Shadowbrook — tract homes in Livermore (1973)

In the summer of 1973, Sunset Homes debuted Shadowbrook, its most prestigious Livermore neighborhood to date. At the time, buyers could select a floor plan from Sunset’s popular Wildwood series, then choose from one of four neighborhoods to build in. But among them, Shadowbrook stood out—set on gently rolling hills with postcard-worthy views and large, private lots. It was clearly the crown jewel.

In June 1974, Sunset closed its Wildwood model complex in Sunset East and opened a new one right within the Shadowbrook neighborhood. For the first time, the model complex took the same name as the neighborhood it was located in—Shadowbrook.

While the floor plans remained the same as those in the earlier Wildwood lineup, the interiors got a full refresh. Updated finishes, fashion-forward colors, and stylish details gave the homes a more contemporary, upscale feel. Buyers could now select a home from the Shadowbrook series and choose either a lot in Shadowbrook itself—or, for those wanting freeway convenience, in The Meadows, Sunset’s development near I-580.

This model complex would be Sunset’s last in Livermore.

1974 ad showing couples biking in Shadowbrook, Livermore — a symbol of Sunset’s suburban dream
From a June 1974 Fremont Argus ad—arm in arm, bikes by their side, and possibility on the horizon—Shadowbrook invited couples to point, dream, and picture a life where the countryside was the backyard.

Where is Shadowbrook in Livermore?

Annotated aerial map showing the boundaries of the Shadowbrook neighborhood in Livermore.
Annotated aerial map of the Shadowbrook neighborhood in Livermore, California. Base imagery from Google Maps.

Selling the tract

While other Sunset neighborhoods offered comfortable suburban living, Shadowbrook leaned more luxurious. Streets were wide and curving, the setting was quiet, and the lots averaged between a quarter and a third of an acre—nearly twice the size of the typical suburban plot. Tucked between vineyards and open fields, it offered just enough elevation for sweeping views and cool evening breezes.

Shadowbrook’s most unique feature is its preservation of over 40 acres of open space. On the east side, the historic grounds of the Victorian-era Ravenswood estate. To the west, Independence Park and its popular soccer field. Linking the two is a landscaped path that winds through the neighborhood—perfect for walking, biking, or just taking in the view.

1973 Fremont Argus ad promoting Shadowbrook as Sunset Homes’ premier Livermore neighborhood
From an October 1973 Fremont Argus ad—Shadowbrook promised space, serenity, and a touch of grandeur—where quarter-acre lots turned everyday living into something a little more regal.

1975 Oakland Tribune ad emphasizing large backyard lots in Shadowbrook, Livermore
From a June 1975 Oakland Tribune ad—quarter-acre lots meant your backyard wasn’t just for show—it was a destination. Fire pit nights, lawn games, and space to grow… all part of the Sunset dream.

Vintage June 1974 advertisement for the Pinewood model at Shadowbrook in Livermore, featuring the tagline “Here is your own private world on one-fourth acre” and emphasizing large lots and private suburban living.
June 1974 vintage ad for the Pinewood model at Shadowbrook in Livermore. Marketed with the promise, “Here is your own private world on one-fourth acre,” the Pinewood offered spacious suburban living with generous lot sizes and privacy—a key selling point for East Bay homebuyers in the mid-1970s.

Pricing history of Shadowbrook homes

  • 1974: $47,950 - $56,950
  • 1975: $51,850 - $61,150
  • 1976: $56,950 - $66,950
  • 1977: $75,950 +

The homes of Shadowbrook

When Shadowbrook opened, buyers toured a carefully staged collection of Sunset 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 six original models (one was a sales office) opened in June 1974 on Superior Drive.

Map showing locations of the Shadowbrook model homes on Superior Drive and Arroyo Road in Livermore
Annotated aerial map of the Shadowbrook model home complex on Superior Drive. Base imagery from Google Maps.

Model homes of Shadowbrook

1. The sales office (The Redwood) - 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2,304 sq. ft. This home was used as the sales office.

2. The Silvertip - 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,291 sq. ft.

3. The Cypress - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,730 sq. ft.

4. The Redwood - 5 bedrooms or 4 with a sitting room in the master suite, 2 bathrooms, 2,304 sq. ft.

5. The Magnolia (Plan 880) - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,664 sq. ft. Notable for its infamous kitchen-in-the-round.

6. The Pinewood - 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,076 sq. ft.

Current appearance of the original sales office in Livermore's Shadowbrook.
Original Shadowbrook sales office, in a Redwood model, with original lamp post. Image via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Silvertip home in Livermore's Shadowbrook.
Original Silvertip model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Cypress home in Livermore's Shadowbrook.
Original Cypress model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Redwood home in Livermore's Shadowbrook.
Original Redwood model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Magnolia home in Livermore's Shadowbrook.
Original Magnolia model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Pinewood home in Livermore's Shadowbrook.
Original Pinewood model today via Google Street View.

Legacy of Shadowbrook

Sales at Shadowbrook wrapped up in early 1977, quietly marking the end of Sunset Homes’ 25-year presence in Livermore. By then, the company had built nearly everywhere—from starter homes to hillside estates—but none quite matched Shadowbrook’s graceful setting and elevated tone. Today, it remains among Livermore’s most desirable neighborhoods, thanks to its large lots, timeless homes, and a setting that still feels just a little removed from the rest of town.

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