30+ Small House Plans That Are Just The Right Size

By Southern Living Editors
Southern Living

Maybe you’re an empty nester, maybe you are downsizing, or maybe you just 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 in general, these small house plans offer big living space, even for small house living. We love the Sugarberry Cottage, that looks like Goldilocks should be checking in, but has three bedrooms and bathrooms and a porch that extends the living area of the small house significantly. Prefer a more rustic look? The Cypress View plan is so versatile, it nestles comfortably in by the lake, in the mountains, or near the beach–a great, versatile small cottage home. Whatever your choice, take a look at some of our best plans for small house living.

Start Slideshow

1 of 34

These House Plans Offer Small Cottage Appeal

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 34

Ellsworth Cottage, Plan #1351

Designed by Caldwell/Cline Architects

Charming details and cottage styling give the house its distinctive personality.

3 bedrooms/3 bathroom
1,645 square feet
See Plan: Ellsworth Cottage

3 of 34

Wind River, Plan #1551

Designed by Frank Betz Associates, Inc.

Covered with shingle and board-and-batten siding, this comfortable design may be built as a primary residence or as a getaway spot.

3 bedroom/4 bathroom
1,749 square feet
See Plan: Wind River

Advertisement

4 of 34

Boulder Summit, Plan #1575

Designed by Frank Betz Associates, Inc.

Whether built as a mountain retreat or a full-time residence, this plan features an open first floor and tucked-away ground floor.

4 bedroom/4 bathroom
1,588 square feet
See Plan: Boulder Summit

5 of 34

Sugarberry, Plan #1648

Designed by Moser Design Group

This classic one-and-a-half story home takes advantage of every square inch of space.

3 bedroom/3 bathroom
1,679 square feet
See Plan: Sugarberry

6 of 34

Topwater Lodge, Plan #1385

Designed by Caldwell/Cline Architects

An easy going, laidback warmth characterizes this cozy cottage.

3 bedroom/3 bathroom
1,042 square feet
See Plan: Topwater Lodge

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 34

Allegheny, Plan #1552

Designed by Frank Betz Associates, Inc.

Inside and out, this classical house teems with ideas that reflect the historic charm of traditional, Southern architecture.

3 bedroom/3 bathroom
1,510 square feet
See Plan: Allegheny

8 of 34

Bluffton, Plan #594

Designed by Hall & Hull Architects, Inc.

With a deep, metal-roofed porch skirting the front, one entire side, and a portion of the rear of the house, this plan has the look of a Southern, shotgun-style house.

3 bedroom/2 bathroom
1,435 square feet
See Plan: Bluffton

9 of 34

Striper’s Cottage, Plan #1388

Designed by Caldwell/Cline Architects

Here’s a warm and inviting year-round retreat where friends and family can relax.

3 bedroom/3 bathroom
1,678 square feet
See Plan: Striper's Cottage

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 34

Aberdeen Place, Plan #013

Designed by Frank Betz Associates, Inc.

A cozy cottage that proves that good things come in small packages. Wood siding, stone, and shutters add charm to the home’s facade.

3 bedroom/3 bathroom
1,593 square feet
See Plan: Aberdeen Place

11 of 34

Cedarbrook, Plan #408

Designed by Caldwell/Cline Architects

Here’s a compact, rustic-style house with plenty of style and flexibility. More space in less square footage is gained by open planning.

3 bedroom/3 bathroom
1,715 square feet
See Plan: Cedarbrook

12 of 34

The Maple Ridge, Plan #442

Designed by Frank Betz Associates, Inc.

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.

4 bedroom/2 bathroom
1,777 square feet
See Plan: The Maple Ridge

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 34

Silverhill, Plan #749

Designed by Sullivan Design Company

Its symmetrical shape takes advantage of every usable space, allowing for spacious living and dining areas.

3 bedroom/3 bathroom
1,771 square feet
See Plan: Silverhill

14 of 34

Heather Place, Plan #945

Designed by John Tee

Its simple roofline, clapboard siding, and wraparound front porch make this design an instant classic.

3 bedroom/3 bathroom
1,486 square feet
See Plan: Heather Place

15 of 34

Coosaw River Cottage, Plan #671

Designed by Allison Ramsey Architects, Inc.

In this open plan, the living and dining rooms combine to create one large space. A galley kitchen allows for easy access to the dining room and breakfast room.

3 bedroom/3 bathroom
1,705 square feet
See Plan: Coosaw River Cottage

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 34

The Sage House, Plan #947

Designed by John Tee

With a flexible floor plan, the kitchen, dining, and family rooms are one large space that share views through a large picture window. A roomy screened porch is a natural extension of the home's living space. 

3 bedroom/4 bathroom
1,672 square feet
See Plan: The Sage House

17 of 34

Rockborne, Plan #639

Designed by Dungan-Nequette Architects

Comfort, casual style, and thoughtful visual details define this house. 

3 bedroom/2 bathroom
1,588 square feet
See Plan: Rockborne

18 of 34

Cherry Hill, Plan #1843

Designed by John Tee

Compact and very functional, this cottage-style plan is an easy fit for any family.

3 bedroom/3 bathroom
1,524 square feet
See Plan: Cherry Hill

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 34

St. Simons Retreat, Plan #256

Designed by Ken Tate

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.

2 bedroom/3 bathroom
1,798 square feet
See Plan: St. Simons Retreat

20 of 34

Fontanel Carriage House, Plan #1856

Southern Living

Although this charming farmhouse cottage is small, it has plenty of porch space.

2 bedroom/2 bathroom
1,099 square feet
See Plan: Fontanel Carriage House

21 of 34

River's Edge, Plan #1977

Southern Living House Plans

With Lowcountry influences in its design, this home has plenty of Southern charisma.

3 bedroom/2.5 bathroom
1,721 square feet
See Plan: River's Edge

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 34

Deer Run, Plan #731

Southern Living

This two-bed, two-bath cabin couldn’t be a cuter hideaway for the lake.

2 bedroom/2 bathroom
972 square feet 
See Plan: Deer Run

23 of 34

Rustic Beach Cottage, Plan #360

Southern Living

Calling all gardeners: This adorable house plan has a latticework details on the porch and plenty of space for bountiful window boxes.

2 bedroom/2 bathoom
1,398 square feet
See Plan: Rustic Beach Cottage

24 of 34

Beaufort Cottage, Plan #1136

Southern Living House Plans

If you’re looking for the perfect new-old home architecture? Meet your new cottage.

3 bedroom/2.5 bathoom
1,720 square feet
See Plan: Beaufort Cottage

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 34

Palmetto Cottage, Plan #2009

Southern Living House Plans; Photo: John McManus

This one-bedroom cottage has just the right amount of space for not a lot of upkeep.

1 bedroom/1.5 bathroom
656 square feet
See Plan: Palmetto Cottage

26 of 34

Sparta II, Plan #1810

Southern Living House Plans

In addition to this picture-perfect front porch, this classic house plan also has a screened-in back porch.

3 bedroom/3.5 bathroom
1,804 square feet
See Plan: Sparta II

27 of 34

Cloudland Cottage, Plan #1894

Southern Living

The name of this house plan says it all: Living in a cottage this cute is like living on Cloud 9.

2 bedroom/2 bathroom
1,200 square feet
See Plan: Cloudland Cottage

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 34

Canton Row, Plan #1938

Southern Living

This cottage has plenty of space for your family to come back and visit if you’re empty nesters looking to downsize.

3 bedroom/2.5 bathroom
1,623 square feet
See Plan: Canton Row

29 of 34

Shoreline Cottage, Plan #490

Southern Living

This house plan was made with scenic views in mind. Whether at the lake, beach, or mountains, you can catch nature from all its good angles with this home.

3 bedroom/1 bathroom
930 square feet
See Plan: Shoreline Cottage

30 of 34

Randolph Cottage, Plan #1861

Southern Living

This home is sure to be the most inviting one on the block.

3 bedroom/2.5 bathroom
1,800 square feet
See Plan: Randolph Cottage

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 34

St. George Cottage, Plan #1906

Southern Living

This open-plan home is filled with natural night and has an expansive back porch.

3 bedroom/3 bathroom
1,581 square feet
See Plan: St. George Cottage

32 of 34

Beachside Bungalow, Plan #1117

Designed by Moser Design Group

Sit back and kick your feet up: At this beachside bungalow, there are no worries.

1 bedroom/1 bathroom
484 square feet
See Plan: Beachside Bungalow
 

33 of 34

Rustic Lake Cabin, Plan #1809

Southern Living

We can already picture ourselves cozy by a fire in this sweet cabin.

2 bedroom/1 bathroom
1,426 square feet
See Plan: Rustic Lake Cabin

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

Advertisement