I'm a fan of the underappreciated ranch house. Over the years, they've evolved from their mid-century 50's roots (with cool fireplaces, pine kitchens and then-futuristic Formica countertops edged in stainless steel) through to their '90's incarnations with open floorplan kitchen and living areas. They're the little black dress of housing. Apart from some of the classic 50's and 60's versions, they don't have a strong narrative on their own, but can be renovated and dressed up in any number of styles.
Currently, there are three ranches on the market renovated within the last few years. (Click here to see the three listings.) All has been updated in a more modern style. They're good examples of what can be done with this simple genre. I saw all of these houses when they were on the market in their pre-renovation incarnations, and the transformations are remarkable. While these houses are priced somewhat higher than their unrenovated cousins, whether you buy a renovated or unrenovated version, ranches offer a lot of house for the money. They don't carry the same premium as more in-demand classics like farmhouses or rustic mountain cabins. And for someone looking to do a make-over, the unrenovated versions are relatively affordable and easy to work with.
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