Description
The modern term ‘bungalow’ is generally used for a single storey house. It has a history more interesting than this simple definition implies.
The term arrived in England from Bengal in the mid 19th century. Senior British military and commercial staff in India enjoyed living in substantial single-storey homes with large verandas and gently sloping roofs and wide overhangs.
In England the style was interpreted in a variety of ways, including some influenced by the Art & Crafts movement, others built for seaside living, second homes, or holiday homes to let. Yet others were built for residents who, through age or illness or mobility problems could not manage stairs.
In truth, the first local example shown below does not fit into any of these categories, Indian or English, which is what perhaps makes it so interesting.
Local Examples
