Nestled between the upscale locales of Danville and Blackhawk, Diablo stands as a distinguished micro-community, gracing the foothills of Mount Diablo from which it draws its name. Originating in the early 1900s, Diablo was conceived as a summer retreat for affluent San Francisco residents seeking respite from the city's coastal fog. In 1912, the visionary Robert Noble Burgess acquired Oakwood Stock Farm, transforming it into the Mount Diablo Park Club—a summer resort that swiftly became a magnet for the upper echelon.
Diablo's allure reached new heights in 1916 when the "Millionaire Special," consisting of four dedicated trains, transported potential buyers to what is now the renowned Diablo Country Club. Newspapers of the time chronicled the grandeur of the club's events, hosted in the splendor of the Mt. Diablo Park Club. Burgess enlisted the acclaimed architects Jack Neville and William Watson, known for their work on Pebble Beach and The Olympic Club, to craft the picturesque Diablo Country Club golf course. This course, with its stunning views of the surrounding countryside and Mount Diablo, has hosted prestigious events such as Professional Exhibitions, the Northern California Open Championship, USGA Amateur Championship qualifiers, and US Senior Open Qualifiers.
Today, Diablo Country Club remains a haven of recreation and relaxation, boasting state-of-the-art amenities while paying homage to its rich history and heritage. A transformative phase is underway, encompassing the renovation of the entire golf course, the construction of a three-story family activities and wellness center, and the refurbishment of the historic Clubhouse. While Diablo is no longer the sole country club in the valley, its unique charm and unparalleled history set it apart among East Bay communities.
Presently, Diablo is home to nearly 1,000 residents spanning all age groups, residing in exquisite homes. The community is serviced by the esteemed San Ramon Valley Unified School District and is also the proud domicile of The Athenian School—a selective college preparatory and boarding school. Regarded as the #1 school in Contra Costa County and ranked 106th on the 2020 list of the best private high schools in America, The Athenian School stands as the 28th best boarding school, boasting the 8th highest SAT score among boarding schools in the United States. In essence, Diablo embodies a harmonious blend of exclusivity, history, and modern sophistication, making it a truly exceptional East Bay enclave.