The High Ranch design. By raising the traditional ranch house up a half-story, the architects unlocked an entire lower level of living space that sits partially above ground, avoiding the dark, subterranean feel of a traditional basement. Upon ascending the entry stairs, you are greeted by an expansive L-shaped living-dining room. A functional sliding door effortlessly isolates the kitchen from the formal dining area when needed, then tucked away out of sight for casual family breakfasts. : Downstairs, the "High Ranch" footprint truly shines. Instead of a cramped cellar, the lower level features a huge family room illuminated by large windows. Accompanied by a full bath, a dedicated utility area, and two additional bedrooms.

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source 1955 Homes Beautiful | L. B. Wright, Inc, Ohio

 

While the exterior boasts timeless elegance, the interior layout of Plan C6879-B was engineered for the modern family. The floor plan prioritizes both convenience and social gathering. A spacious country-kitchen complete with a dedicated dining space serves as the central hub for family meals and conversation. The design incorporates glass doors leading to a future porch or patio. The ground level includes a highly practical first-floor powder room, keeping the main living spaces accessible for guests. Upstairs, the layout offers a private sanctuary featuring a generous master bedroom with its own private bath, alongside two additional bedrooms and a second full bath to accommodate a growing family.

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source 1955 Homes Beautiful | L. B. Wright, Inc, Ohio

 

The exterior of Plan C6878-B immediately commands attention with its striking split-level or multi-tiered silhouette. The design gracefully bridges the gap between classic American Colonial revival elements and early mid-century modernist geometry. 

 A massive, floor-to-roof red brick chimney dominates the left facade, providing a bold texture contrast against the crisp white horizontal siding. Deep green shutters frame the multi-pane windows, while a charming flower box sits beneath the front window of the attached garage wing, welcoming guests with a touch of nature. A sheltered, columned front porch gently guides you toward the front door, offering a preview of the hospitality waiting inside.

Right off the main entry, a convenient powder room is perfectly situated for guests.

Moving further into the living spaces, the kitchen is configured in a highly efficient "L"-shape. This setup maximizes counter space and creates a natural workflow, flowing seamlessly into a casual dining space or breakfast nook for quick morning meals. For formal occasions, Sunday roasts, and holiday gatherings, the plan boasts a completely separate dining room, allowing hosts to hide the kitchen prep mess from dinner guests. As a spacious multi-level design, Plan C6878-B was built with the growing family in mind. The layout generously accommodates:

• A private Master Suite, serving as a quiet oasis for parents.

• Three additional bedrooms, perfect for children, a guest room, or a dedicated home office.

 

With its striking red and white siding contrast, classic dark green shutters, and a prominent brick chimney, the exterior blends traditional colonial warmth with the clean lines of mid-century split-level design.

The main living space is designed away from primary household traffic lanes, ensuring a quiet, peaceful area to unwind around the natural fireplace. The large family room opens directly onto the patio, bridging the gap between indoor comfort and outdoor leisure. The kitchen features a dedicated snack space, a forward-thinking nod to informal family breakfasts. Moving upstairs, the second floor boasts 4 bedrooms and a generous arrangement of 3 complete baths.

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source 1955 Homes Beautiful | L. B. Wright, Inc, Ohio

 

With its bold contrasting red brick veneer, clean white horizontal siding, and classic dark shutters, this split-level design was engineered for both style and suburban practicality.

Featuring a welcoming center entry, the home provides seamless, easy access to all rooms, eliminating wasted hallway space. The upper level serves as a quiet retreat housing three bedrooms equipped with large closets and a central bath. Meanwhile, the lower and main levels focus entirely on leisure, spotlighting a large family room and a secondary bathroom conveniently handy to the kitchen.

Designed specifically as an ideal solution for a lot sloping to the rear, the architectural footprint maximizes the natural topography of a suburban lot. The integrated multi-car garage on the right anchors the structure, while the iconic red brick chimney promises cozy evenings by the fireplace. 

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source 1955 Homes Beautiful | L. B. Wright, Inc, Ohio

 

The exterior boasts a brilliant textural contrast typical of the mid-1950s: a rugged, ashlar stone veneer anchoring the lower levels, beautifully balanced by warm, olive-toned horizontal siding on the cantilevered upper tier. A massive, prominent stone chimney serves as the front facade's focal point, balancing the wide, sheltering eaves of the low-pitch rooflines.

The clever tri-level footprint packs an incredible amount of utility into an efficient layout:

• The Main Level: Features a spacious living room bathed in natural light by a massive three-panel picture window, anchored by a beautiful natural stone fireplace.

• The Service Wing: A smart-looking kitchen complete with a cozy dining nook, perfect for quick breakfasts and keeping an eye on the backyard.

• The Upper Level: Dedicated entirely to privacy, hosting 4 large bedrooms and 2 full baths—a luxurious allotment for a 1955 layout.

• The Lower & Basement Levels: Includes an integrated two-car garage, a dedicated utility entryway, and a full basement below the main living area for laundry and recreation.