Something Special — Morrison Homes tract series in Pleasanton (1969)

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.

Where is Pleasanton Valley in Pleasanton?

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

Selling the tract

The Something Special series introduced five distinct homes, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pricing history of Pleasanton Valley homes

  • 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

The homes of Pleasanton Valley

When the Something Special Series at Pleasanton Valley opened, buyers toured a carefully staged collection of Morrison 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 five original models opened in February 1969 on Elmridge Court. Additionally, both the Heritage House and Holiday House from the earlier Walnut Grove Series of homes were returned to production in Spring 1970.

Site of the model complex for Pleasanton Valley’s 'Something Special' homes, opened in 1969.
Annotated aerial map of the Pleasanton Valley model home complex on Elmridge Court. Base imagery from Apple Maps.

Model homes of Pleasanton Valley

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

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

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

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

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.

Current appearance of the original Woodhaven House home in Pleasanton Valley.
Original Woodhaven House model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Miramar House home in Pleasanton Valley.
Original Miramar House model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Regency House home in Pleasanton Valley.
Original Regency House model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Gallery House home in Pleasanton Valley.
Original Gallery House model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Colony House home in Pleasanton Valley.
Original Colony House model today via Google Street View.

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.

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