At some point, we will own a ranch in Westchester (Fiance’s Grandparent’s house). I hate ranch houses – but I actually like there’s (it helps that they are “art people”). I’ve already warned the fiance that someday, I will be rippin’ up Grandmother’s lawn and putting in a pool (he cringed but said yes to that instead of a dog) and the place might go a bit “atomic ranch” when I’m done.

Comment by iloveupstate.com — November 29, 2007 @ 9:18 am

If you go atomic, retro, modern or totally outrageous funky, it could work. I’ve seen people do good jobs on the inside, but it’s hard to get the exterior to look like anything but a splanch. 1 level ranches are easier.

Comment by Anonymous — November 29, 2007 @ 9:42 am

Ours won’t actually be a splanch (it’s not a split level) it’s a ranch-ranch. Sorry, should have clarified…

Comment by iloveupstate.com — November 29, 2007 @ 1:14 pm

Just hope this mid century modern fad sticks until your fiance’s grandparent’s kick. Ooh, the mid century modern people are gonna be after me now. As well as the grandparents.

Comment by RH — November 29, 2007 @ 1:51 pm

You’re so going to hell. If you get there before me order me a margarita on the rocks with salt. Thanks.

Comment by iloveupstate.com — November 30, 2007 @ 8:55 am

[...] updating of the classic Split Level, the Raised Ranch, the Bi-Level, the…… Splanch? Via Reclaimed Home Filed under: all   |   +del.icio.us   +digg   [...]

Pingback by architecture roundup, november 30 at materialicious — November 30, 2007 @ 4:24 pm

Oh yeah…”At some point we will own a ranch in Westchester..” means once Grandma kicks, we’ll get our greedy hands on her property. Would you like an order of guac and chips with that drink? Oh crap, now look what you’ve done. Now I have to have Mexican tonight!

Comment by RH — November 30, 2007 @ 5:15 pm

Unfortunately I do own a Raised Ranch and you’re right it is totally useless. Very poor layout with this tiny kitchen. The house is a in sad shape and I am planning on redoing the place inside and out. One reason why I was searching the Internet for some renovation ideas. Somehow, I got to open up the kitchen area but will loose cabinet space. I am lost what to do with this.

We will see what I come up with..got to find someone that wants the challenge to get this place back in shape.

Comment by Susan — January 26, 2008 @ 12:47 am

Susan, if you want to send us photos to post, maybe we can all have a go at it!

Comment by RH — January 26, 2008 @ 7:45 am

I, too, live in a raised ranch — well I guess it’s really a bi-level. Been VERY frustrated at the lack of information on remodels. Was thinking about knocking down the wall between the kitchen & dining and need to figure out what to do with the stairs! Also, may get rid of another wall to create master suite.

Need some HELP on outside too (still have original concrete steps at the front — YUK)

I welcome anyone who is willing to take on this challenge and has some ideas (western CT/Litchfield County).

Comment by Sue — April 13, 2008 @ 4:25 pm

My husband and I are about to embark on our first splanch makeover. Ouch that name hurts. It sounds so much like blanch ( which is what I sometimes do when I tell people where I live. ) I am nervous but hopeful about our prospects.

What is the story with raised ranches anyway? They are so ubiquitous but so unloved. Ours fits our family very well and is pretty funky on the inside but is so sad looking on the outside no matter what I do.

These houses are workhouses though. They perform so many functions and really fit a lot of people. When they were first built they represented a change from a more traditional lifestyle with the inclusion of the “rec” room in the lower floor and with a more open floor plan between the kitchen and living room and often with no formal dining room. In most ways they reflect our lives more now than Colonials and Capes. Why can’t they get any respect? Poor splanches.

Comment by Jen — September 2, 2008 @ 10:27 pm

Thanks Jen, for your positive comments. Because of the sinking R.E. economy, we’re stuck with buying a raised ranch, and so I was getting into the spirit by searching for decorating ideas. It doesn’t help seeing it referred to above as fugly and hideous. Sorry, but the “no offense” disclaimer doesn’t mean much. Houses are an extension of our personalities, and one does take offense. Your post made me feel a lot better about having to purchase this house.

Comment by Mimi — September 16, 2008 @ 5:30 pm

I too live in a bi level and I actually kind of like it.

I did take out the wall btwn the kitchen and dining room, which is already open to the living room, so it’s a nice open modern space.

It is especially nice with kids, especially babies. With the kids in their bedrooms down the hall and the downstairs room for a playroom, it’s been a nice family home.

The one thing I don’t like about it is the lack of a sense of entry. If I thought I would stay here for a lot longer than I want and had the money, I would consider a bump out of the front to create a true foyer.

Comment by Lala — September 18, 2008 @ 11:00 pm

P.S. – kind of agree with Mimi on the ‘no offense’ disclaimer. We all try to do the best we can with what we’ve got, and for some of us, that means ending up in one of these.

Comment by Lala — September 18, 2008 @ 11:09 pm

Hahaha, this is so funny. I too have a split entry home (splanch is perfect) and have started a blog about remodeling it. You’ve expressed my same sentiments.

I’ve noticed that so many people are looking for renovation ideas for this house style and there’s not much out there online. I’ve been trying to compile a list of good remodels I’ve seen on line just so people can get some ideas.

Anywho, you definitely have a new reader and kindred spirit, lol.

Comment by LePlusJeune — October 4, 2008 @ 9:05 pm

I renovated a bi-level by adding a second/third story and in my opinion it came out great.

Comment by Rob — January 7, 2009 @ 10:18 pm

To Rob (the person who added a second/third storey), do you have pictures posted anywhere? Floor plan? We own a new raised ranch (very popular in our area) and I am looking at the possibility of renovating.

Comment by ranch owner — January 25, 2009 @ 2:40 pm

Hi There,

I realize this is an old entry, but thought I’d contribute nonetheless. I’m about to have our ugly raised ranch soon. I live across the street from a house that was designed by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright so I’m taking lots of inspiration from Prairie style architecture (as well as Craftsman). I’m blogging it too because I want it to be an inspiration for others and I’ve noticed there are not alot of before/afters to find online of such renovations – yet a lot of people living in ugly raised ranches looking for inspiration! You can visit my blog to follow along.

Thanks!

Comment by Rachel — August 13, 2009 @ 11:16 am

Hey, we have recently purchased a duplex (bi level) and yes, very ugly. It is our hope to renovate into a single family home and have been looking for mid century modern styles along with some Frank Lloyd Wright inspiration. we love the characteristics of wood and modern.
If there are any helpfull websites or reno photos, I’d appreciate input.
Thanks
Cheryl

Comment by Cheryl — September 13, 2009 @ 7:22 am

Actually, a couple of the commenters here have started blogs…

http://myredraisedranch.blogspot.com/

http://remodelle.net/

Comment by RH — September 14, 2009 @ 4:38 pm

Just starting the process for a raised ranch renovation and possible addition. We just moved in a few weeks ago and are trying to figure out what we want to do with it.

Comment by Mary — September 18, 2009 @ 1:06 pm

Have been looking for a blog on raised ranch living, glad I found this. I agree with Lala about the lack of a sense of entry. You open the front door to greet guests and the “foyer” is so tiny they have to go upstairs in single file. Does anyone have problems with water leaking into the basement after a lot of rain? Is this less expense to fix in this type of house or is that just wishful thinking?

Comment by Christine — October 6, 2009 @ 8:42 pm

I have been daydreaming for at least a year as to what the heck I can do to the raised ranch we are living in. (its my in-laws) It seems to lack character no matter what I do. They did however, add a master bedroom above a 2 car garage-you now have to walk through the original master br to get to it. It makes it hard to use the original MB…I too wish there was a true foyer.

Comment by schapps — October 9, 2010 @ 8:36 pm

I actually visited this site a few years ago when I began researching ideas for remodeling our split foyer home (a/k/a bi-level, split entry, hi ranch), and it gave me a starting point — Thank you! I have since developed my own blog which discusses (among other things) our split foyer remodel. In addition to posting some details about the process, I have listed resources to help others with their own remodeling projects on homes of this style. It is encouraging to see so many people giving so much thought to renovating these homes. My blog is http://purcellart.wordpress.com. Check out the Split Foyer Update and related links. I hope it helps, and good luck to all with their projects.

Comment by Art — February 19, 2012 @ 6:09 am