Suburban Neighborhoods: Grove Park

Characteristics of the Ranch House

Known as American Ranch, Western Ranch, or California Rambler, Ranch Style houses can be found in nearly every part of the United States.

Ranch Style houses have many of these features:

- Single story

- Low pitched gable roof

- Deep-set eaves

- Horizontal, rambling layout: Long, narrow, and low to the ground

- Rectangular, L-shaped, or U-shaped design

- Large windows: double-hung, sliding, and picture

- Sliding glass doors leading out to patio

- Attached garage

- Simple floor plans

- Emphasis on openness (few interior walls) and efficient use of space

- Built from natural materials: Oak floors, wood or brick exterior

- Lack decorative detailing, aside from decorative shutters


Variations on the Ranch Style:

Although Ranch Style homes are traditionally one-story, Raised Ranch and Split-Level Ranch homes have several levels of living space. Contemporary Ranch Style homes are often accented with details borrowed from Mediterranean or Colonial styles.