On the market: Can a remodeled Hillsboro ranch house fetch more than $1.3

There’s a lot to love about the common ranch-style house. Most of the ground-hugging ramblers built for middle-class families in the 1950s and 1960s boom years had hardwood floors, brick fireplaces and layouts that were easy to expand into the big, grassy backyard.

Nine out of 10 homes built for decades after WWII were a version of the architectural style inspired by California’s early haciendas.

Suburban streets were dotted with single-story, split-level or daylight ranch-style houses, some with a breezeway to the carport or garage; all without fussy porches but with patios to allow faster access to the outdoors.

Although architecture snobs sneer at the “granny ranch” or deride one as “just another ranchburger,” the appeal of a ranch endures because it’s adaptable. Who hasn’t seen a ranch remade into a look as contrary to its simple origins as an adorned Victorian with a turret and fish-scale siding?

A true ranch is low profile. Another reversal: The once-economical abodes are so prized today that some command high prices when put up for sale, especially in the Portland area, which has a low number of residential properties for sale.

In this week’s real estate gallery, we look at jazzed up ranch houses on the market or recently sold.

8905 S.W. River Road in Hillsboro is listed at $1,385,000. The value is based on the farmland and the buildings.

The remodeled ranch-style home, built in 1967 on a 27.37-acre Truffle Tree Farm on the Tualatin River, has three bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms and 3,358 square feet of living space.

There is also an office building and insulated warehouse.

Irrigation water rights are used for filbert and oak trees inoculated with Perigord black truffles.

“Beautiful gated entry and perimeter fencing for privacy and enhanced security,” says listing agent Eugene Wolf of Wolf N.W. Properties.

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16817 S.W. Finnigan Hill Road in Hillsboro sold for $813,700 on Aug. 18, 2020.

The daylight ranch-style home, built in 1975 on 5.63 acres, has four bedrooms, three bathrooms and 3,328 square feet of living space.

The lower level, which opens to the concrete patio and pool, can accommodate multi-generational living with a bedroom, full bathroom, family room and wet bar.

There is also a four-stall barn and tack room.

“Detached building could be used for guest quarters, home office, artist studio or gym,” says listing agent Kim Carty of Soldera Properties.

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18400 S.E. Richey Road in Gresham is listed at $699,000.

The Pleasant Valley-area, ranch-style home, built in 1956 on two acres, has formal living and dining rooms as well as a great room with a high ceiling, kitchen with cherry cabinets, four bedrooms, two bathrooms and 3,148 square feet of living space.

The level lot also has a three-car garage and covered RV parking. The three-stall barn is used for storage but could be converted back to house animals.

“Your own private oasis is waiting for you to call it home. Seller says [it’s] sub dividable, buyer to do due diligence,” says listing agent Amanda Borgaro of Premiere Property Group.

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52592 N.W. Old Wilson River Road in Gales Creek sold for $647,000 on Aug. 5, 2020.

The ranch-style home, built in 1963 on 26.77 acres, has three bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms and 1,580 square feet of living space.

The property includes a large barn, detached shop and space for an RV, boat and equipment.

“Serenity at its finest. Enjoy the sounds of the nearby creek and nature while surrounded by forest and farmland from your covered patio,” says listing agent John Soper of Premiere Property Group.

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14908 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave. in Vancouver, Washington, sold for $500,000 on July 1, 2020.

The brick ranch-style home, built in 1954 on 4.6 acres, has two bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms and 2,021 square feet of living space.

“Land connects to Washington State University property. Zoning R1-10,” says listing agent Patti Griffith with Tony Glavin of RE/MAX Equity Group.

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— Janet Eastman | 503-294-4072