Cliff May: The California Ranch Home Pioneer with a Legacy in Utah

Few names in residential architecture are as iconic as Cliff May, the visionary behind the California Ranch Style Home. Known for creating homes that blur the line between indoor and outdoor living, May's designs helped define postwar architecture in the American West—and hold a special place in my own journey as a homeowner and mid-century modern enthusiast.

Cliff May and the Birth of the California Ranch

Cliff May’s career took off in Southern California in the 1930s, where he began designing homes inspired by the Spanish haciendas of early California ranches. His goal was simple: to create homes that embraced the climate, encouraged family life, and connected seamlessly with the outdoors. The result was a new style of architecture—the California Ranch—defined by low-pitched rooflines, open layouts, and easy access to patios and courtyards.

May’s work exploded in popularity in the 1940s–60s, with thousands of homes built under his name. While his homes are most prevalent in Southern California, you can also find notable examples in Denver's Harvey Park neighborhood and Salt Lake City’s Maywood Hills.

A Personal Connection to Cliff May Homes

Cliff May holds a special place in my heart because the very first home I ever purchased was a Cliff May original in Long Beach, California. Living in one of his designs was what sparked my obsession with mid-century architecture—the indoor-outdoor flow, the functional simplicity, and the subtle elegance of every line. His designs truly feel like homes meant to be lived in, not just looked at.

Cliff May Homes in Utah

Utah may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Cliff May, but Maywood Hills, located in the Salt Lake Valley, features authentic Cliff May designs that embody all the charm and sophistication of his Southern California work.

Curious to dive deeper into Cliff May’s history and his approach to design? This detailed biography from Rancho Style is a must-read. It highlights his early influences, architectural philosophy, and the nationwide impact of his ranch-style revolution.

You can also take a closer look at this beautifully remodeled Cliff May home in Utah to see how his timeless design continues to inspire homeowners and designers today.

Love Ranch Style as Much as I Do?

Whether you're dreaming of owning a Cliff May original, restoring a classic ranch-style home, or simply learning more about Utah’s mid-century modern gems, @MidModUtah is here to help you discover the history and the homes that make this design era so magical.

Looking for a Cliff May–inspired home in Utah?
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