Twin Creeks South in San Ramon: A vintage look at the 1977–1980 homes

Explore the homes, materials, and marketing of Twin Creeks South during the pivotal years of 1977 to 1980 — a key phase in Damé Country’s evolution.

In the late 1970s, San Ramon was transforming. What had once been rolling ranchlands and quiet hillsides was evolving into a vibrant suburban community. At the heart of this transformation was developer Carl Damé, whose vision for Twin Creeks had begun more than a decade earlier.

Originally launched in 1969, the Twin Creeks neighborhood started as a modest, somewhat isolated suburban outpost—“the middle of nowhere” to many. Yet its promise was clear: a new way of living amidst the green hills of the San Ramon Valley.

By the time Twin Creeks South broke ground between 1977 and 1980, it was the largest and most ambitious phase of this ongoing project with nearly 1,000 homes. But it was far from the last. Damé's expansion continued with Twin Creeks Hills in 1981, further shaping the landscape and lifestyle of this burgeoning East Bay suburb.

Location of the Twin Creeks neighborhood in San Ramon, California. Twin Creeks South is largely between Norris Canyon Road and Bollinger Canyon Road.

Setting the scene: San Ramon and the Bay Area in transition

The late 1970s brought both opportunity and challenge. Interstate 680 had recently improved connectivity, making commuting possible for those working in Walnut Creek, San Jose, or further afield. The area around Twin Creeks was still primarily rural—one school, no shopping centers, and open fields.

Yet the Bay Area’s population pressures pushed families to seek homes farther from the urban core. The suburban dream beckoned with larger lots, private amenities, and community spirit—values that Twin Creeks South aimed to embody.

From a June 1978 San Francisco Chronicle ad--opening of Phase II.

The Dáme vision: building “Damé Country”

Carl Damé was no stranger to the trials of developing on the edge. His original Twin Creeks project, starting in 1969, was a gamble on location and lifestyle. Over the years, Damé expanded thoughtfully, carving out subdivisions that offered variety and choice while maintaining a cohesive community feel.

Twin Creeks South represented the next frontier of this vision, featuring three distinct enclaves:

• Twin Creeks South Courtside — compact, zero-lot-line detached homes designed for minimal upkeep

• Twin Creeks South Poolside — attached townhomes with shared access to pools and tennis courts

• Twin Creeks South View Homes (later renamed "Twin Creeks South Estate Homes") — executive residences on large, scenic lots

All residents shared access to a private pool, cabana club, and tennis courts—a hallmark of Damé's commitment to quality of life.

Sales & strategy in a volatile economy

As construction began in late 1977, the market seemed strong. But by 1980, interest rates had climbed to unprecedented levels—over 16% in some cases. Homebuilders across the country slowed production. Buyers hesitated.

Dáme responded with an innovative solution:

$540/month cash back for two years, issued to new homeowners as a refund to offset high interest payments.

This strategy—unusual at the time—proved effective. Twin Creeks South not only weathered the downturn but sold out entirely by mid-1980.

From a May 1980 San Francisco Chronicle—“Damé Does It Again.” The campaign helped drive sales through the final phase of Twin Creeks South—proving that creative financing could be just as important as architecture.

Twin Creeks South Courtside model homes

Four model homes opened on Norris Canyon Road, next to Poolside. Many with zero-lot lines minimizing exterior maintenance. 90 homes were built in the first phase around Durango Lane and Twin Creeks Drive.

Site of the Twin Creek South Courtside model homes.

Pricing history

1977: $76,950 - $84,950
1978: $84,950 +
1979: $97,950 - $99,950
1980: $108,950 - $113,950

1. The Plan 1 (unknown name) - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,713 sq. ft.

The original Plan 1 model today.

2. The Magellan - 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1,880 sq. ft.

The original Magellan model today.

3. The Serenade - 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 1,704 sq. ft.

The original Serenade model today.

4. The Diablo - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,717 sq. ft.

The original Diablo model home today.

Twins Creek South Poolside model homes

Four attached townhouses opened on Norris Canyon Road. 75 townhouses were built in the first phase along Marsh Drive and Rosario Court.

Site of the Twin Creeks South Poolside model homes.

The four models of Twin Creeks South Poolside.

Pricing history

1977: $74,950 - $77,950
1978: $77,950 +
1979: $93,950 +

1. The Bonita - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,425 sq. ft.

2. The Majorca - 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1,600 sq. ft.

3. ;The Cortez - 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1,800 sq. ft.

4. The Rafael - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,640 sq. ft.

Twin Creeks South View Homes model homes

Seven executive homes opened on Norris Canyon Road. Many sit on estate-sized lots. Out of 153 homes in the first phase, all but 15 had been sold in the first month.

Site of the Twin Creeks South View Homes model homes.

Pricing history

1977: $81,950 +
1978: $86,950 +
1979 (Phase 3): $97,950 - $127,950
1980 (January): $108,950 +
1980 (March): $117,950 - $149,950

1. The Mirador - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2,070 sq. ft.

Original model hidden, instead, a different Mirador home.

2. The Plaza - 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2,425 sq. ft. A tri-level home.

The original Plaza model today.

3. The Monterey - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,825 sq. ft. This model was revised in 1979 to include a wet bar and grew to 1,900 sq. ft.

The original Monterey model today.

4. The Vallejo - 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,025 sq. ft.

The original Plan 4 model today.

5. The Plan 5 (unknown name) - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,552 sq. ft.

The original Plan 5 model today.

6. The Moraga - 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,575 sq. ft.

The original Moraga model today.

7. The Plan 7 (unknown name) - 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2,029 sq. ft.

The original Plan 7 model today.

Sales and buildout

The Poolside homes sold out in late 1979, the View Homes sold out in early 1980, and the Courtside homes sold out mid-1980. With the Twin Creeks South phase complete, Damé pressed onward to develop Twin Creeks Hills starting in 1981—expanding his vision and San Ramon’s suburban footprint.

Legacy

Twin Creeks South was more than just a collection of homes; it was a milestone in San Ramon’s growth, a community born of foresight and adaptability. Starting in 1969 and evolving through 1980 and beyond, the Twin Creeks developments helped shape the East Bay’s suburban landscape.

Today, “Damé Country” lives on in its streets, parks, and memories—a testament to one developer’s long-term vision and the families who made it home.