The Ranch Reborn: Single-Story Living Returns in Style

Design October 13, 2025

National Design Trend

Across the country, the humble ranch is making a confident return. Single-level homes once dismissed as dated are now being transformed with black-stained cedar siding, energy-efficient windows, and light-filled layouts that invite the outdoors in.

Why the Ranch Is Back?

Livable simplicity – One-level layouts, wide sight lines, and easy indoor–outdoor connection.
Adaptable for varied life stages – Young buyers value the manageability; downsizers love the accessibility.
Design evolution – Today’s ranch isn’t nostalgic. It’s re-imagined with natural materials, higher ceilings, and open connected spaces.
Market performance – According to The Wall Street Journal, ranch homes have appreciated 44.7% in six years, outpacing every other home type.
Cultural shift – In an era of excess, simplicity feels sophisticated again.

🔗 The 1950s Ranch House Makes a Comeback - WSJ

What It Means for Middle Tennessee

From East Nashville to Brentwood to Columbia, the same story is unfolding. Post-war homes once slated for teardown are being transformed with modern energy performance, warm textures, and purposeful open flow.

Single-story living isn’t just practical—it’s aspirational. It’s about creating homes that live easily, entertain beautifully, and connect people to their surroundings.

The Kennedy Place

A remarkable Middle Tennessee property takes this idea even further, a home that redefines single-level living through craftsmanship, history, and presence. Set on approximately 34 acres in Columbia TN, this rare estate blends historic character with modern livability. Originally built in 1830, the iconic “Piano House” offers 5,100 square feet of timeless architecture, thoughtful updates, and expansive grounds. It carries the ease of main-level living reminiscent of a ranch, yet stands in a class entirely its own, with graceful proportions, tall airy ceilings, and open, connected rooms that feel both classic and contemporary.

It doesn’t imitate the ranch ideal. It transcends it.

🔗 1512 Williamsport Pike, Columbia TN - Listing details and exterior photography

🔗 1512 Williamsport Pike, Columbia TN - Listing video