This One Bedroom Tiny House Plan Is Perfect For Retirement

Whether you're downsizing for retirement and looking for a quaint new home, trying to figure out the ultimate mother-in-law suite, or building a weekend getaway cottage, this coastal-inspired tiny house plan makes the most of its square footage to accomplish anything you have in mind.

With one bedroom, one bathroom, and a sizable kitchen, 540 square feet is just the right amount of space for comfortable living for one or two. It is simple living at its finest. The spacious, covered side porch functions as an outdoor living room, offering additional breathing room so the home never feels cramped.

While so many tiny house plans feel cramped due to design oversights, this floor plan will meet all of your needs without feeling like you've compromised too much of what you need to live. You are making the most of your living with the common area of this space being the heart of the tiny home that you have selected.

About the Plan

Plan Designer: Group3 Designs

Name: Garden Cottage

Size: 540 square feet

Plan: SL-1830

Why We Love It

Rick Clanton, co-principal at Group3 Designs, puts it best: "Small scale can feel really good. I imagine walking through the front door at the end of the day with my wife and looking out at a big view of nature and just being happy." That is the feeling this cottage exudes. Its practical floor plan covers all the basic needs, so the real focus is on getting you to enjoy your surroundings.

The central fireplace grounds the living area, creating a cozy and welcoming environment. Thinking ahead, Clanton designed the home so the front door could face a main house (if necessary) and the side porch could look out onto a lake, pool, or forest vista. His thoughtful design also creates opportunity to screen in the porch to keep those pesky mosquitos out and add a great option for an outdoor dining space.

The Lowcountry familiarity makes it welcoming and versatile. "Most traditional houses are very simple in shape," Clanton says, noting that he was inspired by timeworn beach houses he's seen in Pawleys Island, South Carolina. "There's this one that's old, shingled, and kind of dilapidated, but it has this perfectly aged, lived-in look. So I hoped to capture that same feeling without any of the mustiness." While this plan is certainly customizable, he says maintaining proportion is key. The footprint allows for ease to add on wings, but Clanton cautions again stretching the gable too much which would compromise the character of the home. In other words: Keep it simple with a quaint space.

Other Options For Tiny House Plans

If you need to see options for tiny living, look no further than Southern Living House Plans site. There are plans for living on a smaller scale, and one small size doesn't necessarily fit all. Take the Beachside Bungalow. At 484 square-feet, this cozy space will meet all of your needs inside and out. We love the porch and the overall aesthetic of this design.

The Palmetto Cottage is another possibility if you are looking to create a small living space. Whether you are planning a guest cottage or something more permanent to transform your life, this 650 square-foot abode will accommodate. We are captivated by the outdoor space, as well, Can you see yourself on this home's porch, enjoying the sunset? Take in what this design has to offer, and you will feel right at home.