Ranch Style Homes

Oster Area Ranch Style HomeLove it or hate it, you can’t escape it: the Ranch.

By far the most abundant architectural style among Silicon Valley homes is the ranch. A recent resurgence in interest in this unique and pervasive house design suggest it is regaining popularity, and there are plenty of reasons to love it! Here we’ll take a peek at the history, how to identify, and the function behind the ranch design. Ready to meet America’s dream home?

New modern ranch homes for town or country living by the National Plan Service, Inc (1956) on Archive.org

by the National Plan Service, Inc (1956) on Archive.org – Click to see

Back on the Ranch: A Brief History

In the early 1930s, San Diego designer Cliff May took the architectural world by storm with his spin on the Spanish colonial revival home. Inspired by adobe ranchos and modern design with an emphasis on comfortable California living, May developed this unique style. This soon evolved into the quintessential California ranch style.

It’s no surprise that the ranch has come to be known as a suburban style. Its popularity was widespread during the booming post-war years through the 1970s, peaking in the 1950s with ranch homes accounting for as many as 9 out of 10 new homes! (Witold Rybczynski, p 207)

Having saturated the market for decades, and with buyers wanting bigger homes, the market shifted away from building the sprawling single-story ranch in the later decades of the 20th century. Still the design retained popularity in the resale market. With more ranch homes celebrating their golden jubilee (some of the earliest are approaching 90) and some gaining historic designations there has been a renewed interest in ranch architecture over the last decade or so.

Design Elements

 “Today, almost any house that provides for an informal type of living and is not definitely marked by unmistakable style symbols is called a ranch house.” (Sunset Western Ranch Houses (1946), IX – 1946).

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Classic 1950 Ranch Style House in Pristine, Original Condition in Quiet Creekside Setting near Downtown San Jose!

Recently I had the pleasure of listing a fabulously unique property for sale.  For those who love “mid century” houses, this one is a must see, as it is in pristine, original condition and is also located in a fantastic location next to Coyote Creek at the corner of two no-through-streets.  It’s a quiet, park like pocket of Central San Jose, off the beaten path yet close to everything!

The address is 402 Terrace Drive, San Jose 95112 and I will be holding it open this weekend, Sept 22 & 23, 2012 from 2-4pm.  A two bedroom, one bath house, this rancher enjoys large rooms and an abundance of natural sunlight from the many, many windows.  Hardwood floors were recently exposed and they are beautiful!  Classic tile work in the kitchen and bath, an art form seldom seen in newer homes!

Please stop by!  Details on this fabulous opportunity follow, or get full details at

http://www.popehandy.com/listings/listing_home.cfm?property_ID=8420410

 

402 Terrace Dr
San Jose, 95112Offered at $399,500
2 Bedrooms
1 Full bath / 0 Half bath
1098 approx sq. feet
Fabulous opportunity! Super cute, sunny, clean, all original 1950s ranch style home in scenic, quiet location next to Coyote Creek. Beautiful hardwood floors, recently exposed. Large living room with brick fireplace. Classic mid-century kitchen & bath. Kitchen offers gas cooking & dining area. Bath features tub & sep stall shower. Oversized 2+ car garage, extra storage, tons of available parking.