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The Ranch House
Reprinted in part with permission from Old House Journal, October 1998
 California architect Cliff May (1909-1989) is credited with the first modern ranch, built in San Diego in 1932. A prolific designer and promoter, May sold the style he called the early California ranch house throughout the West.
Consciously interpreting the ranchos of the mid nineteeth century, May spoke not only about the architectural form, but also about the casual, family-oriented culture of the early (Mexican) Californians, whose gallant hospitality was legendary. Working in tandem with landscape architects, May designed low houses that followed the contours of the land, enclosing a courtyard or patio with carefully planned views of nature.
Floorplans were open, always with a family room. By the mid-'30s, his ranch houses had been published by Sunset magazine and elsewhere.
The early ranch maintained integrity even as the idea spread to other climates and suburban lots. These traits make a true ranch: ground-hugging, with a low roof and deep eaves; built of local materials (wood, stucco, brick, or stone); anonymous to the street, open to gardens in back; generally one room deep; shaped like an L or U (or splayed) to surround a patio and landscape features; expanses of glass; frank inclusion of cars, children's play areas, etc.
Above Inner courtyard of Barbara and Lee Roper's Cliff May home. Photo by Sandé Lollis |
MORE FROM THIS ISSUE
Baton Passes to SOHO for Neon Majorette
Old San Diego Police Headquarters
President's Message
Executive Director Report
Hotel Del Coronado Continuing Saga
Historic Hotel San Diego Awaits the Wrecking Ball
Threat to Agua Caliente
We Called it Caliente
County Historic Site Board Reinstated
Mills Act Notice
Volunteer Appreciation Party
Aztec Brewery Art & Artifact Ensemble
Heritage Park Gets a Facelift
The Ranch House
The Whaley House
Help Furnish the Whaley House
Volunteers Make the Difference
Whaley House Garden Update
SOHO Museum Shop at the Whaley House Grand Opening
Heritage Tourism
Welcome Ranger Berry
Letter to the Editors
In Memorium
Contributors to Success
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