Bungalows or not?

Curlywurli

The downstairs bathroom thread has got me thinking. We're looking to move and I've seen some nice bungalows but I've never ever been in one. We've lived in a small flat before but that was just the two of us and now we've got two (very lively) children. Does it make much difference to people if they live in a house or a bungalow? If you've only ever lived in a house would you consider buying a bungalow? Is it easy to hear noise, e.g. television when children are sleeping? Thanks to anyone who answers my slightly strange question.

carefullycautious

I love my small bungalow and would have loved to have had one from day one. Hate houses, all that up and down stairs.

If you were living in Australia most property would also be on one level.

If you have the chance go for it, I'm sure the children will have no problems with it.

Dunroamin

Another vote for one level living - what a waste of time and energy stairs are!

Fire_Fox

A bungalow is no different to living in a large flat. Noise depends on the construction of the property.

SuzieSue

Dunroamin wrote: »

Another vote for one level living - what a waste of time and energy stairs are!

Funnily enough, that is exactly why I couldn't live on one level unless I was physically unable to manage the stairs. I find the stairs a great form of exercise.

longtimelurkersam

I would love a bungalow as has a nice big foot print......build a second level and live up there and use downstairs as a workshop/man cave place for all my stuff ;-)

Hailstorm

I grew up in a 3 bed detached bungalow. I would say a bungalow is quieter than a similarly sized house.

In a house there will be a bedroom directly above the living room. In a bungalow they will be at the opposite end of the building. In the one I used to live in, the closest bedroom was still two rooms away from the living room.

Lovelyjoolz

I bought a bungalow last December. I'd never considered one before, but the OH convinced me to look at it during our house hunt. I fell in love immediately and I LOVE one-level living.

Bungalows tend to come with more land, especially detached ones. Ours was built in the 1920's/30's and has 2ft thick walls, so we are really able to shut the doors at the end of the day and not hear the outside world at all. Bliss!

When we had those few hot days this year, the house was wonderfully cool. Even with the windows shut. And in winter, it's a doddle to heat it. But I guess this depends on the construction.

Ours has been extended in all directions so it has a HUGE master bedroom with ensuite, two further double bedrooms and master bath, large lounge and a big kitchen extension, so we have loads of room. The original owners also converted the attic so we have an extra bedroom upstairs (although OH uses it as his man-cave cos he has a fab view of the sea from his desk).

We don't find sound travels to the bedrooms at all because they are on the opposite side of the house and because of the thick walls. I can't recommend bungalow living highly enough.

Go for detached tho - it's fab to be able to play death metal at 8am on a sunday morning without disturbing the neighbours :rotfl:

shirlgirl2004

I've never lived in a bungalow but I think I'd quite like to. For me the downside is it can be quite difficult to find an attractive (from the outside) bungalow. With children I'd say they are very practicle because they can play in their bedroom but still be in easy reach and no danger of falling down the stairs when small.

Brewerspride

I've always lived in houses but moved to a bungalow just over a year ago.

I love it - no noise from above and the bedrooms are at the opposite end of the bungalow to the lounge and dining room so no issues with TV disturbing people when they are sleeping.

So easy to clean the windows too

trailingspouse

I like going upstairs to bed. Walking up and down stairs is a good form of exercise. I would only consider a bungalow if I couldn't manage to get up the stairs on my hands and knees. I've had single-storey houses before - I didn't like the idea of people being able to see into the bedrooms from ground level. Although I agree about the window cleaning.