There isn't a single thing missing in this miracle ranch house where spacious luxury goes hand-in-hand with practical planning. Every zone, from service to formal, is a carefully thought-out masterpiece of functionalism. The reception foyer that opens from the flagstone loggia at the front is 10' square, large enough for built-in shelves as shown, and a gracious beginning for hospitality. The kitchen is of a size that can be called "old-fashioned", but it utilizes every modern feature. The oven is the latest built-in type and range burners are in the middle of their own work counters with cabinets overhead. A wall refrigerator is brand new. Three exposures brighten the informal dining room. A built-in desk is an asset to Mother by day, or to youngsters for evening homework. Beyond, there's a complete laundry, and opposite a pantry closet with sliding doors into which you can fit your freezer. Although there is a full basement, it's much more convenient to have these utilities right off the kitchen.
Notice the extra bedroom and bath suite which, depending on your needs, is a maid's room, study or guest room. The family bedrooms are wonderfully proportioned. The two front bedrooms have two exposures and large, sliding-door closets. The bathroom combines powder-room with vanity and vanitory, and beyond, set off by slide- away doors, a full bathroom with another vanitory. The master bedroom is truly luxurious, distinctive in size, and stars magnificent windows and a door out to the patio. Two walk-in closets and a shower-lavatory complete this suite. A step down from the foyer and you're in the formal living room. This dramatic and charming area is enhanced by a fireplace with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves on one side, and a wood cabinet on the other. Glass sliding doors open out to patio. There's a door, too, from the dining room, where stunning window walls and cabinets to display your fine accessories add their note of decorator magic.
The difference in this distinctive ranch home is the wonderful extra level idea that affords a garage to one side, and adds a maid's room above, all without destroying the long, low lines that count so much. Smartly styled outside, and perfect for a slope on your property, the house invites you into a practically perfect interior. The reception foyer is a magnificent open area, with a coat closet, and, in the hall to the right you'll find a guest closet almost 9' wide. The two bathrooms (one private for the master suite) are back to back, with an angled tub in the main one and Hollywood stall-shower in the other. Both have unusual vanitory-lavatory fixtures, and sliding doors. Perhaps the most significant features in each of the three bedrooms are the tremendous wardrobe areas, and of course you'll note that corner windows in each chamber provide two exposures. Straight through the foyer, you'll find yourself in a living room that is just about 32' wide, with a marvelous "window" wall, almost 10' across. A free standing storage-wall serves to separate living and dining zones, and hi-fi or television built-ins will become part of the living room, while china, silver and linens can be stored conveniently for the dining room. A door invites your guests out to the terrace and porch. The service areas can be reached through the dinette at the left of the foyer or by the service door from the porch or front service door. The basement stairs are easily reached and you can go on into the laundry that's as complete as any you'll find. Go up 5 steps to a landing that opens into the 20' maid's room where a shed dormer at the back adds a huge closet and full bathroom, as well as a second exposure. The basement stairs lead right to the "dropped" garage be- neath and another 5 steps go down to the full basement. The heater is under the bedroom wing, and a future lavatory is sketched in at this side too. But the entire center basement area is planned to accommodate a future recreation room, with a fireplace to be added under the living room unit.
Overall Dimensions: 95'4" x 54'.
Square Feet: 2,650.
Architect: Lester Cohen.
Stunning split-level? Yes, indeed, but the most wonderful feature is the way in which distinction in design goes hand-in-hand with the utmost in livability. The roof-high covered entry means shelter from inclement weather and an extra window in the third bedroom, as well as presenting a handsome approach to your front door. Flagstone goes right inside to the wide foyer, a gracious stairway leads up the main hall, and flanking flower planters in living room and over the entry-level coat closet frame your way up. It's just a few steps to every area-to the living room with corner picture windows, raised hearth fireplace and a lovely dining room ell at the back. Step into the kitchen and find a homemaker's dream of space, easy maintenance, sunlight and air plus a corner that invites a breakfast nook. Three unusually large bedrooms have closets that are just right and a family bathroom features a vanitory. The master bedroom suite has its own lavatory and dressing room closet. On the lower level you have your cellar area well ventilated and a cozy recreation room (note the wash-up lavatory here) opens out to a back terrace for outdoor living areas as well.
Overall Dimensions: 52'11" x35'9".
Square Feet: 1,680.
Architect: Herman H. York.
Photos by Richard Averill Smith
Working convenience in a truly charming setting with every thought for step saving. Of special note are the spic-and-span counters and cabinets, dishwasher next to the sink, and range-top burners plus wall oven at the most convenient height.
The entry foyer, a story-and-a-half high, showing the guest closet with planting above and the broad stone steps leading from the flagstone lower level up to the living room. Low planter boxes are filled with greenery for a delightful, natural screen.
The delightful exterior of this house suggests its attractiveness within. It's a plan geared to modern living, with exciting possibilities for family futures. The protected front doorway leads to a lovely welcoming foyer, with the vista of living room picture window beyond. To the left is the service wing, with kitchen, laundry and clean-up zone all convenient to the side door, as well as to the garage. The mammoth kitchen has counter space galore, arranged in a step-saving U, with a cozy corner set off for a breakfast nook. Next to this is the laundry, complete in every detail. The alternate sketch for cellar plan shows where the basement stairway will be located, and if you prefer an adjacent laundry even with the basement added, the space shown for storage in the garage can be adapted to accommodate washer and dryer as before. This will not disturb the convenient lavatory or mud closet, and note that the furnace room can be used for outdoor furniture storage opening from the patio. Living and dining areas are all out toward the back. An expanse of almost 35 feet divides itself easily, separated by a planter box and latticed posts to delineate its multiple functions. Focal areas will be the fireplace in winter and the window wall in summer, to look over the terrace and garden. Almost the best feature of the center hall arrangement is the privacy afforded sleeping areas. At the front of the house are the two smaller bedrooms, one easily doubling as a den. Corner windows give each of these chambers two exposures. In a wing by itself, is the master bedroom and bath, with four tremendous closets plus space for a built-in. This bedroom, too, has the luxury of twin exposures, and its privacy is fully assured. This is a house where indoor and outdoor living blend at their very best.
Overall Dimensions: 61'6" x 56'9", including garage.
Square Feet: 1,920.
Architect: Herman H. York.
The immense sweep of the picture windows in this heart saver kitchen is a joy to any homemaker. And cabinets, cupboards and work space make this a prize-winner.
Not a single luxury detail has been left out of this stunning ranch home, where town distinction and expansive country ease are blended. Over 50' of stunning living area is planned for privacy at the back, comprising your formal living room and custom-created dining room that both open out to a curving flagstone terrace through glass sliding doors. And in addition, to complete this expanse, there's the recreation-room den, where a smart stone fireplace is flanked by ceiling-high bookshelves, and magnificent picture windows offer garden views. This extra living room has its own entry to the terrace, too. Three master chambers share the privacy of the bedroom wing. You'll appreciate the cross ventilation in each of the front bedrooms as well as in the master suite, and there are two large closets in each. There's a guest-vanity recess outside the bathroom, plus a dressing table-lavatory within. The master bathroom has a stall shower and a twin lavatory-vanity, with two enormous walk-in closets for effortless storage. In fact, you can count on 10 superior closets throughout. The double garage is truly double-featured, with a work bench and plenty of room for gear storage, and there's a side door and one leading through the service porch into the kitchen. The service area accommodates the most up-to-date kitchen where counter and cupboard space are at a maximum and there's a built-in oven plus counter-top range. The island work counter sets off almost 100 square feet for your sunny dinette and Mother will welcome the extra built-ins and desk.
In this up-to-date ranch house, the bedroom wing is completely separated from the other areas of the house. The master bedroom has a private shower-bathroom, and a second bathroom at the back serves the family and guests. On the other side of the vestibule and hall there's a 20' living room where a focal fireplace is blueprinted for hospitality. Clever picture windows in living room and dining room make decorating easy and attractive. Off the dining room, and accessible from the garage is a windowed multi-use room, extra entertaining space for the youngsters when the living room is in use by the grown-ups. Or, it's a perfect study or play room every day. For mealtime informality, there's plenty of space in the big kitchen for a family-sized dinette area.
Overall Dimensions: 57' x 41'6".
Square Feet: 1,710.
Architect: Alwin Cassens, Jr.
All things considered, your family will agree that the addition of the den off the living areas makes this the perfect home. This is part of today's pattern of lots of living area for all the family and the arrangement of this plan turns over a maximum of space to entertaining facilities. The living room is dramatically proportioned and flows into the dining room at the back for a wonderful "L". A smart, contemporary fireplace serves as a divider. The beautiful bow window adds charm at the front of the living room, while corner windows brighten the dining room. To the side, the den or activities room is a welcome addition, offering extra living indoors, and opening out to the covered porch beyond for a good-weather outdoor bonus. Best of all, the cost is not much more than a covered breezeway between house and garage. The kitchen at the back has its own entry, and affords a cheery work center for mother, with a cozy corner to accommodate the family breakfast nook. The bathroom is back-to-back, for plumbing economy and adds a vanitory for family and guests. Sunlight and fresh air are given full play in the two front bedrooms, but privacy is considered and the windows are set above eye level. A closet wall is shared by these bedrooms for maximum storage area in each. At the back, the master bedroom has a huge walk-in closet that will accommodate storage built-ins easily, and there is also a convenient stall-shower lavatory.
One of the smartest split level plans is provided in this lovely home, shown in brick and shingle with an eye-catching roof line. The covered flagstone entry leads into a broad, welcoming foyer that proves the perfect planning of the center hall. A sliding-door coat closet is recessed under the bedroom level and you can go straight through to service areas, cellar stairs and of course, up the wide stairway to the bedrooms. To the right, the living room is of splendid proportions with a deep fire- place and bay window for decorator interest. The dining room is in the ell beyond and a huge picture window makes it bright and handsome. A 19' kitchen is any homemaker's delight, offering a wall oven, counter top range, plentiful storage and work areas, and to top it all off, a windowed corner for a dinette area. The laundry is a stepsaver bonus and the deep pantry closet is worth mentioning too. Down the easy few steps, you can reach the recreation room, complete to its own lavatory and a soda bar that will win the junior members of the family. Step out to the flagstone terrace for a glimpse of summer evenings ahead. One of the most popular features is the garage opening to the side, perfect for a corner lot. On the bedroom level, there are two double chambers, and a master suite that includes its own shower-bathroom, walk-in closet and four more closets as well, with a family bathroom in the newest divided design.
Here is a home that combines spaciousness with an easy grace, one that would look well in any suburban or country setting. An exterior of clapboard and shuttered windows is accented by a dove cote and the covered porch with its stone wall and large many-paned window. From this porch there is an entry to the two car garage, another entry to the foyer. Directly off the foyer there is a lavatory, closet and den combination which would make a perfect office for a professional man. These rooms would also make a charming guest apartment. Bedroom No. 1 has two exposures, a double closet, another large closet and a private. bath with recessed tub and built-in sink with counter and storage space. The kitchen is an ample one, there is room here for all of the modern appliances, and lots of work space. A dinette corner is convenient to the outside door, and the window faces on the porch area, which, if enclosed would give a large additional space for open-air dining and entertaining. The dining room is handy to the porch, kitchen and the foyer. The living room is situated away from the main traffic areas of the house to assure privacy and easy maintenance. It is well lighted and the end wall, completely panelled with wood, will be the center of interest and comfort, with its full length raised hearth, fireplace and wood box. At the front of the foyer there is a clothes closet, and a stairway up. The second floor has two bedrooms, each with two exposures, bedroom No. 2 has two spacious closets, the hall has a storage closet, and the bathroom has a linen closet, tub, and vanity sink. The rear hall on the first floor has a linen closet and the door to the full basement. This house has space enough for a large family and a graceful design that will do any home-owner proud.
Overall Dimensions: 78'0" x 42'0",
including garage.
Square Feet: 1,580 (fiirst floor).
Architect: Derick B. Kipp.
Interior views show the attractive living room with a glimpse of its floor-to-ceiling bow window; and, right, above, closets that are really storage units in the master bedroom just outside the private bathroom.
This is a home that stresses family comfort in a custom- styled plan. There's charm in the exterior look of the house and the entertaining areas are stunning, but the basic factor that makes this home universally popular is the completely practical plan. Of course, it begins with a center hall. Traffic patterns become apparent at once. If the youngsters come in the front door, they can head straight for the kitchen and snacks. If the back door is used, they can have their milk and go right down to the recreation room or hobby room in the basement for an afternoon of play or study. Or they can go through the kitchen and reach the bedroom hall with the bathroom at the end. All this freedom of movement without once going through the living or dining areas. This spacious entertaining section of the house goes through from front to back, forming a magnificent space when there are numerous guests. If the group is smaller, dinner can be served in privacy and then the table can be cleared while everyone goes into the living room around the cheery fireplace. On warm evenings, the covered porch is easily reached from the dining room and with the attached garage in front of it, outdoor gatherings enjoy sheltered privacy. To the right of the entry hall, the bedrooms form an L for sleeping comfort. Special note should be taken of the wardrobe closet in bedroom 3, cross ventilation in the corner bedroom, and the large scale bathroom, with twin sink vanitory that these chambers use. The master bedroom is at the back and there are the luxury extras of walk-in closet, vanitory in the stall shower lavatory, and a feeling of airy spaciousness that mean so much today. The kitchen and service centers are any homemaker's dream The overall area is 19' x 15', and the breakfast alcove at the back is wonderfully spacious and bright without stealing any of the important work area on the other side of the island snack bar. Wall oven, counter top range burners refrigerator and sink are in a compact squared-off space, easy to move around in, and easy on the busy housewife. An extra adjunct is the first floor laundry room, just inside the back vestibule, and complete with washer, dryer and ironer. In areas where you might want to eliminate the basement, this would become the utility room, most conveniently planned. Nothing is missing to make this plan your perfect dream house. It will be a source of pride from housewarming day forward.
Overall Dimensions: 58'6" x 35'4",
excluding garage and porch.
Square Feet: 1,550.
Architect: Lester Cohen.
The entrance to this modern ranch house is as inviting as it can be. The brick porch is extended on either side to include a planting space for shrubbery. The entire porch is protected from the elements by the roof over-hang. The large foyer is lighted by the two window panels which flank the front door; this foyer is located so that the living room, kitchen, or bedrooms may be reached directly without going through any other part of the house. The living room is a pure delight-it has been designed with a cathedral ceiling, a large fireplace centered along the outside wall, as well as a group three windows along the front wall and another along the rear wall. A space has been provided for a built-in television set which can be pulled out to make it visible from any point in the living room. The large dining room is easily reached from either living room or kitchen. The kitchen includes a spot for breakfasts right next to the small back porch-sliding glass doors and a planter on the porch help to make this breakfast spot light and cheerful. The kitchen has been planned to have appliances spaced for easy workability. All three bedrooms are large and light and equipped with sliding door closets; the master bedroom has its own bath and shower, a second bath off the main hall includes a tub and vanity sink. The bedroom hall space is made doubly useful with several closets and an enclosed space for a "piggy-back" washer and dryer combination. Stairs from the foyer lead down to an ample basement where there is room for storage, a play area for children which may be equipped with a door to the outside, another large room which would be ideal as a hobby shop or workshop, and a garage with a door leading directly into the cellar as well as an alternate plan for an outside door. Modern living is easy in a house as well planned as this one.
Overall Dimensions: 63'0" x 33'8".
Square Feet: 1,650.
Architect: Fenick A. Vogel.
Once you have examined the many wonderful features of this split level plan, you will agree that it must have been designed with just about all of your home ideas uppermost. The jagged line on the floor plan indicates that you are seeing both the entry level and the bedroom level above the garage at one time. What you do is walk in under a covered portico, up one step to the foyer, which is also one step up from the garage. The guest closet is to the right in the foyer, and then straight ahead, five wide steps flanked by planters will take you to living level. You can go right on to the living room if you like, a room almost 25' long, with a corner fireplace, so that you can watch the hearth from the dining room table as well as from the living room itself. The 19' kitchen at the front is all that a housewife would ask for, with built-in oven, dishwasher and adjacent laundry unit all in row under huge picture windows. Adjoining, at the back, is the prized family room, a "Dutch kitchen" with another fireplace for barbecues indoors and all manner of informal entertaining. This isn't all-an open stairway from the living room leads to a downstairs recreation room and flagstone terrace (outdoor barbecue here). This room has sliding glass doors to let in floor-to-ceiling sunlight. The planter boxes seem to intensify the blend of indoor and outdor living. Note that you can go right from the garage to the recreation room and upstairs to the main levels. Seven steps up from the living level you reach the bedroom balcony around which are the three unusual chambers. The master bedroom has two closets, one super-sized and its own private bath with a luxury vanitory. Along with the two other bedrooms there is an unexpected study alcove or quiet room with a built-in desk. The closet in the bedroom adjoining is master-sized, extending the full width of the comfortable room. Double exposures feature the third bedroom. There's luxury throughout even for the budget-building family.
Overall Dimensions: 45' x 39'6".
Square Feet: 1,475.
Architect: Herman H. York.
A view to the garden from the recreation room. Note the window wall and planter inside and out. Stairway leads to the living room so that the recreation room can be glimpsed from above through the wrought iron railings.
This would be a wonderful home to build in easy stages, starting with the basic first floor plan and as time and budget allow, you can add breezeway and garage, and later, or at the same time if family needs demand it, finish the expansion attic. The exterior gives the impression of long, low styling, and the breezeway means sheltered outdoor living area reached from both kitchen and living room. Inside, there is window magic in every room. The stunning window in the living room can be a full-view picture expanse if you like. Two wide windows brighten the kitchen and dinette adjacent, and efficient work area is featured. Each of the downstairs bedrooms enjoys double exposures and when you complete the future second floor, there will be two more bright comfortable sleeping rooms. The addition of a full shed dormer will provide two exposures in these bedrooms as well if you want it. Economy features are not left out in any part of the planning. Back-to-back plumbing is provided for kitchen and bathroom, and the second bath above will be on the same plumbing stack.
Closets throughout are plentiful and large, with one in the kitchen for brooms, a guest closet in the back hall, a whole wall of closets between the first floor bedrooms, and three more upstairs. This expansion marvel typifies today's smart planning.
Overall Dimensions: 34' x 25'10", excl. b'way and gar.
Square Feet: 835 (1st floor).
Architect: Alfred H. Ryder.
Here is level-headed luxury planning to give the larger family a wonderful new split-level home. The most exciting concept for tri-level living is planned here, in a house you can put on a lot no larger than 60', because the easy half levels go from front to back. There's a bonus of stunning decor too, with the graceful stairway to the bedroom level leading up to a wrought-iron railed balcony. Smartly styled window areas highlight every room, with special emphasis on the striking dining alcove bay in the roomy kitchen. Three of the four bedrooms have two exposures, and each one of them is large enough to sleep two in comfort. Larger closets make a difference, too, and you'll cheer for the sensible planning that lets the master lavatory serve also as a private bathroom for the front bedroom over the garage, turning two bathrooms into three at no extra cost. Of course, the star of this wonderful home is the recreation room, over 300 square feet of extra entertaining area for all the family.
Overall Dimensions: 43' x 35'8", including garage.
Square Feet: 1,490.
Architect: Herbert C. Struppmann.
This beautifully compact four-bedroom house is a budget-buy for the larger family. The study opens right from the vestibule and this adds a feature if a member of the family needs a private office in the home. If the room is to be used as a den, the private entrance makes it unnecessary for the juniors to come into the house at all if they want to use the study for after school get-togethers. Circulation throughout the house is excellent with the central foyer opening the way to bedroom hall, kitchen and utility areas and living room. The service entry also offers protection for the kitchen since you go through the utility room-laundry and there are built-in closets for storage without going further into the living areas of the house. Although the house has a full basement, the laundry room adjacent to the kitchen means step-saving for a busy homemaker. Living and dining rooms are at the back of the house, comfortably proportioned and well-supplied with wide picture windows for garden views. An arch separates the two rooms and at the back of the living area a door opens out for ready access to any outdoor area you might plan. A handsome fireplace is shown for cozy indoor evenings. Each of the bedrooms (and that includes the study if it becomes the important fourth) has good closet space. The master bedroom has a compact, private stall-shower lavatory, and next to it, for plumbing economy, there is a full bathroom with vanitory-lavatory for use by family and guests. The exterior of the house has clean lines and lovely, homey touches such as the columned porch, shutters, and nice contrasts of siding, shingle and stone.
Overall Dimensions: 71'2" x 33'4", including garage.
Square Feet: 1,460.
Architect: Herbert C. Struppmann.
Something different has been achieved in this house design. The interesting front window gives an indication. of the unusual interior; just a few steps from the front door through the foyer is the spacious living room with cathedral ceiling. A dining room, two closets and hall give added storage and living space to this area. The upper level consists of three bedrooms and a complete bath. Two bedrooms have raised corner windows which give ample light and ventilation without using up valuable floor space. Seven closets on this level will do much toward solving the ever-present storage problem. The bath can be reached from the rear bedroom or the hall; the stall shower and built in sink with vanity increase its usefulness enormously. Space for an extra bedroom and bath above the kitchen has been provided for. These rooms may be finished when the house is built, or finished at some future date by the "Do-It-Yourself" fan. The kitchen is nice and roomy, but it is planned with all of the utilities grouped together for convenience and with additional space set aside for a breakfast nook. The porch may be reached from the outside, or through a sliding door from the breakfast nook. This porch, if screened in, will become an extra room well suited for entertaining and dining in fresh air and privacy. On the lower levels, in addition to a lavatory, there is an activity space to please every member of the family-a workshop in the garage for father, a nice big utility space to contain the laundry equipment for mother, and a recreation area that will give the small-fry play space on rainy days and the teen-agers and grown-ups an extra party room. Something different in design, with ample room for every member of the family to live, work and play; this house will be a real family home for you.
Overall Dimensions: 48'0" x 42'5".
Square Feet: 1,460.
Architect: Fenick A. Vogel.
Here is an expansion home for a lot no bigger than 60', incorporating a two-car garage. Because the garage is on the basement level you can have all the advantage of spacious rooms, enough bedrooms for your family and the double garage, even though your plot is not wide. Another wonderful feature, rare in a house of this width, is the spacious center hall, making it possible to eliminate traffic from any of the rooms to get to the others. The kitchen is at the back, but it's easy to get to the front door. Note the back vestibule that leads to the cellar stairs or, through a sliding door, right into the kitchen. You've got a broom closet, more than the usual amount of counters and cabinets, and a cozy corner to turn into a breakfast nook. A swinging door opens into the dining room from which you can reach the covered, flagstone porch to expand your entertaining areas in good weather. At the front, the living room is handsomely designed, with windows on the far wall, and the stunning full-view picture bay at the front. The other side of the house is given over to the bedrooms, each of which has two exposures. Built-ins abound, with a desk and bookshelves in the one in the front, and shelves in closets in both. There is an alternate plan to provide a private bath for the master bedroom or you can have the super sized bath- room shown complete with tub, stall shower and vanitory. On the expansion floor you can finish two more bedrooms, add a second stall shower bathroom and four more tremendous closets as well as other storage. You'll find you've built a house for comfort, graceful living and easy handling for years to come, within your budget limits.
Overall Dimensions: 45' x 39'.
Square Feet: 1,460 (1st floor).
Architect: Fenick A. Vogel.
One important piece of news will make many a family happy with this lovely split-level plan. Now, for the first time, you can have your choice of a one or two car garage without increasing the actual size of the house to a limit beyond your budget. Depending on which you choose to build, either elevation is smartly styled. The plan for living is unusual and wonderful too. A moderate lot is all you need, and just look at the spacious rooms and built-in comforts planned throughout. A foyer opens from the vestibule with its double sliding door coat closet. From the foyer you can reach every room with the best of circulation that is so important to your easy housekeeping. The living room can be kept traffic clear at all times, and when there are guests this means a great deal. Decorator touches become easy with the handsome fireplace and picture window to act as focal points. The dining room forms an ell extension at the back, with a full sweep of just about 35' to use for the largest parties. The kitchen is carefully and comfortably planned, including the deep, sunny alcove at the back for breakfast nook. Don't miss the important addition of a back entry. A decorative stairway leads up to the bedroom level, where the three bedrooms, full vanitory-bathroom and private master shower-lavatory were made to fit a family of 6. On the lower level, just a half flight down from the kitchen, is the full cellar, extra storage area, single or double garage and especially interesting, the informal play room with a door out to a back terrace.
Overall Dimensions: 39'10" x 40'2", incl. one-car garage.
Square Feet: 1,360.
Architect: Herbert C. Struppmann.
