So, What Exactly Is a Ranch House? Traditional ranch-style homes are single-story residences with an open floor plan with a dedicated patio space. Long, low-pitch rooflines and wide windows at the front of the house are common features of ranch home designs. A ranch-style house can have a variety of shapes. Typically, they are not as tall or narrow as other house styles.
Ranch houses were originally designed for use by ranchers - people who owned land for livestock grazing. They provide easy to maintain housing for farmers and ranchers who don't want to spend too much time working on their house. The typical ranch house has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. There is no exact way to describe what kind of decor would fit in well on a ranch, but generally things like neutral colors, simple furnishings, and exposed wood beams/wall paneling would all be appropriate.
People often think of cowboy boots and starched shirts when they imagine what it means to be a rancher, but that's only part of the picture. Ranchers also need comfortable, affordable homes where they can live with their families; somewhere quiet so they can work on their projects without being interrupted; and ideally, something with a little character that expresses who they are as a family.
For these reasons, ranch houses are usually smaller than other house styles and offer more privacy.
Sliding glass doors that open into the patio or backyard are other prominent characteristics of ranch-style homes, as are wide roof eaves and an attached garage. The exterior walls are usually constructed of brick or wood, although aluminum and vinyl siding are also used instead.
Ranch-style homes were originally designed to be comfortable for families with children by having one room on each side of the house. This leaves one corner of the home empty except for a bathroom and a small kitchen which serves as another dining area. Traditional ranch houses often have two bedrooms and two bathrooms, but some modern variations include adding rooms or splitting up existing rooms in order to make more space for living. A garage was originally not included in the design of these homes, but they are now common additions built at the end of the driveway or near the street. They provide additional parking and can be used as workshops or play areas for kids. Sometimes these new garages are actually extensions of the house rather than separate structures connected by a driveway.
The main difference between a traditional ranch house and other house styles is that traditional ranches have an open floor plan with no interior walls separating the living room from the kitchen or den. This allows for easy access between all parts of the house without blocking any doors or windows.
Ranch-style homes are generally one level, removing the need to trek up and down steps. Ranch house designs frequently have big patios, porches, vaulted ceilings, and larger windows. Ranch floor designs are often informal and relaxing, with an open kitchen arrangement. The dining area is usually adjacent to the family room or another large space that can be used for multiple purposes.
There are several types of ranch floor plans including the California ranch, Colorado mountain ranch, Dallas ranch, French provincial ranch, Indiana farmhouse ranch, Iowa farmhouse ranch, Kentucky country ranch, Maine coastal ranch, Maryland country ranch, Michigan cottage ranch, New York city ranch, Ohio farmstead ranch, Pennsylvania farmhouse ranch, South Carolina sea island ranch, and Wisconsin farmhouse ranch.
Each type of ranch has its own unique characteristics which determine how it is designed and built. There are many ways to arrange rooms on a ranch floor plan and the choices involved in determining what you want from your home will help guide you through the building process. For example, if you want a home that feels spacious but doesn't use up a lot of room, you could choose a low-maintenance ranch design with smaller rooms and a limited amount of storage.
If you want a home that feels cozy but uses up a lot of space, then you should consider a ranch design with large rooms and lots of storage options.
Browse The Plan Collection's inventory of over 3,000 diverse ranch home designs to find a cheap, simple ranch house plan or a more lavish design. Ranch house designs are typically one-story dwellings with a simple form. They're usually built out of wood and have clapboard or vinyl siding. The main entrance is usually located on the front face of the house, but some include a secondary entryway within the kitchen or bathroom. A garage can be found either as part of the residence itself or attached to it. Both single-car garages and two-car garages are available in ranch house plans.
Ranch homes were popular between 1900 and 1970 but have made a comeback in recent years. Originally developed in the western United States, these simple structures are easy to build and inexpensive to purchase. If you live in a region where it gets cold for an extended period of time, consider including insulation in your ranch house plans. It's best to contact your local building department to see what type of permits you will need to add insulation to your home.
There are several types of ranch house designs in the plan collection. You'll find basic ranch houses at one end of the scale and luxury homes with five bedrooms and six bathrooms at the other. Within each category, you'll find different options for floor plans and exterior finishes.