Ranch house plans typically feature a single story that is not split up into separate levels. The outside of the house typically features a long, low, tapered roof and a projecting, low-slung roofline that often combines with the front porch. Inside, the floor plan is quite simple and features an open concept with lots of windows for a bright, airy look. Bedrooms tend to be grouped together near a common living space, often featuring en suite bathrooms, high ceilings, and large, open living space. The exterior of a ranch house also often showcases classic features like stone siding, brick, or shingles, often with a large porch or patio. Ranch-style homes are also often designed with an attached garage, making them easy to access and maintain.

Many ranches are modestly sized in comparison to other architecturally inspired home plans, but they often offer plenty of features, such as open floor plans with eat-in kitchens, outdoor living areas, and private master suites with a luxurious spa-like bathroom. Some ranch house plans feature perfect symmetry, while others are asymmetrical in order to take advantage of a view or natural landscape feature. Many ranch plans also include a basement, workshop, bonus room, or shed for extra room and storage. Ranches are perfect for families of all sizes, but they're an especially great choice for those who prefer a single-floor living space without stairs.

Ranch house plans can be as diverse in floor plan and exterior style as you want, from a simple retirement cottage ranch floor plan to a luxurious Mediterranean villa. One of the main benefits to ranch house plans is that the oversized front porch provides a large, comfortable outdoor living space. The front of the house usually consists of an open floor plan with a great room, kitchen and dining space, while the majority of the bedrooms and bathrooms are located at the back. A long, single-story plan is typical, although there may be other features like a front-facing garage or an attached guest suite.

Ranch house plans may also feature split levels; the main living area is on one level and the sleeping area or bedrooms are on a separate level. Dormer windows, bay windows, and/or a skylight can be used to maximize the amount of natural light in the home. Decoration and finish features are often used to personalize each ranch house plan, adding unique touches to the exterior design. Rooflines, window and door designs, and even the exterior cladding style and colors can be customized to create an inviting front entrance to the home.

Carefully consider the size and shape of each room and the relationship between rooms, as well as the flow of traffic between spaces. Wherever possible, keeping an open space plan with halls and entryways that serve as hubs for guests and family will help improve the overall circulation. Additionally, adding windows and doors as means of passing from one room to another can create a more natural and connected circulation as well as improve natural lighting and views. Be sure to pay close attention to hallways and walkways, as they should be wide enough for easy movement, while still leaving room to accommodate furniture. Finally, some ranch house plans may feature an outdoor courtyard, or an interior courtyard, which will naturally create a better circulation pattern by bringing natural light and fresh air into the interior spaces.

Ranch house plans can be found in all regions of the continent and come in many exterior design styles such as Craftsman, Mediterranean, and Contemporary. Ranch house plans often feature single-story homes with simple, open floor plans, a rambling structure, and minimal detailing, and feature large picture windows, sliding glass doors, and patios. Exteriors of ranch plan house designs vary greatly, though common features include a wide, low-profile roof line, board and batten siding, lap siding, stone accents, and wide overhangs or eaves. Interior designs often include open kitchen/family room layouts, along with living and dining areas and sizeable master suites. Typical ranch house plans also offer plenty of storage areas and often offer bonus rooms that can be used as a home office, hobby room, or "man cave."Other styles that often incorporate ranch house plans also include cottage and farmhouse ranch plans. Many modern ranch homes also feature porches as well, to create outdoor living space, but that is not required in a traditional ranch-style plan. In an effort to create a more contemporary approach, modern ranch house plans include open floor plans and larger windows to allow for more natural light. These plans also feature updated appliances, more storage space, and modern components to create a more modern living space.

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