Our Best Beach House Plans for Your Vacation Home

By Kaitlyn Yarborough
Southern Living

Southerners love to escape to the beach for much-needed relaxation and a taste of carefree living, and we dream about having a coastal oasis to call our own. Whether a Lowcountry cottage, beachfront bungalow, or island retreat, a beach vacation home is definitely on the bucket list. These house plans will get you started on your journey to finding the right style for a beach getaway that fits your family. From dreamy wraparound porches to breezy open-air layouts, we guarantee you’ll find something you like.

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Aiken Street, Plan #1807

Southern Living

A mix of simple spaces and natural materials set the tone for this home's relaxed attitude.

4 bedrooms and 4 ½ baths
2,223 square feet
See Plan: Aiken Street

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Sea Oats Villa, Plan #044

Southern Living

An open layout and spacious lounging porch make this plan the ultimate relaxing, lowkey getaway.

3 to 4 bedrooms and 3 baths
2,688 square feet
See Plan: Sea Oats Villa

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Islander Cottage, Plan #1951

Southern Living

Our 2017 Idea House is a quintessential Southern island oasis! With a large porch made for entertaining and a private garden off the master, this modern farmhouse style home is sure to stand out among the traditional seaside retreats.

4 bedrooms and 4 ½ baths
3,273 square feet
See Plan: Islander Cottage

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Seaside Escape, Plan #1453

Southern Living

This plan is a beachfront oasis with plenty of room for the whole family. Wraparound porches make this home perfectly tailored for the beach background.

4 bedrooms and 4 ½ baths
2,475 square feet
See Plan: Seaside Escape

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St. Simons Retreat, Plan #256

Southern Living

Three sets of French doors on the front of this Lowcountry cottage are designed for catching those beachy breezes.

2 bedrooms and 2 ½ baths
1,798 square feet
See Plan: St. Simons Retreat

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Captain’s Watch, Plan #1426

Southern Living

With broad front porches and generous windows, this home design demonstrates the timeless beauty of traditional design. Porch spaces live as comfortable, outdoor rooms, so always opt for all-weather furnishings and fabrics.

5 bedrooms and 5 ½ baths
4,920 square feet
See Plan: Captain’s Watch

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Bayside Retreat, Plan #242

Southern Living

An interior bridge leads to the eagle's nest, a cozy nook sized for two bunk beds and offering one of the best views.

3 bedrooms and 3 baths
1,500 square feet
See Plan: Bayside Retreat

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Old Oyster, Plan #1934

Southern Living

Amazingly large screened porches make this coastal home perfect for casual, salty vacationers who like to entertain and spend their time outdoors, maybe shucking some oysters!

3 bedrooms and 4 ½ baths
3,951 square feet
See Plan: Old Oyster

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Bayou Bend, Plan #1745

Southern Living

This quaint coastal cottage is rooted in the architectural traditions of the Deep South, but its open floor plan and vibrant interiors are fit for the modern family.

4 bedrooms and 3 ½ baths
3,589 square feet
See Plan: Bayou Bend

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The Seabrook, Plan #1706

Southern Living

This traditional Southern-style coastal home is cozy and inviting. The raised front door and porch area with grand split steps evokes a charming welcome to this getaway home.

4 to 5 bedrooms and 4 ½ baths
4,209 square feet
See Plan: The Seabrook

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Vintage Lowcountry, Plan #1828

Southern Living

This island-style home plan is meant to feel as if it’s seen generations of sandy feet and salty air, with an open layout and plenty of porch space to hang out with the family.

3 bedrooms and 3 ½ baths
2,768 square feet
See Plan: Vintage Lowcountry

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Shoreline Lookout, Plan #1495

Southern Living

A spiral staircase leads up to a lookout tower with a stunning view of the crashing waves in this traditional beach-inspired plan.

3 to 4 bedrooms and 3 baths
2,220 square feet
See Plan: Shoreline Lookout

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Cottage Of The Year, Plan #593

Southern Living

Here’s a warm and inviting year-round retreat where friends and family can relax. It’s a plan that’s infinitely versatile with style and location, making it a fail-safe option for any vacation home.

4 bedrooms and 3 ½ baths
2,718 square feet
See Plan: Cottage Of The Year

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Red Bay Cottage, Plan #748

Southern Living

Covered porches and balconies are connected to every bedroom and living area in this plan, making it a breezy dream getaway.

3 bedrooms and 3 baths
2,074 square feet
See Plan: Red Bay Cottage

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Beach Bungalow, Plan #243

Southern Living

This compact plan is the perfect small size for a cozy, quiet vacation home. Plenty of outdoor space allows for open-air relaxation.

2 bedrooms and 1 bath
921 square feet
See Plan: Beach Bungalow

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Rosemary Cottage, Plan #746

Southern Living

Set atop a pile foundation, the floor plan places all bedrooms at entry level and the living spaces on the top floor, not only for safety reasons, but also to maximize your enjoyment of great views.

3 bedrooms and 2 ½ baths
1,754 square feet
See Plan: Rosemary Cottage

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