18 Small House Plans

By Southern Living
Designed by Ken Tate

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.

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These House Plans Offer Small Cottage Appeal

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Ellsworth CottagePlan #1351

Designed by Caldwell/Cline Architects

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

Square Footage: 1,645
3 bedrooms, 3 baths

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Wind RiverPlan #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. 

Square Footage: 1,749
3 bedrooms, 4 baths

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Boulder SummitPlan #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.

Square Footage: 1,588
4 bedrooms, 4 baths

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SugarberryPlan #1648

Designed by Moser Design Group

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

Square Footage: 1,679
3 bedrooms, 3 baths

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Topwater LodgePlan #1385

Designed by Caldwell/Cline Architects

An easy going, laidback warmth characterizes this cozy cottage. 

Square Footage: 1,042
3 bedrooms, 3 baths

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AlleghenyPlan #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.

Square Footage: 1,510
3 bedrooms, 3 baths

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BlufftonPlan #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.

Square Footage: 1,435
3 bedrooms, 2 baths

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Striper’s CottagePlan #1388

Designed by Caldwell/Cline Architects

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

Square Footage: 1,678
3 bedrooms, 3 baths

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Aberdeen PlacePlan #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.

Square Footage: 1,593
3 bedrooms, 3 baths

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CedarbrookPlan #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.

Square Footage: 1,715
3 bedrooms, 3 baths

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The Maple RidgePlan #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.

Square Footage: 1,777
4 bedrooms, 2 baths

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SilverhillPlan #749

Designed by Sullivan Design Company

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

Square Footage: 1,771
3 bedrooms, 3 baths

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Heather PlacePlan #945

Designed by John Tee

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

Square Footage: 1,486
3 bedrooms, 3 baths

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Coosaw River CottagePlan #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.

Square Footage: 1,705
3 bedrooms, 3 baths

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The Sage HousePlan #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. 

Square Footage: 1,672
3 bedrooms, 4 baths

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RockbornePlan #639

Designed by Dungan-Nequette Architects

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

Square Footage: 1,588
3 bedrooms, 2 baths

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Cherry HillPlan #1843

Designed by John Tee

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

Square Footage: 1,524
3 bedrooms, 3 baths

See Plan: Cherry Hill

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St. Simons RetreatPlan #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.

Square Footage: 1,798
2 bedrooms, 3 baths

See Plan: St. Simons Retreat

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