All over America there are what we can call mid-century ranch homes. Some are contemporary and sway toward Mid-Century Modern but some are just a home. They populate the typical neighborhoods of any town. These are specific genre of home with their low slung roofs, one story living, easy floor plans and non-intimidating look which many are embracing. Built after WWII and up through the 1970’s acres of land were subdivided to accommodate groups of single story ranch homes which is seeing a revival and interest like never before.
What was old and forgettable is now cool and retro. Do you live in one of these? If you do consider yourself lucky and at the forefront of a resurgence in the Ranch.
Robert Rummer Home in Portland
Photo via Mid Century Modern Homes Portland
As with many things, what started in California as the California Ranch… took over America as a popular post-war home.
Sunset Magazine's Western Ranch Houses from 1946
Photos by Rochelle Kramer via Doug Kramer’s Rancho Style
Owning or buying a ranch is smart too. Renovate and remodel rather than tear down and toss in a landfill. Many of these homes have good “bones” which lend to fantastic opportunities to update. They are in proven, well manicured, mature neighborhoods which beat a house in a cornfield any day. A ranch home isn’t pretentious, they are approachable and flexible to accommodate today’s modern living.
Before and After 1950's ranch
Photo via Kelly Sutherlin McLeod Architecture, Inc
Just another ranch
after a modern redo
Photos via Plastolux
Some embody a particular architectural feature such as the butterfly roof in which the roof slopes inward forming a central valley often causing the eaves to pitch upward. For more butterflies check out this post from The Cottage Cheese.
Photo via Modern Capital
As America ages we like to go back to single story living. Downsizing doesn’t have to mean down-styling too.
A great resource for these retro renovations and new styled living is Atomic Ranch magazine though I wish they had a nice blog (hint hint). The mag covers the architect versions as well as the everyday homes found anywhere in the country and is stocked full of resources for furniture, fixtures, lighting and more. The renovations are mindful of preserving a style but take on a current flair so one isn’t living in a retro-museum. (No amount of historical value will make me live with peach anything.) :-P
Scholz Homes, Inc built many homes in the 50’s and 60’s in the Midwest and other areas in the country which are still around today.
Photo via MidCentArc on Flickr
I guess my point is there are thousands of these houses out there for sale and worthy of consideration whether one is a design aficionado or not. These ranch style homes have a style, a livability ripe for today’s lifestyle. There is a new way to look at ranch homes, they aren’t just another fuddy-duddy house anymore.
