Everything You Need to Know About Ranch-Style Houses

Sophia Davis

By Sophia Davis

02 Jan. 2025

8 min read

Ranch style house
Photo: @hudginsdesign

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    The ranch-style house is one of the most popular home styles in America owing to its simple single-story design, low-pitched roof, and open floor plan. The popularity dates back to the post-World War II period when the need for simple and affordable homes increased due to expansion in the family members.These home styles have the heavy influence of Spanish Colonial Architecture with the functionality of the modern era filled with optimistic vibes. To know more about the ranch-style house, read the article as we discuss the topic in detail.

    Know More About the Features of Ranch-Style Houses

    Ranch-Style House
    Photo: @coolhouseplans

    These homes have distinct architectural features of single-story, large windows, a devoted patio, low-pitch rooflines, rectangular "U" or "L" shaped buildings, sliding glass doors, opening in the backyard, attached garages, wide roof eaves, finished basements, and open layout.

    All these characteristics give ranch-style homes a distinct look. Let’s glance through the unique features in detail:

    Single Storey

    One of the uniqueness of this home style is its single level, making it ideal for families with kids and old people who have mobility issues.

    Low-Pitched Roof Style

    Another distinct feature is its low-pitched roof that extends to the exterior walls, protecting the house from extreme heat, cold, and snow.

    Simple Design

    The elegance of a house lies in its simplicity in look and construction technique.

    Large Windows

    Big-size windows ensure sufficient sunlight and air inside the home. It also gives an illusion of a big space.

    A Devoted Patio

    What could be a better place than a patio to relax? A patio enables you to unwind and enjoy with family and friends after a long day and gather memories.

    Sliding Glass Doors

    Sliding doors give an ease to open and close the door and glass adds a sense of openness in the indoor area.

    Attached Garage

    Attached garages give easy access to vehicles and stored items.

    A Finished Basement

    It creates additional space to convert into a gym, home theater, study room for kids, or a small bedroom.

    Reason for the Popularity of Ranch-Style Home

    Before moving ahead to understand the reason, let’s first know the reason for naming these homes "Ranch". The word ranch originated from the Spanish word "rancho," which means a tract of land meant for raising livestock. The word was inspired by the working ranch homes seen on the large tracts of land in the western United States. These homes were built for the comfortable stay of ranch workers and their families.

    The reasons for the popularity of these homes are mentioned in the following lines:

    • Accessibility
    • Versatility
    • Timeless curb appeal
    • Suitable for people with mobility problems
    • Unmatchable aesthetics
    • Easy exterior maintenance due to single-story and low pitched roof
    • It has high value in the market because of the high demand
    • An inviting floor plan

    Type of Ranch Homes

    There are several types of ranch houses discussed below:

    California Ranch

    California Ranch
    Photo: @agentsofarchitecture

    This is the authentic Ranch with an influence of Spanish architecture identified by rectangular, “L” or “U” shape structures that blend seamlessly with nature. The important features are the patio and front lawn. An interesting fact is some of the features of California Ranch are similar to suburban Ranch.

    Suburban Ranch

    Suburban Ranch
    Photo: @tsb_architecture

    It is one of the simplest designs that resemble a California Ranch in its shape and open-concept interior, but it has a more compact structure and an attached garage and backyard.

    Raised Ranch

    Raised Ranch
    Photo: @burakhomes

    As the name suggests, the raised Ranch has two floors with a different layout. The main entrance door opens near the staircase that leads to the kitchen and bedrooms on the upstairs and downstairs to the garage and basement.

    Split-Level Ranch

    Split-Level Ranch
    Photo: @theatomicranch

    A split-level ranch resembles a raised ranch, but this has three levels, unlike a raised ranch, which has two levels, and the layout also differs. The front door in the split-level ranch home opens to the living and kitchen room, with a further set of short stairs leading to other bedrooms and living rooms.

    Storybook Ranch

    Storybook Ranch
    Photo: @housesofhollywood

    As the name suggests, it looks like a fairytale ranch with unique ornamental detailing with diamond-shaped windows, a chimney made of brick or stone, and a gabled roof or decorative shingles.

    What is the Average Size of a Ranch Home?

    The average size of a Ranch style home ranges from 1200-1500 square feet depending on certain factors such as the location of your stay, construction style, builder preference and the age of the building.

    What is a Modern Ranch Home?

    Modern Ranch Home
    Photo: @hudginsdesign

    Modern ranch house is the updated version of the classic ranch homes which highlight the modern elements while maintaining the basic ranch style. It is identified by clean lines, display of simplicity, use of natural materials like stone, wood, or metal, and extension of the home’s interior to the outdoor space with sliding doors.

    Pros and Cons of Ranch-Style House

    Pros

    • The single story gives an ease to maintain.
    • It is a blessing for those with mobility issues.
    • It is safer in case of unexpected situations like fire because a single story makes evacuation easy.

    Cons

    • The privacy is compromised because all the bedrooms and living rooms are on the same floor.
    • There’s limited yard space because these homes are more spread out.
    • The expense to increase the square footage is high because the only option is to build another story.

    FAQs

    What is a Ranch-Style House?

    The ranch-style house is known for its simple design, single floor, low-pitched roof, a patio, large windows, and sliding doors. These homes have greater influence from American and Spanish architecture balancing between form and function.

    How Much to Build a Ranch Style House?

    Though the cost varies depending on the region, ranch style, and size of the home, the national average cost varies between $ 182000 - $ 675000.

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