The timeless comfort of Tampa Bay’s bungalow homes
They can be spotted blocks away with single story floor plans that are adorned with archways and windows of timeless architectural style. Their exteriors are slathered with beautiful strokes of stucco; oftentimes so thick you can see the patterns that formed as the builders applied the exterior finishings. We’re talking about the historic, and masterfully preserved, Spanish bungalows of the 1920s that dot the modernizing streets of the Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg area.
Once you consult the original blueprints these quaint houses, comforting design logic becomes immediately clear: spatial efficiency. Today, we would say that they are perfect for those who prefer to occupy minimalist spaces with cozy corners. But at the time they were built, this hybrid of beautiful design and utility was the M.O. of builders for America’s middle class. The average square footage of these houses runs at 1,100 square feet: well below the American home average, but better for space efficiency, and an even better way to set you apart from the crowd.
For those of you who are used to the amount of space provided by the typical suburban home floor plan: these are not the homes you typically find built in droves out in the suburbs. Homes of the early 20th century, especially the 1920s Spanish bungalow, were built with less space and were not outfitted for many expectations of the modern homebuyer. Large closets, kitchen islands, and soaring doorways are all sought-after perks that will likely be foregone in exchange for the experience of living in one of Tampa’s treasured historic properties. However, make no mistake that these homes are stuck in the trenches of time. Some owners of aging Spanish bungalows have been noted for bringing them into the present through remodeling and bold interior decorating.
Those who are looking for a distinct decorating challenge are ideal candidates for the preservation of vintage bungalows. These houses exist today as artifacts of the past and inspirations for modern design. They have stories attached to them that are as valuable as their aged Mediterranean charm. Investing in a vintage home is investing in a genuine piece of Florida’s early 20th century history. And if vintage isn’t your thing, fear not. The bungalow revival is an architectural movement, which has seen the construction of some of Tampa Bay’s most valuable new properties. Those who own these properties today are guardians of their home’s historical and architectural integrity. Would you consider becoming the next generation to take these spaces, carved with timeless design, and fill them with life? We certainly hope so.
