Loving the Ranch-style Home

Posted on Dec 7, 2019 in Blog, Home Buying Tips, Newsletter Article

All housing reflects the culture and the economics of their day, and the ranch-style home of the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s is a symbol of post-World War II prosperity and an icon of the space age.

The mid-century saw the first real sprawl in communities away from town centers, made accessible by the increasingly affordable family car aided by President Eisenhower’s new highways. Land was plentiful, so most of these single-story or split-level homes are situated on comparatively large lots, with kid-friendly front and back yards.

These homes were designed as machines for living, with streamlined designs of the space age. Ranch homes were easy and quick to build, and a snap to remodel, as most load-bearing walls are on the outside perimeter.

Mid-century ranch-style homes are the perfect answer for today’s two-income, time-starved families. The only thing they need is a little 21st century flair. Just replace those linoleum floors and Jetson-era Formica countertops with contemporary stone. Install elegant French doors in place of sliding glass patio doors. Raise the eight feet ceilings to nine or 10 feet through the attic. Hang your flat-screen TV in place of the starburst clock, and buy some stylish retro furnishings and you’re cool, man.

From Chuck Barry’s December 2019 Issue of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Monthly Newsletter.

© 2019 BHH Affiliates, LLC. Real Estate Brokerage Services are offered through the network member franchisees of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Most franchisees are independently owned and operated. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Information not verified or guaranteed. If your property is currently listed with a Broker, this is not intended as a solicitation. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Thinking Of Selling Your Home?

Find out how much your home is worth!
Request your free no-obligation home valuation now!