| It was on the West Coast where one of the first truly | | | | floor-to-ceiling views of the back yard for more of that |
| American housing styles was born - the California | | | | indoor/outdoor living. Throughout the typical Rambler |
| Ranch (also referred to as American ranch, rambler, or | | | | home you'll find connections of major living spaces to |
| rancher). | | | | the outdoors. |
| The Rambler is a family home, highlighting the | | | | The beauty of the ranch lies in the simple details which |
| everyday values of pragmatism and modesty that | | | | are not ornamental but essential. When the Ranch |
| resonated with a post-World War II America. While the | | | | was en vogue, applied decoration - like you would see |
| design is distinct in its simplicity, the Rambler represents | | | | on a Tudor, for instance - was considered |
| a major shift in American home building. These homes | | | | old-fashioned. Rather, the details are only those |
| were constructed by developers and builders after | | | | required to finish the house, such as door trim, |
| World War II who employed assembly-line techniques. | | | | baseboards, crown molding, and cabinets. |
| The Ranch or Rambler was originated by several | | | | These required finishing touches are simple and not |
| creative California architects and had its original run | | | | elaborate - like using a pipe railing rather than twisted |
| from 1935 to 1975. It became popular at the time when | | | | iron with floral patterns or leaving a structural beam |
| building changed from a craft to an industry. The focus | | | | exposed rather then wrapping it in decorative wood. |
| was on economy and efficiency in construction. | | | | If you have one of these American originals in need of |
| The Ranch's exterior style is typically asymmetrical | | | | remodeling, we recommend capitalizing on its simple |
| with a one-story rectangular or L-shape. The Ranch is | | | | features and clean design. While the essential details |
| long, narrow and low to the ground with a strong | | | | are not ornamental, they do not need to be boring |
| horizontal emphasis. It has strip or ribbon windows, a | | | | either. Today we have a variety of materials to |
| low but visible chimney, a very visible garage, a | | | | choose from, like metals or woods, to add flare - not |
| recessed entry door with flanking sidelight, and a low | | | | decoration - to your Rambler. We also recommend |
| roof with projecting eaves. Hearkening back to its | | | | embracing the indoor/outdoor elements unique to this |
| California indoor/outdoor roots, the Ranch often has | | | | design. We live in an area famed for its amazing |
| partially enclosed courtyards and patios. | | | | outdoors, and this home style allows you to connect to |
| Inside you'll find an open, free-flowing floor plan. The | | | | them every day. |
| Rambler interior typically includes wood paneling, a | | | | © 2005 Renovation Design Group. All Rights |
| stone fireplace and hearth, built-in storage, and | | | | Reserved. |