Grand Pointe Revives the Ranch Home

ELGIN, IL, October 25- By lying low, the ranch towered above all other housing styles in the second half of the 20th century. The sprawling, ground-storied home, with its big windows and open floor plans, dominated suburban American homebuilding during the 50's, 60's, and 70's. It was also a pop culture icon, with ranches often appearing as the homes of choice in novels, movies, and TV shows. Ranch living was the American style of the postwar era.

Now the ranch-style home is making a big nationwide comeback, with Grand Pointe Homes leading the way in the Chicago-area market. The West Dundee-based builder is offering six new ranch-style models at Grand Reserve. The community-west of the popular Randall Road corridor in Algonquin-is building 84 attached manor homes, 110 duplexes, and 84 detached, single-family homes (most of which are ranches).

What's driving the ranch revival at Grand Pointe, making the home suddenly such a hot commodity? "It's partly generational. The Baby Boomers are still shaping the real estate market, and now they're demanding ranch homes," said Scott Ballard, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "Many of the Boomers are active adults in the 50's and 60's who are looking for the single-story ease of living that a ranch home offers. They'd rather not have to climb stairs and ladders. At the same time, there's a nostalgic element involved. Many were raised in a ranch house and maintain fond memories of it."

The Boomers are searching for one other feature that Grand Reserve provides. "While they might not want stairs, Boomers desire access to physical activities, such as the six public and private golf courses, wildlife-rich forest preserves, and other outdoor recreation that sit close by. And a walking path winds through the neighborhood and around the property's wetlands, connecting the single-family homes, manor homes, and duplexes. There's plenty of opportunity to be active here," said Ballard.

While Grand Pointe Homes pays careful heed to the Boomers and their desires, it doesn't close its eyes to other possibilities. "Research shows us that the convenience of ranches appeals to other, younger generations as well. Indeed, I have a friend who, while he's not a Boomer, recently owned a ranch home and absolutely loved it," he said.

Ballard expects people to express that same kind of feeling for the six models of ranches Grand Reserve offers. At 1,575 square feet, the compact Oxford features a master suite and a second bedroom, each with its own private bathroom. A huge Great Room serves as the ranch's focal point, though a U-shaped kitchen and a covered patio add compelling sidelights.

The two-bedroom Olympia is considerably larger, its area of 1,751 square feet extending to a connected kitchen and dinette and a master suite located on the front wall. The latter also contains a spacious walk-in closet and a large master bath with a huge tub and separate oversized shower.

The Olympia II packs the space of a typical single-family home into a single-level ranch. The II features two or three bedrooms, with the master suite located against the back wall of the home. Entertainment moves to the large Great Room, with its stunning cathedral ceiling (optional). A dinette and breakfast bar provide a perfect place for casual meals.

Luxury makes its home in the Marquis. Stretching an eye-opening 2,059 square feet, the layout separates the two bedrooms for maximum privacy, with the master suite containing a luxury bath with soaker tub, double-bowl vanity, and walk-in closet. Meanwhile, the expansive Great Room links to the kitchen through a quaint eating bar. With its separate access to the second bathroom, the study can be converted into a third bedroom guest suite for visiting friends or relatives.

Although it's a traditional ranch, the 1,725-square foot Kensington features some contemporary touches. Combined rooms overlook the spacious Great Room, allowing for easy interaction with guests. And the modern den sits between the master suite and the second bedroom, easily converting into a library, a home office, or even a third bedroom.

Finally, the two words that best describe the two-bedroom, two-bath Princeton are "open and elegant." The large Great Room connects to a kitchen and dinette, which together create a uniquely open area. An angled island with an eating bar provides a gently modern accent. The master suite occupies one entire side of the home, ensuring a maximum of privacy. The 1,827-square foot design includes a secondary bedroom, which gracefully becomes a den with built-in bookshelves at the buyer's option.

With a price range of $253,900 to $286,900, the ranches cost a little more than average homes on a dollar-per-square-foot basis. But Ballard doesn't feel that it will hurt sales. "Going back to the demographic argument again: The older generation wants what it wants, and it will pay for it. And the Boomers definitely want ranches. They've chosen a classic American style, and we're there to provide it. Besides, they can save by taking advantage of Grand Pointe's special incentive program," he said.

To visit Grand Reserve, take I-90 to Randall Road, north to Harnish Drive, west (left) to Eineke Boulevard, left to the model. Decorated models are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday through Wednesday.

People seeking information on Grand Reserve ranch homes can go here or call (847) 854-9500.

Submitted 10/25/2007

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