Though these simple-style, one-story homes are often recognized for their straightforward and unostentatious design, Ranchers were pioneered organic architect Frank Lloyd Wright, whose work has been touted for its harmonious aesthetics for decades.

Making their mark as a building style in the early 20^th century, it wasn�t until after World War II that real estate developers began utilizing the very functional and economical Ranchers we so often see today in order to meet the housing shortages as soldiers returned to the Home Front.

In the 1950s, Ranch style homes again shifted away from their more so utilitarian function in the post-war years to modernist pieces of art with exposed ceiling beams, sliding glass doors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and stone or brick fireplaces.

Whether contemporary or cultivated to house soldiers after the war, Ranchers often share these characteristics:

• gable roofs with low pitches
• deep-set eaves
• rectangular, L-shaped, and U-shaped layout
• large windows
• sliding doors opening to a patio
• open but simple and efficient floor plans
• made of natural materials like wood and brick
• minimal decorative details

Two years ago, The Team Edge Properties renovated and promptly sold a Rancher built in 1959, in Gwynn Oak, Maryland. With a fully remodeled kitchen and bathroom, new windows, roof, siding, and gutters, this piece of history got a modern update, while still honoring the Ranch style�s classic design. New laminate flooring and carpet took this place from the shabby sixties to the present day. Set on a beautiful lot surrounded by trees, we�re sure even Frank Lloyd Wright would�ve been inspired by the natural setting.

Browse the classic Rancher here and see more of the transformative work the Team Edge is responsible for.

To see more of our current and past listings, or to learn more about selling and buying properties, please visit The Team Edge Properties website, or call us toll free at 866-927-7500.

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Sources:

1945-1980: Ranch Style

Tags: history of Ranch style homes, property listings Baltimore Maryland, Rancher homes

This entry was posted on Friday, November 9th, 2012 at and is filed under Architectural Styles, Buying Homes, Property Listings, Renovations . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.