Mini-mansions might be the norm today in Pittsburgh suburbs. But back in the 1950s and early '60s, a ranch was the ideal home. Constructed with an eye toward simplicity and affordability, these one-story houses -- often L-shaped, with an asymmetrical floor plan -- typified the casual lifestyle.

Because of their open, horizontal design, ranches remain popular with homeowners with limited physical abilities. The house at 3560 Bendview Drive in Forest Hills (MLS No. 723078) gets high marks in that area in large part because it sits on a slab and has no stairs. It also has a level entrance and extra-wide interior doorways, making it perfect for someone in a wheelchair. It is listed for $134,900 by Cathy Addessi of RE/MAX Heritage in Forest Hills (www.pghhomefinder.com; 412-241-4200, ext. 126). Built in the early 1960s, the house sits on a large lot at the end of a quiet, dead-end street that's filled with mature trees. Owner Paula Lombardo says it's extremely private.

"You almost feel like you're in the country," she says. "But you're only five minutes from the Parkway."

The interior includes two bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths and a recently updated eat-in kitchen with a tile floor and stainless-steel range hood. There's also a family room with a heat-efficient pellet stove that could be turned into a third bedroom. The living and dining rooms are divided by a large wood-burning fireplace. Other features include central air conditioning, an integral garage and many large and bright multi-pane windows.

Ranches are often known for their backyard landscaping and outdoor living spaces. This property doesn't disappoint: It's surrounded by trees and the fenced-in yard includes an in-ground swimming pool, a garden area with a lofted shed and a tree house. An open house will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. today.

The house has a 2007 assessed market value of $118,000 and was last sold in May 1996 for $109,000 (www2.county.allegheny.pa.us). Since 2004, two houses have sold on Bendview: one for $62,500 in March 2004 and the other for $70,000 in August 2005 (www.realstats.net).

Forest Hills (www.foresthillspa.org) is in the Woodland Hills School District (www.whsd.k12.pa.us).