Yahoo Finance Property: 9 brilliant bungalows that embrace lateral living
Once disregarded by anyone under retirement age, bungalows are now highly prized by all categories of buyers. There are several reasons for this.
"Most single storey structures invariably involve a good footprint and with that often a commensurate plot size which affords a sense of privacy, seclusion and space – a desirable trait to many," says Kevin Allen, associate director at John D Wood & Co.
Versatility is another factor, as Matt Henderson, associate director of residential research at Strutt & Parker, explains. "Bungalows are becoming increasingly popular with younger generations who see them as adaptable for growing families, offering the ability to extend and improve."
According to Knight Frank, prices are rising faster than for houses or flats yet supply is scarce, so snap one of these up now – or someone else will.
1. Cleve Wood, Thornbury, Gloucester, £499,995
Just one detached bungalow remains in the current phase of this new development, though more are in the pipeline.
Overlooking green space, it has a 20-foot upgraded kitchen/dining room with French doors, a separate living room with a square bay window, a principal bedroom with an ensuite shower room and fitted wardrobes, two further bedrooms, a family bathroom and two parking spaces. Through Sovereign.
2. Helions Bumpstead, Nr Haverhill, Suffolk, £525,000
With an area of more than 1,375 square feet, October Lodge is easily as big as a three-bedroom house. This detached, well-proportioned bungalow was built in a neighbouring property’s orchard and is on a quiet country lane moments from the village centre.
All rooms lead off the hall, and consist of a kitchen with Neff fitted appliances, a utility, a vaulted garden room opening onto a south facing terrace, a triple aspect sitting room, three bedrooms – one currently used as a dining room – and two bathrooms. A converted barn next to the garage has potential to be turned into a workshop. Via Hunters.
3. Chilworth, Surrey, £700,000
A detached three-bedroom home with a wraparound garden. There’s a bright living room with a new woodburning stove, a conservatory, an eat-in kitchen, a garage and a timber outbuilding which has been transformed into a gym. The village shop, station and infants school are all in walking distance, and Guildford, Surrey’s largest town, is four miles away. Get in touch with Foxtons.
Read more: 9 top properties with private roof terraces
4. Linton on Ouse, York, £750,000
Around half an hour’s drive north-west of York city centre you’ll find Dunelm, not the shop but a spacious bungalow which has recently undergone a major makeover.
Two of the four bedroom have ensuites, and there’s a family bathroom, an all-in-one kitchen/dining/family room, a living room with a wood burner and a large, south-facing garden. A ground source heat pump and solar panels make it extremely energy efficient. On the market through Dacre, Son & Hartley.
5. Milford on Sea, Lymington, Hampshire, £750,000
Sweeping views across Christchurch Bay to the Isle of Wight are among the highlights of this unusual semi-detached bungalow, one of two wings added in 1999 to The White House, a grade II-listed residence dating from1902.
The property, decorated in white throughout to maximise space and light, has a cavernous open plan kitchen/dining sitting room, two double bedrooms, two bathrooms, a garage and a well-maintained shared garden. Via John D Wood.
6. Darras Hall, Ponteland, Northumberland, £950,000
If you’re looking for an immaculate, individual lateral home, check out Hawthorn House, a brand new 1,850 square foot bungalow finished to an extremely high standard and clad in cedar to blend in with its surroundings.
It consists of a vast kitchen/family/dining room with an island and double and bifold doors into the garden, a utility, three ensuite bedrooms and a further double bedroom and bathroom. From Finest Properties.
Read more: 9 incredible coastal homes to snap up
7. Exeter, Devon, £995,000
Built in 1984, Little Cumbre, a split-level four-bedroom bungalow, is perfectly positioned as it sits in an acre of mature gardens and woodland and enjoys views towards Halton Forest and the Exe estuary, yet is a short distance from the city centre.
A 27-foot sitting room with three sets of sliding doors into the garden and a semi-open plan kitchen/diner, also opening outside, make it ideal for entertaining all year round. Contact Strutt & Parker.
8. Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, £1.25m
This detached bungalow is set in a beautifully landscaped, south-facing Italianate garden with a courtyard area, water feature and stone pavilion.
The kitchen is in the process of being extended into the former garage, and it boasts four reception rooms – including a vaulted garden room – three double bedrooms and a new, detached double garage incorporating a first floor office and shower room. Via Robert Bell & Co.
9. Henfield, West Sussex, £1.75m
The epitome of lateral luxury living, this substantial house comes with a large garden, a stable block and double garage with a flexible space and shower room above.
Its hub is an expansive kitchen/diner/living room and adjoining office, and all four bedrooms – which include dressing areas as well as ensuite bathrooms – are accessed from the central, double-height sitting room. Available through Fine & Country.
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