Orlando custom home builders

Ranch Houses

In recent years, custom home designers have been expressing a renewed interest in ranch style houses. This unique American design was first developed in California in the 1920’s and remained popular throughout the Southwestern states well into the 1970’s. Houses of this design can be found in many different neighborhoods, from modern suburbs to sprawling farms.

The inspiration for the ranch house’s design came from Spanish and Western fashions, the two largest cultural influences in the American Southwest. Cliff May, one of the first designers to begin fusing Spanish charm with Western practicality, named three philosophical principles that guided his work: livability, flexibility, and an unpretentious character. These three characteristics are exemplified by the ranch house’s open, spacious floor plans, creating rooms that can easily serve multiple purposes and contribute to a warm, inviting feel.

Ranch houses are generally single story, although some are split level. They usually have a U-shaped or L-shaped design, with several different outside entrances. Large windows and back patios with sliding glass doors add to their friendly charm. They are usually sparsely decorated, a nod to the Western values of simplicity and pragmatism. Stucco, brick or wood exteriors, combined with exposed beams for the interior ceilings, are usually selected to give these homes an appealing, rustic humbleness.

Although this style dipped in popularity in the eighties and nineties, many American homeowners are beginning to design or purchase ranch houses today. They are usually attracted to the pleasantly casual feel of these homes, as well as their flexibility and relatively simple upkeep.

For more information about home designs, contact the Orlando custom home builders BRC Homes at 352-383-1948.