A bungalow is a house that stays close to the ground. It doesn’t rise or reach—it settles. The roof is low and wide, stretching out like it wants to protect what’s beneath it. There’s a front porch, where you can sit and watch the world, and windows that invite the sun in. Everything you need is on one floor. Nothing fancy, nothing wasted. It’s a house built for living, plain and true.
The word “bungalow” comes from Bengal, where it meant a simple home built for the heat and the rains. The British saw the practicality and brought it back with them. They built bungalows in England, then in America, where the style found its place in growing cities. A bungalow is more than a house; it’s a way to live.
History
The bungalow began in India. It was small, with a thatched roof and deep verandas to keep the sun out and the air moving. British colonists, tired of heavy homes that didn’t suit the heat, adopted the design. They turned it into something new—practical, adaptable, and easy to build.
By the early 20th century, bungalows had crossed oceans and settled into neighborhoods. In America, they became homes for workers, families, and retirees. In England, they lined seaside towns and quiet streets. The bungalow offered what people needed: simplicity, affordability, and a space that felt like home.
Characteristics
A bungalow is a house that doesn’t shout, but it’s hard to ignore. The roof slopes gently, sometimes with dormer windows peeking out like eyes. The front porch stretches wide, an invitation to sit a while. Inside, the rooms flow together, open and light. There’s no wasted space, no corners left unused.
The windows are large because a bungalow welcomes the outside in. You can see the garden, feel the breeze, and let the sunlight warm the walls. The design is simple, but every part of it works together to create something whole and complete.
Types
Bungalows aren’t all the same. There’s the chalet bungalow, where a second floor hides under the roof, just enough to make space without losing the cozy feel. The dormer bungalow adds dormer windows, making the loft a room you can truly use.
Then there’s the semi-detached bungalow, which shares a wall with another home but still feels private. It’s a compromise, but a good one. Each type has its purpose, its way of fitting into the lives of the people who live there.
Popularity and appeal
A bungalow is a home for everyone. It’s for the elderly, who need a house without stairs. It’s for young families, who want space for their children to play. It’s for anyone who values simplicity and a life lived on one level.
They can be expensive because they take up more land, but what they give back is worth it. They are easy to maintain, adaptable, and welcoming. In cities like Chicago or Los Angeles, in seaside towns or quiet suburbs, bungalows stand as homes that make sense.
A bungalow isn’t just a house. It’s a choice to live simply, to stay grounded, to find comfort in something built for life as it is.
