Home Architecture and Home Design These Top 25 Coastal House Plans Were Made for Waterfront Living By Southern Living Editors Updated on April 6, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Whether you're looking for a tiny boathouse or a seaside space that will fit the whole family, there's a coastal house plan for you. Build your retirement dream home on the water with a one-level floor plan like our Tideland Haven or Beachside Bungalow. Create an oasis for the entire family with a large coastal house like our Shoreline Lookout or Carolina Island House. If you have a sliver of seaside land, our Shoreline Cottage will fit the bill at under 1,000 square feet. Built to include tons of room for entertaining, ample porches for taking in the ocean air, and creative nods to classic coastal architecture, these house plans have everything you could ever wish for in a beach house. Start planning your future happy place with these gorgeous coastal house plans. From bungalows built for two to spacious beachside retreats, we've gathered your all-time favorite coastal house plans. 01 of 25 Cottage of the Year See The Plan: SL-593 This charming 2600-square-foot cottage has both Southern and New England influences and boasts an open kitchen layout, dual sinks in the primary bath, and a generously-sized porch. 02 of 25 Tidewater Landing See The Plan: SL-1240 Drawing its design roots from the "Tidewater Shingle" style, this traditional home combines a refined sense of place with a simple, livable floor plan. 03 of 25 Couples Cottage See The Plan: SL-1120 This quaint, two bedroom, two bath cottage has double porches and a double screen porch where you're sure to catch a breeze. 04 of 25 Nautical Cottage See The Plan: SL-224 Inspired by small summer cottages built along the East Coast, this plan is adaptable in a variety of climates and locations. Cedar shakes on the exterior and the Nantucket star design on the porch add to the authentic look and feel. 05 of 25 Beachside Bungalow See The Plan: SL-1117 A charming gabled roof and gracious front porch make this bungalow ideal for an ocean-front retreat for two. 06 of 25 Block Island Cottage See The Plan: SL-1059 This three-bedroom cottage is as at home on the shores of a cool mountain lake as it is by the sea. The primary bedroom boasts a private deck, ideal for sunset-watching. 07 of 25 Rustic Beach Cottage See The Plan: SL-360 A screened-in porch and second-floor primary suite give this traditional farmhouse a modern sensibility. 08 of 25 Summer Cottage See The Plan: SL-1331 This cottage is the essence of charming simplicity. A functional, efficient, three-bedroom home, it has spacious interiors and a place for all your activities and belongings. 09 of 25 Coastline Cottage See The Plan: SL-426 In this carefully crafted cottage, luxury meets practicality. Throughout the home, thoughtfully placed windows catch views and invite light inside. Several sets of French doors welcome sunlight and coastal breezes. 10 of 25 St. Simons Retreat See The Plan: SL-256 Three sets of French doors on the front of this Lowcountry cottage are designed for catching breezes. 11 of 25 Caribbean Getaway See The Plan: SL-247 Porches on all four sides blur the lines between indoors and out, making this an ideal plan for temperate climates. 12 of 25 Tidewater Cottage See The Plan: SL-998 On the main level, the kitchen flows into the dining room and living. Upstairs awaits the primary bedroom and a bunk room. A third-floor loft offers a panoramic view. 13 of 25 Inlet Retreat See The Plan: SL-292 Versatility is the key to this plan. The den off the foyer could also serve as a home office or a sitting room. The family room, dining room, and kitchen have easy access to each other, creating a leisurely flow. 14 of 25 Tucker Bayou See The Plan: SL-1408 Inspired by historic seaside architecture, this home combines the comfort of a vacation home with thoughtful features that make everyday life easier for today's busy families. 15 of 25 Tideland Haven See The Plan: SL-1375 This award-winning design includes 2,400 square feet of heated space. The living area flows freely into the foyer, kitchen and dining alcove. Maximizing natural light, French doors with transoms above allow sunlight to enter the interiors for an open and spacious feeling. 16 of 25 Shoreline Cottage See The Plan: SL-490 The board-and-batten exterior, gabled roof, and generous porch set a traditional tone, while tall windows and an open interior make the home more modern. 17 of 25 Waterfront Villa See The Plan: SL-1492 An exaggerated gabled roof gives this three-story bungalow a fresh, modern vibe. An open living and dining space on the second floor maximizes both the view and the breeze. 18 of 25 Boathouse & Bunkhouse See The Plan: SL-049 The wood siding, shuttered windows, and metal roof with exposed rafter tails create the look of a boathouse renovated as a welcoming weekend cottage. In its simpler storage version, it amply meets boat owners' needs. 19 of 25 Boathouse See The Plan: SL-1137 A multipurpose room set atop a single boat bay extends living space all the way to the water's edge. 20 of 25 Mango Cottage See The Plan: SL-1623 A 300-square-foot loft can be converted to suit your needs. 21 of 25 I'On Idea House See The Plan: SL-1741 This exclusive design features a walled-in courtyard that opens to the first-floor living and dining space, and a private primary suite complete with a laundry closet. 22 of 25 Shoreline Lookout See The Plan: SL-1495 An outdoor shower off the first-floor utility room makes washing sandy feet a breeze. Multiple living areas offer options for indoor entertainment, if you can get your guests off the beach. 23 of 25 Carolina Island House See The Plan: SL-481 Broad, deep porches are the hallmark of this Greek revival farmhouse. The front porch stretches 65 feet across the front of the house, with three 14' x 14' square porches set at each end. 24 of 25 Bluffton See The Plan: SL-594 Designed with a hint of the simple, narrow, front-gabled Southern shotgun-style house, Bluffton's metal-roofed porch skirts the front, one entire side, and a portion of the rear of the house to make the most of sheltered outdoor living space. 25 of 25 Brunswick Cottage See The Plan: SL-595 This home's simple charm comes from a clever mix of exterior materials and sense of form and function. Cedar shingles and wooden brackets accent the peaked gables of the home, while additional details add the crowning touches. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit