Bungalows offer stately, single-level living

If there’s one home designed to fit a specific lifestyle, it has to be the bungalow. This single-level, not-always-single-family home type is a mainstay of the homebuilders’ repertoire and a perennial favourite, especially among the older generations. But today, you might be surprised at how many more variations of the bungalow there are that fit not just the senior lifestyle.

The bungalow is traditionally a single-storied house with a sloping roof. Encyclopedia Britannica says the name derives from a Hindi word meaning “a house in the Bengali style” and came into the English language during the era of the British administration of India.

Today, it is the easy livability and charm of the bungalow is what makes it so popular. The living space is concentrated all on the main floor and the owners don’t have to deal with stairs. This is what makes them so adaptable as an aging-in-place option for retirees and empty nesters.

They can be a little more expensive, as they take up a larger footprint compared to a traditional two-storey home, and bigger lots to fit them limit their affordability, especially in the city. But there are new models now that address these challenges, including having bungalows in zero lot lines, lofted models, and developed basements that can fit more varied lifestyles and budgets. There are even bungalow villas that fall into the multi-family home category.

Calgary New Home + Condo Guide spoke to homebuilders to find out why the bungalow remains so popular and what new design they offer and where.

Cedarglen Homes

Cedarglen Homes has made one of the most significant design changes to the bungalow in recent years with its M Series. “They were designed to appeal to the snowbirds or empty nesters looking for an amazing open floor plan without the pesky condo fees but have turned into something all ages have expressed interest in due to their unique aesthetic and amazing starting price,” says Area Sales Manager Ryan Christensen.

These modern bungalows present a similar square footage to condos however they provide the opportunity for homeowners to not have to pay condo fees or share walls with their neighbours, Christensen says.” This sense of autonomy over one’s own home is a determining factor for a lot of home buyers in the market, which makes these homes stand out.”

Ranging in size from 897 to 937 square feet, the M Series come with one- and two-bedroom floorplans and the option to develop the basement and add an attached or detached garage. The bedrooms are large enough to fit a king-sized bed and the open concept main living space offers plenty of room to entertain.

Jayman BUILT

The Streams of Lake Mahogany Villa Bungalows is the latest version that shows the evolution of the bungalow. It presents stylish single-level living in a maintenance-free setting and is Calgary’s first and only Villa Bungalow resort.

Aside from its beautifully landscaped setting, it is the carefree lifestyle it offers that is paramount. “The maintenance free living is one of the biggest attractions for our Villa Bungalows – your home extends beyond your yard into the beautifully landscaped streams and seating areas. And, you do not have to worry about snow shovelling or lawn mowing – everything looks clean and beautiful year-round!” says Jordan D’Haese, Sales Manager, Jayman BUILT Multi Family.

“We are seeing all buyer demographics from first time homebuyers, downsizers and people looking to make lifestyle changes to the maintenance-free and resort-style living. As well as the benefits of moving into a brand-new Jayman BUILT home with energy efficient inclusions saving you money on energy bills – homes come complete with solar panels, high efficiency furnace, tankless hot water heater, triple pane windows and so much more.”

The layout and basement development options are appealing to their downsizer buyers, D’Haese adds. “They get the single-level living but love having the convenience of the lower level for guests and family.”

The Benjamin bungalow villa has been their best-selling villa at The Streams, with just over 45 per cent of all Benjamins now reserved. “The Benjamin’s offer our most spacious interior living spaces, with the main level boasting up to 1,400 sq ft, and stunning courtyard facing views of our lush, landscaped areas and water features.”

NuVista Homes

NuVista Homes has perfected the bungalow design and the new community of Painted Sky in Langdon just east of Calgary is just as perfect for it.

“We offer one bungalow model in Painted Sky called the Edenview,” says area manager, Renna Benner. “It is 1,520 square feet on the main floor. It comes with two bedrooms on the main (or a flex room). The great thing about this plan is that the garage is a rear attached. So, you get all the beauty on the front of your home.

A porch, more windows to let light in, a nice sized front yard. The plan is 30 feet wide. The smallest lot we build on is 40-feet wide. So, the minimum between houses will be no less than 10-feet.”

Benner says it is popular among buyers with older parents that live with them, and she even has one that wants a bungalow with a developed basement for a private space for their grown child.

Prominent Homes

The bungalow has been a prominent part of Prominent Homes’ line-up since day one, and with Calgary’s aging population they see demand start rising.

“The demand for bungalows is increasing as people want the single floor living with developed space in the basement for when the grandkids come over, everything on the main floor is allowing them to live and entertain on the same floor space,” says Pal Shergill, Prominent Homes’ President.

They are finding that their market wants the bungalow with all the fixings – like developed basements, sometimes a second storey loft,

Their best-selling bungalow is the Yorkshire, it has 1 bedroom plus a den and 1.5 baths on the main floor with a large open concept living area and vaulted 14-foot-high ceilings, as well it comes with an executive kitchen and fully developed basements.

Trico Homes

Trico Homes’ bungalows have evolved with the times and tastes of customers, and remain a staple in some of the best communities they build in.

“Bungalows have undergone a reinvention with the narrow lots we have in Calgary and area,” says Area Sales Manager for D’Arcy, Clint Pilon. “They are appealing to couples whose kids have moved out, or families with bigger kids who can be in the basement.”

Trico has laned and attached garage bungalows and their new Westwood model will be a showhome in D’Arcy in Okotoks. It will have a master bedroom on the main floor and an upper loft above the garage perfect for kids, he adds. “With the kids’ bedrooms above the garage, the Westwood is a new, hybrid bungalow that appeals to all types of families.”

Trico's best-seller is the Wynwood, which comes in a variety of widths depending on lot size. “Since 2017, we have sold 17 of these models,” says Gwenn Utigard, Area Sales Manager for Precedence in Cochrane.

“Trico buyers of bungalows do get their basements developed. While the buyer is looking for a smaller single-level living home, they are still entertaining, having family gatherings and have family visiting from out of town. Developing the basement allows them to be able to still do the things they love when it comes to family and friends,” she says.

Bungalow buyers are also typically unaffected by the rising interest rates. “Typically, with the demographic that is buying the bungalow, interest rates are not of concern to them. They are mortgage free and, in most cases, will not be carrying a mortgage on the home,” Utigard says.