Building a ranch-style home is an exciting opportunity to create a comfortable and functional living space that perfectly suits your lifestyle. Ranch-style homes, also known as rancher or rambler houses, are popular for their single-story layouts, open floor plans, and connection to the outdoors.
If you like the idea of living in custom-built ranch-style house, but aren't sure what's involved, we're here to help. Let's explore the key factors you should consider to make the most of this iconic American architectural style.
The traditional ranch-style home has its origins in the Western United States during the mid-20th century. Architects wanted to settle families in single-story houses that emphasized casual living and a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
The single-story layout provides easy accessibility and a sense of spaciousness and flow. The main living areas and bedrooms are on one level, and the lack of stairs is ideal for families with young children or those wishing to age in place.
Inside, ranch houses have open floor plans, often with cathedral ceilings in modern examples. The living room, dining area, and kitchen form a continuous space, making the home feel larger than its square footage might suggest. It's the perfect layout for entertaining—guests can mingle while interacting with the host as they prepare meals.
Large windows are another essential component of ranch-style design. Picture windows, sliding glass doors, and clerestory windows flood the interior with natural light and provide expansive views of the outdoor spaces.
While all ranch homes share similar characteristics, there are several distinct variations. Understanding the different types of ranch houses will help you choose the one that works best for you.
The California Ranch is the quintessential ranch house. First built in the 1920s and 1930s, the traditional ranch-style house was pioneered by architects like Cliff May, who was inspired by the Spanish Colonial haciendas throughout the state.
California Ranch homes often feature a rambling, L-shaped or U-shaped layout. Courtyards or patios are nestled between the wings. Exteriors use a mix of materials like stucco, brick, and wood, and decorative details are minimized to emphasize horizontal lines.
After World War II, the ranch-style changed to meet the needs of growing families in suburban developments. The Suburban Ranch is a more compact, simplified version of the California Ranch. Its reduced footprint is well suited to smaller plots.
Suburban ranches have a rectangular or L-shaped footprint, often with an attached garage. Exteriors are understated, with a focus on functionality. Interiors feature the same open layout and large windows as the California ranch, but with a more efficient use of space.
The Split-Level Ranch minimizes the house's footprint by dividing the interior into multiple half-levels. The main living area is usually on the ground floor, and additional living space, like bedrooms or a family room, is on raised or lowered levels.
A short flight of stairs connects the levels, separating functional areas while maintaining the overall horizontal emphasis. Split-level ranch homes often have a low-pitched gable roof and asymmetrical facades.
A raised ranch is another space-saving variation. It features a two-story design with the main living space on the upper level and additional rooms on the lower level. From the street, a raised ranch looks like a one-story home, but the lower level is partially below ground, with a separate entrance.
Both split-level and raised ranch houses reduce the home's cost per square foot. Building up is typically less expensive than building out, so multi-floor ranch houses make more economical use of space than sprawling single-story designs.
In recent years, architects and designers have updated the classic style for contemporary living. Modern ranch-style homes preserve the key elements of the original, but they incorporate more up-to-date designs and materials.
Exteriors often combine traditional materials like brick or wood with metal roofing or industrial-inspired windows. A modern ranch house interior has fluid, light-filled spaces with a minimalist aesthetic. The focus is on 21st-century functionality, with updated amenities like smart home technology and energy-efficient systems.
Schumacher Homes builds custom homes with multiple modern ranch-style house plans. All of our house plans are truly customizable. Our customers work with experienced designers to find the layout, materials, and designs that best meet their needs.
One of the most important factors to consider is the size of the lot. Ranch homes need a larger plot than many other architectural styles. Flat or gently sloping land is preferable. A level lot simplifies construction and helps maintain clean horizontal lines. However, a slight slope can be used to incorporate features like a walk-out finished basement or terraced patios.
An effective design groups similar functions, provides lots of storage, and creates a sense of openness while allowing privacy when desired.
The heart of a ranch home is its open-concept living area. It typically includes the kitchen, dining room, and living room. These spaces should flow seamlessly, with few barriers separating them. Open layouts support casual living and entertaining, allowing easy movement between the different areas.
An island or peninsula in the kitchen defines the space while maintaining an open feel. Ample counter space and storage are essential, as the kitchen is often a hub for daily activities. A breakfast nook or casual dining area adjacent to the kitchen can provide a convenient spot for informal meals.
The primary bedroom suite should be located for maximum privacy, ideally at the rear of the house or in a separate wing. It should include a generous bedroom, a well-appointed bathroom, and plenty of closet space.
Secondary bedrooms should be grouped, often with a shared bathroom located nearby. If space allows, consider including a flexible room that can serve as a home office, playroom, or guest room, depending on the family's needs.
Throughout the floor plan, it's important to incorporate storage solutions. Built-in cabinetry, walk-in closets, and a well-organized mudroom or laundry area can help keep clutter at bay and maintain the home's open, airy feel.
Finally, don't overlook the importance of outdoor living spaces. Patios, decks, and courtyards should be natural extensions of the inside living areas, with easy access and visual connections. These outdoor spaces can be used for dining, relaxing, or entertaining, significantly expanding the home's usable square footage.
At Schumacher Homes, we've spent over three decades perfecting the custom home-building process, making it as enjoyable, transparent, and stress-free as possible for our clients. From the moment you step into one of our Design Studios or Model Homes, you'll experience the Schumacher difference firsthand.
If you're ready to take the next step in your custom home journey, consider contacting our team at Schumacher Homes.