Looking for a Cute Bungalow to Call Home?

Whether you're an empty-nester or have a house full of kids, don’t bypass bungalows in your search for your new home. The same features that make bungalow-style homes convenient for Boomers are just as desirable for families with young children. 

What Is a Bungalow?

Bungalows have their roots in 19th century Bengal, India. The British imitated the thatch homes that were being built at the time, creating the first bungalows. They are known for their open and efficient floor plans, central living rooms, gentle roof slope, and built-in cabinets.

There are several types of bungalows, including the California Bungalow:

Bungalow for Sale Raleigh NC

The Chicago Bungalow:

Chicago Bungalow for Sale Durham NC

And the Swiss Chalet Bungalow:

Swiss Chalet Bungalow for sale Chapel Hill

Size Doesn't Matter

Bungalow is not code for "tiny home," although smaller homes are often referred to as bungalows.

The bungalow style is typically only one story, but can be listed as one and a half stories with a partial second floor and dormers. But there is no standard for square footage. Some homes are less than 1,000 square feet, while others, particularly more recently built homes, are larger—they can be over 3,000 square feet!

Bungalows can be a cozy retreat for two or a spacious shelter for a growing family.

Free Range With an Open Floor Plan

Bungalows feature an open floor plan, giving a larger feel to the home. Entertaining is easier because you can socialize with your guests even while you're plating appetizers in the kitchen, and your guests won’t feel boxed into a small living room or overcrowded dining room.

This layout is also more convenient for creating intimate conversation areas, adding more seating for game night, and hosting your neighborhood Super Bowl Party.

Because of the open floor plan, living in a bungalow can be a better option for people who use wheelchairs, not to mention single-story construction means no stairs to negotiate. That’s also a plus for people with young children—no need to put up inconvenient safety gates! And for families, it's certainly easier to keep an eye on the kids without walls blocking your line of sight.

What to Look for in a Vintage Bungalow

Bungalow home construction is on the rise, but there are plenty of vintage homes available as well.

Traditional Bungalow architecture features hardwoods like heart of pine, wide baseboards, and crown molding. You'll often find beautiful built-in storage such as china cabinets, bookshelves, and benches with room underneath the seat for blankets, pillows, and linens.

As with any older home, there are some potential problems to watch out for. Older bungalows might have knob-and-tube wiring, terracotta pipes, and sometimes structural issues. Building codes have changed over the years to ensure safety and security. If you want to update or remodel the vintage bungalow you're buying, be clear on what you'll need to change to comply with current codes.

Where to Look for Bungalows 

Want to know where to find a bungalow, whether new or vintage? Here are the main neighborhoods in the Research Triangle area of North Carolina.

Durham, NC

Downtown Durham is the #1 hotspot for bungalows with its many older neighborhoods. But there's plenty of new construction as well.

For home shoppers interested in Durham real estate, check out the historic neighborhood of Watts-Hillandale, which often features 1920s and 1930s bungalows for sale. Also take a peek at our guide to historic neighborhoods in Durham, which describes the historic neighborhoods near downtown. You’ll spot a few vintage bungalows as you tour the area. 

Raleigh, NC

Raleigh bungalow neighborhoods include Battery Heights, Belvidere Park, Bloomsbury, Boylan Heights, Cameron Park, Cameron Village, College Park, Oakwood, Lockwood, University Park, and Windsor Park.

Check out Bedford at Falls River if you’re looking for a huge neighborhood and newer homes. Or consider the prestigious Hayes Barton neighborhood, developed in the 1920s, for vintage construction.

Chapel Hill, NC

Chapel Hill showcases bungalows in the new neighborhood of Briar Chapel, as well as in Northside and Hillview.

Who to Contact for New Bungalow Construction

If you love the look of a bungalow but prefer new construction, you have several great options available. Here are our top picks:

  • Durham Building Company—one of our favorite local builders—builds primarily in Durham, but also throughout the Triangle.
  • Garman Homes are found in Briar Chapel and throughout the Triangle.
  • Triangle Building & Properties builds top-notch bungalows in Raleigh. B. Wallace is one of Durham’s most popular builders. Many of their designs are in the bungalow style and most of these homes are conveniently located in central Durham.
  • Build Raleigh builds new houses in old neighborhoods for clients who appreciate new-house features and fine finishes.

Below is a complete list of residential bungalows for sale in Chapel Hill, Durham, Raleigh, and the surrounding areas in North Carolina. Search for your favorite homes, whether you prefer move-in ready or like to do a little fixing up. Contact us today and schedule a visit. We can help you narrow down your search to find your new home faster. 

Bungalows for Sale in Raleigh / Durham

Listings provided courtesy of Triangle MLS, Inc. of NC, Internet Data Exchange Database. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. © 2024 Triangle MLS, Inc. of North Carolina. Data last updated .