Trying to choose between a bungalow and a cottage? You’re not alone. This choice stumps many homebuyers.
In this article, I’ll break down the key differences between these two charming homes.
You’ll learn about their:
- Size and layout differences
- Cost considerations
- Maintenance needs
- Best locations for each
I’ve helped hundreds of families find their perfect home over the past years. My team and I have toured countless bungalows and cottages across the country.
Whether you’re buying your first home or looking for a vacation getaway, this guide will help you make the right choice. By the end, you’ll know exactly which home style fits your lifestyle and budget.
Let’s find your dream home together!
Cottage vs. Bungalow: What’s the Difference?
Cottages and bungalows often get mixed up in conversation. I’ll help you understand what makes each unique.
A cottage is typically a small, cozy home with a rustic charm. These houses usually have steep roofs, small porches, and an intimate feel. Think of the storybook homes with flower gardens and picket fences.
Bungalows, on the other hand, are low-profile houses with wide front porches and an open floor plan. They usually have just one story, though some include a half-story with dormers.
1. Regional Differences
The meaning of these terms changes depending on where you are:
- In the UK, a cottage often means a traditional rural home made with local materials like stone or brick
- Americans might call any small vacation home a “cottage” regardless of style
- In Canada, lakeside vacation properties are almost always called cottages
- Australians rarely use “cottage” but widely recognize bungalows
Interesting fact: In India, a bungalow usually refers to a large, detached house with a yard!
2. Why People Mix Them Up
Have you ever called a bungalow a cottage by mistake? You’re not alone.
The confusion happens because:
- Both are small-ish homes with character and charm
- Both styles reject the grandness of larger houses
- Real estate listings often use terms loosely to sound appealing
Sometimes a home might actually be both, a cottage-style bungalow with elements from each tradition.
What matters most isn’t the label, but finding a home that feels right for you. Whether cottage or bungalow, these homes offer comfort without excess.
What is the Difference Between a Cottage and a Bungalow?
When looking at smaller homes with charm, cottages and bungalows often come to mind. But what makes them different? Let’s explore what sets these two beloved housing styles apart.
1. Architecture
Cottages typically feature:
- Irregular, asymmetrical designs with a “handmade” feel
- Steep, pitched roofs often with dormers or gables
- Natural materials like stone, brick, or wood siding
- Smaller windows, sometimes with diamond panes
- Rustic, sometimes whimsical architectural details
Bungalows are known for:
- Low-pitched roofs with wide eaves
- Strong horizontal lines and proportions
- Front porches with tapered or square columns
- Open floor plans with built-in furniture
- Exposed rafters, beams, and other structural elements
- Large windows for natural light
2. Origins
The cottage tradition dates back to medieval Europe, particularly England. They were originally simple dwellings for agricultural workers and laborers. The term comes from “cotter,” meaning a peasant farmer. Over centuries, cottages evolved into romanticized symbols of rural simplicity and charm.
The bungalow style originated in Bengal, India, where single-story homes with wide verandas were adapted by British colonists. The word “bungalow” comes from the Hindi word “bangla.” The style was popularized in the United States during the Arts and Crafts movement (1900-1930) as an affordable, practical alternative to ornate Victorian homes.
3. Layout
Cottagestypically have:
- 1½ to 2 stories, often with low ceilings
- Compact, sometimes compartmentalized rooms
- Cozy, intimate spaces with nooks and crannies
- Smaller footprint but efficient use of space
- Often feature lofts or attic bedrooms with sloped ceilings
Bungalowsgenerally offer:
- Primarily single-story living (though some have partial second floors)
- Open concept floor plans that flow between spaces
- Prominent front porches that serve as outdoor living rooms
- Built-in storage and multifunctional spaces
- Minimal hallways with rooms arranged around a central living area
4. Location
Cottages are typically found:
- In rural or village settings
- As vacation homes near lakes, beaches, or mountains
- In older neighborhoods of towns and small cities
- As garden or guest houses on larger properties
Bungalows are commonly located:
- In early 20th century suburban neighborhoods
- Along tree-lined streets in urban areas
- In planned communities from the 1910s-1930s
- In warm-weather regions where indoor-outdoor living is emphasized
While both styles focus on efficient, charming living spaces, the cottage embraces cozy irregularity while the bungalow celebrates practical, flowing spaces with strong connections to the outdoors.
Distinguishing Between Cottages and Bungalows
Cottages and bungalows both offer charming alternatives to larger homes, but they have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Let me highlight the key differences between these two beloved architectural styles.
1. Key Distinctions
Cottages: are typically characterized by their storybook charm and historical roots. They feature steep, pitched roofs, asymmetrical designs, and often incorporate natural materials like stone or wood. Originally built as humble dwellings for rural workers in Europe, cottages emphasize coziness with smaller rooms, lower ceilings, and a more compartmentalized layout that might span 1-2 stories.
Bungalows: in contrast, emerged from colonial India before gaining popularity during the early 20th century Arts and Crafts movement. They feature low-pitched roofs with wide overhanging eaves, prominent front porches supported by tapered columns, and emphasize horizontal lines. Bungalows typically offer single-story living with open floor plans, built-in furniture, and a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
2. Side-by-Side Comparison
|
Feature |
Cottage |
Bungalow |
|
Roofline |
Steep, pitched with gables or dormers |
Low-pitched with wide eaves and exposed rafters |
|
Layout |
1½-2 stories, compartmentalized rooms |
Primarily single-story with open floor plan |
|
Origin |
Medieval Europe (particularly England) |
Colonial India, popularized by Arts & Crafts movement |
|
Exterior |
Asymmetrical, often with small porches |
Horizontal emphasis with substantial front porch |
|
Interior |
Intimate spaces with nooks and crannies |
Flowing spaces with minimal hallways |
|
Materials |
Natural materials like stone, brick, wood |
Wood, stucco, brick with exposed structural elements |
|
Common Location |
Rural settings, vacation areas, older neighborhoods |
Early 20th century suburban areas, planned communities |
3. Signature Traits
The most telling signs of a cottage include its storybook appearance, irregular features that suggest handcrafted construction, and an intimate scale that prioritizes charm over spaciousness. The quintessential cottage feels like it belongs in a fairy tale, with a garden gate and flowers climbing its walls.
A true bungalow is instantly recognizable by its substantial front porch that serves as an outdoor room, low-profile silhouette that hugs the ground, and craftsman details like exposed beams and built-in cabinetry. The classic bungalow represents an early 20th century ideal of efficient, practical living with aesthetic value.
While architectural purists maintain clear distinctions between these styles, many modern homes incorporate elements of both traditions, creating hybrid designs that capture the best aspects of each beloved housing type.
The Allure of Cottage Living
There’s something undeniably magical about cottage living that continues to captivate our collective imagination. These charming homes offer more than just shelter-they promise a particular lifestyle and aesthetic that many find irresistible.
1. Aesthetic Appeal: Cozy, Quaint, and Romantic
Cottages embody a distinctive charm that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
Their appeal lies in:
- Storybook charm with asymmetrical features, steep rooflines, and whimsical details
- Human scale that feels intimate rather than imposing
- Natural materials like stone, timber, and thatch that connect to the surrounding landscape
- Quaint architectural details including window boxes, rustic shutters, and winding garden paths
- Weathered textures that tell a story of time and endurance
The cottage aesthetic celebrates imperfection and character over sleek modernity. Inside, you’ll typically find cozy nooks, smaller rooms with warm lighting, exposed beams, and built-in features that maximize space while adding charm. This creates an atmosphere that feels instantly welcoming and nostalgic.
2. Ideal Settings: In Harmony with Nature
Cottages seem most at home when nestled within natural landscapes:
- Countryside locations where they blend with rolling hills and pastoral scenes
- Lakeside or coastal settings where they offer retreat with water views
- Woodland environments where they appear to have grown organically from the forest floor
- Village contexts where they contribute to a sense of community and tradition
These settings enhance the cottage’s inherent connection to nature and reinforce its identity as a refuge from urban intensity. The cottage typically looks as though it belongs precisely where it stands, as if it has grown from the very landscape it inhabits.
3. Lifestyle: A Different Way of Living
The cottage doesn’t just represent an architectural style, it embodies a philosophy about living:
- Peaceful retreat: from the demands and pace of contemporary life
- Seasonal or weekend escape: that offers contrast to primary urban residences
- Creative sanctuary: where artists, writers, and thinkers find inspiration
- Simplified living: that encourages mindfulness and appreciation of small pleasures
- Connection to traditional skills: like gardening, cooking, and craft
Those drawn to cottage living often seek a more intentional relationship with their surroundings, valuing quality of experience over quantity of space. The cottage lifestyle celebrates slow living, seasonal rhythms, and the authentic pleasure of a home that truly reflects one’s personality and values.
Whether as a full-time residence or occasional retreat, the cottage continues to represent an enduring ideal of home, one that promises comfort, character, and a meaningful alternative to more conventional living arrangements.
Embracing the Bungalow Lifestyle
The bungalow offers more than just architectural appeal, it represents a practical, accessible way of living that continues to attract homeowners across generations. Let’s explore what makes the bungalow lifestyle so appealing.
1. Practicality: Single-Story Convenience and Accessibility
Bungalows shine when it comes to practical, accessible living:
- No-stairs living makes daily routines easier for everyone from young families to aging adults
- Open floor plans allow for efficient movement and sightlines throughout the home
- Accessibility features are either built-in or easier to add without major renovations
- Modern conveniences often blend seamlessly with historical character
- Indoor-outdoor flow through porches, patios, and multiple access points
The horizontal layout eliminates the need to constantly navigate stairs, making bungalows particularly attractive for those planning to age in place. This same feature makes supervision of young children simpler, as all living spaces remain on a single level.
2. Location: Connected to Community
Bungalows typically occupy prime positions in established neighborhoods:
- Walkable urban settings with access to amenities and public transportation
- Streetcar suburbs developed in the early 20th century around transit lines
- Planned communities with shared green spaces and architectural consistency
- Arts & Crafts neighborhoods with historic character and mature landscaping
These locations often feature sidewalks, front porches that face the street, and a human scale that encourages interaction with neighbors. Many bungalow neighborhoods have become highly desirable for their combination of historic charm and proximity to urban amenities.
3. Lifestyle: Efficient, Modern, and Family-Friendly
The bungalow lifestyle emphasizes quality over quantity of space:
- Low-maintenance living with modest footprints that require less upkeep
- Efficient use of space through built-ins and multipurpose rooms
- Family-friendly layouts where common areas serve as the heart of the home
- Balance of privacy and togetherness through thoughtful room arrangement
- Connection to the outdoors through porches, patios, and gardens
Bungalow owners often appreciate the blend of historic character with modern functionality. The typical bungalow footprint, with common areas at the center and bedrooms along the perimeter, creates natural gathering spaces while maintaining private retreats.
The front porch serves as more than an architectural feature; it’s an extension of living space that encourages connection with the community while providing a buffer between public and private areas.
For many, embracing the bungalow lifestyle means valuing craftsmanship over square footage and choosing a home that supports their daily activities without excess. The bungalow represents thoughtful, intentional living, offering just enough space to live comfortably while encouraging engagement with both family and community.
Comparing Cottages and Bungalows
When deciding between a cottage and a bungalow, understanding both their shared qualities and distinct differences will help guide your choice. Let me break down what makes each special and how to determine which might better suit your needs.
1. Similarities and Key Differences
Similarities:
- Both offer charming alternatives to larger, more formal homes
- Both emphasize efficient use of space rather than excess square footage
- Both have distinct architectural personalities with loyal followings
- Both often feature natural materials and handcrafted details
- Both typically have smaller footprints than contemporary homes
Key Differences:
|
Feature |
Cottage |
Bungalow |
|
Origin |
Medieval European rural homes |
Colonial India, popularized in early 20th century America |
|
Layout |
Often 1½-2 stories with compartmentalized spaces |
Primarily single-story with open floor plan |
|
Aesthetic |
Irregular, organic, storybook charm |
Horizontal lines, craftsman details, structured design |
|
Outdoor Space |
Gardens, small patios, natural landscaping |
Prominent front porch, defined outdoor living areas |
|
Typical Location |
Rural settings, vacation areas |
Urban/suburban neighborhoods, planned communities |
2. Factors to Consider When Choosing
Budget Considerations:
- Cottages often cost less initially but may require more maintenance due to age and construction
- Bungalows in desirable historic districts may command premium prices
- Renovation costs differ: cottage renovations often involve structural challenges while bungalow updates typically focus on systems and finishes
Lifestyle Alignment:
- Do you value privacy and retreat (cottage) or community connection (bungalow)?
- Is accessibility important now or in the future? (Bungalows offer single-level living)
- How important is indoor-outdoor flow? (Bungalows typically excel here)
- Do you prefer cozy, defined spaces (cottage) or open, flowing areas (bungalow)?
Location Preferences:
- Rural or vacation setting versus established neighborhood
- Proximity to amenities and services
- Community character and walkability
- Zoning and historical preservation requirements
Maintenance Realities:
- Cottages often have more complex rooflines requiring more maintenance
- Bungalows typically have accessible mechanical systems making repairs easier
- Garden and landscape expectations differ between styles
- Energy efficiency considerations vary between the two designs
3. Decision-Making Tips Based on Personality
You might prefer a cottage if you:
- Value privacy and retreat over community engagement
- Appreciate quirky, unique spaces with character and history
- Enjoy gardening and creating outdoor sanctuaries
- Don’t mind navigating stairs or smaller spaces
- Find comfort in cozy, defined rooms rather than open concepts
- Seek a home that feels like a personal sanctuary away from the world
You might prefer a bungalow if you:
- Enjoy neighborhood connections and community involvement
- Appreciate clean lines and architectural consistency
- Value accessibility and ease of movement throughout your home
- Prefer entertaining in open, flowing spaces
- Want strong connections between indoor and outdoor living
- Seek a balance of historic character and modern function
Remember that many homes incorporate elements of both styles. The perfect home for you might be a cottage with bungalow-inspired open spaces or a bungalow with cottage-like garden features. Focus on how the space feels and functions for your specific needs rather than strictly adhering to architectural labels.
Conclusion
Cottages charm with storybook appeal, steep roofs, and cozy multi-level layouts ideal for rural retreats. Bungalows offer practical single-story living with open floor plans, horizontal lines, and neighborhood connectivity.
Your choice depends on personal needs. Cottages suit those wanting privacy, unique spaces, and rural settings. Bungalows work better for accessibility, community engagement, and modern open-concept living.
Neither style is inherently superior – the right home matches your lifestyle preferences and practical requirements. Consider your daily routines, location desires, and long-term plans when deciding between these two beloved architectural traditions.
What has been your experience with either home style? Share your thoughts below!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a home be both a cottage and a bungalow?
While purists separate these styles, many modern homes blend elements of both. A single-story home with cottage-like details could be considered a cottage-style bungalow.
Which style is more affordable to build or buy?
Cost depends more on location, size, and condition than style alone. Bungalows in desirable historic districts often command premium prices, while cottages vary widely in price.
Are cottages and bungalows suitable for aging in place?
Bungalows typically offer better accessibility with their single-level layout. Cottages with stairs may require modifications for aging residents.
Which style is more energy-efficient?
Neither style is inherently more efficient. Insulation, windows, and systems matter more than architectural style, though bungalows’ compact footprints can be efficient to heat and cool.
Can I modernize these traditional styles without losing their charm?
Yes! Both styles can incorporate modern conveniences while preserving their character. Focus on maintaining key architectural features while updating systems and finishes.
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