Page 5 | Moved to a Bungalow early!

WinterVibes · 2023-10-17T19:53:17+00:00

We are a couple late 40's early 50s. We've taken the plunge and moved to a lovely bungalow in a quaint village with beautiful views. We are still close to a lovely vibrant market town and have 2 lovely country pubs within a 2 minute walk. Bungalows seem so sought after and hard to come by (and mostly overpriced due to this fact, especially in good area's). We decided to take the plunge now, rather than wait until we are a lot older. I've witnessed so many older family members struggling to afford one but now have health/mobility issues etc. and would be much better off on one level. My elderly Mum is terrible on her feet and I really wish her and my Dad had moved to a bungalow years ago, but she feels too old to uproot now which I understand, plus the area's she would prefer are out of her reach price wise now. This will be our forever home and we've done quite a lot of renovating to put our own stamp on it, its all open plan living and kitchen with a lovely log burner so even heating will be cost effective as only one main room - I feel like we are ahead of the game now rather than having to face the transition when we are old and it's much harder for us. It's great for us now, but equally I could happily see us here when we are old and frail - if we are lucky enough to reach old age 🙏 Do you think we are bonkers? Over-Planning? Has anyone else done this to be ahead of things and future proof? Bungalow chat a-hoy 👵🧓😂

Hibiscrubbed · 17/10/2023 22:12

I would be unutterably depressed at buying a single-level home in my forties purely to prepare for the miserable onslaught of old age. Fuck me.

HMP70 · 17/10/2023 22:13

We did the same 5 years ago. I was 48, DH just over 50. Best thing we ever did. I have balance problems & had fallen down the stairs far to many times. Detached, nice big plot, 5 min walk to village with everything we need. Hadn't been touched since about 1970. So we went back to brick & started again, I say we loosely 😂. Paid a refurb company to do the whole thing, they were amazing 3 months start to finish & life savings. Just 5 rooms including bathroom, big kitchen diner, huge lounge with study area at one end, two double bedrooms & shower room, never been happier. Was a godsend during lockdown. Peaceful & great neighbours, Our old house was in not so great area, on a dual carriageway, pollution, dreadful neighbours, no parking, but had needed to be there as close to elderly & ill in laws, once we no longer needed to be there we moved quickly. I think it was easier to make decision after seeing FIL left alone in huge house, but confined to one room as had mobility & dementia issues. Then had to empty whole house once decision was made he had to move to specialist care home. It cleaned us out, but we are so happy well worth it. Plus we are lucky enough to be able to save & build buffer back up.

grassverge · 17/10/2023 22:14

Why do people on this thread think all Bungalows are detached? The ones on my street are semis.

Original poster

WinterVibes · 17/10/2023 22:14

Millybob · 17/10/2023 22:12

Bonkers? "I'm mad, me, I live in a bungalow?'
Well, congratulations on saving the price of a Stannah stairlift - but I can't see that it's much different from living in a flat.

Just having the chat about others thoughts on bungalow living and if anyone else has one or is planning to. No harm done surely? That's what the site is for. There's always one 🤪

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Original poster

WinterVibes · 17/10/2023 22:15

grassverge · 17/10/2023 22:14

Why do people on this thread think all Bungalows are detached? The ones on my street are semis.

My DH just said this! There are lots of semi bungalows too agreed 👍

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Blinkingbonkers · 17/10/2023 22:17

I constantly tell dh I can’t wait to move to a bungalow with patio when the kids leave home….he thinks I’m joking….I’m not!!!! Well done op! Bungalows are a commodity overlooked by most developers…they will no doubt make a comeback with the aging population!

Original poster

WinterVibes · 17/10/2023 22:19

HMP70 · 17/10/2023 22:13

We did the same 5 years ago. I was 48, DH just over 50. Best thing we ever did. I have balance problems & had fallen down the stairs far to many times. Detached, nice big plot, 5 min walk to village with everything we need. Hadn't been touched since about 1970. So we went back to brick & started again, I say we loosely 😂. Paid a refurb company to do the whole thing, they were amazing 3 months start to finish & life savings. Just 5 rooms including bathroom, big kitchen diner, huge lounge with study area at one end, two double bedrooms & shower room, never been happier. Was a godsend during lockdown. Peaceful & great neighbours, Our old house was in not so great area, on a dual carriageway, pollution, dreadful neighbours, no parking, but had needed to be there as close to elderly & ill in laws, once we no longer needed to be there we moved quickly. I think it was easier to make decision after seeing FIL left alone in huge house, but confined to one room as had mobility & dementia issues. Then had to empty whole house once decision was made he had to move to specialist care home. It cleaned us out, but we are so happy well worth it. Plus we are lucky enough to be able to save & build buffer back up.

Your situation sounds very similar to ours! I also have balance issues and have fallen a lot so no stairs is a god send in that respect. We too lived through a renovation and cost us our savings, but it's done now and we can start saving again without the worry we would have to go through it all in later years.

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Maternityleavelady · 17/10/2023 22:20

Just to say I know plenty of bungalows which aren’t detached - so that’s not a given!

Had no idea bungalows were expensive - I would have thought less house = less money but perhaps there is a shortage of them which drives up the price?

We sold my grandad’s bungalow after he died and the family that bought it immediately extended upwards!

Awrite · 17/10/2023 22:21

Hats off to you @WinterVibes , you have taken all snidey comments with humour and good grace.

We lived in 10+ family homes growing up and by far the best was the 4 bed bungalow (1 bed upstairs) we lived in during my mid teens. I did climb in a good few of the tiny 'top' windows when I was accidentally locked out though. I guess alcohol gives you agility and strength. 😉

Original poster

WinterVibes · 17/10/2023 22:21

Blinkingbonkers · 17/10/2023 22:17

I constantly tell dh I can’t wait to move to a bungalow with patio when the kids leave home….he thinks I’m joking….I’m not!!!! Well done op! Bungalows are a commodity overlooked by most developers…they will no doubt make a comeback with the aging population!

Do it!! My DH was sceptical, but he's loving bungalow life now! We had full width bifolds and new patio, those Spring/Summer morning now we feel like we are on holiday plus when it's cooler we light the log burner and open the doors, feels like we are camping 😂

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Original poster

WinterVibes · 17/10/2023 22:25

Awrite · 17/10/2023 22:21

Hats off to you @WinterVibes , you have taken all snidey comments with humour and good grace.

We lived in 10+ family homes growing up and by far the best was the 4 bed bungalow (1 bed upstairs) we lived in during my mid teens. I did climb in a good few of the tiny 'top' windows when I was accidentally locked out though. I guess alcohol gives you agility and strength. 😉

Now paranoid about teeny tiny burglars- thanks 😂😂
Yes, there are always a few snide comments, just the way it is sadly.
Maybe they need to calm down and buy a bungalow 😂

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justasking111 · 17/10/2023 22:26

We lived up in the hills big house fine with three children. But two left home, husband retired and it suddenly felt isolated. So we sold not intending to buy a bungalow but one came up with a dormer bedroom and en suite for the teenager.

Built by a renowned architect it has big rooms and interesting features. The garden is mostly shrubs and lawn but we have put some trees in. I now have spine and hip issues so am glad that we didn't buy a house. Although there are steps up to the cars and down to the garden.

There's just two of us now and less housework somehow in a bungalow.

OfcourseitsaNC · 17/10/2023 22:27

Bought a bungalow late 30s.

Absolutely hated living on one level. I struggled with not going up to bed. I also struggled to rest, knowing that it was easier to break into a ground floor room than a first floor room. Not only worried for me but for my children too.

Stayed there for 5 years before moving on to a 3 storey house. Much more preferable for me.

All the best to you though OP. I'm glad you've found your forever bungie!

Awrite · 17/10/2023 22:27

WinterVibes · 17/10/2023 22:25

Now paranoid about teeny tiny burglars- thanks 😂😂
Yes, there are always a few snide comments, just the way it is sadly.
Maybe they need to calm down and buy a bungalow 😂

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I think you mean teeny tiny 'drunk' burglars.

ReadingSoManyThreads · 17/10/2023 22:29

Bungalows are normal to live in where I come from, there are loads of bungalows and they are popular with families. Absolutely not just for old people where I'm from. I love a bungalow. Not sure if this is an English thing as my English husband scoffs when I show him bungalows I like when looking at properties online. He also seems to think they are for old people.

Dillane · 17/10/2023 22:30

‘Lovely’

PussInBin20 · 17/10/2023 22:32

I’d love a bungalow - I’m fed up of stairs as ours are quite steep but DH doesn’t agree. Unlike you he’s not thinking ahead and thinks he will be super fit forever. I have a feeling I will be saying “I told you so” when it’s too difficult to get up the stairs and he has a dodgy knee now 🙄 I think you are very sensible.

nebulae · 17/10/2023 22:32

Millybob · 17/10/2023 22:12

Bonkers? "I'm mad, me, I live in a bungalow?'
Well, congratulations on saving the price of a Stannah stairlift - but I can't see that it's much different from living in a flat.

Eh? How is it like living in a flat? Most bungalows are detached or semi detached. So at most, one adjoining neighbour. Nobody above or below.

I live in a detached bungalow with a huge garden. I can assure you, its nothing like living in a flat.

Not that there's anything wrong with flats by the way. To each their own.

Original poster

WinterVibes · 17/10/2023 22:33

OfcourseitsaNC · 17/10/2023 22:27

Bought a bungalow late 30s.

Absolutely hated living on one level. I struggled with not going up to bed. I also struggled to rest, knowing that it was easier to break into a ground floor room than a first floor room. Not only worried for me but for my children too.

Stayed there for 5 years before moving on to a 3 storey house. Much more preferable for me.

All the best to you though OP. I'm glad you've found your forever bungie!

Edited

I'll have to live with the break in worry. The ease of lugging the hoover around only on one level helps to appease me a bit 😂
Glad you are happy and settled now 🏡

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Original poster

WinterVibes · 17/10/2023 22:35

nebulae · 17/10/2023 22:32

Eh? How is it like living in a flat? Most bungalows are detached or semi detached. So at most, one adjoining neighbour. Nobody above or below.

I live in a detached bungalow with a huge garden. I can assure you, its nothing like living in a flat.

Not that there's anything wrong with flats by the way. To each their own.

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I just meant as in being on one level, like a lot of apartments are 😊

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Original poster

WinterVibes · 17/10/2023 22:38

nebulae · 17/10/2023 22:32

Eh? How is it like living in a flat? Most bungalows are detached or semi detached. So at most, one adjoining neighbour. Nobody above or below.

I live in a detached bungalow with a huge garden. I can assure you, its nothing like living in a flat.

Not that there's anything wrong with flats by the way. To each their own.

Show quote history

Oh sorry, my bad, I thought you meant my reference to being on one level doh.
I don't feel like I'm in a flat, other than I'm on one level. As you say we have a great plot, good sized garden. I'm happy. Not sure what Millybob is waffling on about 😂

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Kinneddar · 17/10/2023 22:39

Had no idea bungalows were expensive - I would have thought less house = less money but perhaps there is a shortage of them which drives up the price

How's there less house?? The garden in our family home is significantly bigger than the houses over 2 levels, purely because the house is all on one level so a lot bigger footprint. There's certainly not less house

Well, congratulations on saving the price of a Stannah stairlift - but I can't see that it's much different from living in a flat

😂😂😂 Living in a bungalow is NOTHING like living in a flat

BellaTheDarkOverlord · 17/10/2023 22:39

We moved into our bungalow 11 years ago, early 20s and just married. We have two dcs and we’re trying to extend it with 2 more bedrooms for the kids. It’s a semi with a large garden even with the extension. Really cheap poor area so it’s low price. We do love living here tbh. Dc1 has a dream of moving home to a house with stairs though! I’m going to extend into the loft with a small staircase for her 😁It’s great that I don’t have to worry kids will fall down the stairs.

houselikeashed · 17/10/2023 22:39

I have a totally irrational fear of sleeping on the ground floor! I just can't do it, or let my kids do it either when they were younger. I still worry about my son in a student house ground floor bedroom!!
My husband teases me by asking why I don't think burglars can walk up stairs, but that doesn't help!
Even when we go on holiday, there can be no downstairs bedrooms. 😳
It's a stair lift for me!

Mangotango39 · 17/10/2023 22:40

We are only 30 and have a bungalow (they are norm where we live though)
I would never want to go back - love it!