Are you looking for an iconic and inspirational 1960's ranch style house plan for your renovation project or dream home? Home designs from the 1960s all feature a timeless classic look and often include one story living with easy to access outdoor spaces. Many of these classic designs remain popular today, as they offer an efficient and uncomplicated lifestyle. In this article, we explore 10 of the most popular 1960's ranch style house plans from the mid century and some of the unique classic features that they share. 1960s Ranch Style House Plans: 10 Popular Homes
1960s Ranch Style House Plans: 10 Popular Homes
The classic 1960s ranch house design is typically a single-story home with a low-sided roof and a long rectangular floor plan. This design was initially popular in California in the 1920s and 1930s and the design remained popular up to the 1970s. Today, this design is a classic example of mid-century modern architecture, and it also serves as an excellent option for creating an energy-efficient and low-maintenance home. Many of the traditional ranch style homes from the 1960s feature large windows, simple floor plans, and an outdoor patio area. 1960s Ranch House Design | One-Story Renovation
1960s Ranch House Design
The ranch style is one of the most popular mid-century modern house plans in California, and there are many variations. Here are seven of the most popular 1960s California ranch house plans that you can explore when designing your next renovation or dream home: 7 Popular 1960s California Ranch House Plans
One-Story Renovation
The split-level house design was also popular in the 1960s and was often used as an alternative to the single-story ranch style. This multi-level design typically features multiple levels of living space, giving homeowners the opportunity to create unique and functional living arrangements. The split-level house typically features a main level with a living area, bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen, while the upper level may include additional bedrooms or storage space, and the lower level can be used as a basement or additional living area. This design offers homeowners the flexibility to update and customize the layout of their home. Split Level House Design | Popular 1960's Floor Plan
7 Popular 1960s California Ranch House Plans
One-story ranch house plans were incredibly popular in the 1960s. These homes typically feature a single story of living space and a rectangular or square floor plan. This design is one of the most energy-efficient and low-maintenance home designs, as they require less materials, and often come with fewer levels of living space. One Story Ranch House Plans | 1960s Designs
Split Level House Design
The Retro House plan was particularly popular in 1962 as a modern and efficient design for a family home. This design typically features a low-pitched roof, open-concept floor plan, and sliding glass doors to create a seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors. This design also typically includes windows on multiple sides of the house to provide extra ventilation and natural light. Many of these classic homes are still popular today because of their timeless layout and easy to access outdoor spaces. Retro House Plan: 1962 Design for The Family
Popular 1960's Floor Plan
The Family Ranch design offers homeowners a more traditional style home in a single-story layout. This design typically includes a main level with a living area that leads into the kitchen and dining room. A separate family room can often be found on the other side of the kitchen, and the bedroom and bathroom are usually located at the back of the house. This design is popular for those looking for a timeless and uncomplicated living area. Family Ranch | 1960s House Plans
One Story Ranch House Plans
In the 1960s, the three bedroom small house plan was the most popular family home design. This one-story floor plan typically includes a living area, kitchen, and dining room, along with a family room and a separate bedroom and bathroom at the back of the house. This design is most efficient for smaller families, as it creates an uncomplicated and efficient living arrangement in a smaller space. 1960s Ranch Home | Three Bedroom Small House Plan
1960s Designs
The traditional one story ranch was also popular in the 1960s. This design is a timeless classic that features a single story of living space with a rectangular floor plan. This design is often used for newly constructed homes as well as for renovations as it creates a classic and uncomplicated approach to living. 1960s Traditional House Design | One Story Ranch
Retro House Plan: 1962 Design for The Family
The 1960s California ranch house is arguably one of the most iconic designs from the era. This classic design is a single-story home with a low-pitched roof and a rectangular shape. This design is popular today because of its easy to access outdoor spaces and energy-efficient floor plans. The 1960s California Ranch House is a timeless example of mid-century modern architecture. 1960s California Ranch House | Popular Floor Plan
Family Ranch
1960s Ranch style House Plans
The 1960s was an iconic period for interior design, and ranch style dwellings remain one of the most sought-after house plan styles. Many contemporary designs incorporate features synonymous with the ranch style, such as an open floor plan, simple exteriors with low-pitched roofs, and an emphasis on natural materials like brick and wood.
Spanning from Traditional to Contemporary
Ranch style homes evolved from a traditional American-style house to a more modern appearance. The structure’s simple, linear design was a great fit for post-war suburbia, and still remains a classic look today. Although the scale of the house typically comes in one level, some features, such as an attached garage, finished basement, or even a second story can be added.
Design Efficiency for Practicality and Aesthetics
The exterior of a ranch style house might appear plain, but the house reflects an efficient use of space that is tailored for the homeowner’s comfort and everyday needs. The five basic elements of a ranch style home are a low-profile roof design, buildable one-story floor plan, horizontal orientation, windows that make the most of natural lighting, and common areas that are central and connected to all other rooms.
Functional Planning for Form and Function
A ranch style house plan follows an open and functional floor plan. The living room, kitchen, and dining area are often located as one large great room, while the hallway leads to three or four bedrooms with the master suite located at the far end of the house. Commonly used materials like brick, wood, and stone can be used to create an inviting atmosphere.
Durable and Versatile Design
A ranch style home’s contemporary design provides a lot of flexibility for homeowner’s transitioning lifestyles. The roof is designed to endure all kinds of weather conditions, and the open floor plan allows room for efficient updates and flexible reconfiguration. With its simple and classic appeal, the ranch style home has remained an ideal house plan for generations.
