"Ultimate Bungalows" is a wonderful phrase, both straightforward and descriptive. Without proper context, one may not understand the intricacies implied but the gist is clear: the homes in question are superior examples of a beloved style. The "proper context" in this case is the architecture of Charles and Henry Greene.

The term Ultimate Bungalows was created by Randall Makinson and Robert Judson Clark to describe a small set of houses that are the ultimate expression of the unique design aesthetic developed by Greene & Greene. There is general agreement on a number of points. Each Ultimate is substantial. Each Ultimate contained many pieces of furniture, and other decorative objects, designed by the brothers. Each Ultimate is perfect in every detail. What is less commonly agreed upon is this: how many Ultimates are there?

That seems like a question that should be easy enough to answer. Afterall, how many perfect houses can a firm design? The answer is 41. Seem too high? I think that might be the answer to a different question. The answer to this one is 4. Unless it's 5. Or maybe 6. Definitely somewhere between 4 and 6. Honest.

That there are at least 4 Ultimates is universally accepted among Greene & Greene aficionados. These core members of the club are the Blacker, Gamble, Pratt and Thorsen houses. Built more-or-less consecutively, in that order, between 1907 and 1910, they are the best-known Greene & Greene commissions, and for good reason. Each is a stunning achievement in design -- not least due to the supreme integration of components -- and execution.

Joining the above quartet often, though not always, is the house for Freeman Ford. The Ford house presents problems for phylogenic purists, for it differs substantially from the others. Each of the Blacker, Gamble, Pratt and Thorsen houses could serve as the typeform for the Greenes' wooden style. Clad in wood shakes with exposed rafters, there is a degree of similarity among them, though to be sure they are quite distinct. The Ford house stands apart, it's Gunite, which is to say, cementious, exterior reminiscent of the California rancho houses of old. As is its U-shaped, central courtyard plan. The similarities in scale, other aspects of design, decorative arts, execution and timing (the Ford fits neatly between the Blacker and Gamble houses) tip the scale such that the Ford house brings club membership to 5.

And that's where the story ends for most. However, I believe that the club is still incomplete. In my opinion, one other Greene & Greene house deserves a seat at the table: the Laurabelle Robinson house. The Robinson house certainly qualifies on many counts. It is large. It is an integrated effort that includes significant pieces of furniture, decorative objects and substantial gardens. There are, however, also arguments against inclusion. This house is transitional. The Greene & Greene style was still evolving at the time of the Robinson commission in 1905. My answer to this is that their style never stopped evolving, it's just a matter of degrees. Next, it predates the Blacker house by roughly two years, breaking the sequential chronology. My retort: phhbbbtttt. Other arguments exist as well but all are unconvincing. The Robinson belongs in the club on the basis of the end result.

So that settles it, the Robinson, Blacker, Ford, Gamble, Pratt and Thorsen houses are Ultimate Bungalows. There are 6. That is, unless there are 5. Or 41.