Rare new bungalow show home launches at Dandara’s The Meadows

New research from an over-50's property company Quickmove Properties reveals that bungalow construction has dropped to account for just 1.2% of all new-build completions. As such, Dandara’s ‘The Willow’ house type is a rarity for buyers and has been designed to offer versatility with space in mind; with the highlight being the light and airy open-plan kitchen-living-dining room with French doors leading straight out to the turfed garden.

Stretching the width of the bungalow, this comfortable L-shaped space has the kitchen at one end, finished in the show home with white Shaker-style units finished with gold-coloured handles for a sense of both tradition and contemporary style – although a variety of kitchen designs are available, depending on build stage. The circular, white oak dining table, designed by Chapter 9, comes with four upholstered chairs, while a pair of two-seater sofas are arranged sociably around a white coffee table, with views over the garden as well as to the wall-mounted TV and matching white oak sideboard.

Throughout the show home, the colours are calming and neutral, but with a variety of different shades creating interest, including feature painted and two-toned walls. Naturally themed accessories, from wooden chapel hat pegs to woven baskets, continue the restful theme moving through the property.

Carrie Edwards, account director at Chapter 9 Design, said: “We wanted to create an environment here that was tranquil, relaxing and uncluttered, with appealing textures and natural finishes, linking in with the countryside around Wymeswold.”

In the main bedroom, the combination of comforting textures and a neutral colour scheme continues, with a soft, oversized headboard wrapping around the king size bed, and oak and rattan furniture giving a hint of “coastal grandmother”. Long, wave-headed curtains, cushions and bed linen present a comfortable sanctuary. Meanwhile, the second bedroom has been designed with both a bed and a desk with an adjustable office-style chair, highlighting the multiple uses that this spare room offers.

Finally, the bathroom exudes a Zen-like calm, with French terracotta-style herringbone flooring, white furniture and natural woven baskets. Opposite, a large storage cupboard ensures that the home will retain its uncluttered look for years to come.

Rachel Lindop, Head of Sales at Dandara Northern Home Counties, said: “While the bungalow has become synonymous with downsizers, it's not just the older buyer's market interested in this house type. Since launching at our development The Meadows in Wymeswold, Leicestershire, we've seen every type of buyer express an interest in seeing more of these homes. This likely boils down to the fact that we are offering a modern, new-build version of the traditional bungalow, something that has become a rarity in today's market, despite signs from purchasers revealing that an open-plan, single storey space is exactly what they're looking for when buying new-build.

The bungalow appeal quite often stems from accessibility. Downsizers appreciate not having to potentially lose access to half of their home, should climbing stairs become an issue in later life, while first-time buyers with young children are looking for a place they can safeguard - no stairs is a bonus, as is having a secure private garden."

The Willow house type is part of the wider The Meadows development of 39 private sale homes, ranging from two to five bedrooms. Just minutes from the village centre, with pubs, shops and green spaces, the development is conveniently placed for reaching Leicester, Nottingham and Derby, as well as the historic market town of Melton Mowbray, famous for its pork pies and Stilton cheese.