If you think ranch houses are a thing of the past and that one story living is as passe as station wagons and parachute pants, we’ve got news for you: ranch homes are making a big comeback. In fact, they’re in high demand – and for good reason. Make that many good reasons.
Ranch homes first became popular after World War II. Back then, families were growing and there was an emphasis on family living as the baby boomer generation got underway. Homeowners were interested in open floor plans and open concept, easy living, and the ranch home delivered just that. In the 70s and 80s, however, home design preferences started to change.
During these two eras, Cincinnati homeowners started looking to custom homes for multi-storied living and unique layouts that featured rooms for everything from entertaining to working out. As these homes started gaining in popularity, the ranch house fell out of fashion.
Fast forward to 2023
Today, ranch homes are just as ideal as they were back in the 1950s. They’re also stunning – as contemporary as they are timeless. Consider this: Frank Lloyd Wright designed ranch houses in the early to mid-1900s, and they’re still masterpieces.
Here are six reasons to consider building your own custom ranch residence in Cincinnati.
To blend the indoor and the outdoor
If you’d love to be able to walk right out of your home office and onto a beautiful patio or veranda for a little rest, a custom ranch home may be key. With one story living, you can easily connect your outdoor living space with outdoor areas. In fact, rooms like the home office could also have their own entrance for more autonomous, private living.
To age (gracefully) in place
Ranch homes offer incredibly accessible living. For those of us who are getting older, it’s good to know that our homes can support our changing needs. If you lived in a ranch home, you wouldn’t have to worry about going up or down stairs. And with a custom home, you could easily design hallways and doors wide enough for wheelchairs in case you or your loved ones have limited mobility.
To keep an eye on little ones
Alternatively, if you’re a family with young children, you might want to consider living in a ranch home so that your children have room to play and run through the house with less risk of injury. Bedrooms and play areas would be within easy access. Having your laundry area on the first floor makes life even easier.
Entertain more efficiently
Love having friends and family over? Ranch homes have an excellent flow, making it easy for guests to spread out and mingle. And with the open concept living that ranch houses offer, you can still be a part of the party while spending time in the kitchen, preparing food and drinks.
For design versatility and ease
Another perk of one=level living is that you won’t have to move ladders or furniture from floor to floor, which can make decorating a home a lot less of a hassle. It’s usually easy, also, to add an addition to a ranch home. Want to vault or add a skylight? No problem!
As an investment
There’s a nearly 100% chance that once you get all settled in your custom ranch home you won’t be thinking of moving anytime in the future. But things change, and should you need or want to sell your home, you’ll probably be selling a house that has greatly appreciated in value.
As custom home builders, we are getting more requests for one-story, ranch style homes. Considering their versatility and other benefits, we think it’s more than a trend. Ranch homes are here to stay.
Ready to build your Cincinnati ranch house? Give us a call.
