Moving into your first home comes with plenty of excitement—and plenty of decisions. What square footage fits your family? Which design style matches your own? How much do you really need that wraparound porch? Luckily, our Southern Living House Plans cover every base. For first-time homeowners, we chose our favorite plans that are compact in size—under 2,500 square feet—but live much larger with clever layouts and cozy accents. We married traditional Southern styles, like Colonial and Lowcountry, with stylish updates that keep things fresh. From modern farmhouse plans to charming cottage house plans, this collection is chock-full of inspiration.
Farmdale Cottage, Plan #1870
Find a country cottage with more charm, we dare. This 2,057-square-foot abode offers a satisfyingly symmetrical exterior and stunning entry for first-time homeowners that want character and style.
3 to 4 bedrooms and 4 baths
2,057 square feet
See Plan: Farmdale Cottage
Sparta II, Plan #1810
From the stately Colonial influence seen on the exterior to the traditional Southern influence felt inside, this house plan is a perfect fit for first-time buyers that love a classic look.
3 bedrooms and 3 ½ baths
1,804 square feet
See Plan: Sparta II
Aiken Street, Plan #1807
Want every day to feel like a getaway? Enter this classic cottage with a Lowcountry feel and vintage twist. It features a mix of simple spaces and natural materials that set the tone.
4 bedrooms and 4 ½ baths
2,233 square feet
See Plan: Aiken Street
Randolph Cottage, Plan #1861
Southern charm meets New England style. This charming cottage lives bigger than its sweet size thanks to an open floor plan.
3 bedrooms and 2 ½ baths
1,800 square feet
See Plan: Randolph Cottage
Tideland Haven, Plan #1375
This haven is detailed for comfort. A wraparound porch and tucked-away bedrooms are cozy touches, while a free-flowing living and kitchen space makes for easy entertaining.
2 bedrooms and 2 ½ baths
2,418 square feet
See Plan: Tideland Haven
Fontanel Carriage House, Plan #1856
Tiny house lovers, rejoice! This Fontanel carriage house plan packs its 1,099 square-feet with country farmhouse charm. Modern accents make it feel fresh and stylish enough for young buyers who prefer cozy over spacious.
2 bedrooms and 2 baths
1,099 square feet
See Plan: Fontanel Carriage House
Four Gables, Plan #1832
Joanna Gaines might just swoon over this modern farmhouse plan. For those who love shiplap, this one's for you.
4 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths
2,341 square feet
See Plan: Four Gables
Cottage Revival, Plan #1946
You'll love this modern take on a classic cottage. Enjoy a lived-in, organic flow thanks to its L-shaped layout.
4 bedrooms and 2 ½ baths
1,929 square feet
See Plan: Cottage Revival
Charlestowne Creek Cottage, Plan #1956
This house plan offers plenty of historic character on the outside, while fitting first-time homeowners' needs with fresh interior details (since it's a newer house plan). And there's no denying the curb appeal garnered from Chippendale front railing, front columns, and floor-to-ceiling windows flanking the front door.
3 bedrooms and 3 ½ baths
2,314 square feet
See Plan: Charlestowne Creek Cottage
Nautical Cottage, Plan #224
This coastal-inspired cottage is basically made for those who love relaxing at home. It's warm and inviting—all at a compact square footage perfect for young owners.
3 bedrooms and 2 baths
1,315 square feet
See Plan: Nautical Cottage
Eastover Cottage, Plan #1666
Find this plan somewhere between Greek Revival and Southern cottage on the style spectrum. The front porch lets you enjoy part of what makes living in the South so special: winding down the day on the porch together.
3 to 4 bedrooms and 3 ½ baths
2,530 square feet
See Plan: Eastover Cottage
Pendleton, Plan #1812
Talk about curb appeal. This front porch serves as a warm welcome for all guests, while a Dutch Colonial shingled roof is a cute finishing touch.
3 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths
2,329 square feet
See Plan: Pendleton
Sugarberry Cottage, Plan #1648
Pairing compact square footage with ample covered and screened porch space, this house plan lives larger than its not-too-big, family-oriented layout.
3 bedrooms and 2 ½ baths
1,679 square feet
See Plan: Sugarberry Cottage
Bay Breeze, Plan #1914
Who doesn't love a little bay breeze? This house plan agrees. The two-story home makes a case for late-afternoon porch sits and cheery-hued shutters.
3 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths
2,030 square feet
See Plan: Bay Breeze
Sadie Springs Retreat, Plan #1957
This shingled home is influenced by traditional Colonial style, but keeps things cozy with a Southern cottage feel. The master suite opens up to a personal porch space, which is a special treat for young buyers.
3 bedrooms and 2 ½ baths
1,806 square feet
See Plan: Sadie Springs Retreat
Cottage of the Year, Plan #593
This plan is infinitely versatile as far as fitting the personal style and location of potential owners, making it an easy pick for first-timers. The slightly larger square footage will work for those who want room to expand.
4 bedrooms and 3 ½ baths
2,718 square feet
See Plan: Cottage of the Year
Beaufort Cottage, Plan #1136
This Carolina-inspired cottage is a beautiful blend of past and present. A galley-style kitchen and fireplace-focused living space makes the plan feel plenty homey.
3 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths
1,720 square feet
See Plan: Beaufort Cottage
