The Sequoias Portola Valley Celebrates 65 Years of Community

Tucked among the rolling hills of Portola Valley, The Sequoias Portola Valley has quietly shaped what community living can look and feel like for more than six decades.

As the community celebrates its 65th anniversary, its story offers more than a look back; it reveals a vision that continues to guide how older adults live, connect, and Never Stop Growing today.

In the late 1950s, a new idea began to take hold, one that would eventually redefine retirement living. Known then as Continuing Care Retirement Communities, and now widely recognized as Life Plan Communities, this model introduced a new way of living. It brought together housing, dining, and supportive services into a single, thoughtfully designed environment.

When development began in Portola Valley in 1957, the concept was still emerging on the East Coast. Bringing it to Northern California required both imagination and confidence that it would resonate. It did.

By June 1, 1961, The Sequoias Portola Valley officially opened its doors, welcoming residents into one of the region’s earliest Life Plan Communities. Opening day drew local dignitaries and curious visitors alike, all eager to experience a new approach to aging, one rooted in independence, connection, and thoughtful support.

What set The Sequoias Portola Valley apart then, and continues to define it now, is its design.

Architect John Barney Rogers drew inspiration from the Katsura Imperial Villa, a historic Japanese estate known for its balance, simplicity, and connection to the natural environment. These influences shaped a community that feels both intentional and effortless.

Clusters of small homes were arranged in a checkerboard pattern, each with its own outdoor space. Pathways weave through trees and gardens, leading to a central colonnade that serves as a gathering place. The architecture, with its clean lines and hip-and-gable roofs, blends seamlessly into the landscape, creating a sense of calm and openness.

More than a design choice, this layout encourages a rhythm of life that feels both private and connected. Residents can engage with neighbors or retreat into their own space, all within a setting that feels grounded in nature.

For longtime resident Jack Ken, the story of The Sequoias Portola Valley is deeply personal.

As a young architect in the 1950s, he remembers passing by the original construction site, curious about what was taking shape in what was then a largely undeveloped area. Decades later, he would return, this time as a resident.

Although he and his wife Betty initially planned to move to The Sequoias San Francisco, a visit to Portola Valley changed everything. Drawn to the openness, the natural surroundings, and the quiet sense of privacy, Betty knew immediately it was the right fit.

They made the move and never looked back.

Today, Jack still wakes to birdsong, enjoys time on his patio, and appreciates the balance the community offers. “I like the openness, the casual feel,” he reflects. “I can be part of the outdoors, while still having my own space.”

Over the past 65 years, Sequoia Living, formerly known as Northern California Presbyterian Homes and Services, has continued to build on this original vision.

While the terminology has evolved, the foundation remains the same, creating environments where older adults can live with purpose, maintain independence, and stay connected to what matters most.

Today, The Sequoias Portola Valley stands as a reflection of that enduring commitment. Its design still feels relevant. Its setting and surroundings still inspire. And its community continues to welcome individuals who are looking for more than a place to live; they are looking for a place to keep living fully – to Never Stop Growing. 

Anniversaries offer a moment to reflect, but also an opportunity to look ahead.

As The Sequoias Portola Valley marks this milestone, it celebrates not only its history but the people who have shaped it, residents, team members, and the broader community that continues to bring it to life.

From its origins as one of Northern California’s first Life Plan Communities to the vibrant, nature-connected setting it is today, its story is one of thoughtful design, meaningful connection, and a belief that life continues to unfold in every stage.

And in Portola Valley, that belief still feels as true as it did in 1961.