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granny flat


A separate, often partially self-contained, dwelling at the rear or a house - designed to accommodate elderly relatives or older children. Would be called a "bungalow" in Melbourne/Victoria. Planning laws in NSW allowed such dwellings to be constructed in the days before dual occupancy was permitted, to allow people to look after elderly relatives: Just whip up the side of the house and you will find Ma happy-as-Larry out the back in her granny flat. Compare bungalow.

Contributor's comments: Granny flat is also used in S.A.

Contributor's comments: I only heard the term "chalet" when living in Hobart. On the North West Coast where I grew up, we referred to them as Granny Flats.

Contributor's comments: Granny flat is also used in Melbourne.

Contributor's comments: I have also heard them referred to as sleepouts, or in the northern suburbs of Hobart where I live they were often "Wog Flats" after the new Australian immigrants who often built a self-contained shed that was then attatched (or not) later to the house. I have a prime example in my backyard... They are still used as a "sideline" rental though I don't know how legitimate they are.

Contributor's comments: Grew up in Hobart, and in fact had a granny flat in my backyard.