Pleasanton Meadows history: Pleasanton's 1968–1976 Oliver Rousseau homes
Oliver Marion Rousseau (1891–1977), founder of Oliver Rousseau Homes, brought a unique architectural vision to the Bay Area — and eventually, to Pleasanton. Best known for his charming homes in San Francisco’s Sunset District, Rousseau left a legacy of distinctive design and livable neighborhoods. In the late 1960s, he partnered with Galli Homes to develop Pleasanton Meadows, one of the city's most recognizable and beloved neighborhoods.
 |
| Location of the Pleasanton Meadows neighborhood. |
Who Was Oliver Rousseau?
A native of San Francisco, Oliver Rousseau was the son of architect Charles John Rousseau (1879–1944), who had come to California from St. Louis in the 1880s and contributed to major landmarks like the Ferry Building. Following in his father's footsteps, Oliver began building homes in the 1920s and by the 1930s had earned a reputation for creating quality residences that stood apart from typical tract housing.
His work in San Francisco can still be seen in neighborhoods like the Marina, Pacific Heights, Richmond, and most famously, the Sunset District, where homes known simply as "Rousseaus" remain highly sought-after for their storybook charm and artistic detail.
During World War II, Rousseau led a rapid construction effort in Richmond, CA, building over 3,000 housing units in just four months for wartime workers. Post-war, he expanded to Hayward, creating the $20 million Fairway Park shopping and residential development, along with neighborhoods like Southgate, Woodland Estates, and Huntwood.
By the 1960s and early '70s, Rousseau turned his attention to growing suburban communities, bringing his hallmark designs to Fremont's South Park and, notably, Pleasanton Meadows.
Rousseau comes to Pleasanton
In the early 1960s, Rousseau purchased 300 acres in northeast Pleasanton, envisioning a master-planned community of around 1,000 homes. To add architectural diversity, he sold portions of the land to other developers, but a large share remained Rousseau’s own, and his signature could be seen throughout.
The first homes in Pleasanton Meadows opened in March 1968, with prices starting at $24,950. Early buyers were offered five unique floor plans, each with multiple architectural elevations.
 |
| Ad for the grand opening of Pleasanton Meadows in March 1968. |
Every home came with air conditioning, wall-to-wall carpeting, shake roofs, and membership in the new cabana and swim club— all modern luxuries for the time.
 |
| The Pleassanton Meadows Swim Club and Cabana from November 1968. |
Community innovation
Rousseau’s vision extended beyond the homes themselves. He designed a community with a 13.5-acre linear park running through its center — a first for Pleasanton. The park included trails that connected directly to an elementary school, as well as the neighborhood’s cabana and pool.
One of Rousseau's most charming innovations was the “cul-de-park”— a hybrid between a cul-de-sac and a small community park. These wide, landscaped spaces included parking and shady trees, giving the neighborhood both beauty and functionality.
The homes of Pleasanton Meadows
In March 1968, an eight-home model complex opened on Weymouth Court, showcasing diverse floor plans and stylish elevations. A separate sales office was located at the corner of West Las Positas Boulevard. By May of 1969, nine plans were available with ove 40 unique exterior elevations, ensuring no two homes looked exactly alike.
 |
| The site of the model home complex on Weymouth Court. |
Pricing history
- 1968: $25,300 +
- 1969: $29,250 +
- 1970: $28,950 +
- 1971: $28,950 +
- 1972: $33,900 +
Model homes
1. The Plan 1 (unknown name) - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,622 sq. ft.
2. The Joaquin Series - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,763 sq. ft. Sometimes a chimney appears in the front instead of the window. In 1971, it was rebranded The Californian. It has a panoramic dining and family room with a view of the garden court with a step-down living room.
3. The Amador Series - 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1,936 sq. ft.
4. The Diablo Series - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,767 sq. ft.
5. The Plan 5 (unknown name) - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,701 sq. ft.
6. The Plan 6 (unknown name) - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,462 sq. ft.
7. The Plan 7 (unknown name) - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,408 sq. ft.
8. The El Dorado Series - 4 or 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2,441~ sq. ft. If this home was built on a corner lot, the garage would be on the side rather than in front. They called this "the most exciting new 2-story home in America. It had an 18 foot tall entry foyer. Panoramic indoor-outdoor kitchen and family room, luxurious master suite with sitting parlor, and interior laundry room with ample closet space.
1969: The “International Series”
In September 1969, six new model homes were unveiled, each inspired by international architecture. These homes added flair and variety while maintaining the livability Rousseau was known for.
The number of floor plans available went down from nine to seven, with 7 former model homes going up for sale by August 1969.
 |
| Some of the best examples of modern Rousseaus in the International Series at Pleasanton Meadows, September 21, 1969. |
1969 model homes
9. The Roma Series - 4 bedrooms or 3 with a den, 2 bathrooms; 1,956 sq. ft. ft. An Italian-inspired elevation. A single-level home with sunken living room, master bedroom with sitting area, and a 3-car garage. Rebranded as The Delta in 1971.
10. The Castilian Series - 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms; 1,936 sq. ft. A Spanish-inspired elevation. A two-story home with an elegant 18 foot high entry. The same floor plan as The Amador Series from 1968. In 1971, it was rebranded The Cortez.
11. The Tahitian Series - 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. A Polynesian-inspired elevation.
12. The Lafayette Series - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms; 1,924 sq. ft. A French-inspired elevation.
13. The Scandia Series - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms; 1,880 sq. ft. A Nordic-inspired elevation. The second story was a bonus room. In 1971, it was rebranded The Chalet. Very few were built, perhaps just two.
14. The Windsor Series - 4 or 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms; 2,471 sq. ft. An English-inspired elevation. The same floor plan as The El Dorado Series from 1968.
Other homes rebranded from existing models
The Bolero - 3 bedrooms. It has a spacious living-dining room with cathedral beam ceiling and fireplace. Added in 1971.
The Plantation - 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, formal dining room, and a family room.
Pleasanton Meadows today
Here are the former model homes as they appear in 2024.
The Plan 1 today
 |
| The original Plan 1 model home as it appears today. |
The Joaquin Series today
 |
| The original Joaquin Series model home as it appears today. |
The Amador Series today
Camera shy, for now.
The Diablo Series today
 |
| Model is camera shy. Here is another Diablo Series home today. |
The Plan 5 today
 |
| The original Plan 5 model home today. |
The Plan 6 today
Camera shy, for now.
The Plan 7 today
Camera shy, for now.
The El Dorado Series today
 |
| The original El Dorado Series model home today. |
The Roma Series today
 |
| The original Roma Series model home today. |
The Castilian Series today
 |
| The original Castilian Series model home today. |
The Tahitian Series today
 |
| The original Tahitian Series model homes today. |
The Lafayette Series today
 |
| The original Lafayette Series model home today. |
The Scandia Series today
 |
| The original Scandia Series model home today. |
The Windsor Series today
 |
| The original Windsor Series model home today. |
1970 rebranding of homes of Pleasanton Meadows
By September 1970, Rousseau streamlined the offerings to seven floor plans, retooling and renaming several models. In 1971, two additional models were added, rounding out the final collection. The entire inventory sold out by mid-1972.
 |
| Ad for the grand opening of the 1970 Rousseau homes in Pleasanton Meadows. |
The 1975 homes of Pleasanton Meadows
After a brief housing moratorium, Rousseau resumed building in 1975, launching a final model show home at 3848 West Las Positas Blvd. Two new models were sold and it ran until mid-1976.
 |
| Grand opening ad for the 1975 model homes from October 1975. |
Pricing history
- 1975: $53,500 +
- 1976: $53,500 +
Model homes
1. The Plan 604 - 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms; 1,978 sq. ft. Featured a large closet in the master bedroom with extra storage space behind it. It came in five elevations.
2. The Plan 603 - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms; 1,576 sq. ft. Featured a semi-round kitchen. It came in four elevations.
1975 Pleasanton Meadows today
Here are the former model homes as they appear in 2024.
The Plan 604 today
 |
| The original Plan 604 model home today. |
The Plan 603 today
 |
| A Plan 603 home today (not original model). |
Rousseau’s legacy in Pleasanton
Rousseau’s final homes were completed in 1976, marking the end of his Pleasanton chapter. Today, the homes of Pleasanton Meadows remain a testament to his thoughtful design and community-first philosophy.
While some may miss the whimsical "storybook" charm of Rousseau’s earlier work, the Pleasanton Meadows homes still feature his signature elements — from arched windows and distinct facades to functional layouts that have stood the test of time.
These homes continue to attract buyers who appreciate their architectural flair, community-centric layout, and enduring quality.
Closing thoughts
Oliver Rousseau may be best known for his San Francisco homes, but Pleasanton Meadows stands as one of his most ambitious and lasting projects. He brought not just homes, but a vision for how people could live — connected to each other, surrounded by beauty, and in thoughtfully designed spaces.
To this day, Pleasanton Meadows reflects that vision, and the Rousseau homes remain a unique and cherished part of Pleasanton's architectural story.
Comments
Post a Comment