Ranch style houses are made up with a unique American domestic architectural style. The ranch style is actually related with the tract housing, build during ancient period. A ranch house is noticed for its long, close to the ground profile, and least use of interior and exterior decoration. The house represents the modernist ideas with notions of American western period, which creates a very informal and casual style of living.

The houses using ranch style floor plans were introduced in late 1920 and early 1930. These houses were inspired from old California ranchos. Slowly they became the leading American house style from California to New Jersey. Cliff May, a designer, supported the style to became popular. The houses having ranch style floor plans are typically one-floor houses in which split-level designs are common.

Ranch style floor plans utilize natural construction material relinquishing too much of ornamental detailing. Sometimes, it may be asymmetric, may contain a garage or feature styling glass doors. Typical ranch style floor plans are normally one floor high having an "L" shaped floor plan with all the bedrooms grouped in one wing or one side of the house. Mainly the master bedroom is separated from other bedrooms on the main floor. Since ranch styles are only one floor high, there are limited possibilities for extension, unless there is an upper floor.

Ranch houses are single story houses with open floor plan, low-pitched gable ceilings and source fully designed floor plans for maximum space. American gables ranch home plans have a traditional appearance with many modern features in it.

The exterior features of houses using ranch style floor plans - a single story floor plan and a low-pitched roof characterizes the exterior of the ranch style houses. The roof also features front and side gables in an asymmetrical shape. Ranch style homes include a built-in garage. In these houses, patios and porches are common, while few details make the exterior adorable. Details, which can be used, are shutters or cladding constructed of bricks or wood.

The interior features of houses using ranch style floor plans - the interior of ranch style house consists of rectangular L or U shaped floor plans, which creates an open and informal feel. Ranch style floor plans are also used in specific living zones such as kitchen and dining room serving as a bumper between bedroom and living area. Floor to ceiling windows and glass doors widen across the rear end of the house. In the front, smaller and horizontal windows are featured.

The affordability and accessibility of ranch style houses and ranch style floor plans, makes it a feasible choice for multiple types of house owners. The single floor layout provides accessibility as there are no steps and most of the areas of house can be reached without using a ladder. This feature provides the facility of simple maintenance requirement. Ranch style houses are so affordable that these are proved as the best starter home with the chances of expanding it easily. These qualities make these houses popular among people.