Pleasanton Valley history: Morrison's 1969–1974 Something Special Series homes

By 1969, Morrison Homes took suburban living to the next level with what many consider their finest series: Something Special. Designed by architect Jack Bloodgood, AIA, and brought to life by interior designer Julie Sherman, these homes redefined what modern living could be. The grand unveiling at the Elmridge Court model complex was a spectacle, drawing large crowds eager to see the innovative features, including vaulted ceilings, master suites with private retreats, and the now-iconic sunken conversation pits.

1969 newspaper ad from the Oakland Tribune showcasing the launch of Phase III of the Something Special Series homes in Pleasanton Valley. The ad emphasizes five new model homes with modern features such as vaulted ceilings, sunken conversation pits, and garden-view kitchens.
Vintage ad from the Oakland Tribune, February 1969, announcing the launch of the Something Special Series Phase III in Pleasanton Valley. The ad highlights the five new models offering innovative features for the modern homemaker, including vaulted ceilings, sunken conversation pits, and garden-view kitchens.

The design philosophy: bold, beautiful, and functional

The Something Special series introduced five distinct models, each showcasing cutting-edge features that blended form with function. These homes were all about breaking boundaries and offering a fresh perspective on suburban living:

  • Increased glass areas: Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and glass walls blurred the lines between interior and exterior, turning the garden patio into an integral part of the living space.

  • Garden-View kitchens: These kitchens featured sliding glass windows that opened up to the patio, making it easy to serve snacks or entertain guests without leaving the kitchen. This seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living was ahead of its time.

  • Conversation pits: A sunken living area, centered around a fireplace, provided a cozy and stylish place to gather and relax, offering a sense of intimacy and comfort.

  • Vaulted ceilings: These dramatic ceilings created a sense of openness, making every room feel larger and more inviting.

  • Open staircases: Serving as sculptural focal points, open staircases added visual impact and elegance to the homes, complementing the vaulted ceilings and enhancing the overall sense of space.

  • Master bedrooms with private retreats: Many of the homes featured master suites with an additional private retreat space, offering homeowners a personal sanctuary within the home.

These features not only added to the beauty of the homes but also elevated the way residents experienced everyday life.

The model complex at Elmridge Court

The third model complex in Pleasanton Valley opened in February 1969 on Elmridge Court. This would be the launching point for these innovative designs, which quickly captured the imagination of homebuyers. The Something Special homes were built with an emphasis on both elegance and practicality, making them a coveted option for modern families.

Site of the model complex for Pleasanton Valley’s 'Something Special' homes, opened in 1969.
Site of the Pleasanton Valley Something Special model home complex on Elmridge Court.

Pricing history

  • 1969: $30,500 +
  • 1970: $31,250 - $38,750
  • 1971: $35,725 - $43,000
  • 1972: $39,800 - $47,900
  • 1973: $39,900 - $50,450
  • 1974: (closeout) $55,400 - $69,300

Model homes

1. The Woodhaven House - 4 bedrooms or 3 with a retreat, 2 bathrooms, 1,808 sq. ft.

March 1972 vintage ad for the Woodhaven House model in Pleasanton Valley, priced at $36,000. The ad features the home's floor plan and emphasizes its appeal as an affordable, spacious option for buyers in the area.
Vintage March 1972 ad promoting the Woodhaven House model in Pleasanton Valley, highlighting its appeal as a "great $36,000 home." The ad features the floor plan and showcases the spacious design, making it a standout option for homebuyers at the time.

2. The Miramar House - 4 bedrooms or 3 with a retreat, 2.5 bedrooms, 2,093 sq. ft.

June 1971 ad for the Miramar House model in Pleasanton Valley, featuring a 2,093 sq. ft. floor plan priced at $38,250. The ad emphasizes the home’s spacious layout and modern features, appealing to buyers seeking comfort and style.
June 1971 vintage ad showcasing the Miramar House model in Pleasanton Valley, offering 2,093 square feet of living space for $38,250. The ad highlights the home's spacious design and the luxury features that made it a desirable choice for homebuyers.

3. The Regency House - 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,338 sq. ft.

Vintage July 1972 ad from the Oakland Tribune featuring the grand staircase in the Regency House model at Pleasanton Valley. The ad emphasizes the dramatic staircase as a focal point of the home’s elegant and spacious interior.
July 1972 ad from the Oakland Tribune showcasing the grand staircase in the Regency House model at Pleasanton Valley. The dramatic staircase adds elegance and visual appeal to the home’s design, highlighted as a key feature in this luxury model.

4. The Gallery House - 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2,110 sq. ft.

Vintage May 1970 ad for The Gallery House in Pleasanton Valley, featuring a floor plan with four bedrooms and three bathrooms, priced at $36,960. The ad promotes the home’s elegant design and spacious living areas, perfect for growing families.
May 1970 vintage ad showcasing The Gallery House model at Pleasanton Valley, priced at $36,960. The ad highlights the home's spacious design, with four bedrooms and three bathrooms, ideal for modern family living.

5. The Colony House - 4 bedrooms or 3 with a retreat, 2 bathrooms, 1,931 sq. ft. This was the best selling model of all time, and an updated version from the previous home series.

Vintage September 1971 ad showcasing The Colony House floor plan, featuring 4 bedrooms and 1,931 sq. ft. of living space, priced at $35,900. This popular home model was the best-selling design in Pleasanton Valley, known for its family-friendly layout and timeless appeal.
September 1971 vintage ad for The Colony House , the all-time best-selling model in Pleasanton Valley. Priced at $35,900, this spacious 1,931 sq. ft. home became a popular choice for families, offering a blend of comfort and functionality.

The Something Special Series today

The original Something Special model homes continue to stand as a testament to mid-century modern design. Here’s what the original models look like today:

The Woodhaven House today

Current photo of the Woodhaven House model, originally built in 1969, showing its updated exterior. This 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home, spanning 1,808 sq. ft., maintains the charm of the original mid-century design.
The original Woodhaven House model from 1969, now updated for modern living. This 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with 1,808 sq. ft. continues to impress with its timeless design and spacious interiors.

The Miramar House today

Updated image of the Miramar House model from 1969, showcasing the home’s exterior and timeless appeal. Offering 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms within 2,093 sq. ft., the home retains its unique architectural charm.
The Miramar House, originally designed in 1969, remains a standout in Pleasanton Valley with its open layout and spacious 2,093 sq. ft. The home’s large living areas and four bedrooms still captivate modern homeowners.

The Regency House today

Current exterior view of the Regency House model, originally built in 1969. This 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home, covering 2,338 sq. ft., features a grand staircase and a dramatic open design that has become a hallmark of its style.
The signature Regency House model, first introduced in 1969, stands strong today with its grand staircase and open-plan layout. This 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home spans 2,338 sq. ft. and remains a symbol of elegance and drama.

The Gallery House today

Modern-day photo of the Gallery House, a 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom model from 1969. With 2,110 sq. ft., this home maintains its mid-century style while offering an updated living experience for modern families.
The Gallery House, introduced in 1969, continues to showcase its spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom design in Pleasanton Valley. With 2,110 sq. ft. of living space, this home offers an open floor plan that emphasizes both form and function.

The Colony House today

Updated photo of the Colony House, originally the best-selling home model in Pleasanton Valley. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1,931 sq. ft., this home continues to offer spacious living while preserving its iconic design from 1971.
The Colony House, Pleasanton Valley’s best-selling model, remains a beloved feature of the neighborhood. With 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1,931 sq. ft., this model’s enduring popularity reflects its perfect blend of practicality and style.

Buildout

By late 1974, the Something Special series had sold all its homes, completing a phase of Pleasanton Valley’s expansion that would set the stage for years to come.

Related post

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Meadows history: Livermore’s 1973–1976 Sunset homes & neighborhood legacy

Image
In October 1973, Sunset Homes opened its newest neighborhood in Livermore: The Meadows . Built on a hilly site with panoramic views of Mount Diablo and the Livermore Valley, this project marked Sunset’s strategic pivot during a period of model and neighborhood transitions. Location of The Meadows neighborhood in Livermore, California. At the time, Sunset’s sales approach was refreshingly flexible: buyers could choose a home plan first, then decide which Sunset neighborhood to build it in. Two series were available—Wildwood, with models shown in Sunset East, and Quietwood, on display in Three Fountains. There was just one catch: the model homes were nowhere near The Meadows. So in November 1973, Sunset made things easier—and more marketable—by closing the Quietwood complex and opening a new model home center right in The Meadows, borrowing the neighborhood’s name for the updated lineup. From an April 1974 Oakland Tribune ad—“The best buy is today’s buy. Who can speak for tomorrow?” ...
Read more

Quietwood Series history: Livermore’s 1971–1973 Sunset homes

Image
On November 21, 1971, Sunset Homes unveiled a new vision for suburban living with the debut of the Quietwood series—a refreshingly modern lineup of homes designed for mid-level buyers with an eye for comfort, efficiency, and flair. Launched in Livermore’s Three Fountains neighborhood, Quietwood marked a vibrant next step following Sunset’s entry-level Ripplebrook and high-end Wildwood series. Vintage January 1971 ad for Sunset Homes' Quietwood series in Livermore, announcing the debut of the innovative “Kitchen-in-the-Round” — a unique circular kitchen layout designed to enhance space and flow in modern suburban homes. Where Quietwood homes were built Quietwood homes were built in three Sunsetown neighborhoods: Three Fountains ,  Whispering Pines , or  Sunset East . Homes from the Quietwood series were built in the Three Fountains, Whispering Pines, and Sunset East neighborhoods in Livermore, California. All about the kitchens If there was a single feature that turned...
Read more

The story of Sunset Homes in Livermore

Image
Sunsetown, one of Livermore’s most iconic and expansive neighborhoods, is the lasting legacy of Masud Mehran and the Sunset Development Company. With more than 3,500 homes and over 12,000 residents, this master-planned community evolved over nearly two decades—from its modest beginnings in 1958 to its final homes in 1977. Mehran arrived in Livermore in 1951 with a $7,000 loan and a vision, building just five homes that would spark one of the city’s most ambitious developments. Map of Sunsetown in Livermore, California. A disjoined part of Sunsetown, The Meadows, off Portola Avenue. From ranchland to neighborhood By the late 1950s, Mehran was ready for a larger canvas. In 1958, he acquired 506 acres along Livermore’s southern and western edges, a tract of land with deep historical roots that he named Granada Village. The property had once been part of Rancho Valle de San Jose and was associated with early figures like Joseph F. Black and Dennis Bernal—the latter known for donating L...
Read more