The Return of Ranch-Style House Plans

There are some architectural styles that stand the test of time. Ranch house plans is one of those styles. Made popular in the 1950’s, the flexibility of this iconic design style allows it to span from traditional to modern in appearance with floor plans ranging from open and contemporary to formal with clearly defined spaces.

While a ranch-style house plan can be versatile there are classic characteristics that provide some definition. Ranch floor plans tend to be single story designs with plenty of patio space and lower pitched gable roofs. Exterior materials used range from lap siding, batt and board, shingles, and stucco. Unlike some other architectural styles, such as Craftsman home designs, the ranch-style is simple and clean.

What is an iconic American house plan style, the ranch home design offers a graceful blend between indoor and outdoor spaces. The House Plan Company has prepared a showcase of 5 trending home designs that highlight the ranch-style inside and out.

Underwood – Design 33535

Wrapped in stucco and stone the Underwood design is a classic 2500 square foot ranch house plan. The exterior is eye-catching yet clean. Created by The House Plan Company design partner Design Basics, this design carries the ranch-style inside. The one story floor plan offers an open layout in the core of the home.  A rich display of windows allows the outdoors in along with the covered veranda featuring an outdoor kitchen and fireplace. Bedrooms are well separated with the master bedroom on the opposite side of the floor plan from the 2 secondary bedrooms. Flexibility to grow with a family is key to ranch design and the flex room at the front of the house lives up to its name; providing the opportunity to turn the Underwood home design into a 4 bedroom floor plan if desired. If bedrooms are not needed then the flex room and additional bedrooms can be furnished as a home office, hobby room, guest room, or whatever else suites. With an attached 3 car garage the Underwood design is a great house plan for most stages of life.

Murdoch – Design 77002

At 2497 square feet, the Murdoch is truly a modern interpretation of the classic ranch style. A blend of materials on the exterior give the home design eye-catching curb appeal. Its single level floor plan and low pitched roof are true to the style. Designed by Rentfrow Designs, LLC., this stunning modern ranch house plan offers an equally modern floor plan. The attached 3 car garage is L-shaped making the home ideal for a corner lot. Inside a great room is at the heart of the home with a corner fireplace and sliding glass doors that frame the family room and dining room, natural elements and the outdoors can be enjoyed through all three spaces. The master bedroom is nicely separated from the other bedrooms and fills the back of the home. Depending on the needs of the homeowners’ the Murdoch house plan can be furnished as a 3 or 4 bedroom house plan – if the home office is used as an additional bedroom. This one story house plan with basement foundation is a great family home plan.

Heartfall – Design 95320

Graced with Northwest accents the Heartfall is a comfortable 2518 square foot ranch-style house plan. Created by Associated Designs, this 3 bedroom floor plan offers causal open concept living. For those who love the outdoors, the great room is surrounded by a wrap-around covered patio. Large sliding glass doors open the great room to the outside. A classic ranch floor plan concept is grouped bedrooms and while the owners’ suite has a separate hallway all three bedrooms fill the back of the home. Taking advantage of the space within the roof, the Heartfall offers an unfinished bonus room over the garage with the option to complete a full bathroom and wet bar.

Design 87072

With touches of Southwest charm, Design 87072 is adorned with smooth stucco and stone accents. This 2507 square foot design was created by Ahmann Designs, Inc., and showcases many classic ranch features. The single level floor plan with attached 3 car garage is filled with modern touches homeowners’ are looking for. Off the garage a mud hall offers a coat closet and bench. At the center of the home is the great room, where living room, dining room and kitchen are seamlessly open to one another. A rich display of windows along the back wall brings the outdoors in and living is extended outside under the covered porch. The homes 3 bedrooms are nicely separated. The master bedroom fills the back right corner of the floor plan while two additional bedrooms are towards the front. Wonderfully blending classic ranch-style features with contemporary design it is easy to see that plan 87072 is a favorite of homeowners’ and builders alike.

Design 67724

Traditional brick is blended with stone to create a handsome exterior to Design 67724. At 2455 square feet the floor plan is comfortable and family focused. For those who enjoy causal living but prefer more separation of space than is found in most great rooms, the family room arrangement at the core of this floor plan is for you. A wide opening between the family room and breakfast nook provides connection and easy movement between the rooms without leaving the space completely open. The formal dining room is across the hall from the kitchen. Created by The House Plan Company design partner, Design Evolutions flexibility can be found throughout the home. Starting with the study, depending on the family this could be furnished as a 4 bedroom or home office. As family needs change and evolve, the walk-out basement provides opportunities to expand the floor plan over time.

The ranch-style house plan is an iconic American architectural style but as seen in these 5 designs offers flexibility and the ability to please a wide range of preferences. From more formal floor plans to casual and informal gathering spaces to modern exteriors or design rooted in tradition. To see the full range of ranch home design check out The House Plan Company’s collection of ranch house plans for more inspiration and information about this prominent architectural style.