The Washington Post Real Estate section ran an interesting piece by Katharine Salant, a Harvard-trained architect and long-time journalist, on the history of the ranch and how its simple, modern design has become the basis for most American homes.

“Just peel away those Tuscan touches and Tudor treatments and take a closer look at the construction methods, the location of the major living spaces, the generous use of glass that blurs the distinction between indoor and outdoor space, and the open floor plans that combine several functions within one area of the house,” she writes.

Salant also highlights the contributions of Cliff May and Joseph Eichler for making mid-century ranches really cool. This article contrasts with one a few weeks ago that the Post did highlighting those keen on turning mid-century ranches into McMansions.