Maybe you’re an empty nester, maybe you are downsizing, or perhaps you love to feel snug as a bug in your home. Whatever the case, we’ve got a bunch of small house plans that pack a lot of smartly-designed features, gorgeous and varied facades, and small cottage appeal. Apart from the innate adorability of things in miniature, these small house plans offer ample living space, even for small house living.
The Sugarberry Cottage, which looks like a place Goldilocks might enjoy, has three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a porch that significantly extends the tiny house’s living area. Prefer a more rustic look? The Cypress View plan is incredibly versatile. It nestles comfortably in by the lake, in the mountains, or near the beach—a perfect small cottage home. Whatever your preferences, look at some of our best plans for small-house living.
Ellsworth Cottage, Plan #1351
Charming details and cottage styling give the house its distinctive personality.
Wind River, Plan #1551
This comfortable design, covered with shingle and board-and-batten siding, may be built as a primary residence or as a getaway spot.
Boulder Summit, Plan #1575
Whether built as a mountain retreat or a full-time residence, this plan features an open first floor and tucked-away ground floor.
Sugarberry, Plan #1648
This classic one-and-a-half-story home takes advantage of every square inch of space.
Topwater Lodge, Plan #1385
An easygoing, laid-back warmth characterizes this cozy cottage.
Allegheny, Plan #1552
Inside and out, this classical house teems with ideas that reflect the historic charm of traditional, Southern architecture.
Bluffton, Plan #594
With a deep, metal-roofed porch skirting the front, one entire side, and a portion of the house’s rear, this plan looks like a Southern, shotgun-style home.
Striper’s Cottage, Plan #1388
Here’s a warm, inviting year-round retreat where friends and family can relax.
Aberdeen Place, Plan #013
A cozy cottage that proves that good things come in small packages. Wood siding, stone, and shutters add charm to the home’s facade.
Cedarbrook, Plan #408
Here’s a compact, rustic-style house with plenty of style and flexibility. Open planning provides more space in less square footage.
The Maple Ridge, Plan #442
This floor plan makes the most of one-level living with a combination kitchen, dining room, and family room that provides open space for entertaining.
Silverhill, Plan #749
Its symmetrical shape takes advantage of every usable space, allowing for spacious living and dining areas.
Heather Place, Plan #945
Its simple roofline, clapboard siding, and wraparound front porch make this design an instant classic.
Coosaw River Cottage, Plan #671
This open plan combines the living and dining rooms to create one large space. A galley kitchen allows easy access to the dining and breakfast rooms.
The Sage House, Plan #947
With a flexible floor plan, the kitchen, dining, and family rooms are one large space that shares views through a large picture window. A roomy screened porch is a natural extension of the home’s living space.
Rockborne, Plan #639
Comfort, casual style, and thoughtful visual details define this house.
Cherry Hill, Plan #1843
Compact and very functional, this cottage-style plan is an easy fit for any family.
St. Simons Retreat, Plan #256
Inspired by historic seaside architecture, this design combines the comfort of a vacation home with thoughtful features that make everyday life easier for today’s busy families.
Fontanel Carriage House, Plan #1856
Although this charming farmhouse cottage is small, it has plenty of porch space.
River’s Edge, Plan #1977
With Lowcountry influences in its design, this home has plenty of Southern charisma.
Deer Run, Plan #731
This two-bed, two-bath cabin couldn’t be a cuter hideaway for the lake.
Rustic Beach Cottage, Plan #360
Calling all gardeners—This adorable house plan has latticework details on the porch and plenty of space for bountiful window boxes.
Beaufort Cottage, Plan #1136
If you’re looking for the perfect new-old home architecture? Meet your new cottage.
Palmetto Cottage, Plan #2009
This one-bedroom cottage has just the right amount of space for only a little upkeep.
Sparta II, Plan #1810-A
In addition to this picture-perfect front porch, this classic house plan also has a screened-in back porch.
Cloudland Cottage, Plan #1894
The name of this house plan says it all—Living in a cottage this cute is like living on Cloud 9.
Canton Row, Plan #1938
This cottage has plenty of space for your family to come back and visit if you’re an empty nester looking to downsize.
Shoreline Cottage, Plan #490
Whether at the lake, beach, or mountains, you can catch nature from all its good angles with this home. It’s a house plan with scenic views in mind.
Randolph Cottage, Plan #1861
This home is sure to be the most inviting one on the block.
St. George Cottage, Plan #1906
This open-plan home is filled with natural light and has an expansive back porch.
Beachside Bungalow, Plan #1117
At this beachside bungalow, there are no worries, so sit back and kick your feet up.
Rustic Lake Cabin, Plan #1809
We can already picture ourselves cozy by a fire in this sweet cabin.
Bluebird Cottage, Plan #2026
Despite its small square footage, this quaint guest cottage features one bedroom, a fireplace, a sitting area, a full bath, and a loft space.
Hawthorn Cottage, Plan #2004
Ideal for entertaining guests, this plan separates shared and private spaces with a great room and kitchen near the entrance and the bed and bathrooms attached as a wing to the side.
Whiteside Cottage, Plan #1980
This house plan highlights the perfect layout for a guest cottage. Maximize your efficiency without adding extra square footage.
Flint Cottage, Plan #1955
Flanked by bedrooms and baths, this family-friendly house has a spacious living space and kitchen sandwiched between the front and back porches.
Magnolia Cottage, Plan #1845
Ideal for year-round living, this house plan uses a classically symmetrical layout with bedrooms on either side of the main living space.
Mango Cottage, Plan #1623
Southern Living
Two primary bedrooms make this cottage layout ideal for empty nesters who plan to host their children or a guest for long weekends.
Whisper Creek, Plan #1653
A wide front porch, a stone chimney, and a vaulted ceiling make this home warm and welcoming—It’s ideal for building near a mountain or lake.
Holly Grove, Plan #1581
This efficient design combines a living, dining, and kitchen area so you can entertain family and friends. Two bedrooms and baths complete the other half of the house.
- 2 bedroom/2 bathroom
- 1,269 square feet
- See Plan: Holly Grove
