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Rambler vs. Ranch-style: What’s the difference?

Typical American home

As you drive around the neighborhoods of George West and Live Oak County, you might have noticed the prevalence of low profile homes sprawled out in their respective home lots. We often call these properties ranch-style homes, but, depending on who you ask, people might also tell you these homes are ramblers.

So, what’s the deal? Is it really a rambler or a ranch-style home? Are they two different styles or just the same? Let’s find out.

Rambler vs. ranch-style home

There is no competition as ranch-style homes and ramblers are just the same type of architectural style. It just so happens that people call them differently depending on where they’re located. Here in South Texas, we call these properties “ranch-style homes.”

Ranch-style homes (or ramblers if you want to keep it short) originated in the 1920s, a result of a mix between modern and American West styles. Their popularity really started to soar between the 1940s and 1970s, then gradually declined. Today, ranch-style homes are in fashion once again, and lucky for you, South Texas is littered with these houses.

You’ll most likely find a fine collection of ranch-style homes in older, established neighborhoods, most likely developed in the 1950s or so. As a result, it’s also reasonable to assume that some of the ranch-style houses you’ll find are also built from the same time period. That said, new ranch-style homes are also popping up as a result of their resurging popularity.

The characteristics of a ranch-style home

Ranch-style houses are known for their flat and long profiles. They are often single-story homes with minimal exterior decor. That said, not all homes with these characteristics are automatically ranch-style.

The quintessential ranch-style home must have the following features:

  1. Large windows
    Natural light and ventilation are hallmarks of a ranch-style home, hence the large windows. More often than not, they are decorated with shutters.
  2. Vaulted ceilings
    From the outside, a ranch-style home might look incredibly flat and cramped. Step inside, however, and you will discover vaulted ceilings that make the entire space feel spacious and airy.
  3. Indoor-outdoor living
    Like mid-century modern homes, ranch-style houses also wanted to bring the great outdoors closer to the people. In order to let the outdoors in, these properties incorporated design elements that allowed for simple and seamless indoor-outdoor living.
  4. Smaller yards
    Since a single-story layout requires a larger footprint, most ranch-style homes have smaller yards than other houses. Still, this largely depends on the actual size of the home lot. Although the yard may be comparatively smaller than the actual home, it may still be bigger if the home lot is large and spacious.

What are the cons to a ranch-style home?

A ranch-style house might require significant upgrades (if it has yet to be renovated), which can cost quite a lot of money. And since everything is located in one floor, privacy can be an issue. All things considered, the ranch-style home is a fine work of American architecture and will continue to be one of the most popular styles in the United States.

Do you want to live in a ranch-style home?

Browse our website to find the right ranch-style house for you in Live Oak County and South Texas. You can also get in touch with our team today for more information about Live Oak County and South Texas real estate.