Ranch homes gaining appeal

Tired of climbing the stairs every time you want something from the bedroom? And making the long drive to and from an outlying commuter home neighborhood? Take a look at ranch home living. Stylish in the 50's and later, many are being torn down so builders or buyers can build a large McMansion on the lot. In many cases this comes with a loss of a good and affordable home that can be remodeled or expanded at a much lower cost than building a new one.

Many of these homes are the right size for a starter home and need little change to provide a cozy lifestyle. Most are on lots larger than builders offer now and often have backyard space that provides an excellent area for outside recreation, a home garden or expansion of living space. With a little remodeling of old pipe systems, addition of insulation, a modern HVAC system and occasional layout changes the homes are an excellent alternative to homes now offered with high price tags.

News and Observer
July 29, 2007
Sarah Lindenfeld Hall, Staff Writer

Ranches regain some respect
Dominant lifestyle of 50's and so comfy, so American

It's easy to ridicule the ranch.

They're modest, one-story houses with small closets and low ceilings, little insulation and old pipes.

And they're common. Ranches were the predominant style in Raleigh and across the country for a couple of decades starting in the 1950s.

Now, they're a regular victim of the trend of tearing down old houses and building larger ones.

But even as the once innocuous style disappears, there is new awakening to its subtle appeal. The affordable but bland ranch home is becoming hip to a new generation and an object of desire to an older one.

Younger people love them for their kitsch. Baby boomers seek them for their stairs-free living. Read more...