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| Antiquehome.org |
Raise your hand if you grew
up in a ranch house. Like many of my
generation, I spent my formative years in a one-story, low-slung ranch in suburbia.
For
better or for worse, the ranch has been called ugly, unwanted, an architectural
stepchild and a tear-down target; but lately it has become the darling of
the real estate and preservation world. A new generation of young families have come to appreciate the lowly ranch for its simple, open concept of living.
While the ranch home can seem bland, historians point out the original concept was
downright radical for its time. According to Slate’s architecture critic, Witold
Rybczynisk, the ranch house represented a revolutionary
departure from America’s love affair with nostalgic “domestic status
symbols” like formal entryways, dormers, pitched roofs and porticos.
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| Midcenturia.com |
The ranch house format can be
traced back to 19th century Spanish Colonial adobes; but the concept
really took off in post World War II California. By 1950, the ranch was so popular it accounted for nine out of every 10 new homes being built.
Developers cashed in on the demand by embarking on a suburban building boom of unprecedented size and scope – the suburban subdivision was born!
So what makes a ranch, a ranch? While there are many variations of the classic ranch style, the typical ranch usually features many of the following characteristics:
- Single story
- Low pitched roof
- Deep-set eaves
- Horizontal, rambling layout
- Rectangular, L or U shaped
- Attached garage or car port
- Simple, open floor plans
- Lack of ornate decorative details
- Open concept kitchen/living spaces
- Large "walls of windows"
- Integration with outdoor spaces
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| SportSuburban on Flickr |
A simple idea, affordable unpretentious homes built for young families. So, why did the ranch fall out of favor? Easy, with the proliferation of ranch homes, buyers simply started seeking out other styles.
In addition, the ranch was perceived as being too small, especially compared to the super-sized "McMansions" that became the norm in the mid-1980's. But as with all things, tastes change and "everything old is new again." Such is the case for the ranch house. As a new generation seeks out these mid century gems, and preservation societies around the country begin designating the ranch home as historically significant, the ranch is enjoying a well deserved renaissance - long live the ranch!
15 comments:
You my friend always bring us such awesome reads!
Yes, I grew up in a ranch house, and in a neighborhood surrounded by more ranch houses- all lovely, all practical, as you say, and still loved today. Your post gives insight and detail- just enough take us back in time,and to set in the current trend! Fabulous!
so many great memories of my childhood growing up in a ranch...thanks for the wonderful (and informative)trip down memory lane!
I live in a ranch house now. So glad to hear they are becoming fashionable again. Great post!
I grew up in a ranch, and I am "mighty proud of it." Great post!
in great britain this would be called a bungalow.
i didn't grow up in anything like this:
a 1930's terraced house in London was home
intriguing post - every dog has it's day
and in the end nothing is new and nostalgia rules
cheers x ... ***
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http://www.etsy.com/shop/lindadaceyartist
Bryan, excellent post!
oh my gosh! awesome post, and wonderful photos!
xo
Bryan, this is stellar, I did not grow up in a rancher but would actually love one now! We recently started subscribing to an inspiring Mid Century ranch magazine - Atomic Ranch. Check it out!
http://www.atomic-ranch.com/
Raising my hand here!
One story, large window walls..and integration with outdoor spaces..sounds eco- and gardener-friendly to me!
If I could just find one in turquoise blue :)
We are currently house shopping and have decided a ranch is THE way to go :) Awesome read Bryan!!
Shaun
Once again, a fabulous piece of history and orgins. I'm feeling a Mid Century ranch treasury coming on!
My favorite post yet! Keep up the GREAT posts!
Raising my hand!! This is wonderful, Bryan!! Brings back so many memories.
Thanks so much for the awesome post!! :)
Great retro feel to the ranch style...I can picture the mid century interior colors, home furnishings and fashion that are also making a come back. Great blog post!
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