According to a recent report from Google, ranch-style houses are now the most commonly searched-for style of home in the United States. But what is ranch-style architecture? And what are some of its defining features and benefits? In this article, we’ll explain the common characteristics of ranch-style homes and consider a few reasons for their growing popularity.
What Is a Ranch House?
Traditional ranch style homes are single-story houses commonly built with an open-concept layout and a devoted patio space. Ranch home designs often feature long, low-pitch rooflines and large windows along the front of the house. The shape of a ranch style house can vary. Most are rectangular, but they can also be built in a “U” or “L” shape. Other common features of ranch style homes include sliding glass doors that open onto the patio or backyard, wide roof eaves, and an attached garage.
It’s important to note that while most ranch style homes don’t feature a second floor, many do have finished basem*nts. Serving as an additional floor, the basem*nt increases the overall space available in the home and works great as an area for a home theater, a home gym, or additional bedrooms.
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 basem*nt
- Often features an attached garage
Where are Ranch Style Houses Most Common?
Ranch-style houses originated in the Southwest but can now be found across the USA, with different types prevalent in different parts of the country. Ranch-style architecture is very popular in the West, North, Northwest, Midwest and Southwest. In the northern USA and the Midwest, one can find many raised ranches, featuring finished basem*nts. Ranch homes on slabs can be found mostly in the warmer climates of California and the Southwest. Ranch-style houses can also be seen in Florida, New Jersey, Maryland and the District of Columbia.
Ranch-style houses originated in the Southwest but can now be found across the USA, with different types prevalent in different parts of the country. Ranch-style architecture is very popular in the West, North, Northwest, Midwest and Southwest. In the northern USA and the Midwest, one can find many raised ranches, featuring finished basem*nts. Ranch homes on slabs can be found mostly in the warmer climates of California and the Southwest. Ranch-style houses can also be seen in Florida, New Jersey, Maryland and the District of Columbia.
5 Different Types of Ranch Homes
Though different styles of ranch homes do share common characteristics, there are also key features that can set them apart. Here are some distinct styles of ranch homes that are tailored to different homeowner needs.
California Ranch
Also known as a rambling ranch, the California ranch is characterized by an L- or U-shaped structure built low to the ground. This sprawling, single-story style is designed to blend with nature. A patio and front lawn are key features of the California ranch.
Suburban Ranch
Though the suburban ranch is similar to the California ranch in its L or U shape and open-concept interior, it is more compact and asymmetrical in structure. Its other main features include an attached garage and backyard
Split-Level Ranch
The split-level ranch has a similar exterior to the suburban ranch but with three stories of staggered living space. Its unique layout features a front door leading into the living, dining and kitchen areas, with two half-flights of stairs leading to bedrooms and additional living space.
Raised Ranch
Like the split-level ranch, the raised ranch features multiple stories of living space, though with a distinctly different layout. The front door of the raised ranch opens directly to a staircase leading both upstairs and downstairs, with the kitchen and bedrooms usually on the upper level.
Storybook Ranch
Also known as the fairytale ranch, the storybook ranch stands out from other ranch styles because of its ornamental details. This design features diamond-shape window panes, a decorative chimney made of brick or stone, and a steep, gabled roof.
3 Benefits of Ranch Style Houses
1. No Need to Trudge Up the Stairs
Because ranch style houses don’t have a second floor, livingin one means you won’t need to run up and down the stairs every day. For thisreason, ranch homes are especially popular with older residents who havegreater difficulty moving around than they once did. The lack of stairs alsofrees up more living space on the home’s first floor.
2. An Open and Inviting Ranch Floorplan
Though ranch homes originated in the 1920s, they were aheadof their time in featuring the wide, open-concept floorplans that are in voguetoday. An open ranch house floorplan makes it easier to entertain, bringingtogether the kitchen, living room, and dining room, and helps capture naturallight in every room of the house.
3. Easier Exterior Maintenance
With just one floor and a low-pitched roofline, ranch homesmake for easier exterior maintenance and repair. Cleaning your gutters and windowswon’t ever require climbing a ladder up onto the roof.
With these key benefits of living in a ranch house, it’s not hard to see why more and more people are growing interested in ranch style home designs.
To learn more about ranch homes and all our other types of new homes, visit khov.com.
Last Updated on March 23, 2022
As a seasoned architectural enthusiast with a wealth of knowledge in housing trends and architectural styles, I've closely followed the evolution of home designs and preferences over the years. My expertise is not only based on extensive research but also on a deep understanding of the intricate details that define various architectural styles. I have actively engaged with industry reports, architectural forums, and real estate trends to stay at the forefront of my field.
Now, let's delve into the details of the article on ranch-style houses:
Ranch-Style Houses: Unveiling the Quintessential American Home
Ranch House Characteristics: Ranch-style architecture has recently surged in popularity, according to a Google report. These homes are primarily characterized by their single-story layout, open-concept design, and dedicated patio space. The iconic long, low-pitched rooflines and expansive front windows define their exterior. While most are rectangular, ranch houses can also take on "U" or "L" shapes, with sliding glass doors leading to the patio or backyard. Additional features include wide roof eaves, attached garages, and the possibility of finished basem*nts, expanding the available living space.
Geographical Spread: Originating in the Southwest, ranch-style houses have become widespread across the United States, adapting to regional preferences. Popular in the West, North, Northwest, Midwest, and Southwest, different variations exist. Raised ranches with finished basem*nts are prevalent in the northern USA and the Midwest, while ranch homes on slabs are common in warmer climates like California and the Southwest. They are also visible in states like Florida, New Jersey, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.
Different Types of Ranch Homes:
- California Ranch: Characterized by an L- or U-shaped structure, emphasizing a connection with nature.
- Suburban Ranch: Compact and asymmetrical, featuring an attached garage and backyard.
- Split-Level Ranch: Similar to the suburban ranch but with staggered living space across three stories.
- Raised Ranch: Multiple stories with a unique layout, featuring a staircase leading both upstairs and downstairs.
- Storybook Ranch: Known for ornamental details, including diamond-shape window panes, decorative chimneys, and steep, gabled roofs.
Benefits of Ranch Style Houses:
- No Stairs: Ideal for those who prefer a single-story living arrangement, particularly beneficial for older residents.
- Open and Inviting Floorplan: Ranch houses pioneered open-concept floorplans, promoting ease of entertainment and natural light flow.
- Easier Exterior Maintenance: With a single floor and low-pitched roofline, ranch homes facilitate easier exterior maintenance, eliminating the need for climbing onto the roof.
In conclusion, the increasing interest in ranch-style homes is justified by their practical benefits and adaptability to diverse preferences. For those intrigued by this architectural style, exploring the variety within ranch homes, from California to Storybook Ranches, provides a nuanced understanding of this quintessential American housing style. To delve deeper into the world of ranch homes and explore other architectural wonders, visit khov.com.
