What Is It That Actually Makes a House a 'Bungalow'? A Real Estate Expert Explains
Bungalow house
The popularity of bungalow houses has exploded in recent years, as homeowners yearn for paired-down accommodations that are both stylish and functional. Bungalows offer single-floor living, vintage details and adaptability that make them increasingly popular home styles for all stages of life. Their compact, smart built-ins and lofted space allow for excellent customization.
So, yes, a bungalow is a popular type of home, but what defines this unique style? From the characteristics that make a bungalow a bungalow to the different types and advantages of living in one, we dive into the details with insight from Maureen McDermut, a realtor at Sotheby's International-Montecito who explains the ins and outs of these charming homes.
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Why Is a House Called a Bungalow?
"Bungalow" comes from an Indian word, "bangala," which means belonging to Bengal. Indeed, the British started building bungalows in India in the 1800s. It was then used to describe small country cottages that adopted features reminiscent of the Indian bungalows, like wide verandas. British colonists brought the term back to England in the 1800s. The style was then popularized in Great Britain and spread to North America and beyond.
As for the actual construction, for a home to be called a bungalow, it has to have certain specifications. "Bungalows are homes where the majority of the living space is on the main floor and there is usually an additional half-story above the home, almost like an oversized attic, which may or may not feature dormer windows," says McDermut, adding: "Traditional bungalow homes have large front porches, but those built in large cities in the mid-20th century do not usually have a large porch."
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What Are the Characteristics of a Bungalow Style?
There are several defining features that characterize the classic bungalow style:
Single-story layout
The main living area is on one floor, with no stairs inside the house. Any extra space is in a half-story upstairs.
Sloped roof
Bungalows have gabled roofs with a steep pitch, rather than a flat roof.
Dormer windows
Dormer windows are often built into the sloped roof to allow light and ventilation into the half-story space.
Front porch
A covered front porch integrated into the roofline is characteristic of bungalows.
Compact size
Bungalows are compact 1-1.5 story homes—usually under 1600 square feet.
Built-ins
Built-in shelves, benches and other space-saving features maximize usable space. As McDermut notes, bungalows "tend to have less overall square footage, but also often have a lot of built-in storage and shelving to make up for this lack of space."
Arts and crafts styling
Bungalows emphasize natural materials and craftsmanship seen in styles like Craftsman, Tudor and Mission.
Different Types of Bungalows
There are several styles of bungalows that evolved based on the region and era in which they were built:
Craftsman Bungalow
The most classic bungalow style in the U.S. is the Craftsman bungalow, dominant from 1905–1930. According to McDermut, "The most popular is the Craftsman bungalow, which features the sloped roof, dormer windows and the additional half-story."
Craftsman bungalows have:
Low-pitched gabled roofs
Exposed rafter tails
Tapered columns
Stone or brick exterior
Wide front porches with tapered columns
California Bungalow
California bungalows evolved from the Craftsman style with adaptations for the warm West Coast climate. As McDermut notes, "Many are named based on where they are built. A California bungalow is similar to the craftsman style, differing only in materials used, such as shingle siding."
Key features include:
Wood shingle or stucco exterior
Single-story layout
Front porch
Windows in signature Craftsman style
Chicago Bungalow
The Chicago bungalow was a style of small brick worker cottages built in massive quantities in the early 1900s. Per McDermut, "A Chicago bungalow usually has a brick exterior."
Identifying features:
Brick exterior walls
Front porch with chunky columns
Low-pitched roof with wide eaves
Narrow, rectangular shape
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Storybook Bungalow
Storybook bungalows are known for their quaint, fairy tale charm with details drawn from Tudor and other cottage styles.
Signature elements:
Steeply pitched gabled roofs
Half-timbering or patterned masonry
Arched entryways
Curved brick or stonework
Cute names like Hansel or Gretel's House
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Advantages of Living in a Bungalow
There are some great reasons to choose a bungalow, including:
Less Upkeep
One of the big perks is lower maintenance requirements. As McDermut explains, "Bungalows are great for those looking for an easier home to maintain, as they often have less square footage." The smaller square footage makes them affordable and flexible. With less space to clean, heat and cool, bungalows offer a simplified lifestyle.
Single-Floor Living
The single-story layout on the main floor provides easy living without navigating stairs. McDermut notes bungalows are advantageous for many families. "Young families often have their children's bedroom up in the bungalow roof, mainly because the kids love the large open space for playing," she says. The second floor functions as a private kids' area or extra storage. Young families, empty nesters and retirees alike appreciate bungalows' simplicity and coziness.
Vintage Charm
For many buyers, the sought-after charm of a bungalow outweighs any downsides of a smaller home. From coved ceilings to hardwood floors, bungalows built in the early 20th century radiate nostalgic appeal.
Tight-Knit Communities
Historic bungalow neighborhoods foster strong communities, where residents share pride in maintaining the classic architecture. Bungalows' front porches facilitate interaction with neighbors.
