Popular Home Styles in San Diego: Ranch

As you browse San Diego real estate listings, one style of home you may see time and again is the low-profile ranch home.

What exactly is a ranch house, and is it the right type of home for you? In this post, we will explore this popular architectural style for San Diego homes in detail.

History of the Ranch House

Ranch houses are also called “American ranch homes,” “California ranch homes,” “ranchers” or “ramblers.” The style dates back to the 1920s, but many people associate it with the mid-century period, when it achieved peak popularity. If you picture the classic, idyllic suburbs of the 1940s-1970s, chances are good one of the home styles you visualize is the ranch house.

While ranch homes did fall out of favor to some degree later in the 20^th century, since the turn of the 21^st century, there has been a resurgence in their popularity, especially among young homebuyers. These homebuyers didn’t have a chance to live in ranch houses when they were children, and enjoy their retro appeal.

Defining Characteristics of Ranch-Style Homes

Here is how you can identify a ranch house:

• Ranch homes are usually one story, though there are exceptions.

• The roofline is low-pitched with a dramatic overhang.

• The floor plan is open and informal.

• The garage is attached to the main structure.

• The cladding on the structure may be wood, brick, stucco or stone, or some combination thereof.

• There is often a patio which can be accessed via a sliding glass door.

• The shape of the home is typically asymmetrical.

• Sometimes there are vaulted ceilings.

A Popular Subset: Mid Century Modern Ranch Homes

During the mid century, modernist design infused quite a few ranch houses. This type of house is also known as an “atomic ranch.” Here are some attributes that tend to distinguish Mid Century Modern ranch houses:

• The low-pitched roofs and silhouettes of the homes tend to be especially sleek. The roofs might even be flat or have a butterfly shape.

• Mixed materials are particularly common, and sometimes significant portions of the façade may be glass.

• Interiors are even more open than they may be in other ranch homes, featuring an abundance of natural light.

• While browns, tans, whites and other neutral colors are common, there may be bold hues integrated here and there. For example, the front door might be bright red or yellow.

• There is an overall focus on simplicity and clean lines in both the interior and exterior of the home.

Why Move Into a Ranch House in San Diego?

Here are some of the top benefits of ranch-style houses in San Diego:

• Open, flexible living space. For many buyers, one of the primary attractions to ranch houses is their open floor plans. The main living spaces of ranch homes offer you excellent versatility, allowing you to structure your life and use of the space as you choose.

• Accessibility and safety. Since ranch homes do not usually have more than one floor, they also lack stairs. This can be ideal for elderly residents, and safer for children too.

• Efficiency. Ranch houses tend to be easy to heat and cool due to their single-story design. That can be a huge help in terms of both comfort and affordability when you live in San Diego’s hot climate.

• Natural light. If you want plenty of daylight flooding your home, the ranch style is an excellent choice—especially the atomic ranch style. Not only will that natural light create an airy feeling in your home, but it can help minimize your utilities costs further.

• Nostalgia. One of the top reasons people buy ranch houses is because they love their idyllic, nostalgic appeal. Ranch houses remind us of simple and prosperous times, and give us a feeling of comfort and safety. If you happen to be a Mid Century Modern enthusiast, an atomic ranch can be an especially exciting option, since you can work to preserve it. Restoring and decorating your home can easily turn into a rewarding new hobby.

Buy a Beautiful Ranch Home in San Diego Now

Now you know all about ranch homes. If you are ready to move into your ranch-style dream house anywhere in San Diego, I can help you do so with a flexible loan. Please call me today at (619) 857-7191 to schedule your consult.