Known for their charm and character features, bungalows make very special homes. Here’s our pick of ones for sale right now
From the 1920s on, bungalows became the predominant style of home built in New Zealand. Originally inspired by houses in India with deep verandahs and pillars, the design was refined in America to become what was known as the Californian bungalow. These homes were a radical change in architectural style at the time and reflected a move to more casual living and entertaining. They were also influenced by an interest in Japanese architecture which is seen in the emphasis on exposed wooden ceiling beams, wooden doors and fireplace surrounds.
A distinctive feature of the Californian bungalows were the deep front verandahs with pylons or pillars that were used as an outdoor lounge. Homes also connected to the outdoors with sunrooms and bay windows. Art deco influences were expressed in the style of lead lights featured throughout the homes and wide foyer-style entrance hallways.
In New Zealand more modest bungalows were often kitset homes or built from standardised plans. Because of their popularity up until World War II there are many bungalows on the market, many located in highly desirable, established suburbs. The great thing with bungalows is that they were originally designed for a more informal lifestyle. Features like internal glass French doors and a more flexible floor plan make them easier to adapt to open-plan living or gain inside/outside flow than villas, but they still have plenty of character features that can make them very special homes. Here’s our selection of bungalows for sale at the moment.
1. This Remuera home has lovely open-plan living
This delightful Remuera home is a master class in how bungalows can transition into open-plan homes while still retaining plenty of character.
The wooden details of the ceilings, doors and window frames have been painted white for a more contemporary feel but they still give rooms plenty of character. The delightful window seats and gorgeous leadlight windows lend real charm to rooms.
Signature bungalow internal glass French doors have been utilised to great effect and the home shows how the original footprint makes it so easy to adapt the house for flexible living without any major structural changes.
2. This Mount Eden Bungalow is full of wooden details
The zen style of bungalows is showcased in this sensitive renovation in Mount Eden that has highlighted wooden details while still updating the house with modern design aesthetics.
Ceilings and doorways become major features without overwhelming rooms and the beautiful leadlight windows in the living area and master bedroom give the home a distinctive touch of class.
Original bungalow design captured the essence of casual living that was becoming popular at the time and this has been used to great effect here with flow between rooms and indoor/outdoor flow achieved effortlessly.
3. This Blenheim home has lots of street appeal
This very pretty home in Blenheim has the wonderful deep, covered front verandah that were such a distinctive feature of the Californian bungalow. They give such open, welcoming street appeal and double as perfect outdoor living rooms.
Inside the house has been opened up but still retains lots of desirable bungalow features such as the wooden doors and ceiling details, internal glass French doors connecting spaces and fireplaces.
The beautiful Art Deco-inspired geometrical leadlight windows are fabulous character features. It all adds up to a very liveable space that has a distinctive personality.
4. This Wellington home has stunning views
This brick bungalow in Hataitai, Wellington takes its cues from the very popular Australian bungalows that were built of brick, rather than timber. It has been opened up to make the most of the sensational views over Evans Bay but it still celebrates lots of bungalow features.
Exposed beams and bay windows are a highlight of the living area that opens through French doors to a deck that focuses on the stunning sea views. The bedrooms also have wooden details.
At the back of the house there’s a paved courtyard that is a bonus on such a hilly site.
5. This renovated Masteron bungalow has lots of charm
This very pretty home in Masterton is a case in point for how the original bungalow design lends itself to being opened up for indoor/outdoor flow.
The wide verandahs spanning the kitchen area are perfect for entertaining and French doors flood the room with light. Although the woodwork features have been painted white throughout, there’s still plenty of charm here.
The wide central hallway with pretty feature front door is very welcoming and the living rooms’ bay windows and leadlights complement the pretty décor perfectly.
6. This Nelson bungalow has plenty of personality
This Nelson home has been renovated for modern comfort and the layout changed so that it is largely open plan, but with the woodwork detailing painted white it now has the charm of a country cottage.
Leadlight windows, bay window seats, the sunroom off the master, wooden floors and feature ceilings all work their magic to give this home plenty of personality.
Add to that a great location that you’d never get with a new build and you can see why bungalows make very charming homes made for modern living.
Words by: Sarah Beresford.
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