What Makes a Ranch-Style House in Highland Township, MI? Exterior Elements & More

There are so many different style homes, it can be hard to decide which style is right for you and your family. As there are so many different styles of homes to choose from, The Tina Peterson Team would like to shine the spotlight on “Ranch Style Homes”. Ranch style homes are great for both small and large families that draw in many people. If you are not sure what a ranch style home is, we will break down the elements of these beautiful homes.

What Makes a House a Ranch-Style?

A ranch style home first originated in the Southwest. Due to their popularity, they can now be found all across America. A ranch style home has slightly varied over time but some of their core architectural elements have remained. There are different types of style of ranch homes. You can find more traditional ranch homes that are single story. These have open layout concepts with a devoted patio space. When looking into the history of ranch style homes, they first appeared in the early 1920’s. During this time period, ranches were very popular for the post-war middle class. The ranch style home was strongly inspired by Spanish architecture. As ranch style home designs began to change in an effort to combine modern architecture, we got the more common California ranch style home that most people think of today. Ranch style homes during the 1940’s through the 1970’s were the dominant home style and were in high demand. This was due to the floor plans flexibility and livability. However, current ranch style homes are no longer the dominant home style and ranch homes are now considered to be more unique.

Exterior Elements of a Ranch Home

As the design of the ranch house has changed over time, the core elements have remained. When looking at a ranch style home, certain elements or features should stand out. Some of the key architectural elements of a ranch style home are:

  • A Long and Low Roofline
  • They Are Single Story
  • Are Asymmetrical Rectangular, U-Shape pr L-Shape Design
  • Usually Have a Simple Open Floor Plan
  • Living Spaces are Separate from the Bedroom Sections
  • Large Windows
  • A Simple Exterior
  • Sliding Glass Door to the Patio

What are the Different Styles of Ranches?

Over the years, ranch style homes have changed and evolved. There are a few different types of ranch style homes. Each type of ranch home has something slightly different to offer. Some examples of the different style ranch homes are:

  • California Ranch – A California ranch house is characterized by having an “L” or “U” shape. The home is built low to the ground and has a front yard and patio.
  • Suburban Ranch – A suburban ranch home is fairly similar to a California ranch house. They are more compact and have an asymmetrical structure. Suburban ranch homes often have an attached garage and backyard.
  • Split Level Ranch – A split level ranch home has an asymmetrical structure, backyard, and garage with the added feature of having up to three stories.

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These are some of the ranch style homes but there are others such as a raised ranch house and story-book ranch house. To begin looking at ranch style houses or any other home style, call The Tina Peterson Team today.