A Love Letter to Ranch Style Homes
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Growing up we had a ranch style home. It just happened to be the style of home being built in the area when my grandparents made the move to Arizona in the late 1970s. In fact, they moved to the area when it was still pretty much desert and all of the lots near them had “future home of” signs. As the first owners of the brand new home they were able to add in little special features which I appreciate now that I’m much, much older. The various styles of ranch homes can be seen all over Phoenix and it’s little suburban areas including Arcadia where many of them are being torn down or remodeled (or should I say destroyed) by flippers to mimic whatever they currently see on HGTV. It honestly makes me feel a little sad so I want to send a little love letter to the ranch style home. A style that more people need to appreciate and lean into rather than outright destroy with laminate flooring and the same black and white paint job that makes every single neighborhood lack character.
Look, don’t get me wrong. Even looking at the images below, a modern ranch style home can look incredible. However, I don’t think everyone needs to look the same and completely abandon the aesthetic and character the various ranch style homes have. There is a difference between cheaply trying to flip an investment property and actually having a design sense and appreciating the history of the structure instead of ruining it.
What is a Ranch Style Home?
A ranch style house is a single-story home often characterized by its low, horizontal profile, open floor plan, large windows, and attached garage. These homes typically have sliding glass doors leading to a patio or backyard, emphasizing a connection to the outdoors. Ranch homes are designed for easy living and prioritize convenience, accessibility, and a casual lifestyle.
The History of Ranch Homes
The ranch style home originated in the 1920s, inspired by Spanish colonial architecture and informal living styles of the American West. Clifford May, an architect, is credited with popularizing the style in the 1930s. After World War II, the housing boom of the 1940s and 1950s, ranch homes became the dominant residential style across America. They were affordable, efficient, and adaptable to new suburban development. These factors made them incredibly popular mong growing families. In the 1970s, their popularity began to decline in favor of two-story designs, but they remain a beloved classic in many parts of the country today.
Different Types of Ranch Homes
While the characteristics of ranch homes are fairly common throughout, several variations have emerged over the years.
California Ranch: Also known as the “rambling ranch,” this style features an L or U shaped layout with an emphasis on outdoor living.
Suburban Ranch: A more compact version designed for mass suburban housing developments, often with an attached garage.
Split-Level Ranch: The one dreaded getting in the game of Life, this one includes multiple levels, typically with a short staircase leading to an upper or lower floor.
Raised Ranch: Features a main living area on the upper level, with a garage and additional space on the lower level.
Modern Ranch: A contemporary take on the classic ranch, incorporating sleek lines, open spaces, and minimalist aesthetics.
Why is it called a ranch house?
The name “ranch house” originates from the connection to ranching culture of the American west. Early ranch homes were designed to reflect the simplicity and practicality of ranch buildings, which were typically single-story, spacious, and integrated with the surrounding land. The open floor plans and large windows of ranch homes also mimic the expansive, airy feel of rural ranch properties.
The Bottom Line
Ranch style homes are timeless and I wish more homeowners would embrace the architecture and design as they are. Even with modern updates, ranch homes are functional and have the open-concept living we all desire. Whether you’re like me and love their history, simplicity, and mid-century charm, or you have no clue what I’m seeing in these homes, ranch homes continue to stand the test of time.
