House Plans With Mother-In-Law Suites So You'll Always Have A Room For Mama

Flexible in form, function, and style.

Deep River Farmhouse House Plan
Photo: Southern Living House Plans

Designing a home with multigenerational living in mind is one way that families are changing the landscape of house development. As we look for more ways to keep the family together, we've realized that a custom build might be just the ticket. We've gathered a collection of mother-in-law suite house plans that balance form, function, and style. 

If you're looking for more house plan ideas geared toward multigenerational living, peruse our collection. But, if you want to know a few of our favorites, take a gander through these Southern Living House Plans with a mother-in-law suite to find a new place to call home.

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Bellewood Cottage, Plan #2049

Bellewood Cottage House Plan
Southern Living House Plans

A carriage house just off the main living space is ready for a custom build. You'll find three bedrooms and three bathrooms in the main home—all on one floor.

02 of 11

Colonial Chase, Plan #1655

Colonial Chase House Plan
Southern Living House Plans

This six-bedroom, six-bath home is full of space. A guest suite above the garage with its own kitchen, living room, and bath makes it a completely private home, but with the benefit of being just a stone's throw from the rest of the family in the main house.

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Deep River Farmhouse, Plan #2059

Deep River Farmhouse House Plan
Southern Living House Plans

Dual main suites make this a suitable plan for families who want everyone under one roof but with a little more personal space than a traditional guest room would allow. The plan features four bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths within the 3,559-square-foot dwelling. A raised garage slab allows for a step-free entry into the home.

04 of 11

Bayou Bend, Plan #1745

Bayou Bend House Plan
Southern Living House Plans

Our 2010 Georgia Idea House is a commanding, coastal-inspired looker with room for the whole family, thanks to a studio apartment over the garage. It features a kitchen, bath, and private entry staircase.

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Summertime Lowcountry C + Apartment, Plan # 2013-C

Summertime Lowcountry C Apartment House Plan
Southern Living House Plans

An alternate plan for the Summertime Lowcountry, the apartment elevation features a suite with a kitchen, living room, dining area, and bath above the garage. It eliminates the third garage bay to allow for private entry stairs and storage.

06 of 11

Oakland Hall, Plan #2025

Oakland Hall House Plan
Southern Living House Plans

A historical Nashville home inspired this stately house plan. It features four fireplaces, a three-story foyer, and four covered porches. While the existing plan features 6,265 heated square feet, you can add the Bluebird Cottage Plan 2026 to the property to complete the estate and add a designated space to accommodate guests or family members.

07 of 11

The Galloway, Plan #2060

Galloway House Plan
Southern Living House Plans

This house plan features elements for multigenerational living, like a curbless shower with grab bars. This layout, complete with a future guest suite over the garage, leaves plenty of room for adult children and aging parents to stay under one roof.

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Captain's Watch, Plan #1426

Captain's Watch House Plan
Southern Living

Enjoy three floors of living space with a combination of Cape Cod and Southern Coastal architecture. The second-story bay windows and spiral staircase to the lookout are ideal for waterfront living.

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New Carolina Island House, Plan #1825

New Carolina Island House SL-1825

Southern Living

Enjoy expansive porches on all sides of this house, which pair seamlessly with the classic styling and welcoming shared spaces in this timeless favorite. 

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Whiteside Farm, Plan #1979

Whiteside Farm Southern Living House Plans
Photography by Laurey W. Glenn

Four bedrooms help make this home ideal for hosting family and friends. Imagine sitting by a fire during the fall or outside on the screened porch on summer evenings.

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Hilltop Lake, Plan #1897

Hilltop Lake House Plan 1897

Southern Living

Delight in this house with a primary bedroom suite with a private covered porch. Expand the lower level to fit your family's needs, from a recreation room, game room, or wet bar.

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