Renovating
This Week on Houzz: Which Type of House Has Long Been Misunderstood?
Would you love lots of space and privacy, with garden all around and no stairs to climb? Join other Houzzers and consider bungalow living
We recently asked you whether you liked bungalows, and the majority of you who voted were in favour. For the most part, their function and design advantages seemed to override former negative associations – no longer are bungalows just for holidaying or the elderly. Space, privacy and single-storey living are the main draws (though in some other countries, ‘bungalow’ doesn’t necessarily mean single-storey) but design challenges remain.
Houzz UK editor Victoria Harrison (herself the proud owner of a bungalow) is an advocate of lateral living. ‘Admittedly, with older-style bungalows the exteriors can sometimes need a bit of love and the layout can need some imaginative reworking’ she says. ‘But I love that bungalows encourage you to make the most of the outdoor space, as you are so connected to the garden and can usually access the outdoors from nearly every room.’
All in all, it seems the freedoms of bungalow living outweigh the challenges. Here’s what you had to say…
Houzz UK editor Victoria Harrison (herself the proud owner of a bungalow) is an advocate of lateral living. ‘Admittedly, with older-style bungalows the exteriors can sometimes need a bit of love and the layout can need some imaginative reworking’ she says. ‘But I love that bungalows encourage you to make the most of the outdoor space, as you are so connected to the garden and can usually access the outdoors from nearly every room.’
All in all, it seems the freedoms of bungalow living outweigh the challenges. Here’s what you had to say…
‘Think outside the box. Put in wood floors and a wood burner for soul. Cherish your garden. Count your bungalow blessings. The more people who reimagine them, the cooler and more sought-after they will become, like anything in scarce supply.’ coolerplanet
‘Yes, bungalow any day! … We are currently midway through our extension project, which will comprise an open-plan kitchen-diner with really great views over the south-facing garden.’ Hand Built Designs
‘In Australia, they are just called houses. I love lateral living and having my own block of land. It feels so much more spacious to have windows all the way around. I like being able to pop in and out wherever I am in the house and to see trees and grass easily from all the windows.’ stellahome
‘The word “bungalow” originates in India and did not necessarily mean a single-storey dwelling. It meant a free-standing dwelling and is still used as such in many countries.’ Tim Price
Love the look of this house? Take a peek inside
Love the look of this house? Take a peek inside
‘In Canada, bungalows are much sought-after. Because our homes are all built with basements, a small bungalow with a basement means double the living space.’ laird_carol
‘I have nothing against the idea of bungalows and totally appreciate the reasons given by those who love them, but has anyone tried to find a bungalow in the UK that doesn’t have a rather drab, uninspired, off-putting exterior? Architecturally, they are almost all dull to look at. I always think they need a total exterior remodel to give them kerb appeal, which is a huge added expense.’ moorlikeit
‘We moved to our bungalow last year from a 1970s terraced property and we love it! We didn’t set out to buy a bungalow, but loved the garden and space here. We’ve got a lot of work to do to renovate the place, but that’s exciting as it has lots of possibilities!’ tamp75
‘We are building a bungalow at the moment – single-storey, green-roofed eco house on a hillside. Love bungalows!’ drhayley
Love the idea of a green roof? Here’s a beginner’s guide
Love the idea of a green roof? Here’s a beginner’s guide
‘My two children love the space a bungalow offers. The corridors become their playground when the weather doesn’t permit playing outside! … It all depends what suits you and your family. There is no right or wrong!’ dublin8
TELL US…
Do you agree that the freedoms of bungalow living outweigh the challenges? Tell us why or why not in the Comments below.
TELL US…
Do you agree that the freedoms of bungalow living outweigh the challenges? Tell us why or why not in the Comments below.