Architecture & design

Tract homes of the 1960s and 70s came in a rich variety of styles—from classic Colonial and Cape Cod to tropical modern and mid-century modern—each reflecting the optimism and innovation of the era. Dive into the distinctive architectural features that defined this golden age of suburban homebuilding, including diamond-pane windows, acoustical ceilings, open floor plans, and unique model names. Explore floor plans, design trends, and the visual quirks that shaped the look and feel of East Bay and Tri-Valley neighborhoods.

Arches: curved details that add charm

Discover how arches became a distinctive architectural element in 1960s–70s homes, adding a soft, elegant touch to entryways, windows, and interior passages.

Expandable homes: flexible living for growing families

Learn about the innovative expandable home designs that allowed homeowners to adapt their space as families grew, a practical solution for the booming suburbs.

Monterey style: California’s Spanish Revival influence

Explore the Monterey style’s blend of Spanish colonial and American colonial features, characterized by stucco walls, tiled roofs, and iconic second-story balconies.

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Inside The Meadows: Livermore’s 1973–1976 model homes & neighborhood legacy

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A historical tour of The Meadows, Livermore (1973–1976) Explore The Meadows in Livermore through vintage 1973–1976 newspaper ads and see what the original model homes look like today. A curated archive for fans of 1960s–70s architecture, suburban design, and East Bay history. Welcome to The Meadows, 1973–1976 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. ...
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Sunset Homes' Quietwood Series in Livermore (1971–1973): round kitchens & modern living

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A historical tour of Sunset's Quietwood Series, Livermore (1971–1973) Explore Sunset’s Quietwood Series through vintage 1971–1973 newspaper ads and see what the original model homes look like today.  Spanning three Livermore neighborhoods— Whispering Pines, Sunset East, and Three Fountains, the Quietwood homes were designed for mid-level buyers seeking comfort, efficiency, and a touch of flair—a curated archive for fans of 1960s–70s architecture, suburban design, and East Bay history. Welcome to Quietwood, 1971–1973 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. A neighborhood that gave you space to breathe Set against a backdrop o...
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The story of Sunset Homes in Livermore

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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...
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