What Is a Ranch Style House? 4 Common Architecture Traits

Characteristics of Ranch-Style Architecture

The ranch is an architectural style of home design first developed in the United States in the 1920s. It's a popular option for many reasons, including its close-to-the-ground profile enabling homeowners to enter and exit their properties easily. Though ranch homes come in many sizes and configurations, many love their design and feel. These homes can be as luxurious or simple as desired, but they have a minimalistic look.

Ranch homes can be found throughout the country and may be the ideal home for many people. Keep reading to discover the characteristics of ranch-style architecture to see what sets these homes apart from others.

What Makes Ranch Homes So Appealing?

Ranch homes offer numerous benefits to some property buyers. One of the main reasons to purchase them is that they lack stairs. While many ranches have basements with stairs, ranch homes do not have a second story. Those looking for better accessibility and improved mobility around the house will be interested in ranch homes.

Ranches also have an open and inviting floor plan, offering wide areas not often available in other property types. Though the open concept seems like a modern trend in today's new construction homes, it's been the favorite option for ranch owners for many years. While ranches still have rooms, there is often flow between the kitchen, living room, dining room, and other areas, allowing natural light to come into the space.

This open concept style also contributes to excellent indoor-outdoor connectivity. The garden, play areas, and yard are easy to access. Some ranches have a few steps, but it is typically no more than a couple.

Some may also find these homes ideal because they require less maintenance outside. The low-pitched roofline coupled with only one story makes cleaning gutters and maintaining the roof and siding easier.

Types of Ranch-Style Homes

Several ranch-style homes exist, each with a different variant from the next.

  • Storybook Ranch: This type has a Spanish influence with elaborate detailing. It often features a low-pitched roof, brick or stone exteriors, narrow windows, and a cozy feel.
  • California Ranch: This style also has traces of Spanish architecture in it, especially with more decorative exteriors. Some are rather luxurious, though all are unique.
  • Suburban Ranch: This particular style was more commonly built after World War II. They are simple, cleanly designed homes that were fast and easy for home builders to replicate (necessary to keep up with the times). Suburban ranches have more minimalistic exteriors and an open concept. Some sit on concrete slab foundations.
  • Raised Ranch: A bit of a different mix, the raised ranch is sometimes called a split entry. They often have two floors, with the kitchen, living area, bathroom, and bedrooms on the upper area and a finished basement and garage on the second floor, under the first.
  • Split-Level Ranch: These have numerous floors on either side of an entryway staircase. Some have three levels instead of two. They have a simple design, an asymmetrical exterior, and were designed for function.

The style and design of ranch homes can differ from one area to another. Some ranch homes have ample, open space, while others are sectioned into rooms. Depending on the builder, ranch homes can be very modern or rustic.

How to Spot a Ranch-Style Home

Ranch Homes are Single-Story and Low to the GroundSpotting a ranch isn't always that easy due to its numerous styles. However, a few things are prevalent, even when comparing these homes to each other across timeframes and locations.

First, ranch homes are low profile and sit close to ground level. They are also earth-hugging and may have one or two steps leading into them. That feeling is enjoyable for many reasons, especially for those seeking mobility into and out of their property.

Ranch homes often seem simple, but they are anything but that. Many incorporate various architectural elements within them, including multiple styles depending on the timeframe they were built. Inside, ranches are open and airy, with larger rooms. They may also have areas that blend, such as dining rooms and kitchens that don't feel as though they are separate from each other. Many have a kitchen that attaches to a large living room. Some boast several living spaces, including a more informal family room. Others also have elaborate dining rooms or media rooms.

From the outside, it's possible to tell a ranch from other homes due to its single-story design. Additionally, most ranch homes have an L or a U shape, while others are more of a traditional box shape. Ranch homes built in the 50s and 60s often have attached garages, large picture windows in the front, and sliding glass doors to the backyard. Many have numerous windows. In the west, neighborhoods with ranch homes commonly have a southwest feel, whereas in the Midwest and East, they are more simplistic in outdoor architectural elements.

Exploring the Right Style of Home for Any Need

Widely accepted and commonly found through most parts of the U.S., the ranch-style home is frequently associated with ample space, easy living, and excellent mobility. They allow for the ease of walking outdoors while also welcoming lots of natural light. Though ranch homes may look smaller initially, many offer large interiors with basement areas that double the size of the building.

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