Dream House Plans You're Going To Flip For

Discover your dream home, no matter your location or style.

Ellenton Cottage, plan #1352
Photo: Southern Living

Imagine that house you've had in the back of your mind for years. It's the "someday" house—or the one day, if I could build my dream house from the ground up, this is what I'd make. The "someday" house likely looks a little different for everybody. Some may want a rustic farmhouse, while others want a stately Victorian-style home. Some may want lots of porch space (this is the South, after all), and some may want bedrooms to spare for visitors.

Our dream house? Well, we've got 20 of them. We've compiled our favorite dream house plans to inspire you for your big build. From charming cottages to expansive lakehouses, we have a house plan for every location and style. So whether you want to go big or small, modern or old-school, these designs will help you put an actual image to the home you've been dreaming of building one day. The time to build your dream home is now.

01 of 20

Elberton Way, Plan #1561

Elberton Way, Plan #1561
Southern Living

A dreamy stone façade completes the quaint look of this English-cottage style home. Bay windows and a wraparound porch are just two features we're flipping for in this roomy home. The mix of stone, brick, and board-and-batten exterior help this picturesque house feel like home.

02 of 20

Farmhouse Revival, Plan #1821

Farmhouse Revival Plan #1821
Designed by Historical Concepts

A classic modern farmhouse with front and rear porches? We're all in on this welcoming Southern charmer. The primary bedroom suite is on the first floor, while two additional bedrooms and a loft above the garage make up the other guest rooms.

03 of 20

Cottage of the Year, Plan #593

Cottage of the Year, Plan #593
Southern Living

The Cottage of the Year is a time-tested favorite for a reason. With just over 2,000 square feet, four bedrooms, and three-and-a-half baths, this cottage has everything you need. The house plan sets up open areas for entertaining while other spaces allow for privacy.

04 of 20

Stone Creek, Plan #1746

#6 Stone Creek, Plan #1746
Designed by Mitch Ginn

Inspired by the beachside homes of Cape Cod, you can customize this house plan to meet your family's needs. The exterior features cedar shake shingles, while the interior includes a main floor primary bedroom that opens onto a gorgeous back porch. Bonus spaces leave plenty of opportunities to expand.

05 of 20

Tucker Bayou, Plan #1408

Tucker Bayou
Southern Living

This dreamy lakehouse, inspired by historic seaside architecture, combines the comforts of a vacation home with thoughtful features that make everyday life easier. Go warm with the paint colors to create a cozy, welcoming environment.

06 of 20

Abberley Lane, Plan #683

#5 Abberley Lane, Plan #683

Designed by John Tee

We're dreaming about this classical Southern home, with its grand formal entrance and regal chimney toppers. The spacious front porch even allows for an outdoor dining space. Other exterior features include ornamental ironwork, plantation shutters, French doors, and copper accents.

07 of 20

Bay Breeze, Plan #1914

Bay Breeze, Plan #1914
Southern Living

This cute-as-can-be cottage extends back to provide lots of extra space while maintaining its charming curb appeal. Seafoam shutters accentuate the home's breezy, beachy look. Two bedrooms and two full bathrooms are available upstairs.

08 of 20

Vintage Lowcountry, Plan #1828

Vintage Lowcountry
Southern Living

This home is for you if you dream of the South Carolina Lowcountry. It combines beachy style with farmhouse charm to create an extra-cozy space. The open yet flexible floor plan is adaptable to various locations and lifestyles.

09 of 20

Gilliam, Plan #1936

Gilliam, Plan #1936
Southern Living House Plans

With a dining room bathed in natural light and an open floor plan, this house plan checks all the boxes. Just one look at the farmhouse-style white sliding doors, and you'll be all in. It's the perfect home to welcome family, friends, and guests, with four bedrooms over two floors.

10 of 20

Camilla, Plan #1523

Camilla, Plan #1523
Southern Living House Plans

This charming home is fit for any Southern belle. It has lots of entertaining space and a regal, whimsical aesthetic. The sophisticated space perfectly balances the cozy, relaxing, and open atmosphere.

11 of 20

Linville, Plan #1958

Linville, Plan #1958
Southern Living House Plans

A spacious foyer and an expansive screened-in porch make this a dream home for entertaining. The exterior emulates Folk Victorian styling with its board-and-batten siding and steep gabled roof. The covered carport makes for extra convenience.

12 of 20

River Place Cottage, Plan #1959

River Place Cottage, Plan #1959
Southern Living

This home exudes classic comfort. It's easy, breezy, and great for entertaining—the ideal traits of a beachside cottage. The screened-in porch with an outdoor fireplace and open living spaces with beamed ceilings are open and inviting.

13 of 20

Captain's Watch, Plan #1426

Captain’s Watch, Plan #1426
Southern Living

With 4,920 square feet, this regal home works perfectly for multi-generational lakeside family reunions. Enjoy the view from one of its porches or ascend the spiral staircase to the captain's lookout. The exterior uses a combination of Cape Cod and Southern Coastal architecture.

14 of 20

St. George Cottage, Plan #1906

St. George Cottage, Plan #1906
Southern Living

If you're dreaming of a retirement home, this quaint cottage may be the one for you. It makes the most of every square foot and provides an optional covered back porch. Other interior features include abundant natural light, a fireplace, and dual access to the patio.

15 of 20

Aiken Street, Plan #1807

Aiken Street, Plan #1807
Southern Living

This symmetrical bungalow mixes vintage charm with relaxed modern features. The upstairs bunk loft is excellent for kids or a guest room. The exterior features a metal roof and tall operable shutters, helping to create the Lowcountry feel.

16 of 20

Wildmere Cottage, Plan #1110

Wildmere Cottage, Plan #1110
Southern Living

This classic American cottage has just enough space for a four-person family, complete with a mudroom, two porches, a walk-in master closet, and a playroom for the kids. This house combines Gothic Revival and Southern charm to create its gable roof and a classic home.

17 of 20

Sand Mountain House, Plan #977

Sand Mountain House
Rob Lagerstrom

If you've dreamed of moving to a mountain home, this retreat is classic and warm without any cliché detailing. It's the perfect setting to gather the whole family. Using natural materials helps this home blend seamlessly into its surroundings.

18 of 20

Bay Creek, Plan #1933

Bay Creek
Mike Swartz

A classic charmer, you'll want to stay at this beach home year-round. Its open concept and four bedrooms make it ideal for vacations and entertaining guests. The first floor has an open floor plan that extends to the screened-in porch.

19 of 20

Crane Island River House, Plan #2010

Front Exterior Resource Guide for 2019 Idea House in Crane Island, Florida
Laurey W. Glenn

Our 2019 Idea House is a beach house dream come true. This Lowcountry-style house uses neutral paint colors and soft blues for timeless decor. Inside, the open floor plan includes a spacious kitchen, four bedrooms, and features like a hidden pantry, mudroom, and wine bar.

20 of 20

Ellenton Place, Plan #1493

Ellenton Cottage, plan #1352
Southern Living

We're swooning over this Victorian Revival home that's sleek, sophisticated, and utterly dreamy. With 3,220 square feet and three bedrooms (plus a flex room that can be a study or a bedroom), this house is excellent for the whole family.

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