Historic Homes of Denver: Historic Homes and Buildings, What is a Bungalow?

When I meet with Buyers, I often get questions like, "What is a bungalow?".  I have gotten the question, and others like it, often enough that I thought it merited a series on my blog to discuss the various architectural types that are found in Denver.

So..."What is a bungalow?". The term bungalowholds various meanings across the globe.  The term Bungalow originated in India.  The word is derived from the Gujarati word bangalo, and the Hindu word bangla which mean a "house in the Bengal style".  These  houses were usually smaller in size with one story, and, traditionally they had a thatched roof and a wide veranda on the front of the house. 

The term was first used in the English language in the late 1600's and early 1700's.  The East India Company had English sailors in India that were in need of accommodations in India.  "Bungalows"referred to the bungales or hovells in which these sailors lived.                                                                                                                                                                                               
The term Bungalow was first used in the United States on Cape Cod in 1879.  Here in Denver, when someone asked me, "What is a bungalow",  I will answer that it is usually a single story home (but a story and a half, or, even two stories is possible).  A Bungalow is usually a detached single family home (however there are a few duplex bungalows out there).  Bungalows have a gently sloping roof and often have dormer windows in the attic area.  Usually, Bungalows are smaller in size, especially from the early 1900's.  

In the early 1900's and through approximately 1930, Bungalows were finished in the Arts and Crafts style.  When I am asked, "What is a bungalow?", I will often point out one of Denver's gracious Craftsman Bungalows which represent the Arts and Crafts style so incredibly well.

In Approximately 1908 through the 1920's, it was possible to purchase a Bungalow home from Sears via mail order.  This made Bungalows more available and increased their popularity considerably.

So, if you have ever wondered "What is a bungalow?", call me.  Not only will I explain it to you, I will be happy to show you a wonderful selection of Bungalows in the Historic Neighborhood of Denver!