10 Lake House Plans Built for Living on the Water

This rustic cabin has all the modern amenities we'd want in a weekend home: screened porches, a fireplace for cozy year-round living, and an open concept floor plan for entertaining guests.

Two bedrooms, two baths

1,031 square feet

See plan: New Bunkhouse SL-1948

This French Colonial-style home was designed for indoor-outdoor living with three spacious porches: a welcoming front porch, a cozy screened porch, and a covered porch in the back.  

Three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths

5,312 square feet

See plan: Cypress Lake SL-1874

This single-story Lowcountry cottage is a perennial favorite among the Southern Living community. In addition to an inviting wraparound porch, the plan features an open layout with an airy vaulted ceiling and tall windows that let sunlight pour in.

Two bedrooms, two baths

2,418 square feet

See plan: Tideland Haven SL-1375

There's plenty of room for spending quality time with family and friends in this five-bedroom, three-story home. This dreamy escape blends the best of Cape Cod and Southern Coastal architecture.

Five bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths

4,920 square feet

See plan: Captain's Watch SL-1426

For homeowners who spend all day on the water and come inside only to sleep, this weekend retreat is for you. The compact footprint packs in all the amenities you need, with a living room, kitchen, three bedrooms, and one bath. Hang out on the wraparound porch to take in the views.

Three bedrooms, one bath

930 square feet

See plan: Shoreline Cottage SL-490

Take your lakefront getaway to new heights with the Allegheny plan. This home features vaulted ceilings in the main bedroom, living room, and covered porch for cool, breezy summers spent by the water.

Three bedrooms, three baths

1,510 square feet

See plan: Allegheny SL-1552

This coastal cottage looks like something straight out of a Nicholas Sparks novel. Step in the front door and see straight through to the back view. We'd pull a dining table out on the screened porch for year-round entertaining.   

Two bedrooms, two baths

1,798 square feet

See plan: St. Simons Retreat SL-256

This gracious home's sweeping back porch maximizes relaxation and waterfront views. Four bedrooms and spacious living areas inside offer plenty of room for guests to spend the weekend.

 Four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths

3,352 square feet

See plan: New Carolina Island House SL-1825

This modern farmhouse was designed with lake living in mind. Features like an open living area and dining nook make it ideal for entertaining. When the party is over, residents can retreat to cozy bedrooms tucked away from the action upstairs or in the back of the house.

Three bedrooms, two baths

1,970 square feet

See plan: Brune SL-2019

This Southern farmhouse is begging to be built by the water. The screened porch is perfect for summer parties and fall football games. Three bedrooms and a bunk hall fit snuggly into the 1,921-square-foot floor plan.  

Three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths

1,921 square feet

See plan: Evergreen Cottage SL-2003