Thursday, April 02, 2009

I Have A Crush on California Bungalows!

I have mentioned in passing once or twice before that I live in a 761 sq. ft condo, haven't I? It's teeny and new-ish (built in the 90s) and it's my little shoebox. When I get frustrated about the size, etc, I need to remind myself what an accomplishment it was for me to have purchased it all on my own over six years ago without waiting on a man to come and sweep me off my feet and into a palace (cuz dude, if I had waited I'd be living on the streets somewhere just about now!). Anywhooo, at the time I was house condo shopping, the market was moving fast here in the OC. I put a couple of offers and was rejected until I found my little gem here in Tustin Ranch. I DID NOT want something old and crusty, but instead something new with all the bells and whistles. Oh, how foolish I was..

A shot of my community. BORING.
Now that I've been in my place for a while and developed a love for homes, restoration, DIY, and style, I'm DYING to be in a historical home. Yes, I know there are all sorts of stinky regulations and red tape that come along, but I don't care! I HAVE A CRUSH ON CALIFORNIA BUNGALOWS, AND I DON'T CARE WHO HEARS IT!

I mean, look at this little beauty and her fancy columns. I'd like to put this little colonial bungalow in my pocket and carry her around with me. And look at this stately craftsman. So pretty with her bright white trim and that porch swing -- FEROCHE! And have you seen a happier little yellow house? She's sassin' out those blue shutters and matching rockers!
I even love this California Spanish-style home...you KNOW she comes with incredible coved ceilings and niches!
One of my main reasons for loving these old homes are the built-ins, moulding, paneling, trim work, and hardwoods, etc. Here we've got a neighborhood show off that I just want to cuddle up with!

So there you have it! I'm hooked on California bungalows. To see what everyone else is hooked on, stop on over to Hooked on Houses for a little linky party!

And, be sure to check back soon as I tell you how I've tried to turn my tiny boring shoebox into something more stately in my CONDO 2 CASTLE feature that I'll be debuting next week!

(all images from www.calbungalow.com)



19 comments:

Lindsay @ Makely said...

What cute little houses! It is such a give and take when trying to decide between a new and old house. I wish you could have the best of both worlds!

Terry said...

You and I are Bungalow buds. For me it's Georgia bungalows. Wonderful, flexible, and there is always more to them than appears from the outside.

Terry said...

Oops, I meant to tell you that I posted pictures of a few Georgia Bungalows today (and a few Georgia non-bungalows too).

Arleen @ Seasons for All at Home said...

California bungalows really are charming. I could see why you'd want a new place though when you were in the market for a home of your own. And I think your community looks great! ~Arleen

Mrs. Petrie said...

I love seeing the CA bungalows on HGTV. I grew up with them in my neighborhood, but I never grasped how awesome they were until I grew up and moved away.

StuccoHouse said...

Well, I hope my little bungalow looks like one of those photos...one day.

Anonymous said...

A post after my own heart! I love bungalows, tapered columns, built-ins, the porches. Thanks so much for sharing! You should check out Douglas Keister's "500 Bungalows" book. Yum!

Suzy said...

I love these homes and their built ins too! I rented one for about 2 years, but the owner wouldn't sell...Thanks for sharing!

Averill said...

Those bungalows are beautiful. We live in a new build in an old Craftsman neighborhood.

I know I'm not supposed to covet my neighbor's property -- but sometimes it's awfully hard!

Thanks for stopping by my blog by the way!

Anonymous said...

Wow! You're less than 10 miles from us! Never read a local blog before.

If you're loving the bungalows and want to stay in OC, then consider Santa Ana. We live in Washington Square (CUTE neighborhood that starts around 17th & Flower over to Bristol). It's an historic neighborhood and there is a very strong community effort to keep the neighborhood looking fabulous. I know for a fact that some of the foreclosures in this area are going for somewhere in the $200/$300 range. Also consider Floral Park (just on the other side of 17th). It's more chi-chi than Washington Square and it's just lovely. They're having their annual home tours sometime soon.

Rue said...

Being born and raised in California, those bungalows will always have a special place in my heart :)

My relatives are from your area (Newport), but I'm from Arcadia, next to Pasadena. LOADS of those sweet homes there!

rue

amariaf2000 said...

LOVE this bunaglows! I did as you - didn't wait on a man to purchase my first home - 829 sq ft of it!
~angela @ peonypatch

the BLAH BLAH BLAHger said...

Anonymous, I love Santa Ana, too! I haven't spent much time tooling around in Washington Square, but have looked at homes online. I also like Park Santiago and have a coworker who lives in Floral...love those areas!

The Soladay Family said...

LOVE the pics! I love the homes in Cali because they're all so different! Thanks for visiting my blog! Love yours!

Unknown said...

Cute little houses! Just the word "bungalow" sounds like fun.

Cass @ That Old House said...

First, major props to YOU for buying your own home!

Love the bungalow style, too -- we lived in a brick Craftsman bungalow for 21 years, before buying the 1832 house we now live in.

I loved the other house -- arches, built ins, river rock fireplace -- and that big clunky front porch! Bungalows are terrific, space-smart, and family friendly houses. I hope you find the perfect one for you someday!

All the best... Cass

The Summer Kitchen Girls said...

Darling houses! No wonder you are hooked girl! Love that last interior picture....yes - you are right - they are "hook-worthy!"
Karla & Karrie

Julia @ Hooked on Houses said...

There are few things that make me as happy as seeing charming bungalows like these. Great pics! Makes me want to move to CA and buy one (after winning the lottery, of course).

Thanks for joining my party! :-)

Dumbwit Tellher said...

I'm with you, loving Bungalow's. I covet the Spanish number. We have an abundance of bungalow's in my home town Seattle. Something so homey, & comforting about them. You almost smell the banana bread baking!
Great post ( :