Home Architecture and Home Design 10 Lake House Plans Built for Living on the Water By Southern Living Editors Published on July 9, 2021 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos We're dreaming of relaxing getaways to the lake. Sounds peaceful, doesn't it? Breezy porches, spacious entertaining areas, and cozy bedrooms are a few characteristics of our favorite weekend homes. Lake houses are made for gathering with loved ones, curling up with a good book, and enjoying the beauty of nature. Whether you're looking for a laidback cabin, a modern farmhouse, or a Lowcountry cottage, there's a Southern Living House Plan with all the details you're looking for in an ideal lake home. (And if not, every house plan can be customized to fit a homeowner's specific needs.) We rounded up 10 dreamy lake house plans ranging in size, square footage, and architectural style. One feature none of the homes scrimp on? Porches. Whether you're ready to build or you're daydreaming about a weekend escape, these house plans deliver plenty of inspiration for living by the water. 01 of 10 New Bunkhouse, Plan #1948 Southern Living 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 02 of 10 Cypress Lake, Plan #1874 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 03 of 10 Tideland Haven, Plan #1375 Southern Living 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 04 of 10 Captain's Watch, Plan #1426 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 05 of 10 Shoreline Cottage, Plan #490 Southern Living 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 06 of 10 Allegheny, Plan #1552 Designed by Frank Betz Associates, Inc. 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 07 of 10 St. Simons Retreat, Plan #256 Designed by Ken Tate 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 08 of 10 New Carolina Island House, Plan #1825 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 09 of 10 Brune, Plan #2019 Muir Stewart 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 10 of 10 Evergreen Cottage, Plan #2003 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 Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit