Last Updated on July 7, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford
Do you love the idea of living in a ranch house, but don’t know which style is right for you? No problem! In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of ranch houses and help you decide which one is perfect for your lifestyle.
We will cover everything from traditional ranch houses to modern styles. So whether you’re looking for a spacious home with plenty of outdoor space or a sleek and stylish property, we have the perfect ranch house for you!
What is a ranch-style house?
A ranch-style house is a type of home that is typically one story and has a simple, rectangular layout. This style of home became popular in the United States during the 1950s, and they are still common in many suburban neighborhoods today.
Ranch-style houses usually have attached garages and large yards, making them ideal for families with children.
History of ranch houses
The ranch house is a popular style of home that originated in the American West. Ranch houses are usually one story, with a simple floor plan and a low-pitched roof. This style of home became popular in the 1950s, when developers began mass-producing them for suburban homeowners.
Ranch houses were originally designed for the hot, dry climate of the American Southwest. But they soon became popular in other regions of the country, thanks to their simple design and easy construction. Today, ranch houses can be found all across America.
Though ranch houses were once seen as a symbol of suburban sprawl, today they are enjoying a resurgence in popularity.
Ranch style house characteristics
The ranch style house is a popular choice for many homeowners because of its simple, yet stylish design. These homes are usually one story with a low-pitched roof and an open floor plan. Ranch style houses are often easy to maintain and are relatively affordable to build.
One of the most distinguishing features of the ranch style house is its wide, open floor plan. This type of layout is perfect for families who want to spend time together in the same space. The ranch style house is also known for its large windows and sliding glass doors. These features allow natural light to flood into the home, making it feel bright and airy.
Ranch style homes are typically built with a variety of materials, including brick, stone, and wood. This gives homeowners the opportunity to choose a material that best suits their taste and budget. Ranch style houses are also available in a wide range of sizes, so they can be easily customized to fit any family’s needs.
What are the advantages of the ranch-style home?
There are many advantages to owning a ranch-style home. Ranch-style homes are typically much cheaper to build than other types of homes, and they require less maintenance. They are also generally more energy-efficient than other types of homes, which can save you money on your utility bills.
Additionally, ranch-style homes tend to have larger yards than other types of homes, which can give you more space to enjoy the outdoors. Finally, ranch-style homes typically have a more relaxed and comfortable atmosphere than other types of homes.
What are the disadvantages of the ranch-style home?
The ranch-style home is not without its disadvantages. One of the biggest issues is that these homes can be quite energy inefficient. They also tend to lack architectural interest, which can make them feel boring and uninviting.
Additionally, ranch-style homes often have poor traffic flow, which can be frustrating for residents. Finally, because they are typically built on a single level, ranch-style homes can be difficult to navigate for people with mobility issues.
Types of ranch houses
There are a few different types of ranch houses.
1. California ranch
What is a California ranch house?
A California ranch house is a type of home that originated in the American West. Ranch houses are typically one-story homes with a simple, open floor plan. They were originally designed for practicality and functionality, but today they are also appreciated for their relaxed, casual style.
Pros and cons of California ranch house:
There are many reasons to love California ranch houses. They’re often spacious and open, with plenty of room for a family to spread out. Ranch houses also tend to be very affordable, making them a great option for first-time homebuyers.
However, there are also some drawbacks to ranch houses. One downside is that they can sometimes be difficult to heat and cool effectively. Because they’re often so open, all that space can make it tough to keep the temperature comfortable. Additionally, ranch houses tend to lack architectural interest, which can make them feel a bit bland.
2. Craftsman Ranch
What is a craftsman ranch house?
A Craftsman ranch is a single-story home that has the same basic features as a traditional Craftsman bungalow, but is set on a foundation that allows for a basement or crawl space. The style was popularized in the early 20th century and can be found across the United States.
Craftsman ranch homes are known for their simple, yet functional design. They typically have a low-pitched roofline and are built with natural materials like stone and wood. The interiors of these homes are often cozy and inviting, with fireplaces and comfortable furniture.
Pros and cons of craftsman ranch house:
There are many things to consider when thinking about building a Craftsman ranch house. The style is unique and can be a great addition to any neighborhood. However, there are some things you should keep in mind before making your final decision.
One of the biggest pros of a Craftsman ranch house is that they’re very unique. This can be a great selling point if you ever decide to move. They also tend to have more character than other types of houses.
Another big pro is that Craftsman ranch houses are usually very well-built. If you buy a quality home, it should last for generations.
A few potential cons of Craftsman ranch houses are that they can be more expensive than other types of homes. They also require more maintenance and may not be as energy-efficient as some other options.
3. Estate ranch
What is an estate ranch house?
An estate ranch house is a large, usually single-story home on a ranch. It is typically located in a rural area and may be used as a primary residence, second home, or vacation home.
Estate ranch houses are often designed with an open floor plan and feature high ceilings, large windows, and ample outdoor living space. Some estate ranch houses may also include a guest house, pool house, or other outbuildings.
Pros and cons of estate ranch house:
There are many things to consider when choosing a home, and the type of home you select will have a big impact on your quality of life. If you’re considering an estate ranch house, there are some pros and cons to weigh before making your decision.
An estate ranch house is usually quite large, and offers plenty of space for a family to live comfortably. If you have a large family, or frequently entertain guests, an estate ranch house may be the perfect fit for you. However, these homes can also be quite expensive to maintain, and may require more upkeep than a smaller home.
4. Farmhouse ranch
What is a farmhouse ranch house?
A farmhouse ranch house is a type of home that combines the features of a traditional ranch house with the look and feel of a farmhouse.
Farmhouse ranch houses are becoming increasingly popular, especially in rural areas.
They offer the best of both worlds – the comfortable, relaxed feeling of a country home with the modern amenities and conveniences of a city home.
Pros and cons of farmhouse ranch house:
There are many things to consider when choosing a house plan, and the style of home is certainly one of them. If you’re considering a farmhouse ranch house, there are both pros and cons to take into account. Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind:
One of the biggest advantages of a farmhouse ranch house is the amount of space that you’ll have. These homes are typically quite large, and they often come with plenty of acreage.
This means that you’ll have plenty of room for your family to grow, and you won’t have to worry about cramped quarters.
Another big advantage is that these homes are usually very energy efficient. Because they’re so well insulated, they tend to stay quite cool in the summer and warm in the winter. This can save you a lot of money on your energy bills.
However, there are also some disadvantages to consider. One of them is that these homes can be difficult to heat and cool evenly. Because they’re so large, it can be tough to get the temperature just right throughout the entire house. Additionally, they can be quite expensive to build. If you’re not careful, you could end up spending a lot more than you originally planned.
5. Modern ranch
What is a modern ranch house?
A ranch house is a one-story, single-family home that is characterized by its simple and efficient design. Ranch houses are often found in suburban areas and were first popularized in the United States in the 1940s and 1950s.
While traditional ranch houses are usually rectangular in shape, modern ranch houses can come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. They can be one story or two stories, and they can have any type of exterior finish.
Modern ranch houses are known for their open floor plans. The living room, kitchen, and dining room are all typically located in the same area, which makes the house feel more spacious. Many modern ranch houses also have large windows that let in a lot of natural light.
Another defining feature of modern ranch houses is that they often have sliding glass doors that lead to the backyard. This allows for easy indoor-outdoor living and makes the house feel more connected to its surroundings.
Pros and cons of modern ranch house:
There are plenty of things to consider before you decide on a modern ranch house. Here are some pros and cons to help you make your decision:
Pros:
-They can be very energy efficient due to their simple design.
-They often have an open floor plan which is great for entertaining.
-They can be easy to maintain and are usually built with durability in mind.
Cons:
-They can sometimes feel too open and lack privacy.
-They may not have enough storage space for a growing family.
-They can be difficult to add on to if you need more space later on.
6. Raised ranch
What is a raised ranch house?
A raised ranch is a one-story or split-level home with the living area and bedrooms on a single level, typically above a garage. The term “raised ranch” is most often used in reference to homes built in the 1970s, when this style was extremely popular.
While raised ranch homes vary in terms of size and layout, they all share a few common features. First, raised ranch homes typically have a large, single-level living area. This living area may be open to the kitchen and dining room, or it may be a separate space altogether. Regardless, the living area is usually quite spacious.
In addition, raised ranch homes typically have a lower level that contains a family room, laundry room, and additional bedrooms. This lower level is usually ground-level, making it easy to access from the outside. Finally, raised ranch homes typically have a garage on the lower level as well.
Pros and cons of raised ranch house:
-Pro: Increased living and storage space. The raised ranch house style typically features a basement, which can be used as extra living space or for storage.
-Con: More difficult to heat and cool. Because the raised ranch house style has a higher ceilings, it can be more difficult to heat and cool effectively.
-Pro: Unique style. The raised ranch house style is unique and can add character to a neighborhood.
-Con: Not everyone likes the style. Some people may not like the raised ranch house style, which can be seen as boxy or dated.
7. Split-level ranch
What is a split-level ranch house?
A split-level ranch is a style of house in which the main floor is raised above grade on one side, while the other side is on grade. This type of home was very popular in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s.
Pros and cons of split-level ranch house:
There are both pros and cons to living in a split-level ranch house. On the positive side, these homes tend to be very spacious and open, with plenty of room for a family to grow. They also often have large yards, which can be great for kids or pets.
Additionally, split-level ranch houses typically have multiple levels of living space, which can give you some extra privacy if you need it.
On the downside, split-level ranch houses can be difficult to heat and cool efficiently, since they often have large open spaces.
They also tend to have a lot of stairs, which can be challenging for elderly or disabled family members. Additionally, because these homes are often so spacious, they can be difficult to keep clean.
8. Storybook ranch
What is a storybook ranch house?
It is a ranch-style house that is designed to look like it came straight out of a fairytale. These homes are becoming increasingly popular, as more and more people want to live in a home that looks like it belongs in a storybook.
There are many different ways to design a storybook ranch house. Some people choose to go with a more traditional design, while others go for a more modern look. No matter what your style is, there is sure to be a storybook ranch house that is perfect for you.
Pros and cons of storybook ranch house:
There are several pros and cons to consider when thinking about a storybook ranch house. On the plus side, these homes often have a lot of charm and character. They may also be more affordable than other types of homes.
On the downside, they can be difficult to maintain and may not offer as much space as some people need. Before making a decision, it’s important to weigh all of the pros and cons carefully.
One thing to keep in mind is that storybook ranch houses often have a lot of charm and character. This can be a major selling point for some people.
9. Suburban ranch
What is a suburban ranch house?
A suburban ranch is a house in the suburbs that has a ranch style design. This type of house is usually one story, but can be two stories. They are built on a smaller lot than most houses and have a simple floor plan. Most suburban ranches have an attached garage.
Pros and cons of suburban ranch house:
There are both pros and cons to suburban ranch houses. On the plus side, they tend to be more affordable than other types of homes in suburban areas. They also require less maintenance and yard work than larger homes.
However, ranch houses can often feel cramped and lack privacy. In addition, they may be located far from city amenities like shopping and dining.
10. Traditional ranch
What is a traditional ranch house?
A traditional ranch house is a one-story home that is typically rectangular in shape. It usually has a simple floor plan with a few bedrooms and bathrooms, and a large kitchen and living room. The exterior of the traditional ranch house is often quite plain, with little or no ornamental detailing.
The traditional ranch house originated in the American West, where they were built by ranchers and farmers to provide basic, comfortable housing for their families. Today, ranch houses are found all across the United States, and they come in a variety of styles.
While some traditional ranch houses are quite plain, others have been updated with stylish details that give them a more modern look.
Pros and cons of traditional ranch house:
There are many benefits to choosing a traditional ranch house. They are typically very affordable, and they offer a lot of space for a family to grow. Ranch houses also tend to be very energy efficient, which can save you money on your utility bills.
However, there are some drawbacks to ranch houses as well. They can sometimes be difficult to heat and cool, and they may not have as much character as some of the other home styles. If you are looking for a traditional home with a lot of space, a ranch house may be the right choice for you.
FAQs
Where are ranch-style homes most popular?
There are a few states in the US that are known for their ranch-style homes. Texas, California, and Colorado all have large populations of ranch-style home owners. Florida also has a significant number of ranch-style homes, although the state is not as well known for them. Other states with large numbers of ranch-style homes include Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico.
These homes are popular in part because they are typically more affordable than other types of homes. They are also usually easier to maintain and can be adapted to different climates. Ranch-style homes typically have a single story, making them ideal for people who want to avoid stairs.
Why are they called ranch houses?
The name “ranch house” is thought to have originated in the United States in the 1920s. These houses were usually one-story, had a simple layout, and were built on large pieces of land – perfect for ranching families. Eventually, the style began to spread across the country, becoming one of the most popular home designs in America.
What is the difference between a rambler and a ranch-style house?
There are several key differences between a rambler and a ranch-style house. Ramblers are typically one story, while ranch-style homes may have one or two stories. Ranch-style homes also tend to be wider than ramblers, with a more open floor plan. Another difference is that ramblers typically have a smaller footprint than ranch-style homes.
Ranch-style homes originated in the United States, while ramblers were first popularized in Scandinavia. Ramblers are more common in Europe, while ranch-style homes are more prevalent in the United States.
Why are ranch houses more expensive?
It’s a question that many homebuyers ask, especially when they’re looking at properties in suburban areas. The simple answer is that ranch houses are usually larger and have more square footage than other types of homes. But there are other factors that contribute to the higher price tag, including the popularity of the style and the lot size.
Are ranch houses safe?
It depends. If you’re talking about the structural integrity of the house, then yes, ranch houses are just as safe as any other type of home. But if you’re talking about the safety of the people living in the house, that’s a different story.
Conclusion
Ranch houses come in all shapes and sizes, from the traditional single-story home to the more modern two-story design. No matter what your style preference is, there is sure to be a ranch house that is perfect for you. So, whether you are looking for a new place to call home or just want to browse through some different ranch house designs, be sure to check out the different types of ranch houses that are available. You might just find your perfect home.