The ranch was developed for mid-twentieth-century America. This style was one 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.
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.
Why Is This a Ranch Style?
One storyLow-pitched, gable roof roofDeep-set eaves with roof overhangAsymmetric facadeA horizontal, rambling layout that’s visually low to the groundContrasting sidingLarge, irregular windowsBrick or stone working fireplace with a built-in wood boxAttached 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.”
Why Is This a Ranch Style?
One storyLow-pitched, hipped roof with one small front cross gable (compare with the Gable design plan)Deep-set eaves with roof overhang over the front porchAsymmetric facadeLarge window wall facade, similar to the Starlight planProminent chimney and fireplace at the rear of the housePorch and terracesOpen, 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.
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.
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.
Why Is This a Ranch Style?
Low-pitched, hipped roofDeep-set eaves with roof overhangAsymmetric facadeContrasting sidingLarge windows, modernized with glass block cornersProminent chimneyPatios with sliding glass doorsCorner 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?
Why Is This a Ranch Style?
One storyLow-pitched, gable roofDeep-set eaves with roof overhangAsymmetric facadeVisually low to the groundContrasting sidingLarge, irregular windowsProminent chimneyCorner 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.
Characteristics That Describe This Ranch Style
Single storyLow-pitched, gable roofDeep-set eaves with a wide overhangAsymmetric facadeVisually low to the groundPicture windows and a variety of window shapesProminent chimneyOpen, 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!
