About Cinderella Homes
Historical Significance
In the 1950s, Cinderella Homes changed the landscape of tract home building in Southern California. These homes were so popular that they threatened to put other home builders out of business. Many of them ended up imitating the Cinderella Home style—but none could match the quality, charm and appeal of a true Cinderella Home.
Popular Tract Home Designs
Cinderella Homes were originally designed and built in Anaheim, CA, by Jean Vandruff. They were eventually franchised and built throughout the state of California, as well as in Nevada, Kansas, Texas and Arizona. Over 6,000 Cinderella Homes were built. There's a Cinderella Drive in Claremont, CA, and a Cinderella Lane in Santa Barbara, CA.
Magical Homes for Modern Living
The first custom Cinderella Home was built in Downey, CA, in 1953—two years before Disneyland opened. Jean's brother, Shannon, had the idea to build them as tract homes. If you live in a Cinderella Home today, or once upon a time, we would love to hear about your personal experience living there.
Jean Valjean Vandruff
The original designer and builder of these wonderful Cinderella Homes was Jean Vandruff (1922-2021). Jean lived to be 99 years old, just a few months shy of his 100 birthday. Along with his brother, Shannon, they created a new sensation in tract home building in Southern California during the 1950s. Jean had the magic touch.
Here, THERE & EVERYWHERE
Cinderella Homes made their debut in Anaheim, CA, in the 1950s. Jean and his brother, Shannon, franchised the name, selling the plans to builders like Roven & Spiegel Construction Co., who built homes in other cities including the San Fernando Valley. Today, these tract homes can be found throughout California as well as in several other states.
The Art & Architecture
The Cinderella Homes of Jean Vandruff
$30.00
By Chris Lukather
The true story behind the original Cinderella Homes. Designed and built by Jean Vandruff in the 1950s and '60s, these homes were characterized by their elegance, charm and comfort. Innovative at the time, Cinderella Homes combined the aesthetic and quality of a custom-built home into a tract home development—at a price families could afford. These magical, well-built homes are still popular today. Jean Vandruff, who passed away in 2021, at 99 years old, was interviewed extensively for the book.
Format: Softcover, perfect bound, 10x10 inches, 120 pages.
Includes many vintage color and B&W photographs.
Introduction by Jean Vandruff.
ORDER NOW - FREE SHIPPING!
Original PROMO Brochure!
Official Reprint of 1956 Cinderella Brochure
$20.00
From the Vandruff Family Archives
This 12-page brochure is a full color reproduction of the original brochure printed in 1956. It's an exact copy—reproducing all of the color pages from the brochure used to promote the magical Cinderella Homes in Anaheim, CA. The size is 8.5x11 inches.
FREE SHIPPING!
Book & BROCHURE at LOW Price!
20% OFF! Buy Cinderella Book & Cinderella Brochure
$40.00
By Chris Lukather
The true story behind the original Cinderella Homes. Designed and built by Jean Vandruff in the 1950s and '60s, these homes were characterized by their elegance, charm and comfort. Innovative at the time, Cinderella Homes combined the aesthetic and quality of a custom-built home into a tract home development—at a price families could afford. These magical, well-built homes are still popular today. Jean Vandruff was interviewed extensively for the book.
Format: Softcover, perfect bound, 10x10 inches, 120 pages.
Includes many vintage color and B&W photographs.
Introduction by Jean Vandruff.
PLUS - Printed full color copy of 1956 promotion brochure, 12 pages.
FREE SHIPPING!
Photo: Author Chris Lukather, with Mid-century pop culture expert and author, Charles Phoenix
WILLIAM MELLENTHIN HOMES
A Birdhouse in Paradise: William Mellenthin SFV Ranch Homes
$39.00
AVAILABLE NOW – ORDER TODAY!
New, updated edition! The story of William Mellenthin and his popular Birdhouse Ranch homes in the San Fernando Valley. Includes information on his son, Mike Mellenthin. With a degree in Engineering from USC, Mike built homes just like his father. Mike also worked with legendary architect, Cliff May. More photos, more info, more fun!
120 pages
10x10 inches
Color and black & white photos and illustrations
Soft cover, perfect bound
FREE SHIPPING
THE HOMES OF ROBERT BYRD
The Art & Architecture of Robert Byrd and His Son, Gary
$36.00
AVAILABLE NOW – ORDER TODAY!
A new book about the architecture of Robert Byrd, who designed and built homes in Southern California from the 1920s to the 1970s—many for Hollywood celebrities. His son, Gary, built homes in a similar style. Robert Byrd is often credited as the inventor of the California Ranch Style of Architecture. A Byrd home features natural materials that lend them a comfortable, symbiotic and timeless ambience.
148 pages, Soft Cover, Perfect Bound
10x10 inches, Color and Black & White Photos and Illustrations
FREE SHIPPING!
MID-CENTURY RANCH HOME DESIGNERS & BUILDERS
