Club History

Construction of the Highlands Country Club house in conjunction with phase 1, Spyglass Hill, began in 1966. As a result of the townhouses being built in six phases and over fifteen years, the Club had to take in outside memberships in an effort to support its continued growth. In 1981, the developer relinquished control of the board of directors and the members assumed control of the Club and its destiny.

A ten-year period of prosperity followed as the Club and its members enjoyed a thriving social atmosphere where tennis tournaments and an active poolside dominated the daily landscape. With a waitlist for membership, the Highlands Country Club was on top of the world. But everything changed in an instant of that fateful day in October 1991. The 25-year history of Hiller Highlands that began with a vision came crashing down in the Oaklands Hills fire that destroyed thousands of homes and stole the lives of 25 individuals.

A three-year rebuilding period followed from 1991-1994 and was immediately met with challenges and assaults from all angles. Working from a remote location, the board of directors and Manager and Assistant manager Tim Palmer and Joan Archer met several times a week and fought tirelessly, despite being grossly underinsured and without an abundance of resources. In May of 1994, the Club reopened and after a period of aggressive repayment, there was a mortgage burning party in November of 2001, and once again members seized control of the Club, and Highlands Country Club rose from the ashes.

Over the past 20 years, the Club continues to be a beacon of success, resilience, and a symbol of what can be accomplished when we all have the same goal: a genuine affection for our hidden gem to prosper. The Club flourishes to this day entertaining its members and guests from all walks of life in celebration of weddings, birthday parties, and anniversaries. Highlands Country Club has faced many obstacles in its 50+ year history but has never wavered in its efforts to provide a home away from home to its members.