ramon, California.

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.

Vintage 1969 newspaper advertisement promoting The Orchards homes in San Ramon, featuring illustrations of walnut trees and text inviting buyers to explore homes set among mature orchards.
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 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—a feature so cutting-edge it felt like something out of science fiction.

1968 newspaper ad showcasing the “wife-saving” central vacuum system installed in The Orchards homes, with illustration of a woman using a lightweight hose plugged into wall outlets.
From a 1968 Oakland Tribune ad—central vacuums were marketed as wife-saving and a perfect example of 1960s gender roles baked into home design.

Advertised with a touch of humor, the central vacuum became a selling point as much for its novelty as its practicality. Whether it truly saved marriages is up for debate, but it certainly left a lasting impression on homeowners who took pride in showing off this “modern magic” to neighbors and friends.

Grecian baths: Cleopatra in your bathroom

As if the central vacuum weren’t enough, Gentry introduced another opulent feature: the Grecian bath. Straight out of Cleopatra’s playbook, 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.

Vintage 1968 newspaper advertisement displaying a luxurious Grecian bath with fluted columns and sunken tub surrounded by shag carpet, highlighting upscale bathroom features in The Orchards homes.
From a 1968 Contra Costa Times ad—The ultimate status symbol for the lady of the house: a sunken Grecian bath in a sea of shag.

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.

Charm and character in every detail

While the central vacuum and Grecian baths stole the show, 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.

The model homes of The Orchards

The model complex was located on Tareyton Avenue just south of Oak Creek Drive. Originally 4 models were available, but 2 more were added in 1969.

Detailed site map of The Orchards model home complex on Tareyton Avenue near Oak Creek Drive in San Ramon, showing the locations of six model homes built between 1968 and 1969.
Site of The Orchards model homes.

Pricing history

  • 1968: $24,950 +
  • 1969: $26,950 +
  • 1970: $27,950 +
  • 1971: $29,950 +

Model homes

1. The Plan 1 - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,288 sq. ft. Added in 1969 and carried over from the Oak Creek subdivision.

2. The Plan 2 - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,611 sq. ft.

3. The Plan 3 - 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 1,979 sq. ft.

4. The Plan 4 - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,491 sq. ft.

Black-and-white 1968 newspaper photo of The Orchards' Plan 4 model home—single-story ranch with broad eaves, prominent front windows, and landscaped entry, reflecting late-1960s suburban design trends.
From an October 1968 Daily Review photo — The Plan 4 model at The Orchards, showcasing Gentry's signature blend of comfort and curb appeal.

5. The Plan 5 - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,699 sq. ft. Added in 1969.

6. The Plan 6 - 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 1,997 sq. ft.

The Orchards today

Here's what the original The Orchards model homes look like today.

The Plan 1 today

Exterior view of The Orchards Plan 1 model home in 2024, featuring a single-story ranch design with a low-pitched roof, wide front windows, and a manicured lawn with mature landscaping in San Ramon.
The original Plan 1 today.

The Plan 2 today

Front exterior of The Orchards Plan 2 model home as it appears today, showing a spacious single-story ranch with large picture windows, attached garage, and neatly maintained yard.
The original Plan 2 today. This home was also the sales office.

The Plan 3 today

Contemporary exterior photo of The Orchards Plan 3 model home, highlighting a single-story ranch with broad eaves, stone accents, and a welcoming front porch surrounded by trimmed shrubs.
The original Plan 3 today.

The Plan 4 today

The Orchards Plan 4 model home in 2024, a single-story ranch with wide front windows, decorative landscaping, and a smooth stucco facade reflecting classic late-1960s suburban style
The original Plan 4 today.

The Plan 5 today

Exterior shot of The Orchards Plan 5 model home showing a mid-century ranch with broad eaves, prominent front windows, attached garage, and colorful garden beds in a San Ramon neighborhood.
The original Plan 5 today.

The Plan 6 today

Present-day photo of The Orchards Plan 6 model home, featuring a spacious ranch design with large windows, mature trees, and a tidy front yard with concrete walkway.
The original Plan 6 today.

A legacy of innovation

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 sparked joy and curiosity. 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.

Related post: The last walnut orchard in San Ramon

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