Bungalow, derived from the Hindi word baṅgala, for a house in the Bengal style. Yes, we have bought a bungalow!
When we first bought our French house all those years ago we were young enough not to be fazed by all the hard work needed to maintain a very old, stone farmhouse. The stairs didn’t bother us; we could easily run up and down several times a day. Carrying logs up a flight of steps to feed the log burner wasn’t a problem. The wooden shutters and windows needed regular coats of varnish and I happily cleaned all the individual glass panes. It was a happy house, full of character and charm and suited us well.
I suppose Paul and I could have continued to manage this house for many more years to come but we always knew that it would become harder as we got older. Earlier this year we decided to look for something that would be easier to maintain in the future, back in the UK where we would have a secure and permanent residency.
Our search for a new home covered an extensive area; we wanted something modern, spacious, big garden, village location and far from any busy roads. We finally found a property that ticked all those boxes in Lincolnshire - a bungalow!
The property is deceptively large with three double bedrooms, two bathrooms, two lounges, dining room and kitchen. There is also a workroom in the attic that Kat has already earmarked as her sewing room. It has been empty for a while and the garden is overgrown. It is a project that will keep us occupied for many months but I’m going to turn it into my dream home. And there are no stairs (apart from the ladder leading to the attic!).
You've done the smartest thing for you, I'm sure you'll be good there.
ReplyDeleteIt's a 'sensible' choice.
DeleteA bungalow in a cul-de-sac.
ReplyDeleteWe need a single story house too and after the first of the year we're going to start looking.
ReplyDeleteThey definitely have their advantages.
DeleteSafe travels and wishing lots of luck and happiness in your new home. I look forward to seeing the progress as you turn your new bungalow into a home x
ReplyDeleteThank you Gaynor.
DeleteIt may be a good idea to pop a brandy barrel onto Rick's collar, just in case you get lost while you explore that enormous place! The bungalow sounds great, and I wish you every happiness as you start your new adventures in lovely Lincolnshire.
ReplyDeleteI would have to put whisky in it! The bungalow is a bit 'ordinary' after this place but I hope it will be anything but ordinary after we've done some work on it.
DeleteNeed I say which of the two homes I prefer? Personally I think that a certain amount of 'inconvenience' keeps you fit; all that sawing and carrying, mowing, wine drinking, etc. It doesn't compare to flick-of-a-switch heating. Having said that, we're toying with the idea of over-wintering again in Blighty some time in the future. Unless the chainsaw decides otherwise!!!
ReplyDeleteIf circumstances were different we would love to have stayed here forever. We knew we wouldn't find a house like this in Blighty so we have gone for something completely different!
DeleteCuriouser and curiouser.
DeleteIt looks lovely - I do hope you are really happy there.
ReplyDeleteThanks Pat. You know what it's like to say goodbye to a beautiful house.
DeleteThere's a great antiques centre in nearby Hemswell. People come from miles around. You will be able to pick up some great knick-knacks to replace the ones you have left in France.
ReplyDeleteHemswell? So many new places for us to discover.
DeleteYou will be able to go to the Crown Carvery on your way home, save you cooking.
DeleteI am sure you will be very happy there and will have plenty to do.
ReplyDeleteThank you Susan. It's a new chapter.
DeleteI am not so sure. I give you a couple of years there and then you will be searching for your new dream. You can add value to the bungalow though before you sell it.
DeleteA forever property has to tick so many boxes, you have made a sensible choice.
ReplyDeleteIf no dog, I think we would find a flat with a window box near a Sainsbury's might be an option. Safe journey.
Thanks Potty. We hope it will be a home we can invest in, put down roots and stay put during our dotage.
DeleteI am looking forward to seeing your new abode and following what you do to it ! Wishing you much happiness there. I am not a fan of bungalows.....but yours looks rather nice.....not the typical bay windows either side of the front door!
ReplyDeleteI never thought we would buy a bungalow!
DeleteI love it! Congratulations! I can't wait to see more of the house and property. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Jennifer. I'm keen to see what we have bought, it seems an age since we briefly viewed it and made the decision to buy.
DeleteIsn't it odd that we spend a huge amount of money on something we have barely seen !
DeleteIt's crazy isn't it!
DeleteBon voyage...x
ReplyDeleteThank you Gaynor x
DeleteWe have many, many bungalows here. It's only in the last 30 years or so that houses are being built'up' and the lots are becoming very narrow. We've lived in our bungalow for 35 years and we love it. I have to say though that all houses here have basements. Ours is fully finished so it doubles our living space.
ReplyDeleteI love the space we have here and no stairs to climb.
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