Livermore's Shadowbrook: 1973–1977 homes & subdivision history

A current photo of a typical home in the Shadowbrook neighborhood of Livermore, built between 1973 and 1977 by Sunset Homes. The two-story house features a broad front façade, traditional siding, and mature landscaping—hallmarks of this late-modern suburban development.

Welcome to Shadowbrook

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.

Map of Shadowbrook neighborhood in south Livermore, with open-space around the neighborhood.
Map of the Shadowbrook neighborhood in Livermore, California.

A castle in the country

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.

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.

Shadowbrook’s most unique feature was 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, the newly established Independence Park and its popular soccer field. Linking the two was a wide, landscaped greenbelt path that wound through the neighborhood—perfect for walking, biking, or just taking in the view.

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.

A model neighborhood with a matching name

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.

The homes of Shadowbrook

Five homes, plus one used as a sales office, were on display at the model complex on Superior Drive and Arroyo Road. Most came in three elevation styles, offering subtle variations in entryways, rooflines, and facade details.

Map showing locations of the Shadowbrook model homes on Superior Drive and Arroyo Road in Livermore
Map of the Shadowbrook model home complex on Superior Drive in Livermore.

Pricing history

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

Model homes

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. The most popular home ever developed by Sunset. 

5. The Magnolia (Plan 880) - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,664 sq. ft. Notable for its infamous kitchen-in-the-round—equal parts conversation piece and curiosity.

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

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.

Shadowbrook today

Here are the former model homes as they appear in 2024.

The sales office (The Redwood) today

Original Redwood model home used as the sales office at Shadowbrook in Livermore, 1974
The original Shadowbrook sales office, with original lamp post.

The Silvertip today

Silvertip model home in Shadowbrook, Livermore — 4-bedroom plan built by Sunset Homes
The original Silvertip model today.

The Cypress today

Original Cypress model home in Shadowbrook, featuring 3 bedrooms and a single-story design
The original Cypress model today.

The Redwood today

Second Redwood model home in Shadowbrook, Sunset Homes’ most popular floor plan
The second original Redwood model today.

The Magnolia (Plan 880) today

Magnolia model home in Shadowbrook, Livermore — known for its circular kitchen layout
The original Magnolia model today.

The Pinewood today

Pinewood model home in Shadowbrook, Livermore — 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath layout from 1970s
The original Pinewood model today.

Buildout

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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