The Ranch House

I enjoyed the photos in this beautiful book the moment I received it, and a year later I continue to enjoy examining the photos. I am currently reading all of the text in the book. The introduction is wonderful and informative, but not too academic. Hess begins with an explanation of the precursors to the ranch home, then discusses the beginning of the ranch movement, and ends by discussing this style's hay day and its demise in the 70s.I personally prefer the spreads of the custom homes, and found the photos of the lower end homes a little blah. There is one photo of the side of the house and dirt. No landscaping. I was confused by this at first, but I think Hess is trying to give the reader a full picture of the ranch style -- both the large custom homes like the May/Wagner home (LOVE IT) and the smaller tract homes built for blue collar families (communities which still thrive).

I bought a ranch style home and needed inspiration when remodeling and decorating. This book was great! It now sits on my coffee table and everyone loves the beautiful pictures. It has allowed the Ranch Mansion, as I call my home, to earn respect from my friends.

This book contains a ton of information about the history of Ranch style homes. It does not contain any FLOOR PLANS. If you want a coffee table picture book or are researching the history of residential homes you will like this. If you are looking to find a book to help you build a home, DO NOT buy this one.

I needed this book.

A great insght to one of the most creative buildiers and artahetics of the mid century and early Calif ranch style homes