Durand, Ill., Kelly and Ruth Stoll
Nicknamed “the little brown house” by everyone in our small town, our 1,000-square-foot, two-bedroom bungalow was built in 1927 and lived in by its builders until the 1990s. We carefully added a garage in the back in 2005, keeping the original tiny garage to use as a gardening shed. Central heating and air conditioning have been added, but otherwise our quiet little home is original from its cedar shake siding to its woodwork. As we’ve landscaped, we’ve used plant species available in 1927 whenever possible. We understand what our guests mean when they say they feel at home as soon as they enter this house: our warm and cozy home is our favorite place to be.
Shelbyville, Tenn., Telette Kellar
I bought this charming little house in 2000. It is one of several in the area built in a similar style in 1945. (A local man said he thought they were called “homestead houses” to attract residents after WW II.) It is about 1,000 square feet, with two bedrooms and one bath. The woodwork is all original and is especially nice. An odd beaded board on the walls runs horizontally, not vertically, and had cardboard over it as a surface for wallpapering. I took this photo before I had a new metal roof put on it; the metal is lighter in color and really fits the style of the house surprisingly well. I was looking for an older home with character in a settled neighborhood in a small town, and that’s just what I got!
Washington, D.C., May Ann Curtis
I bought my wood-shingled, 1,900-squre-foot 1923 bungalow 31 years ago.I chose it for the close-in city location, the light and spaciousness, and oak and heart-pine floors. In the unfinished basement I discovered the original two-burner cast-iron stove and several interior doors, including glass doors for the bookcases on either side of the red-brick fireplace. The house faces the U. S. Naval Observatory grounds, an accidental urban wildlife sanctuary. Architect Bruce Wentworth (see “A Sympathetic Addition,” AB No. 39, page 102) has provided good advice on both practical and aesthetic improvements. The unfussiness of this house works well with an eclectic collection of furniture, ceramics and copper pieces collected from Spain, Italy and Greece. A new Stickley rug in the foyer adds a touch of authentic bungalow style.
St. Louis, Mo., Cody Thomas
It was the frankness of this house that was so appealing. It is located in the Southampton neighborhood, which was conceived in 1920 by an English expatriate hoping to recreate the feel of his native city while building affordable housing using Arts and Crafts sensitivities and values. Amenities include extensive built-ins, even built-in art: every house in the neighborhood has two delightful Arts and Crafts stained-glass windows in the front room, where they filter light and wash the hardwood floors with their hues. This gem was originally sold under what was then a new-fangled system: showing display homes from which buyers could choose among models and options. This “Five Room Economy Bungalow” originally sold as a “remarkable value” for a price of $4,250.
Springfield, Mo., Jennifer and Steve White
We bought this 1924 four-level house in November 2004. It is located in a highly sought-out area of Springfield, close to the lights of downtown and the local university. It has four bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths, with an unfinished basement and bonus room. Totally restored to its original architecture, the house has tall ceilings, original radiators, extensive hardwood flooring, crown moldings, a covered deep front porch, a side portico entrance, a covered rear stoop and a picturesque backyard. Fifty-two windows provide ample lighting. This house is a keeper. We have found our home for life.
Fitchburg, Mass., Paul and Connie Williams
Our bungalow was built in 1925. It has most of its original woodwork. It is situated on a tree-lined lot and offers us sanctuary in a busy world. The front porch is a favorite gathering place for friends and family. At the end of our driveway is a garage built at the same time. We feel very fortunate to live in a bungalow, and we enjoy every aspect of our home.
Spring Lake, N.J., Anne and Fred Folco
We have lived in our four-bedroom, two-bath Arts and Crafts bungalow since 1999. From the records we could find, it was built around 1920Ð1923. We are only the third owners. We absolutely love our home, located in the beautiful seaside community of Spring Lake, also known as the “Irish Rivera” and, since June, as the home of this year’s National Spelling Bee Champion. It features exposed-beam ceilings in the living and dining rooms and beautiful hardwood floors throughout. We have lovingly furnished it with Mission-style furniture and light fixtures. The best feature of this house is the wrap-around porch, where we spend most of our time and which is our guests’ favorite place, too.
Moberly, Mo., David and Priscilla Nicholson
Our 1920s brick bungalow has 4,000 square feet and a matching garage on two lots. There is Italian tile on the front porch and on the front and side steps, and all of the original windows are intact. The 52-inch front door has the original beveled glass and matching sidelights. Renovating it has become our hobby. Last year we had it repainted and tuckpointed and added the arbor and fencing. It recently won a local photo contest and was named house of the month. It is the most comfortable and charming house we have ever lived in.
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