To summarize, here are the common characteristics of a ranch-style house:
- Single story
- Open concept floorplan
- Rectangular, “U”, or “L”-shaped
- Devoted patio or deck space
- Large windows and sliding glass doors
- Low-pitched roofline with wide eaves
- Often includes a finished basement
- Often features an attached garage
What are the characteristics of a ranch style house?
- One Level – Most ranch houses are built on one level with little use of raised spaces. ...
- Natural Light – Natural light is a natural therapy. ...
- Easy Remodeling – Home remodeling usually takes a lot of money, however, with the ranch style, you can remodel without using any money. ...
What are the different types of ranch style homes?
Which Ranch Home Should I Choose?
- Storybook Ranch – These types of homes became popular in California back in the 1920s-1930s and are still trendy today. ...
- Raised Ranch – Also known as split-entry homes, raised ranch houses almost always have two floors. ...
- Split-Level Ranch – Not unlike raised ranch homes, the split-level ranch home is multi-level. ...
How to create a foyer in a ranch style home?
- Symmetry everywhere — in windows, doors, columns, even landscaping;
- A square or rectangular form;
- Two storeys, sometimes two-and-a-half;
- Portico or partially covered front door;
- Window shutters;
- Large or double chimneys.
How to add an upstairs to a ranch style home?
How to Add an Upstairs to a Ranch Style Home. Adding a second story to a ranch house is a way to double the living space of a modest home, but it's not a project that can be undertaken lightly.
What's the difference between a ranch and a house?
A ranch home is a house that is a single-story home that typically features an open floor plan. These homes tend to be wider than they are deep, with an L or U shape, and a lower-pitched roof.
What are the different types of ranch houses?
Keep reading and you may find the perfect ranch design for your next home!The California Ranch. This Spanish Colonial-designed ranch is built low with a sprawling style. ... The Modern Ranch. ... The Estate Ranch. ... The Craftsman Ranch. ... The Suburban Ranch. ... The Split-Level Ranch. ... The Raised Ranch. ... The Storybook Ranch.More items...•
What is the difference between a rambler and a ranch-style house?
Ramblers and ranch houses are interchangeable terms. However, ramblers are known for being a single-story home style with their entry on the ground level and a square or rectangular shape. The one difference is that ranch homes can also have a basement, which may be partially or fully furnished.
What is the main advantage of the ranch style home?
Here are some of the advantages of a ranch-style home: Larger living space: The lack of staircases frees more square footage for living area. Easier access to the great outdoors: Ranch-style homes were developed with easy access to the yard in mind.
What is modern ranch style?
Modern ranch style homes typically are rectangular, U, or L shaped. They tend to have a devoted patio or deck space, large windows, and often feature a finished basement and attached garage. Next, ranch style homes have many benefits.
What's the meaning of ranch house?
Definition of ranch house 1 : the main dwelling house on a ranch. 2 : a one-story house typically with a low-pitched roof and an open plan.
Why is a ranch house called a ranch?
The house style was dubbed a Ranch, or Rambler, because of the wide-open-spaces appeal this new type of home nodded to, and the tenable connection to true cattle ranches, which were also horizontal in shape (albeit larger), with low-pitched roofs, and a similar connection to the outdoors.
What is a house with no stairs called?
Maison sans Escalier (The House Without Stairs)
Can a ranch be 2 stories?
Because ranch style houses do not have a second story, living in one eliminates the need to go up and down the stairs on a daily basis. As a result, ranch homes are especially popular among senior inhabitants who have more trouble getting about than they used to.
What is disadvantage of ranch house?
Lack of privacy: Some homeowners are concerned about having all the bedrooms on a single level. You may prefer the privacy of an elevated bed and bath space. Smaller yards: Because the base of a ranch home extends outward, you may not have as much outdoor space to enjoy as you would with a two-story home.
What are the disadvantages to a ranch-style house?
Disadvantages of a Ranch HomeSeparation. Young parents may find one-story living to cause it to be harder to find some private time. ... Crowds and Entertaining. ... Cost to Build. ... Efficiency and Monthly Costs.
Why do ranch homes cost more?
Ranch houses are more expensive because their total square footage is spread across a single floor rather than multiple. This leads to increased construction costs due to having a large foundation, roof, and material cost.
What is a ranch style house?
What Is a Ranch-Style House? A traditional ranch-style house is a single-story house, frequently built with an open-concept layout, large windows, a low-pitched roof, and a devoted patio space. Though the house is single-story, it often features a garage and finished basement space. Even though there’s plenty of different styles ...
What is a California ranch?
California ranches are Spanish-influenced with decorative exteriors that can range from subtle to flashy. Julian Porcino.
When did ranch homes start?
The origins of the ranch-style home can be dated back to 1930s California, which was home to several architectural movements at the time, including the rising popularity of Spanish Colonial-style homes and Craftsman-style homes.
What is split level ranch?
Split-Level Ranch. Like raised ranch homes, split-level ranch homes also have multiple floors linked by an entryway staircase, but with three levels instead of two. They have asymmetrical exteriors which, like suburban ranches, are extremely simple and designed for function over form.
A Ranch-Style Home in a Nutshell
So back to the original question, “What is a ranch-style house?” If you see a single-story, sprawling home built at ground level, it’s most likely a ranch-style house.
What Is a Ranch House? The Long Answer
There’s more to a ranch-style house than just being one story. Believed to have originated in California during the 1930s, a time when the Golden State saw plenty of population growth, these simple homes have several features that set them apart.
Types of Ranch-Style Homes
You may see terms such as “California Ranch,” “Storybook Ranch,” and “Split-level Ranch” when looking at ranch-style houses. These are a few of the varieties of ranch-style houses.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may have even more questions about ranch-style houses. These FAQs may give you the answers you want:
So What Is a Ranch-Style House?
Ranch-style houses are a part of American history. Housing families during a time of population growth and economic expansion, ranch-style homes are where Baby Boomers grew up and may have also been the homes where they raised their own families.
What is a ranch style house?
Ranch style homes are single story structures that often feature open-concept floorplans and ample outdoor space. Some of the most common features of the ranch style house are long and low-pitch rooflines and wide eaves, and—in many cases—a finished basement that serves to increase the amount of available central living space.
What is the shape of a ranch house?
The shape of a ranch home varies. In modern housing developments, you’ll typically find a lot of square or rectangular shaped ranches, and L-, U-, and C-shaped ranches are also quite common. Attached garages are another common feature, though you’ll often see ranch houses with carports instead, especially if they were built between ...
What are the benefits of ranch homes?
Some other notable benefits that have kept the ranch home at the top of buyers’ lists for so long include: 1 They’re affordable – Square foot per square foot, ranch homes tend to be much cheaper to buy than two story homes. In pricey Seattle, Washington, for example, standard two story homes sell for $397 per square foot, while ranch homes sell for $250 per square foot. 2 They’re open and airy – Ranch homes tend to feature open-concept floorplans and lots of large windows. The result is airy, easy-to-clean rooms that are well suited to family living. 3 They’re accessible – As homebuyers age, staircases can become a hinderance instead of a design benefit. While many ranches do feature basements, having all of the main living areas on one floor is often easier for aging adults, as well as for anyone who requires more accessible living spaces, such as those in wheelchairs.
How did ranch homes get their name?
Ranch homes get their moniker from their popularity on actual ranches out west. The shape and single story nature of the ranch house make it a good choice on cattle ranches and other properties where the home has a strong connection to the outdoors.
How many ranch homes were built in the 1950s?
In the 1950s, nine out of every 10 houses in America was a ranch, but as homeowners got richer they also started vying for larger homes. And because larger ranch homes mean wider ranch homes (and thus, wider lot sizes), it became easier and more cost-effective to build up instead of out.
What is split level ranch?
There are also some other unique designations within the ranch style: Split level ranch – These are homes that have the appearance of ranch homes from the front but actually features three levels of living space, with half staircases separating each level.
What is the most popular style of home in the US?
Meanwhile, ranch homes are the most popular style of home in 34 states across the U.S., outpacing contemporary, craftsman, and farmhouse homes, all of which are highly popular in their own right. In answering “what is a ranch home ?” we also have to look at what features make it such a mainstay of American homebuying.
What are the characteristics of ranch style homes?
You can enjoy the beauty of the outdoors even when you are sitting in your house. Large Windows – Another characteristic of ranch-style homes that tends to focus on the outdoors is the widows. Most ranch style homes enjoy Large picture windows that offer an excessive view of the front yard.
What is ranch style home?
Ranch style homes have for a long time been the most popular home styles in the US. The beauty of ranch homes is that they use simple symmetrical designs. The Open floor design also allows for quick access to everything at home. You can get yourself a ranch home if you enjoy nature.
How many bedrooms are there in a ranch style home?
You may choose to have as many bedrooms as you wish, although most ranch style homes have just 3 bedrooms. Modest Exterior Decoration – When it comes to exterior decor, people choose different styles.
What are ranch homes?
Later on, most of the houses followed a design created by Cliff May, which modified the early colonial ranch homes. Some of the aspects of the California ranch homes borrow from the Arts and Craft Movement. The California ranch homes are the ideal idea of a ranch home that most people think about when we talk of such homes. They take the simple L or U shape and usually have a courtyard at the center.
What was the fascination with ranch houses in the 1950s?
The fascination with ranch houses was associated with the wild west in the 1950s. Many people watching cowboy movies ended up with a desire to own homes resembling the wild west living style. The exteriors for such houses was clearly made to look natural in as many ways as possible.
What is a storybook ranch?
Storybook ranch – Storybook ranches are simply something out of the movies. Most storybook ranches are still a reserve of the wealthy since they include plenty of features not available to the other types of ranches.
How many square feet are ranch homes?
The ranch homes were approximately 1000 and 1500 square feet in size and offered many unique features. They became the most popular houses in California and the effect quickly spread to New York and other parts of the country. Until the 1980s ranch-style homes were the most popular type of houses in the country.
What is a Ranch Style House?
A ranch-style house is a type of domestic architecture that utilizes one-story designs. Ranch homes have open floor plans and are rectangular. They have low pitch roofs and can have an attached garage or extended eves. Ranch style homes have large windows and simple entryways.
Why is it Called a Ranch Style House?
Ranch-style houses are influenced by Spanish colonial architecture and appeared in California in the 1920s. They got the name “ranch style” from their resemblance to houses owned by cattle ranchers. These houses were often designed as one-level homes, that were rectangular with long open floor plans.
What are the Different Types of Ranch Houses?
Ranch houses have had a lot of different contributors to their designs. By the time they reached peak popularity in the 1960s, an estimated 9 out of 10 homes being built in America were ranch homes.
What is the Difference Between a Rambler and a Ranch Style House?
There is no difference in the style of these homes. A ranch-style home can be called a ranch house, or a rambler house, depending on where in the country you live. They both have sprawling designs that are one-story, rectangular shapes.
What Makes a House Ranch Style?
Now that you know what a ranch-style house is, you may be wondering what are some of the ranch-style house characteristics, that make them so unique. There are many types of ranch-style homes, but they also share a few details that make up their defined style.
Ranch Style House Interior
Most ranch houses make use of large rafters and vaulted ceilings. Many designers will design the interior of ranch homes to have lots of stained wood, and white walls. The two contrast well together.
Modern Ranch Style House
Ranch-style houses may not be as popular as they were in the 1960s, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t still being built. Modern ranch-style houses make use of open floor plans and indoor/outdoor architecture. Tall windows and white walls give them a more modern feel.
What was the ranch style of architecture?
Focused on informal living and indoor-outdoor flow, the ranch was an architectural force in California throughout the 1930s before spreading across the country. No longer were homeowners looking for formal dining rooms and segmented spaces—they wanted a family-oriented home that struck a contrast to the houses they grew up in.
What are the different types of ranch homes?
Though you may just group them all together, there are actually many different types of ranch homes. A few you'll recognize include: 1 California Ranch: The original ranch-style home. Built to be a sprawling space that transitions the indoors and outdoors throughout the space. 2 Suburban Ranch: This is the type of ranch you probably associate most readily with the architectural style. Known for its boxy exterior and open layout interior, this is the house that truly sums up the 1950s suburb. 3 Split-level Ranch: Though these homes appear to be traditional ranches, inside they actually have three stories. A half-staircase leads to both the downstairs level and upstairs. 4 Storybook Ranch: If you see a Ranch that is full of charm and details, it's probably a storybook ranch. These homes feature detailed trim, diamond-shaped windows, and exposed rafters.
What was the ranch inspired by?
The ranch was inspired by the Spanish Colonial homes that popped up in Southern California and quickly became the new standard in indoor-outdoor living. When men came back from World War II, families moved to the suburbs, where community was relished and homes were affordable.
What is a mid century ranch?
The mid-century homes which took off around the same time can also be considered a kind of ranch. Even though ranch-style homes dominated the mid-20th century, by the 1970s homeowners were drawn once again to two-story living, and the design lost some of its popularity.
Where did ranch homes originate?
Ranch homes date back to the 1930s and are thought to have originated in California. A contrast to the small, segmented rooms of a craftsman, a traditional ranch home featured an open floor plan with special attention paid to accessibility, openness, and space. Focused on informal living and indoor-outdoor flow, the ranch was an architectural force in California throughout the 1930s before spreading across the country. No longer were homeowners looking for formal dining rooms and segmented spaces—they wanted a family-oriented home that struck a contrast to the houses they grew up in.
What are the exterior features of a house?
Some common exterior features include a low-pitch roof, overhanging eaves, large windows on all sides of the house and attached garages. While not common, many did have small front porches, but most had a back porch that helped transition the indoors to the outside.
Is a ranch home desirable?
For many homeowners, the ease of having everything on a single story and the focus on indoor-outdoor living makes ranch homes highly desirable. Plus, you can often build out and expand the home fairly easily, making it a popular choice for anyone with a lot of land.
What are the characteristics of a ranch home?
One of the main characteristics of ranch-style homes are the easy transitions from indoors to outdoors. Most ranches feature sliding glass doors that increase the open feeling of the ranch style.
What are the benefits of living in a ranch home?
There are many benefits to living in a ranch-style home. The exterior is easier to maintain due to it only being one level. The low-sloped roof is easy to work on. If you need to paint the home, you may not need to use a ladder. #N#The lack of stairs in a traditional ranch home is appealing as well. You won’t have to haul laundry or groceries up and down stairs like you would in other homes. If you or your family members have difficulties with mobility, the lack of stairs is a plus. For a family with young children, not having stairs is one less thing to worry about.
What is ranch floor plan?
Ranch floor plans are often open concept in nature, with all the rooms easily accessible from one another. The living room, dining room and kitchen are usually joined, and the main entrance opens straight into the living room. If there are hallways, they’re short and exist only to link smaller rooms like bedrooms, offices and bathrooms.
History
Ranch-style homes first appeared in the 1920s in California, USA. They only began to gain popularity in the 1940s, when the rapid post-war expansion westward led to strong demand for new housing. With a lot of open, undeveloped space in the area, and since the region already had its house planning tradition, the growth of this style was natural.
Main features of the ranch-style exterior
There are many options for ranch-style homes. However, there are main distinguishing features due to which this style can be recognized. The following are the critical exterior elements of the original ranch style:
Ranch-style interior
The main feature of the ranch-style interior is the open floor plan. As a rule, the space of the kitchen, living room, and dining room are combined. The interior also boasts candlesticks, chests, rocking chairs, pottery, wrought iron accessories, rough furniture, and raw wood texture. Many details are handmade.
Advantages of a ranch style home
Sure, you can get this on a colonial-style home, but you can’t avoid the divide thanks to the different floors. Everything is on a single bed with a house like this, and the space feels more open, with only the bedrooms closed off.
The main features of the American ranch
The building must be one-story, there is no symmetry, the roof is a gable, there is a garage. A large veranda should be attached to the house, always open. Thick ceilings or beams support the top; there are deep vaults. The windows are large enough. Sliding doors made of glass and leading to the veranda or courtyard.
Five main rules of how to decorate ranch style house
Initially, an American ranch was a residence constructed with the cheapest and most inferior quality materials available. Dashing cowboys were not compelled to build high-quality, long-term dwellings because of the scorching location and lazy lifestyle.
