Ranch-style homes have a reputation for practicality — their single-story layouts make them optimal for young kids and aging in place. But today’s ranch homes are more than the prosaic designs of yesterday. With all the same benefits of single-level living, modern ranches are aesthetically and functionally flexible — especially when built with log or timber frame elements. See how these unique designs prove today’s ranches have come a long way from the low-slung, boxy designs of the past.
The Bowen Ranch By Wisconsin Log Homes
Illustration courtesy of Wisconsin Log Homes
Square Footage: 4,834
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 5 full, 1 half
This meandering design strikes just the right balance, lending itself to an indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Tom Steber, national home and design consultant for Wisconsin Log Homes, explains it was important to not just have 360-degree curb appeal, but also living spaces on the front and rear. “We originally planned it as a Western-style ranch, but what we find when talking to our clients is they are finding it just as fitting for a Western lake as the foothills of the Smoky Mountains,” he says. “So, it’s really a fit for all sorts of properties, especially ones with views from the front and the rear of the house.”
The Urban Oasis By Discovery Dream Homes
Illustration courtesy of Discovery Dream Homes
Square Footage: 1,680
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2 full, 1 half
Like the name implies, this design’s small footprint means it can fit right in on an urban plot, but it also makes a great modern beach cottage or contemporary mountain retreat. The unique split-roof design creates discrete public and private spaces, while strategically placed windows, doors and porches connect you to the setting. “A lot of clients are looking for natural light within their design – by having the rows of clerestory windows in the Urban Oasis it helps capture some extra daylight in the home,” says Nicole Sokol, architectural design technologist at Discovery Dream Homes.
Cowpoke Camp C By Natural Element Homes
Illustration courtesy of Natural Element Homes
Square Footage: 1,482
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2
This single-story, satisfyingly symmetrical plan boasts two primary suites (each with their own private screened porch) that flank a central entertaining space. Off the back, a spacious deck shares a two-sided fireplace with the open great room and dining room. With nearly as much outdoor space as indoor and a utility room right off the entry, this plan would make for the perfect rustic-but-luxe weekend getaway to share with family and friends.
Easy as A, B, C…
Sometimes you have to get back to the basics to come up with something new. Take for example these layouts, which prove that even the most unique approaches to single-level living can be as simple as A, B, C.
H. Shape
PrecisionCraft Log & Timber Homes eschews any old ideas about long, boxy ranch shapes with this design. Centered around an elegant entry courtyard with separate “wings” for privacy and entertaining, the footprint takes an H-like shape, which creates a sense of flow throughout the home. The laundry is cleverly placed in the bedroom wing for easy access, while a half bath and closet off the garage on the opposing wing provide extra utility.
X. Shape
This plan, by Riverbend Timber Framing, efficiently separates sleeping quarters from entertaining and living spaces – of which there are many. The foyer opens into a centralized, grand living room for more formal entertaining; off to the side, a cozy den closes off to the rest of the public spaces and makes for a quiet spot to work or relax. And just a few steps away, the open kitchen and dining room lead to a magnificent great room, which offers the chance to showcase both stunning timber work and property views.
The Finishing Touches
Complete your home’s unique design with finishing materials that cement its singularity. Once you have your design dialed in, try these expert ideas for a ranch that truly stands apart from the rest:
Make an Impression
“In the Urban Oasis, the entry porch has a twisted timber post feature. It’s the small details like that which can really stand out and elevate the design of a ranch-style home to the next level, without overdoing it or being too extravagant.” – Nicole
Try Some Texture
“We find people often opt for different textures on the exterior, so they might add stone, cedar shakes or vertical board and batten in their home’s gables.” – Tom
Mix it Up
“On the interior, I’m seeing people use stone and plaster to create contrast with the timbers, but also shiplap — I find we use it more and more in homes. Owners want a log feel, but they also want other rooms that are going to be bright and airy or rooms where they change the color of the walls.” – Tom
