The Bel Air

 

THE Bel Air is a Southern type of Ranch home that is rapidly becoming popular in all sections of the country. With the installation of a compact oil-burning heating unit to provide radiant heating plus the existent living porch enclosure complete with all-weather jalousies or venetian windows, it is possible to build and enjoy this extremely livable type of home anywhere in the United States. Though con- structed where heating was unnecessary, the price of the home includes the cost of a standard heating unit which may be installed in the storage room area. An authentic ranch type, it is low and rambling. But unlike many ranch houses, it is one that does not require vast acreage for proper setting. It's 56 ft. wide, but only 35 ft. 6 in. from front to back. These unusual measurements make it ideal for a city lot that is wide and shallow.

The exterior walls are merely cinder or concrete blocks covered with colorful stucco. Knotty pine plank boards and plastered walls on the interior are handsome and inexpensive.

The large, breezy, screened-in porch facing the side is ideal for insectless outdoor living. The shape of the house gives the porch privacy and the aluminum jalousies block out rain and wind.

The living room is ample for all family activities. The white brick fireplace, built-in book- case and exposed rafters add warmth to the room. The louvers under the large glass window and windows near the top of the shed roof supply adequate cross ventilation.

Two good-sized bedrooms and the bathroom are grouped in a separate wing. Two closets in the master bedroom permit both the husband and wife to enjoy a private wardrobe. This room has exposure on three sides and a complete built-in unit with dressing table along one wall. The junior bedroom is at the back of the house with windows on the rear and side. This bedroom has one commodious closet.

The bathroom is large, and completely equipped. Due to its central location, it is easily reached from all parts of the home. A large opaque window insures privacy in this room yet provides sufficient ventilation.

The kitchen in The Bel Air is large to allow efficient operation in an average-sized family. All of the equipment necessary to the storage of foods and utensils, the preparation of meals, and the cleaning of equipment has been conveniently and logically arranged in a "U" form around a large window. On either side of this window there are large cabinets. Beneath these cupboards is over ten feet of work counter surfaced with colored laminated plastic. Directly beneath the kitchen window and dividing the work counter into sections is a large double sink.

Located between the living room and kitchen is the knotty pine-paneled dining section. Large enough for family use, the room is well lighted by a large window in the front. A door leads from this room into the porte-cochere, or car port.

Off the porte-cochere is the storage room. Although no heating system is shown on the building blueprint, this utility room is designed for a radiant heating oil-fired unit.

As in many homes of this type, terrazzo is used to finish the floors. This material conducts heat well and makes a bright everlasting floor.

The car port, minus car and with adequate additional lighting, makes an ideal outdoor party area. A new wiring system operating by remote control is available for home use. Master selector switches can be placed in any number of convenient locations. They can be used to turn electricity on or off for a variety of purposes. You can start your breakfast coffee by turning on the switch in your bedroom. If you are sitting near the telephone and would like to turn off the radio, you can do it without leaving your chair-if there's a switch within reach.