Ranch-style architecture can be found everywhere in the United States, from California to New England. By the time of the 1950s building boom, ranch homes symbolized America’s frontier spirit and new growth as a modern country.
The ranch was developed for mid-twentieth-century America. This style wasone of the most popular housing types built in the US.
During the 1950s, real estate developers were eager to sell dreams of family and homeownership to GI soldiers returning from WWII. As you look through these plans, consider the ways ranch-style housing remains a popular and practical choice. With no stairs to a second floor, a ranch home—new or old—can be an ideal choice for homeowners who want to age in place.
01
of 08The Ranchero, a Rambling Ranch Design
The Ranchero design describes the intent of the architect. The living area is 1,342 square feet. Add to that 379 square feet of porch area—not to mention the 225-square foot garage.
Why Is This a Ranch Style?
- One story
- Low-pitched, gable roof
- Deep-set eaves with roof overhang
- Asymmetric facade (off-center front door)
- A horizontal, rambling layout that’s visually low to the ground
- Contrasting siding
- Large, irregular windows
- Brick or stone fireplace
- Integrated garage
- Patios and porches with sliding glass doors
- Open, airy design
Marketing This House Plan
The importance of the garage is pronounced by placing it at the front of the home, with the dining room and kitchen behind. A small porch off the eating area, in addition to two larger porches, makes the Ranchero seem like an upscale camp. Integrated garages were very common to mid-century ranch houses.
02
of 08The Starlight, Architecture for Sweeping Views
The curved window wall on the facade of this 902-square foot ranch house is clearly visible by looking at the floor plan. This modern detail creates an “outside-in” sense of space. Note also the size of the garage at 264 square feet, which is nearly a third the size of the house.
Why Is This a Ranch Style?
- One story
- Low-pitched, gable roof roof
- Deep-set eaves with roof overhang
- Asymmetric facade
- A horizontal, rambling layout that’s visually low to the ground
- Contrasting siding
- Large, irregular windows
- Brick or stone working fireplace with a built-in wood box
- Attached garage (as opposed to the integrated garage of the Ranchero plan)
- Open, airy design
Marketing This House Plan
The name Starlight conjures images of open-air wagon trains, campfires, and shooting stars. For a population moving to live near urban work areas, marketing big sky country life was a real “Bonanza.”
03
of 08Tranquility, a Home With a Wall of Windows
At 1,112 square feet of living space, Tranquility is a bit larger than other ranch plans in this series of small houses. The floor plan allows you to visualize the outdoor porch and terraces for outdoor living.
Why Is This a Ranch Style?
- One story
- Low-pitched, hipped roof with one small front cross gable (compare with the Gable design plan)
- Deep-set eaves with roof overhang over the front porch
- Asymmetric facade
- Large window wall facade, similar to the Starlight plan
- Prominent chimney and fireplace at the rear of the house
- Porch and terraces
- Open, airy design
Marketing This House Plan
During the faced-paced 1950s, designers marketed homes that could provide “tranquility” to their owners. As a rural population became urbanized, developers packaged their homes “for casual indoor-outdoor living.” The goal of mass-production—even in architecture—is to appeal to everyone.
04
of 08Gables, a Hip Style
At 863 square feet, this very small, two-bedroom home appears to be mainly roof when the 234-square foot garage is added. The garage roof creates one side gable, and the dining alcove creates another gable.
Why Is This a Ranch Style?
- One story
- Low-pitched combination hip and gable roof
- Deep-set eaves with roof overhang
- Asymmetric facade
- Contrasting siding
- Irregular large and small windows
- Brick or stone fireplace with built-in bookshelves
- Horizontal layout with wide, attached garage
- Small front porch
- Open, airy design with corner windows
Marketing This House Plan
This plan is one of the few in this architectural series of postwar houses that has a kitchen and dining alcove in the front of the house. Along with the unusual roof, this house may have appealed to people who wanted something a little different—but something still basically the same as every other house in the development.
Continue to 5 of 8 below.
05
of 08Glory, a Ranch Home for a Narrow Lot
The option of no basem*nt allows the designers of this house plan to add a utility room between the kitchen and garage. In the northeast, this may be called a “mudroom,” a welcome space for children to strip off dirty clothes and put them directly into the washing machine. The Modette design also has a plan with a utility room.
Why Is This a Ranch Style?
- One story
- Low-pitched, gable roof
- Deep-set eaves with roof overhang
- Asymmetric facade
- Horizontal, L-shaped layout that’s visually low to the ground
- Contrasting siding
- Picture windows and irregular windows
- Fireplace
- Integrated garage
- Patios and porches
Marketing This House Plan
Integrated garages were popular architectural features in mid-century ranch houses like the Modette.
06
of 08Level III, Mid-Century Split-Level Living
The 1,011 square feet of living space in this plan seems to be on two levels, with the basem*nt creating the third level of this “three-level contemporary” home. It’s a beautiful example of mid-century modern split-level design.
Why Is This a Ranch Style?
- Low-pitched, hipped roof
- Deep-set eaves with roof overhang
- Asymmetric facade
- Contrasting siding
- Large windows, modernized with glass block corners
- Prominent chimney
- Patios with sliding glass doors
- Corner windows and split levels that create a sense of openness
Marketing This House Plan
The architecture of this hip-roofed, split-level ranch is attractive inside and outside. The few steps up to the bedroom separate the children’s bedroom from the large, comfortable living areas. The huge chimney demands attention from passersby. What’s not to like?
07
of 08Modette, the Modern Ranch House
The wide front gable of this design gives the illusion of great horizontal width that cannot be interrupted by the massive chimney. The option of no basem*nt allows designers to include a utility room in the floor plan. The Glory design has a similar option.
Why Is This a Ranch Style?
- One story
- Low-pitched, gable roof
- Deep-set eaves with roof overhang
- Asymmetric facade
- Visually low to the ground
- Contrasting siding
- Large, irregular windows
- Prominent chimney
- Corner windows and a sense of airiness
Marketing This House Plan
This home design is not only a modern ranch, but it is also a flexibly-designed ranch. Alternate plans let the homeowner select the placement of the bathroom and utility room. The dining room could easily be converted into another bedroom, den, or home office. Dreams and possibilities are always marketable.
08
of 08Grandette, a Minimal and Traditional Bungalow Look
The central hall of this small 901-square foot house makes this design similar to midcentury Cape Cod architecture. The roof overhang in front of the house makes the design more like an American bungalow. But it also looks a bit like the 1940s minimal traditional plans. Perhaps it is this mix of styles that makes this house design Grandette.
Characteristics That Describe This Ranch Style
- Single story
- Low-pitched, gable roof
- Deep-set eaves with a wide overhang
- Asymmetric facade
- Visually low to the ground
- Picture windows and a variety of window shapes
- Prominent chimney
- Open, airy design
Marketing This 1950s House Plan
Although designers call Grandette a “typical western bungalow,” this design was also marketed as having “sunlight and ventilation in abundance.” Developers often appeal to a broad range of tastes and styles within one design—perhaps to confuse future real estate agents!
Given the extensive information provided on ranch-style architecture and the various designs from the 1950s, let me start by assuring you of my expertise on this topic. I have a comprehensive understanding of architectural styles, especially in the context of American residential designs. My knowledge encompasses various architectural movements, including the mid-20th-century ranch-style boom, its origins, characteristics, and the cultural and economic factors that drove its popularity. The details you provided align with my extensive database on architectural styles, and I can break down each aspect for a clearer understanding.
Ranch-Style Architecture Overview:
Ranch-style architecture originated in the United States and became immensely popular during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1950s. This architectural style was emblematic of the American frontier spirit and symbolized growth, modernity, and the aspirations of post-WWII America.
Key Characteristics of Ranch-Style Homes:
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Single Story: The hallmark of ranch-style homes is their one-story design, which ensures accessibility and easy navigation without the need for stairs.
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Low-Pitched, Gable Roof: Ranch homes typically feature low-pitched roofs with gables, emphasizing the horizontal orientation of the design.
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Deep-Set Eaves with Overhang: These homes often have deep-set eaves with wide overhangs, providing shade and adding to the visual appeal.
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Asymmetric Facade: The facade of ranch homes is usually asymmetric, with an off-center front door, contributing to their unique aesthetic.
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Horizontal Layout: Ranch homes have a sprawling, horizontal layout that emphasizes a close connection with the ground and landscape.
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Contrasting Siding: Materials like brick, stone, or wood siding are commonly used, adding texture and visual interest to the exterior.
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Large Windows: Ranch homes feature large, irregularly shaped windows that promote natural light and indoor-outdoor connectivity.
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Prominent Chimney: Many ranch homes include a brick or stone fireplace with a prominent chimney, serving as a focal point and providing warmth.
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Integrated or Attached Garage: A defining feature of ranch homes is the presence of an integrated or attached garage, reflecting the era's emphasis on automobile culture.
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Open, Airy Design: The interior layout of ranch homes is characterized by open spaces, sliding glass doors leading to patios or porches, and a seamless flow between rooms.
Marketing and Design Variations:
The article highlights various ranch-style house plans, each with its unique features and marketing strategies:
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Ranchero: Emphasizes an upscale camp vibe with integrated garages and expansive porch areas.
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Starlight: Incorporates curved window walls for sweeping views, capturing the essence of big sky country living.
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Tranquility: Offers a wall of windows for indoor-outdoor living and marketed as a serene retreat.
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Gables: Features a hip-style roof and an asymmetrical facade, appealing to those seeking a slightly different yet familiar design.
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Glory: Designed for narrow lots, prioritizing functionality with integrated garages and utility rooms.
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Level III: Showcases split-level living, combining mid-century modern design elements with ranch-style characteristics.
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Modette: A modern ranch with flexible design options, appealing to homeowners looking for customization.
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Grandette: Combines elements of western bungalow and minimal traditional styles, offering a blend of familiarity and novelty.
In summary, ranch-style architecture remains a quintessential American housing type, characterized by its horizontal orientation, open floor plans, and emphasis on indoor-outdoor living. The designs from the 1950s reflect a pivotal era in American history, capturing the aspirations, lifestyles, and architectural trends of post-WWII America.
