A raised ranch farmhouse brings together two classic American styles, and I am so excited to talk about it! As a unique home style, it stands out among other popular home styles like split-level and ranch-style homes. I’ve always been drawn to homes that feel practical and full of character. This style mixes the smart, two-level layout of a raised ranch—a level house with distinct levels—with the cozy, welcoming vibe and design influence of a ranch style home and farmhouse. It’s a wonderful combination that offers space, style, and a touch of country charm.
Too Long; Didn’t Read (TLDR)
- What is it? A raised ranch is a house with two distinct levels. You walk in the front door to a small landing and then go up or down a half-flight of stairs—the first floor typically contains the main living spaces like the kitchen, living area, and bedrooms.
- Why the Farmhouse Twist? Adding farmhouse style (think wood accents, neutral colors, and cozy textures) makes the practical raised ranch layout feel warm and inviting.
- Benefits: You get two separate living areas, which is great for more privacy since the main living areas are elevated. It’s a smart use of space on a smaller piece of land, making it ideal for smaller lots.
- Design Tips: For the outside, think board-and-batten siding, a friendly porch, and simple landscaping. Inside, use light colors, natural materials like wood and stone, and an open feel.
What Exactly is a Raised Ranch Home?
I remember the first time I walked into a raised ranch. I opened the door and was greeted by a set of stairs going up and another going down. It felt so different! At first, I didn’t realize that the entry is actually at the grade halfway point between the two floor levels, connecting the lower level sunken area and the main level above. That’s the key feature of this house. It’s also called a bi-level or split-entry home. Raised ranch-style homes originated in California in the 1930s but became popular across the United States in the 1950s due to growing families needing more space.
The main living areas, like the kitchen, dining room, and family room, are on the main level or second level. The bedrooms are usually up there too. The lower story, or lower level sunken, is partially or fully at ground level and often used for additional living space or a basement. This setup means the home has two floor levels, or two floors, which distinguishes it from more complex multi-level designs. This arrangement is fantastic because it lifts your daily living space off the ground, giving you better views and more light.
A Quick Look Back
These homes became super popular in the 1950s and 60s, largely because growing families needed more space. The raised ranch was a perfect fit. Unlike the typical ranch style house, which is usually a single-story, the raised ranch offered more square footage than a traditional single-story ranch without needing a huge plot of land. It was a clever way to get a two-story feel in a more compact and affordable package. My parents’ first house was a raised ranch, and they always talked about how much space it gave their family.
Raised Ranch vs. Split-Level
People often mix up raised ranches and split-levels. I get it, they both have stairs! But there’s a simple difference.
- Raised Ranch: Has two distinct floors. You enter on a landing between them.
- Split-Level: Has three or more levels that are staggered. You might walk into a living room, then go up a few steps to the bedrooms and down a few steps to a den. Split level homes and a split level house are classic examples of this multi-level design, featuring staggered floors and a compact footprint.
Think of it like this: a raised ranch is like a layer cake with two layers. A split-level is more like a tiered wedding cake with several smaller layers.
The Best Parts of a Raised Ranch Farmhouse
So, what makes this style so great? I think it boils down to a few things. You get a great separation of space. The upper level can be the busy hub of the home, while the lower level is a quiet retreat. This is perfect if you have kids who need a playroom or if you work from home and want a separate office.
The lower level is partially above ground, so it gets natural light from the windows. It doesn’t feel like a dark basement at all. It’s a great spot for extra bedrooms, a cozy family den, or even a guest suite, and a bathroom is often included in lower level renovations to make the space more functional and comfortable.
A quick way to refresh the interior is with paint—choosing the right color can make a big difference. For a cohesive look, try painting the stairway wall the same color as the main living area to visually connect the spaces.
| Feature | Advantage | My Take |
|---|---|---|
| Two Levels | Creates private and public zones. | Awesome for movie nights downstairs while someone else reads quietly upstairs. |
| Elevated Main Floor | Better views and more natural light. | I love feeling a bit lifted up from the street. It just feels more private. |
| Finished Lower Level | Extra living space without feeling like a basement. | Perfect for a game room, home gym, or that craft room I’ve always wanted. A bathroom on this level is a must-have for convenience. |
Characteristics and Advantages of Raised Ranch Farmhouses
What makes a raised ranch farmhouse a top pick is its dead clever use of space and how brilliant it is at fitting in with what modern families actually need. At first glance, you’ll spot the signature split level setup straight away: you pop through the front door and find yourself bang in the middle of a landing, with a half flight of stairs going up to the main living bit and another half flight down to the lower level. This layout, with its two distinct floor levels, is what makes the raised ranch style so cracking – and its especially appealing for folks who want loads more space without ending up with a massive sprawling footprint. The farmhouse aspect of raised ranches updates the original mid-century design, appealing to modern aesthetics.
The floor plan of a raised ranch home is all about being dead flexible. The upper level is typically where you’ll find the main living area – think kitchen, dining room, and living room – often designed to feel nice and open and bright. This elevated main floor doesnt just give you better views but also creates a proper sense of privacy, as it sits well above eye level from the street. Its a brilliant way to enjoy your living space without feeling like youre on display for all the neighbours to have a good look.
Downstairs, the lower level is partially above ground, which makes it feel loads more inviting than your typical basement. This space can be knocked up into whatever your family needs most: an extra bedroom for when mates come to stay, a quiet office for working from home, a playroom for the little ones, or simply more storage space. The bi-level design means you get loads more usable room without needing a bigger lot, which is a right good thing for anyone building on a budget or in a city setting.
Another dead practical advantage of raised ranch homes is the attached garage, usually located at ground level. This makes coming and going a proper breeze, especially when the weathers gone a bit mad. The main entrance is often bang in the centre of the facade, with a welcoming half flight of stairs leading up to the front door, creating a balanced and inviting look thats quite nice to come home to.
On the outside, raised ranch farmhouses tend to keep things nice and simple and classic. You’ll often see clean lines, a low-pitched roof, and minimal fuss with decorations, all of which adds up to that timeless ranch style charm. Large windows in raised ranch farmhouses maximize natural light and enhance the connection to the surrounding property. A bit of thoughtful landscaping can really make the curb appeal pop, making the home feel warm and inviting from the very first glance when you rock up.
All in all, raised ranch farmhouses are a cracking choice for growing families and first-time buyers alike. Their smart floor plan, loads of extra living space, and cost-effective design make them a dead good option for anyone looking for a comfortable, private, and stylish new home – whether youre after some countryside quiet or fancy city convenience.
Designing Your Farmhouse-Style Raised Ranch
Okay, this is the fun part! How do you take a standard raised ranch and give it that farmhouse feel? It’s all about adding warmth, character, and simplicity.
Creating a Welcoming Exterior
First impressions matter! The outside of your home should say, “Come on in!”
- Siding and Colors: I love the look of board-and-batten siding for that classic farmhouse look. Stick to simple colors like white, light gray, or a soft cream. Black window frames can add a nice modern contrast. Common siding styles for raised ranch farmhouses include board-and-batten combined with horizontal siding for texture.
- A Friendly Porch: Even a small covered porch or portico over the front door makes a huge difference. Add a wooden bench or a couple of rocking chairs.
- Garage Doors: Don’t forget the garage! Carriage-style garage doors with windows and hardware can really boost the farmhouse charm.
Crafting a Cozy Interior
Inside, you want to create a space that feels bright, airy, and comfortable.
- Open Up the Space: Many older raised ranches have a closed-off kitchen. If you can, taking down a wall between the kitchen and living room will make the whole upper level feel bigger and more connected. It completely changed the feel of a friend’s home.
- Light and Bright Colors: A palette of whites, beiges, and soft greys on the walls makes the space feel fresh.
- Natural Materials: This is key for the farmhouse look. Think hardwood floors, a reclaimed wood mantel over a fireplace, or exposed ceiling beams. Even small touches like a butcher block countertop in the kitchen can add that rustic feel. Natural materials such as wood paneling, brick, and stone are commonly used in raised ranch farmhouse designs.
- Let There Be Light: Swap out old light fixtures for something with more style. A simple chandelier over the dining table or gooseneck lamps in the kitchen are perfect choices.
The raised ranch farmhouse is such a great combination of practical design and cozy style. It takes a popular, family-friendly layout and fills it with the warmth and character that makes a house feel like a home. It’s proof that you can have a space that is both sensible and beautiful.
