House plans styles

The first western-inspired Ranch homes were built in California in the 1930s. Fueled by the post-war building boom and the expansion of the suburbs, where large lots made their sprawling footprints possible, Ranch or Rambler house plans soon became the dominant American home style from California to New Jersey through the 1950s and 1960s.

Ranch style house plans emphasize openness, with few interior walls and an efficient use of space. The one-story plan usually features a low-pitched side-gable or hipped roof, sometimes with a front-facing cross gable. Colonial, Craftsman, Tudor, or Spanish influences may shade the exterior, though decorative details are minimal. Large picture windows are common, as are sliding glass doors leading to back patios. The rise of the automobile necessitated an attached garage. Perfect for those who prefer single-level living or love mid-century style, the Ranch home has regained its popularity today.