Gotha, Fla., Drena Bathemess and Jon Meadows
It took nine months to purchase our first home, but it was well worth the wait. Located under a canopy of oaks, with chickens roaming the large, tropical garden, our three-bedroom 1925 bungalow was a dream come true. The hardwood floors, trim and every door and window (including hardware) are original. An added bonus, the previous owners had beautifully remodeled the kitchen and updated the electric and HVAC. Living here reminds our family to slow down and enjoy life’s simple pleasures, spending days together in the yard and evenings on the front porch.
Atlanta, Ga., Susan and Chris Hadorn
Our side-gabled Craftsman bungalow, built in 1915, was home to “Atlanta’s official historian,” Franklin Garrett and his family in the 1920s. Our corner site affords excellent views of Atlanta’s Midtown Historic District with its wide streets and magnificent trees. The original floors, molding and fireplaces are intact. We have improved the garage/potting shed by adding exposed rafter tails, period window trim and stained glass to mirror the Craftsman look. We are now planning renovations to a non-Craftsman 1990s expansion (thankfully at the back of the house) to restore the architectural integrity of the original bungalow.
Chicago, Ill., Karl Lerch and Susanna Smoot
We knew we were “bungalow people” when we were house hunting, but just had to find the right one in the right location. After a long search, we made this 1922 Certified Historic Chicago Bungalow in Gladstone Park our home. Most of the building was still in original condition. So, as pretty as it was, we still had to do some work before moving in (last updates were circa 1950). We love this little house. Every sunny day, the light shining in with the cozy colors of the stained glass windows reminds us that we found the right one.
Rindge, N.H., Renny Weiss and Laurie Leja
After I moved into my new wife’s 1984 ranch, we weren’t sure what to do to add curb appeal. We saw what others had done in your magazine and started a six-year renovation. I used to think the porch was just a thing of beauty—not a place to hang out. We now spend many an evening there, relaxing on family-heirloom rattan furniture. The style was carried inside with more tapered columns and a fireplace flanked by quartersawn oak cabinets I built. The exterior colors blend in beautifully with the woods of New Hampshire.
Wellington, Ohio, Nicole and Bradley Hayes
My husband and I purchased this 1917 bungalow in 2011. We’ve always thought this was one of Wellington’s loveliest homes. After our son was born and the house became available, we felt it would be the perfect place for him to grow up. The house has gorgeous architectural elements including built-in cabinetry in the dining room and glass pocket doors. We especially love the porch with its diamond-paned windows. The original owner raced horses, and there is a 19th-century carriage house on the property, and a circular driveway that was once a track.
Everett, Wash., Clinton Seal
I’ve always wanted to live in a historic house. In December 2010, my dream came true with the purchase of my first home: a 1918 Craftsman bungalow, complete with original hardwood floors and clawfoot bathtub. Daily dog walks provide views of Puget Sound, Whidbey Island and the Olympic Mountains. While researching, I found this undated photo of my home with a little boy sitting on the front porch. It’s been so much fun learning about the house and the families who lived here (14 at least) over the last 94 years. Additional Vintage Photo
Portland, Ore., David and Summer Kramer
We purchased this 1917 Craftsman bungalow in 2009 and have been lovingly restoring it ever since. The family we bought it from had lived here since the mid-1960s, and the kitchen and bathrooms were “modernized” in that era; among other projects, we’re currently working with designers on a plan that will return them to their original splendor. Portland’s Laurelhurst neighborhood, which is home to countless charming bungalows of all types, was designed by the renowned Olmsted Brothers landscape architecture firm. To follow our restoration progress, please visit us at www.TheCraftsmanBungalow.com.
Deland, Fla., Rick and Terry Harvey
While driving through historic Deland, Fla., we discovered that the style of home we really liked was the bungalow. We pored over dozens of books and back issues of your magazine to find the perfect bungalow to build. We used all of the oak trees that we had to remove (5000 board feet) to build 23 five-paneled doors, six colonnades, window and door trim, window headers and baseboards. We also used recycled baseboards and door trim. My favorite compliment while building was, “We sure do appreciate you bringing back that old bungalow.”
