Browse The Plan Collection's inventory of over 3,000 diverse ranch home designs to find a cheap, simple ranch house plan or a more lavish design. Ranch house designs are typically one-story dwellings with a simple form. They're usually built out of wood and have clapboard or vinyl siding. The main entrance is usually located on the front face of the house, but some include a secondary entryway within the carport or off the back of the house. A garage is often included in the backyard, but it can be an optional feature. Ranch homes were popular between 1900 and 1970 but make a comeback today. They're often found in suburban neighborhoods where space is limited and cost is important. These compact houses require small yards so they don't take up much room and they can be built for little money. The term "ranch" comes from the California ranch style, which was originally used to describe homes built in the area near Santa Rosa during the late 19th century. The characteristic features of these homes were wide eaves with pierced screens, flat roofs, and wall-to-wall carpeting. As time passed, other styles emerged from the region with different names such as American Foursquare, American Farmhouse, and American Craftsman. But the original ranch style still exists today under the name "California ranch."