Ranch homes are convenient, economical to build and maintain, and particularly friendly to both young families, who might like to keep children close by, and empty-nesters looking to downsize or move to a step-free home. Although ranch floor plans are often modestly sized, square footage does not have to be minimal. Also known as "ramblers", ranch house plans may in fact sprawl over a large lot. They are generally wider than they are deep, and may display the influence of a number of architectural styles from Colonial to Contemporary. There is often a living wing and a sleeping wing, but many recent designs place the master suite on one end and the family bedrooms on the other so they are buffered by the living space. Related categories: 1 Story House Plans, Split Level House Plans, and House Plans with Master Suite on Main Level.
