The stately, single-level living of the bungalow

Empty-nesters, snowbirds, retiring Baby Boomers and Gen Xers - all find the stylish, swinging single-level lifestyle offered by the bungalow simply irresistible. If there’s one home designed to fit a specific lifestyle, it’s this; but lately, it’s been gaining appeal with other demographics, as well.

The bungalow is traditionally a single-storied house with a sloping roof. However, you might be surprised at how many more variations of the bungalow there are that fit not just the senior lifestyle.

Traditional values

August Fine Homes has specialized in building traditional, estate style bungalows, and their newest showhome in Harmony, the Henderson II, exemplifies its timeless appeal.

“Bungalow-style homes continue to enjoy popularity, driven by a growing presence of Baby Boomers and Gen X individuals in the housing market who are seeking a more convenient lifestyle,” says Augusta Fine Homes Marketing & Creative Director, Wendee Bishop.

“With their children likely transitioning into young adulthood, these homeowners appreciate having a lower level that offers separate living spaces, while they have all their amenities conveniently situated on the main floor.”

She explains that many retirees see the bungalow as the reward after long years of hard work in their profession, and they value the ease and accessibility provided by the bungalow. “In fact, we observe tangible market demand in particular communities, where prospective buyers actively seek out bungalow plans, reaffirming the enduring desirability of this elegant home design,” Bishop adds.

These values can be easily seen in their Henderson II showhome in the lake community of Harmony in Springbank.
The showhome 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.

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.

Wider appeal

Trico Homes is seeing continued demand for the bungalow and has instituted efficiencies in their process not only to keep costs at bay, but to attract buyers other than the traditional set.

“While they may not always be the most affordable home type, Trico has strategies in place to make them appealing to a broader range of potential buyers, and not be limited to empty nesters,” says Carmen De Luca, Trico Homes, Director of Sales.

“Trico keeps bungalows appealing for those on a budget and attracts a broader range of demographics through flexible design, pricing, personalization, sustainability, and location. Bungalows are no longer limited to empty-nesters and can cater to a variety of homebuyers.”

She adds that the single-level living aspect is important, as is having an open concept design with lots of natural light and outdoor access. Storage space, additional bedrooms, and energy efficiency are also high among the bungalow buyers’ wish list.

Among Trico’s most popular bungalow models is the Wynwood, a 1,269 square-foot home with one bedroom, one-and-a-half baths, and a double front attached garage.

“The open concept main floor is perfect for entertaining, with the kitchen that flows through to the nook and a bright and spacious great room,” De Luca says. “The main floor also hosts two well-appointed bedrooms: the owner’s suite, and a secondary bedroom. The owner’s suite features a stunning vaulted ceiling, five-piece ensuite, and walk-in closet. Buyers can also develop the basement, which offers two additional bedrooms, a home theatre, and a spacious flex room. This floor plan is ready to meet your changing needs.”

Trico Homes offers bungalows (including Zero Lot Line models), in the following communities: D’Arcy in Okotoks; Hamilton Heights in DeWinton; Midtown in Airdrie; Precedence and Rivercrest in Cochrane; Glacier Ridge in the northwest; Legacy, Wolf Willow and Seton in the southeast; and West Springs in the southwest. “We have a bungalow showhome in the communities of Precedence and Hamilton Heights,” De Luca says. Find out more at tricohomes.com.

Bungalow Villas

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 singl-level living convenience, at a multi-family home price.

Homes by Avi’s Swift Creek Luxury Bungalow Villas have been incredibly successful and only two of the 50 homes remain.

“What made them so popular is that it is only minutes to Highway 8 and Stoney Trail, you’re connected to the city, major shopping areas, Elbow River, and mountain parks and pathways. The value that comes with these luxury bungalow villa homes is captivating and at a very friendly price point,” says Area Sales Manager, Bryan Dell.

“We have had buyers from all age categories however mostly empty nesters and downsizers. Many of our homeownerslike to play golf and enjoy the Elbow Valley Golf Course,” says Sales Associate, Vanessa Higham.

“This type of home works great for people who have a second home elsewhere and are looking for maintenance-free living, so they don’t have to worry about raking leaves, shoveling snow, yard work, etc. It has the convenience of the lock-and-leave condo lifestyle but in an opulent villa style,” she adds.

One of the two remaining Swift Current bungalow villas is The Fawn. It’s 1,565 square feet with three bedrooms (one on the main floor, and two more on the lower level). It also features a flex room, two-and-a-half baths, and a fully developed basement, all on a walkout homesite.

The Cascade has 1,632 square-feet of living space; with an open concept living area, four bedrooms (one on the main level, and three on the lower level), two-and-a-half baths, a large double car garage, a covered deck with retractable screens and a walkout basement.

“Bungalow villas require less maintenance, and Swift Creek is as close to the mountains as it is to the city, in a quiet community. Swift Creek Villas provide an outdoor-inspired lifestyle, surrounded by majestic skies and natural waterscapes,” Dell says. Find out more at homesbyavi.com.