Our Best Lake House Plans for Your Vacation Home

By Kaitlyn Yarborough
September 29, 2017
Credit: Southern Living
There’s little more relaxing than a weekend at the lake. Floating on the perfectly still water is penciled in every afternoon’s schedule, ice-cold sweet tea is always ready to be sipped on the dock, and bare feet are a given. If you like the slow speed of life on the lake, a lake house just might be the ticket to the peaceful oasis you’ve been dreaming of. These lake house plans give you the natural, porch-wrapped abodes that embody the no-fuss lake spirit. Whether traditionally rustic or freshly modern, we’ve got the lake house inspiration you need to get going.
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Tideland Haven, Plan #1375

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Sheltered by deep overhangs and a wraparound porch, Tideland Haven is detailed in comfort. Maximizing natural light, French doors with transoms above allow sunlight to enter the interiors for an open and spacious feeling.

2 bedrooms and 2 ½ baths
2,418 square feet
See Plan: Tideland Haven

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Tucker Bayou, Plan #1408

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Inspired by historic architecture, this bungalow-style home combines the comfort of a vacation home with thoughtful features that make everyday life easier for today's busy families.

5 bedrooms and 4 baths
3,554 square feet
See Plan: Tucker Bayou

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Pine Island Retreat, Plan #1454

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Throw up a hammock to go along with this laidback cottage that has wood shutter siding along the sleeping porch (making for a nice mid-afternoon snooze!).

4 bedrooms and 2 ½ baths
2,123 square feet
See Plan: Pine Island Retreat

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River Place Cottage, Plan #1959

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This plan feels fresh, especially for the lake. We like infusing the lake style with lighter colors, but keeping close to the laidback feel of the lake.

3 bedrooms and 2 ½ baths
2,420 square feet
See Plan: River Place Cottage

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Harborside Hideaway, Plan #1393

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This stacked, modern lake house gives plenty of storage space for all of your water sport and boating equipment. A wraparound porch gives you full lake views for those beautiful sunsets.

4 bedrooms and 3 baths
2,288 square feet
See Plan: Harborside Hideaway

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Captain’s Watch, Plan #1426

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This stately lakeside retreat has something for everyone, but the most impressive feature is the large open great room that opens up to a cozy screened porch complete with a fireplace.

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

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Tidewater Cottage, Plan #1420

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If you desire a more country-style cottage, this plan gives that traditional coziness with a lowkey lake feel.

3 bedrooms and 2 ½ baths
2,196 square feet
See Plan: Tidewater Cottage

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Nautical Cottage, Plan #224

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This home is warm, spacious, relaxed, and friendly. Inspired by small summer cottages built along the East Coast, this plan is adaptable in a variety of climates and locations. Cedar shakes for the exterior and the Nantucket star design for the porch detailing add to the authentic look and feel.

3 bedrooms and 2 baths
1,315 square feet
See Plan: Nautical Cottage

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Rustic Lake Cabin, Plan #1809

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This cabin features stone accents and clean lines to give a rustic vibe without going too log cabin-esque.

2 bedrooms and 1 bath
1,426 square feet
See Plan: Rustic Lake Cabin

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This Old House Cottage, Plan #1873

Credit: Southern Living

This storybook cottage with a steeply pitched roof combines historical architectural details with modern amenities. An open floor plan, a flexible layout, and a wraparound porch maximize space indoors and out for a lake house that's functional, adaptable, and full of appeal.

3 bedrooms and 3 baths
2,011 square feet
See Plan: This Old House Cottage

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Shad Shack, Plan #1381

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Designed in our collection for The Landing at Reynolds Lake Oconee, this home captures the country-style feel of many Southern vacation homes at the lake. The two fireplaces make sure you’ll feel cozy all year-around.

3 bedrooms and 3 ½ baths
1,826 square feet
See Plan: Shad Shack

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New Tideland Haven, Plan #1824

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This slightly larger design of the original Tideland Haven plan still features the same cozy details like deep overhangs and a wraparound porch. Large windows and French doors strive to let as much of the natural sunlight in as possible.

3 bedrooms and 3 ½ baths
2,622 square feet
See Plan: New Tideland Haven

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White Plains, Plan #1799

Credit: Southern Living

We just don’t think you can go wrong with this Carpenter Gothic style home just about anywhere. If you want a fresher color palette and design for your lake home, this is definitely an intriguing way to go. It’s inherently Southern, but out-of-the-box.

4 bedrooms and 4 ½ baths
2,942 square feet
See Plan: White Plains

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Silverhill, Plan #749

Credit: Southern Living

Cedar shake exterior gives this home a relaxed, natural appearance that’s perfect for the lake. Symmetrical shape takes advantage of every usable space, allowing for a recessed laundry closet and spacious living and dining areas.

3 bedrooms and 2 ½ baths
1,771 square feet
See Plan: Silverhill

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By Kaitlyn Yarborough