1945 - 1980s: Raised Ranch Style

Photo © Jackie Craven

Raised Ranch Style House in Northern Virginia

In this variation of the Ranch Style, the home has two stories. The lower story is at ground level or partially submerged below grade. From the main entrance, a full flight of stairs leads to the main living areas on the upper level. Some critics say that Raised Ranch houses are unattractive or ordinary. However, there's no question that this practical style fills a need for space and flexibility.

Raised Ranch style houses have many of these features:

• Two stories
• Attached garage
• Partially submerged basement with finished rooms and windows
• Low-pitched gable roof
• Asymmetrical
• Large windows: double-hung, sliding, and picture
• Sliding glass doors leading to a back yard patio
• Little decorative detailing, aside from decorative shutters and porch-roof supports

Variations on the Raised Ranch Style:

The Raised Ranch style has been adapted to take on a variety of forms. Neo-Mediterranean, Neo-Colonial, and other contemporary styles are often applied to the simple, practical Raised Ranch shape. Split-level homes may also be described as a variation on the Raised Ranch style. However, a true Raised Ranch has only two levels, while a split-level home has three stories or more.

Learn More About Ranch Style Houses:

• The Ranch Style
• The Split-Level Ranch
• Remodeling Ideas for a Ho-Hum Raised Ranch Home
• The Modernist Homes of Joseph Eichler
• Western Ranch Houses by Cliff May
  The architect of the first Ranch Style home shares a variety of Ranch home designs with floor plans. Cliff May and Paul C. Johnson. (Compare Prices)