What exactly is a Ranch Style House?

The ranch style house, a famously American architectural style, has been popular in the country for over a century. It is both functional and fashionable, and it is well-liked by many people. What makes this style unique, and where did it originate? Let’s look at the style’s history and what makes it unique.

Interiors of a Ranch Style Home

Ranch style houses have a casual and simple architecture, and the interiors are frequently similar. They represent a relaxed style of life in America, are functional, and make good use of the limited space they have. They are comfortable homes designed to raise a family, with simple wood furniture, abundance of woven textiles, and farmhouse-style decor.

Ranch-Style House Characteristics

A ranch style house is distinguished by a few key features. The houses are one story and span a long distance horizontally. They often have low-pitched roofs with overhanging eaves. Many will be L- or U-shaped and will surround a patio or deck in the backyard. Sliding glass doors and wide windows are prominent features that allow for abundance of natural light. Finally, ranch-style homes usually feature an attached garage.

 

The interior of the house will likely have a casual, open plan style. Because the property is one storey, basements are frequently finished to provide additional living space. Despite the fact that it is only one level, the ceilings are frequently vaulted and may have exposed beams. Because the structure was simple, homeowners had a lot of leeway to decorate and arrange the interior as they saw fit.

These houses exemplify the laid-back lifestyle that the individuals who lived in them possessed. They are casual, yet cozy, and are classically American.

 

The Ranch Style House’s History

Ranch-style dwellings first appeared throughout the American West. Many ranchers settled in this area beginning in the 1920s and continuing through the postwar era. On acres and acres of land, they would own, farm, and raise livestock. The homes were barely one story and spread out across the enormous region. As a result, they were frequently referred to as “rambler” houses, a reference to the large open expanses they filled. The architecture of these residences was heavily influenced by Spanish Colonial architecture, which was extremely popular in adjacent places at the time.

 

As soldiers returned home to America in the mid-twentieth century, the popularity of these residences increased. They relocated their family to suburban housing projects, many of which were ranch-style homes. This was due to the fact that these dwelling layouts were both economical and rapid to construct. By 1950, ranch style homes accounted for nine out of every ten residences built in the United States. Both the interiors and exteriors of this style are influenced by mid-century modern design.