Mystery House #3
Just A Ranch?

Photo courtesy the homeowner

The Mystery

Alton Jones of Phoenix, Arizona wonders about this 1960s home. Why the low pitched roof and the narrow windows along the eaves? What design influences went the creation of this cozy little house? Alton writes:

I'm really looking forward to reading the responses of others and adding my 1960s motif to my home office! Hmmm... maybe an Afro and bellbottom pants too. ...Look out Architectural Digest magazine... here we come!

Can you offer insights into the design of this home?  Use this easy form to send your comments and ideas.

Some Answers

"Looks like my house," one reader comments. "I always thought it was Ranch."

But Architect Edward Dickinson, III says the house expresses ideas that were popularized by Frank Lloyd Wright. Read his answer.

Geraldine Clarke responds, "Looks like a knock-off of an Eichler to me. Joseph Eichler built thousands of houses in California from the late 40's through the 60's. He was very much influenced by Wright, but simplified and adapted his style for the booming post-War market. See www.eichlernetwork.com for more info and links."

Peter J. Wood, Professor, Prairie View School of Architecture, asks: "Could it possibly two single-wide mobile homes stuck together with a new roof attached? ...It looks like somebody took a couple of mobile homes and threw some architecture on them."

Kaylyn Munro responds, "Hey.... that looks like my house!!! There are several clusters of homes like this here in Lawrence, Kansas. Most were built in the period from 1955-1959 by one contractor who apparently was really sold on the concept of 'modern living'. The flat roofs have proven problematic in the midwest where snow can stay around for a while. Many have been re-roofed with a higher pitch -- a favorite sell job by roofing companies. Unfortunate results in most all cases. (There are other options that usually don't get discussed.) Most are slab on grade, though I've seen a couple with basements, and have open beamed ceilings with wood decking. I think that some checking might reveal that the home is actually 50's, not 60's. (or very early 60's) Around here we call it 'California Modern Ranch'. I would agree with the other suggestions regarding Eichler and Wright -- I would add the Eames, Neutra and the Case Study Houses to the list of possible influences. There is certainly some (indirect perhaps) lineage there. A note to heavy handed renovators.... there is a rapidly growing interest (and increasing value) in homes of this style and period. I had planned to gut mine when I bought it... fortunately hesitated long enough to realize that everything (kitchen cabs, lighting fixtures, a really great breezeway etc) are all original --- many of the others I've seen have been updated to the point of ruining the simplicity of the original scheme. In another couple of years, mine will be 50 years old.... making it and the other ranch houses of its age potentially 'historic' according to preservation standards. (Remember that those highly sought after and even more highly priced craftsman-styled bungalows were once considered dowdy little grandma houses and were available for a song!!) So I'm using a lighter hand and going for good maintenance or sympathetic renovation instead. I have developed quite a collection of Sunset Books from the late 50's that I'm using to help redesign the fence and the yard/garden -- going for that retro 50's-japanese-inspired-california-look. I'm having fun with it!"

What do you think? Use this easy form to send your comments and ideas.