Ranch-Style Houses Are More Popular Than Ever—Here's Why

For more than 80 years, ranch-style homes have drawn us in with their flowing interior layouts and single-story floor plans. The style initially rose to popularity on the West Coast decades ago–in the years since, it's remained a go-to choice for families across the country at every price point. And now, they appear to be more popular than ever.

Ranch-style homes can be minimalist or luxurious, cozy or sprawling, rustic or modern—but they all incorporate a few key features. "The diversity among ranch-style homes is what's made them so successful in the American market," says Neda Kakhsaz, who, along with Zabie Mustafa, heads up architecture and interiors firm Studio MUKA. Here, we take a closer look at what makes ranch-style homes tick—from their history to their defining characteristics.

History

The earliest ranch-style homes date back to the 1920s and 1930s, but it wasn't until after World War II that the layout hit the mainstream. "The ranch-style home was born out of the post-war need for housing in America in the middle of the 20th century, predominantly in popular Southwestern hubs like Los Angeles," says Kakhsaz.

As men returned home from the front and families settled down together, ranch-style homes created a more homey atmosphere. "Their long, low, and horizontal rooflines appealed to the typical American nuclear family and offered comfort, timeless style, and a connection to the natural landscape," says Mustafa. "They entered the market around 1946 and quickly gained popularity—in large part due to the sudden abundance of mass production techniques."

Mustafa cites architect Cliff May as another catalyst for the style's development. May, often described as the father or inventor of the ranch house, designed ranch-style developments throughout California, leaving an indelible mark on the typology's popularity.

Over the years since, ranch homes have become even more popular, with homeowners choosing individual finishes that better suit their taste. "The ranch home came with a variety of stylistic opportunities," says Kafhsaz. "From minimal detailing to more ornate materials."

Defining Characteristics

A Single-Story Structure

One of a ranch home's most iconic characteristics is its single-story floor plan, often with an L- or U-shaped footprint, and rooms that flow naturally. "The sprawling horizontal layout emphasizes an open and relaxed flow between interior spaces and the outdoors," says Mustafa.

A Link to Nature

The windows on the front of a ranch-style home vary in size; in the back of the home, they're much more prominent. "The indoor-outdoor connection is a key characteristic of the floor plan," says Kakhsaz. "Large glass doors and windows open onto either a full or half courtyard at the rear of the home."

An Organized Layout

A ranch home has a middle section devoted to common spaces, with more private areas on either side. "'Clusters' of bedrooms flank one side of the home, with an integrated car garage on the other side," says Mustafa. "This leaves the central area open for living spaces in between."

Light and Airy

Since there's no second floor, a ranch home's living spaces benefit from soaring ceilings and conspicuous detailing, making them feel larger than they really are. "The exposed post-and-beam structure in many of the homes helps create visual space," adds Kakhsaz.

Popular Versions

Over the last century, ranch-style homes have evolved to meet different aesthetics and needs—all without losing their relaxed appeal and unique flow. "There have been many iterations of the ranch-style home, from the quintessential Cliff May house to the California contemporary ranch style," says Mustafa. "While many share similarities in their general layout and division of spaces, they can differ a lot in terms of scale and architectural details."

• Traditional: "The traditional ranch-style home is marked by exposed wood posts and beams, and either stucco or wood siding, with low, tiled roofs," says Kakhsaz.
• Joseph Eichler: "The 'Eichler' house, like the one seen above, is another, more contemporary rendition of the ranch home, and is characterized by its exposed post-and-beam system, trademark roof, blank exterior wall panels, and expansive use of glass," says Kakhsaz.
• Palm Springs Butterfly: "Another version that gained popularity thanks to architectural developments in the Palm Springs desert of California, this style is notable for its inverted, butterfly-shaped roof and large, blank stucco walls," says Mustafa.
  

Why We Love Them

Today's ranch homes use contemporary construction methods alongside nods to its history, like terracotta floors or plaster walls. After all, the style's iconic characteristics make it as beloved by families now as it was by their great-grandparents in the 1940s—if not more. "The fact remains—the open floor plan, use of natural materials, and connection to the landscape make the ranch-style home extremely sought after," says Mustafa.