History of Ranch House Plans

Believed to have originated from the style of southwestern and Spanish colonial homes, ranch house plans date back to the 1920s when one story house plans first gained popularity. The post-war generations in the 1940s and 1970s made ranch house plans a suburban phenomenon, popping up in masse from east to west. During the 1950s, it's actually estimated that nine out of every 10 new houses built was a ranch home. Though the popularity of ranch home plans began to wane in the late 20th century, preservationist movements in recent years have sparked a renewed interest in these practical and efficient one story house plans.

Today's One Story House Plans

The modern ranch house turns up the volume on the original commitment to simplicity and an open floor plan that served as the trademark features of these popular, one story dwellings. Today's ranch is likely to have fewer dividing walls between rooms, and often makes liberal use of exposed post-and-beam ceilings, clerestory room dividers and dramatic floor to ceiling glass - creating an even greater sense of openness and ease. Still persistent in the design of ranch-style, one story homes is the typically, eat-in kitchen, attached garage and low, long roofline.