• They are always one story... well not always. Their are some ranch style homes that are called "raised ranch houses". These homes are actually 2 story, but the first floor is garage and basement below grade... or partially submerged.



• Their are also "split level ranch style" homes. These houses have 3 or more levels.



• Ranch houses are generally one story.



• They have a low or gabled roof with deep eaves.



• A rambling layout shaped in a rectangle, L or U shape.



• Modern styles are usually more open than the styles of the 1950's. Space is used more efficiently.



• Most ranch styles are devoid of decorative details.



• Windows - even in the older styles - were often large picture windows or sliding/double hung.

So... what makes the Southwest Ranch Style House?

• The Hacienda style ranch would have a Spanish Colonial Revival Style added.



• Southwest Ranch style might have a flat pueblo style roof line.



• Often these pueblo style homes will have the round timbers (sort of a telephone pole look) jutting out from the exterior roof line.



• Rustic wood doors, window trims and wrought iron gates often are used on southwest style homes.



• Living in the Southwest United States does not make a home Southwest Style... I can attest to that. Our ranch home was a boring ho-hum run of the mill track house... But we have transformed most of our home to reflect a hacienda style on the inside.

The exterior is next to get a face lift.

The wood shingle roof will be replaced with composite tile.

The traditional style front door will be replaced with a mesquite solid wood door covered in large hand hammered Mexican style nail heads.

Most of the grass will be yanked out... and replaced with crushed gravel, brick paver's and potted plants. We aren't big on desert landscaping, but with our large mesquite shade trees... the grass isn't happy anyway.

The paint color will change from light yellow-beige to something that resembles coffee with cream.

The garage door will be replaced... I am hoping for a rustic wooden gate look.

photo credit: Aaron Jacobs