In this month’s look at Real Estates we profile the Ranch–a style pioneered by Frank Lloyd Wright and the informal bungalows of the early 20th century. Though homes in what has come to be known as a “Ranch” style have existed since sod was first cut and stacked to build walls, it is widely accepted that the style itself wasn’t formalized until architect Cliff May started building them in San Diego, California in the 1930s. His vision was to bring the outdoor landscape inside the home.
The rambling, no-nonsense Ranch style became dominant in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s, and was popularized in suburban areas. “The rancher evolved in a way that shows respect for the American landscape with its long and low spreading lines. It moves with the landscape; it blends rather than punctuates the land,” says Madlen Simon, AIA, associate professor and interim program director for the school of architecture planning and preservation at the University of Maryland.
“The Ranch style house is popular for three reasons,” says Simon.“It is a great house for people of all ages because it is a life cycle home. At one level, young families can be very comfortable raising their children because it has an open floor plan and promotes great social connections. On the other side of the age spectrum, older people can live independently for extended years because there are no stairs.”
Location Comparison of the Ranch
Listing Agent: Shirley Suder/Chesapeake Bay Real Estate Plus, LLC. (410-745-6702)
Easton, MD
This Easton rancher has four bedrooms and four full baths with a total square footage of 4,600 and is situated on 1.36 acres. It was the highest selling property of these three ranchers at $1,680,000 in November 2007 because of its size and proximity to the water as well as its easy access to the Baltimore, Annapolis, and Chesapeake Bay areas.
Listing Agent: Sandy Sirody/Long and Foster (410-363-8879)
Reisterstown, MD
This Reisterstown rancher has four bedrooms, three full baths, and one half bath, a total square footage of 3,666, situated on 1.99 acres and sold for $885,000 in June 2007. Though this property has more land, it sold for less than the Easton property because it has smaller square footage and no water proximity.
Listing Agent: Maynard, Woodworth/Woodworth Realty, Inc. (410-820-1114)
Chester, MD
This Chester rancher has four bedrooms and three full baths, a total square footage of 3,500, situated on .60 acres and sold for $750,000 in January 2008. This property also has a view of the water, but is a smaller house on less land.
Though the origin of the ranch house dates back to the 1930s, it has a timeless quality that makes it a popular choice for the 21st century. “The ranch style house has an overhanging roof that is an early green feature. The roof shades the windows and patios so it acts like a parasol that keeps the house cool, ultimately reducing your energy bill,” explains Simon.
With the help of Realtors throughout Maryland we have selected three Ranch homes to profile. Each home has four bedrooms; at least three baths, is situated on more than .5 acres of land, was sold within the last 12 months, and is valued at $750,000 or more. This comparison shows how the prices of homes with relatively similar characteristics vary depending on location.
Ranch Style Houses Have Many of These Features:
• Single story
• Low-pitched gable roof
• Deep-set eaves
• Horizontal, rambling layout: Long, narrow, and low to the ground
• Rectangular, L-shaped, or U-shaped design
• Large windows: double-hung, sliding, and picture
• Sliding glass doors leading out to patio
• Attached garage
• Simple floor plans
• Emphasis on openness (few interior walls) and efficient use of space
• Built from natural materials: Oak floors; wood or brick exterior
• Lack decorative detailing, aside from decorative shutters
Variations on the Ranch Style:
Although Ranch Style homes are traditionally one-story, Raised Ranch and Split-Level Ranch homes have several levels of living space. Contemporary Ranch Style homes are often accented with details borrowed from Mediterranean or Colonial styles.
Jennifer K. Dansicker works on Editorial Special Projects for ChesapeakeHome.
Contact:
The listings were complied with the help of Lynn Summerlin Hoeckel, Residential Agent for Yerman Witman Gaines and Garceau Realty (410-583-0400 or lsummerlin@ywggrealty.com)
