The multiple pleasures of single-level living

Empty-nesters, snowbirds, retiring Baby Boomers and Gen Xers - all find the stylish, swinging single-level lifestyle offered by the bungalow and bungalow villas simply irresistible, but lately both are getting noticed by other demographics as well.

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. However, you might be surprised at how many more variations of the bungalow there are that fit not just the senior lifestyle.

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.

Traditional values

“The appeal of the bungalow lies in its simplicity and accessibility,” says Laurel Campbell, Marketing Director at Bordeaux Properties, which jointly develops the lake community of Harmony with Qualico Communities.

“I think the key reason they are attractive is the convenience of main floor living but have the flexibility of downstairs space for the extras (rooms for older children, visiting children/grandkids, workout space, craft rooms, storage, bonus space).”

Harmony, located just west of Calgary, is one of the few communities where bungalows are readily available, with more opportunities coming around soon.

“Although the buyer of a bungalow is often described as an empty-nester or retired couple, the profile is quite diverse,” Campbell notes. “They are a great option for families with teenagers who value privacy and their own space. The open layout makes bungalows are a great fit for families where children are more independent and don’t require high levels of supervision.”

She adds that for people who are planning for future physical limitations, whether due to age, disability, or simply convenience, a bungalow offers the perfect environment. “They provide an option that doesn’t require navigating stairs on a regular basis and can often accommodate simple lifts for those who need it.”

Downsizer appeal

The hottest form of bungalow home may be the bungalow villas. Think of it as a single-level townhome – a bungalow with shared walls. It has all the benefits of the traditional bungalow with single-level living convenience, at a multi-family home price.

Morrison Homes just released their newest bungalow villa models in the southwest community of Sirocco at Pine Creek, and they have been moving fast since sales started in the summer.

The Villas are the downsizers’ dream, says Cindy Klassen, area sales manager for Morrison Homes at Sirocco. “They offer large, expansive main levels, attached two-car garage and an optional lower-level development.” They have been very well received since pre-sales launched on August 24. “They are currently being sold at our Front Garage sales centre in Sirocco,” she adds.

The beauty of single-level living in a villa setting is the vibe of The Monterra, one of the new Morrison Homes’ villas being offered in Sirocco at Pine Creek. With 1,681 square-feet of living space, The Monterra is perfect for the recent retiree. Every convenience is located on the main level, but and it still offers a developable lower level or optional main level suite if more living space is required. It’s location in the growing community of Sirocco at Pine Creek puts owners near commercial and entertainment amenities, including a nearby golf course.

Morrison is offering four bungalow villa models here ranging from 1,681 to 1,764 square-feet. They have lots backing onto the ravine, and everything a buyer looking for a bungalow-on-a-budget needs. “We have 10-foot main floor ceiling height and nine-feet in the basement.

Large deck with glass railing included with Hardie board exteriors,” she adds. Go to morrisonhomes.ca for more.

Lake lifestyle

Imagine living by the lakeside in an estate bungalow. It’s the dream lifestyle for many, and it’s readily available in Harmony.

“Harmony is the perfect spot for bungalows due to its community-focused atmosphere and blend of urban convenience with natural surroundings and our ability to offer a wide-range of bungalow options through our award-winning builder group,” says Campbell.

In Harmony, all the single-family builders offer bungalow options, including single-family, semi-estate, and estate product types. This wide range of bungalow choices ensures that buyers can find a home that fits their needs, whether they’re looking for something modest or more upscale.

Single-family bungalows in Harmony start in the high-$500s and go up to $1.7M+ for a lakeside estate.

There is currently one bungalow show home in Harmony, Augusta Fine Homes’ estate show home. Their Henderson II has a total of 3,221 square-feet of living space along its main floor and developed lower level that will appeal to any buyer looking for refined elegance and the masterful use of space.

It features one bedroom on the main floor, plus two more in the developed basement, three-and-a-half baths and a main floor office. It has a triple side drive garage and stunning outdoor living space with fireplace.

Luxuriously appointed, the Henderson II showhome brings together executive level design with family-friendly convenience into a wholesome, stylish home fit not just for the downsizer but for anyone who appreciates an exceptional lifestyle. Visit the showhome at 20 Chokecherry Rise, Harmony. Or go to augustafinehomescalgary.com for more information. For more on Harmony’s lifestyle, visit liveinharmony.ca.