A bungalow is a small house, usually with just one story, that sits close to the ground. The word comes from India, where British colonists in the 1600s and 1700s noticed local houses designed to stay cool in hot weather. These houses had wide porches, low-pitched roofs with overhanging eaves, and plenty of windows to catch the breeze.

Bungalows became wildly popular in America in the early 1900s. Craftsman bungalows, with their sturdy porches and cozy layouts, popped up in neighborhoods across the country. They were affordable homes perfect for young families, and thousands of them still stand today. If you walk through older neighborhoods in cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, or Seattle, you'll likely spot these charming houses with their characteristic wide front porches and low roofs.

The word can also describe any simple, small dwelling, especially in vacation areas. Beach bungalows dot coastlines around the world, offering travelers a modest but comfortable place to stay. A bungalow is meant for comfortable living rather than showing off.