The Craftsman Bungalow House: Definition, History And Key Features

When searching for homes within a certain neighborhood, you might notice some architectural trends. Specifically, if you’re house hunting in areas on the West Coast or the Chicago area, you’ll likely come across a unique style of home called the craftsman bungalow. On top of their curb appeal, craftsman bungalows have become popular across the U.S. due to their affordability and functionality, among other features.

Let’s take a closer look at what a craftsman bungalow is, its defining characteristics and the pros and cons of this charming house style.

What Is A Craftsman Bungalow?

A craftsman bungalow is a popular style of home that originated from the Arts and Crafts Movement in England in the late 1800s. Craftsman bungalows are noted for their gabled roofs, covered front porches, overhanging eaves and exposed rafters. They’re often just one story and can be found in various places throughout the United States, although they’re far more common in some areas than others.

The bungalow is the most traditional type of craftsman house. Its popularity has increased over the years because it’s easy to build and has a cheaper upkeep than larger homes.

What’s The Difference Between A ‘Craftsman’ Vs. A ‘Bungalow’?

While the two terms “bungalow” and “craftsman” are used interchangeably, a bungalow is a type of house that’s commonly built in the craftsman architectural style. A bungalow can also be built in a different architectural style – like Tudor or prairie style.

The term “craftsman” most often refers to an architectural style. Because of this, there are several types of craftsman homes – including prairie style, four square, Mission Revival and, of course, the craftsman bungalow.

History Of The Craftsman Bungalow House

As mentioned, craftsman bungalows were a key component of England’s Arts and Crafts Movement – a movement that sparked in opposition to the Victorian architectural movement.

Furniture designer Gustav Stickley created craftsman bungalow kits for homeowners to purchase for around $1,000. These home kits were sold via Stickley’s magazine, The Craftsman, hence the name of the home style.

This was a low price for a home kit, even more than a century ago. Such affordability led to the quick spread of craftsman-style homes. Once this home style grew in popularity, it became available from many builders and stores as well as the Sears, Roebuck & Co. Catalogue.

While these homes will cost you more than $1,000 today, their relatively small size and simple design often make them an affordable choice compared to other house types. Additionally, their size and usage of sustainable materials make them popular for buyers looking for an eco-friendlier home.

Key Features Of The Craftsman Bungalow

Wondering what architectural features make craftsman-style bungalows unique? Next, we’ll look at some of the defining characteristics of both the interior and exterior.

Exterior Features

When you come across a craftsman bungalow, these are some features you’ll see on the outside:

• Gabled roof
• Overhanging roof eaves
• Horizontal shape and style
• Front porch with thick square or tapered columns
• Wood, stone or stucco siding
• Stone chimney
• Windows with leaded glass

Interior Features

On the interior, you’ll notice some of these traits:

• Exposed roof rafters
• Usually 1 1/2 stories max (and typically only one)
• Fireplace
• Several windows
• Beamed ceilings
• Dark wood wainscoting and moldings
• Open floor plan
• Built-in furniture

Pros And Cons Of Craftsman Bungalow Houses

While home style is often a point of personal preference, the craftsman bungalow-style home comes with a few pros and cons.

Pros

Below are some of the top advantages of owning a craftsman bungalow house.

• Affordability: Due to the smaller size of a craftsman bungalow home, the cost is usually more affordable than its larger counterparts. Use this home affordability calculator to see if a craftsman bungalow is within your budget.
• Functionality for small families: Since bungalow-style homes are quaint, small families will live comfortably in them. The home’s layout – which tends to be just one story – is also great for homeowners hoping to age in place.
• Easy maintenance: Because of their smaller size, craftsman bungalow houses are easier to maintain than bigger houses. Less square footage means that even if you have to remodel, it’ll likely be less expensive than a similar remodel on a larger home.
• Artistic elements: Homeowners looking for historic and artistic elements will likely fall in love with a bungalow-style craftsman home. The curb appeal, wood and molding accents and leaded windows are often especially attractive to buyers who love historic homes.
• Sustainability: Smaller homes require fewer resources to build and maintain, often making them easier on the environment. These homes can also feature sustainable materials, making them even more eco-friendly.

Cons

Now, let’s ponder some disadvantages of owning a craftsman bungalow house.

• Smaller rooms and less square footage: If you’re looking for a large, sprawling home, this style probably won’t be for you. Large families might not be satisfied by the size of the living and dining rooms, and there might not be enough bedrooms for all your family members.
• Older features: Older features are common in these types of homes, unless someone has updated the home in recent years. If you aren’t a fan of historic homes, you likely won’t be impressed by an older craftsman bungalow. However, some new homes being built in this style might better meet your needs.
• Susceptibility to pest damage: Termite damage could be a problem due to the excess use of wood in the structure of these homes. It’s best to have any potential home inspected for termite damage before making a purchase.
• Geographical limitations: Craftsman bungalows are most commonly found in California, the Pacific Northwest United States and the Chicago area. Although they exist in other areas, too, craftsman bungalows can sometimes be in short supply.

The Bottom Line

Craftsman bungalow-style homes are small but charming. House hunters looking for a smaller, historic and especially affordable home are likely to be enamored by this architectural style. If you’re ready to buy a home, contact Rocket Homes^SM to get matched with an agent who can help you find the right type of house for you in your ideal neighborhood.