BUNGALOWS are often the butt of derisory jokes for being bland and boring, yet ironically, they remain one of the nation’s most desired house styles, not least because so many have been extended and improved in recent times. Bland? Boring? Here are three that are anything but…

CITY suburbs are the ideal hunting ground for bungalows and on the south side of Glasgow, Newton Mearns is particularly well endowed. One that currently stands out is this traditional sandstone-fronted bungalow on Elmwood Avenue that has been extended and overlooks Whitecraigs golf course.

Set in landscaped gardens, the Tardis-like interior provides 2,800 sq ft of accommodation over two levels, all accessed from a striking octagonal hallway. On the ground floor are a 27ft living room, three double bedrooms, bathroom, utility – and an open-plan kitchen/dining/family room with doors into a conservatory. Upstairs are a second bathroom and two further bedrooms.

The focus is the rear-facing dining kitchen and adjoining conservatory sitting room, an inviting space linked to the garden. The property is a few minutes’ walk from Whitecraigs railway station and Rouken Glen Park. Offers over £515,000 are invited by Nicol Estate Agents.

The Herald:

BEARSDEN is an affluent, high-amenity suburb with good schools, transport links and a broad range of house styles, including bungalows. On Ravelston Road one for sale warrants attention for size, location and its beautifully styled contemporary interior.

Extended upwards and outwards, the ground floor accommodation includes a living room, adjoining dining kitchen with doors to the rear garden, bathroom, utility and two double bedrooms, while the upper floor has two further double bedrooms and a large bathroom.

Immediately impressive is the merger of traditional period features and more recent additions to create an interior style that is timelessly classic and aesthetically appealing, an example being the hall, where original three-quarter-height wood-panelled walls add character and atmosphere to the neutral cream décor.

The living room has original stained and leaded glass top panels in the square bay window, a wood floor, natural wood finishes and a classic cream stone fireplace with inset Living Flame fire.

The dining kitchen also has hardwood flooring, contemporary units, a range cooker and a sociable dining area in a glass-walled bay with French doors onto a patio and garden well-screened by a backdrop of trees. The house has a driveway, detached double garage, garden shed – and a custom-built outdoor climbing wall. Offers over £398,000 are sought by Corum’s Bearsden office.

The Herald:

LOCATED close to the village of Skelmorlie on the North Ayrshire coast is Trollglen, a remarkable one-off extended bungalow, tucked away in woodland and with spectacular views to the front over the Firth of Clyde. While the house name brings to mind mythical Norse figures (nearby Largs, made history by defeating the Vikings) its site, off a private country road, has enabled the present owner to transform it into an extraordinary contemporary home making the most of the sea view.

The main reception rooms – 24ft living room and adjoining dining kitchen, both of which have vaulted ceilings and open onto a sizeable decked balcony – are positioned on the first floor, along with an en-suite bedroom with a full-width balcony. On the ground level are a sitting room and three en-suite double bedrooms (master with dressing room and en-suite bathroom).

The interior abounds with wow factor but nowhere more so than the dining kitchen with a contemporary log-burning stove set into a corner wall. Complemented by sizeable gardens, driveway and parking area, Trollglen is a well-kept secret – for sale with Rettie’s Newton Mearns office at offers over £375,000.