What to look for in a bungalow? Downsizing.

Scotbot

I love bungalows!  They come with a stigma in the UK but I lived overseas where they are the norm. The  difference is room layout,  issues re location are the same as a house. They do however command a price premium as they require more land for equivalent internal space.

Tbe biggest issue is whether the bedrooms are at the front or back. I think it is preferable to have them at the front so you can access the garden from the living area. I agree internal hallways and side rooms are dark but it doesn't matter for a hallway, as you can turn the light on and are walking through it. For a side room if it is a bathroom or spare bedroom I don't see it as an issue.

Agree if budget is a comprimise consider a modern low maintenance house that has space for a chairlift. Mother in law has one and has had 2 knee relacements and manages fine.

jackieblack

onwards&upwards said:

Does it have to be a bungalow?  From a health perspective the longer you keep going up and down stairs the longer you will stave off frailty, muscle loss and falls.  What about looking for a house but that has the space/layout for a stairlift should one become necessary later on. 

You'll avoid paying the bungalow premium then too! 

I agree.
 Also, I never sleep well in a ground floor room, I think something happens psychologically when I go upstairs to bed and I switch into ‘bedtime’ mode 

gwynlas

You seem to have a wide ranging area to view, Exeter to Broadstairs. How will your family visit? Do you want a true bungalow or a chalet bungalow?
As with most homes these days look for number of beds and baths. Do you want a wetroom? Low maintenance garden?
Prepared to have work done or not? When refitting kitchens go for plenty of pan drawers as opposed to base cupboards and high level oven to save bending. Are you looking for level access to shops. GP. library etc if you need to use a mobility scooter in the future? Look away from the major tourist towns as prices are at a premium. Check out provision for elderly in the area.
Access to range of shops and supermarkets who offer delivery.

lesalanos

The empty properties will be cheaper and better value for money.  What you will probably have to do in these cases is put a new boiler in, change the consumer unit ( for safety).

Once this is done you can then decorate how you want with new flooring and a new kitchen and have your bungalow just how you want it.

The last occupants will have done that 20/30 years ago and not noticed or particularly worried about it getting more worn.

youth_leader

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate all your input.  I've written all your points down and will apply them to my searches.  My son lives in Durham, in a rental, and my daughter is currently in Belfast.  I don't have any other relatives except an elderly aunt on the IOW, so can go anywhere.  I am in the NE and looking for somewhere warmer, with a train station, and a beach, I'm used to walking on the beach every day with my dog.  Transport is important as unfortunately when my husband died four years ago I lost my confidence driving, I can't do fast roads any more.  Also got vertigo, can't get on trains without assistance!

Unfortunately I sold my Listed II house at auction in March for a ridiculous price, a mixture of my terror at being in my house in more Storm Dennis type storms (roof,  windows and 14 radiator boiler were on their last legs) and the thought I'd not sell post Covid.  I'd had my own survey done before going on the market and the restoration was estimated at £200K.  I'd already been on the market for eighteen months with 30+ 'fantastic house, too much work' viewing feedback, as well as two failed offers, and was worried I might be there for years.   My kids are young adults and very sad the house has gone, but I had to think of myself for once.  I hope the buyer can afford to restore it to its former glory.  I do miss it.

I will broaden my search, I have been attracted by 'best places to retire to' articles and have a feeling they will be too busy after this remote rural life.  I'll also look at houses too and assess them for a stairlift.
Thanks again.


  

Morbier

I live in a bungalow and agree with a lot of the comments above but I would add that a stair lift in a house is nowhere near as convenient as a bungalow. For someone who has limited movement and perhaps needs a walking frame to get about, then accommodation on one level is much easier than trying to negotiate the simple act (to those of us who are reasonably fit) of sitting yourself down on a stairlift. If you do decide on a house with a stair lift, make sure you have both an upstairs and downstairs loo!  

The one one thing I simply had to have in a bungalow was either a separate dining room or plenty of space for a table and chairs in the kitchen - smaller bungalows only give you the option to eat in the sitting room which I don't like. 

Edit:  I've just read your post where you mention you're in the NE - some of the most beautiful beaches are already on your doorstep IMHO. Cheaper property prices too?!

gwynlas

We are on Dorset Hampshire borders and there are a number of areas around here that meet your criteria in same price bracket as Broadstairs.
I would not be looking at houses in your situation stair lifts or otherwise.

Nearlyold

Just to point out that dark hallways in a Bungalow can be easily fixed with a light tube - and they are not a massive price, we bought a house with a long upstairs landing which was quite gloomy and a light tube (from Solatube in Olney though there are other suppliers) completely changed the atmosphere on the landing - think it cost with fitting something around £800 12 years ago.  Just don't buy a cheap one that uses a corrugated flexible aluminium ducting type tube -they are nowhere near as effective

hazyjo

Maybe consider Frinton-on-Sea in Essex if you're flexible. I absolutely love it. Lovely huge dog friendly beaches. Hope to retire there one day. One small smart high street which has one pub, restaurants, coffee shops, a few clothes stores and several others.

Scotbot

Well done on selling that must have been tough given the circumstances. 
Since you can go anywhere I think you need to do a bit more research on areas to see where your money will go further.  Anywhere with good rail links to London will be pricey and property near a beach is also pricey. You might want to consider inland rural areas as well. Bear in mind many beaches are not dog friendly to the point they are banned. As a dog lover myself I enjoy hill walking and rambling  with my pooch, I  am about as far from the beach as you can get!

Whilst I understand the desire for a warmer climate the south is not exactly tropical and still gets very cold in winter! This could be resolved by a smaller, energy efficient,newer property which is easy to heat economically.