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  3. 30+ Small House Plans That Are Just The Right Size

30+ Small House Plans That Are Just The Right Size

Southern Living May 2021 Cover
By Southern Living Editors Updated September 09, 2021
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Sparta II, Plan #1810
Credit: Southern Living House Plans

Maybe you're an empty nester, maybe you are downsizing, or maybe you just love to feel snug as a bug in your home. Whatever the case, we've got a bunch of small house plans that pack a lot of smartly-designed features, gorgeous and varied facades, and small cottage appeal. Apart from the innate adorability of things in miniature in general, these small house plans offer big living space, even for small house living. We love the Sugarberry Cottage, that looks like Goldilocks should be checking in, but has three bedrooms and bathrooms and a porch that extends the living area of the small house significantly. Prefer a more rustic look? The Cypress View plan is so versatile, it nestles comfortably in by the lake, in the mountains, or near the beach–a great, versatile small cottage home. Whatever your choice, take a look at some of our best plans for small house living.

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Ellsworth Cottage, Plan #1351

Ellsworth Cottage, Plan #1351
Credit: Designed by Caldwell/Cline Architects

Charming details and cottage styling give the house its distinctive personality.

  • 3 bedrooms/3 bathroom
  • 1,645 square feet
  • See Plan: Ellsworth Cottage

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Wind River, Plan #1551

Wind River, Plan #1551
Credit: Designed by Frank Betz Associates, Inc.

Covered with shingle and board-and-batten siding, this comfortable design may be built as a primary residence or as a getaway spot.

  • 3 bedroom/4 bathroom
  • 1,749 square feet
  • See Plan: Wind River

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Boulder Summit, Plan #1575

Boulder Summit, Plan #1575
Credit: Designed by Frank Betz Associates, Inc.

Whether built as a mountain retreat or a full-time residence, this plan features an open first floor and tucked-away ground floor.

  • 4 bedroom/4 bathroom
  • 1,588 square feet
  • See Plan: Boulder Summit

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Sugarberry, Plan #1648

Sugarberry, Plan #1648
Credit: Designed by Moser Design Group

This classic one-and-a-half story home takes advantage of every square inch of space.

  • 3 bedroom/3 bathroom
  • 1,679 square feet
  • See Plan: Sugarberry

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Topwater Lodge, Plan #1385

Topwater Lodge, Plan #1385
Credit: Designed by Caldwell/Cline Architects

An easy going, laidback warmth characterizes this cozy cottage.

  • 3 bedroom/3 bathroom
  • 1,042 square feet
  • See Plan: Topwater Lodge

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Allegheny, Plan #1552

Allegheny, Plan #1552
Credit: Designed by Frank Betz Associates, Inc.

Inside and out, this classical house teems with ideas that reflect the historic charm of traditional, Southern architecture.

  • 3 bedroom/3 bathroom
  • 1,510 square feet
  • See Plan: Allegheny

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Bluffton, Plan #594

Bluffton, Plan #594
Credit: Designed by Hall & Hull Architects, Inc.

With a deep, metal-roofed porch skirting the front, one entire side, and a portion of the rear of the house, this plan has the look of a Southern, shotgun-style house.

  • 3 bedroom/2 bathroom
  • 1,435 square feet
  • See Plan: Bluffton

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Striper's Cottage, Plan #1388

Striper’s Cottage, Plan #1388
Credit: Designed by Caldwell/Cline Architects

Here's a warm and inviting year-round retreat where friends and family can relax.

  • 3 bedroom/3 bathroom
  • 1,678 square feet
  • See Plan: Striper's Cottage

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Aberdeen Place, Plan #013

Aberdeen Place, Plan #013
Credit: Designed by Frank Betz Associates, Inc.

A cozy cottage that proves that good things come in small packages. Wood siding, stone, and shutters add charm to the home's facade.

  • 3 bedroom/3 bathroom
  • 1,593 square feet
  • See Plan: Aberdeen Place

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Cedarbrook, Plan #408

Cedarbrook, Plan #408
Credit: Designed by Caldwell/Cline Architects

Here's a compact, rustic-style house with plenty of style and flexibility. More space in less square footage is gained by open planning.

  • 3 bedroom/3 bathroom
  • 1,715 square feet
  • See Plan: Cedarbrook

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The Maple Ridge, Plan #442

The Maple Ridge, Plan #442
Credit: Designed by Frank Betz Associates, Inc.

This floor plan makes the most of one- level living with a combination kitchen, dining room, and family room that provides open space for entertaining.

  • 4 bedroom/2 bathroom
  • 1,777 square feet
  • See Plan: The Maple Ridge

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Silverhill, Plan #749

Silverhill, Plan #749
Credit: Designed by Sullivan Design Company

Its symmetrical shape takes advantage of every usable space, allowing for spacious living and dining areas.

  • 3 bedroom/3 bathroom
  • 1,771 square feet
  • See Plan: Silverhill

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Heather Place, Plan #945

Heather Place, Plan #945
Credit: Designed by John Tee

Its simple roofline, clapboard siding, and wraparound front porch make this design an instant classic.

  • 3 bedroom/3 bathroom
  • 1,486 square feet
  • See Plan: Heather Place

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Coosaw River Cottage, Plan #671

Coosaw River Cottage, Plan #671
Credit: Designed by Allison Ramsey Architects, Inc.

In this open plan, the living and dining rooms combine to create one large space. A galley kitchen allows for easy access to the dining room and breakfast room.

  • 3 bedroom/3 bathroom
  • 1,705 square feet
  • See Plan: Coosaw River Cottage

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The Sage House, Plan #947

The Sage House, Plan #947
Credit: Designed by John Tee

With a flexible floor plan, the kitchen, dining, and family rooms are one large space that share views through a large picture window. A roomy screened porch is a natural extension of the home's living space.

  • 3 bedroom/4 bathroom
  • 1,672 square feet
  • See Plan: The Sage House

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Rockborne, Plan #639

Rockborne, Plan #639
Credit: Designed by Dungan-Nequette Architects

Comfort, casual style, and thoughtful visual details define this house.

  • 3 bedroom/2 bathroom
  • 1,588 square feet
  • See Plan: Rockborne

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Cherry Hill, Plan #1843

Cherry Hill, Plan #1843
Credit: Designed by John Tee

Compact and very functional, this cottage-style plan is an easy fit for any family.

  • 3 bedroom/3 bathroom
  • 1,524 square feet
  • See Plan: Cherry Hill

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St. Simons Retreat, Plan #256

St. Simons Retreat, Plan #256
Credit: Designed by Ken Tate

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

  • 2 bedroom/3 bathroom
  • 1,798 square feet
  • See Plan: St. Simons Retreat

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Fontanel Carriage House, Plan #1856

Fontanel Carriage House, Plan #1856
Credit: Southern Living

Although this charming farmhouse cottage is small, it has plenty of porch space.

  • 2 bedroom/2 bathroom
  • 1,099 square feet
  • See Plan: Fontanel Carriage House

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River's Edge, Plan #1977

River's Edge, Plan #1977
Credit: Southern Living House Plans

With Lowcountry influences in its design, this home has plenty of Southern charisma.

  • 3 bedroom/2.5 bathroom
  • 1,721 square feet
  • See Plan: River's Edge

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Deer Run, Plan #731

Deer Run Plan #731
Credit: Southern Living

This two-bed, two-bath cabin couldn't be a cuter hideaway for the lake.

  • 2 bedroom/2 bathroom
  • 972 square feet
  • See Plan: Deer Run

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Rustic Beach Cottage, Plan #360

Rustic Beach Cottage, Plan #360
Credit: Southern Living

Calling all gardeners: This adorable house plan has a latticework details on the porch and plenty of space for bountiful window boxes.

  • 2 bedroom/2 bathroom
  • 1,398 square feet
  • See Plan: Rustic Beach Cottage

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Beaufort Cottage, Plan #1136

Beaufort Cottage, Plan #1136
Credit: Southern Living House Plans

If you're looking for the perfect new-old home architecture? Meet your new cottage.

  • 3 bedroom/2.5 bathroom
  • 1,720 square feet
  • See Plan: Beaufort Cottage

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Palmetto Cottage, Plan #2009

Palmetto Cottage, Plan #2009
Credit: Southern Living House Plans; Photo: John McManus

This one-bedroom cottage has just the right amount of space for not a lot of upkeep.

  • 1 bedroom/1.5 bathroom
  • 656 square feet
  • See Plan: Palmetto Cottage

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Sparta II, Plan #1810

Sparta II, Plan #1810
Credit: Southern Living House Plans

In addition to this picture-perfect front porch, this classic house plan also has a screened-in back porch.

  • 3 bedroom/3.5 bathroom
  • 1,804 square feet
  • See Plan: Sparta II

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Cloudland Cottage, Plan #1894

Cloudland Cottage, Plan #1894
Credit: Southern Living

The name of this house plan says it all: Living in a cottage this cute is like living on Cloud 9.

  • 2 bedroom/2 bathroom
  • 1,200 square feet
  • See Plan: Cloudland Cottage

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Canton Row, Plan #1938

Canton Row, Plan #1938
Credit: Southern Living

This cottage has plenty of space for your family to come back and visit if you're empty nesters looking to downsize.

  • 3 bedroom/2.5 bathroom
  • 1,623 square feet
  • See Plan: Canton Row

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Shoreline Cottage, Plan #490

Shoreline Cottage, Plan #490
Credit: Southern Living

This house plan was made with scenic views in mind. Whether at the lake, beach, or mountains, you can catch nature from all its good angles with this home.

  • 3 bedroom/1 bathroom
  • 930 square feet
  • See Plan: Shoreline Cottage

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Randolph Cottage, Plan #1861

Randolph Cottage, Plan #1861
Credit: Southern Living

This home is sure to be the most inviting one on the block.

  • 3 bedroom/2.5 bathroom
  • 1,800 square feet
  • See Plan: Randolph Cottage

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St. George Cottage, Plan #1906

St. George Cottage, Plan #1906
Credit: Southern Living

This open-plan home is filled with natural night and has an expansive back porch.

  • 3 bedroom/3 bathroom
  • 1,581 square feet
  • See Plan: St. George Cottage

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Beachside Bungalow, Plan #1117

Beachside Bungalow, Plan #1117
Credit: Designed by Moser Design Group

Sit back and kick your feet up: At this beachside bungalow, there are no worries.

  • 1 bedroom/1 bathroom
  • 484 square feet
  • See Plan: Beachside Bungalow

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Rustic Lake Cabin, Plan #1809

Rustic Lake Cabin
Credit: Southern Living

We can already picture ourselves cozy by a fire in this sweet cabin.

  • 2 bedroom/1 bathroom
  • 1,426 square feet
  • See Plan: Rustic Lake Cabin

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    1 of 32 Ellsworth Cottage, Plan #1351
    2 of 32 Wind River, Plan #1551
    3 of 32 Boulder Summit, Plan #1575
    4 of 32 Sugarberry, Plan #1648
    5 of 32 Topwater Lodge, Plan #1385
    6 of 32 Allegheny, Plan #1552
    7 of 32 Bluffton, Plan #594
    8 of 32 Striper's Cottage, Plan #1388
    9 of 32 Aberdeen Place, Plan #013
    10 of 32 Cedarbrook, Plan #408
    11 of 32 The Maple Ridge, Plan #442
    12 of 32 Silverhill, Plan #749
    13 of 32 Heather Place, Plan #945
    14 of 32 Coosaw River Cottage, Plan #671
    15 of 32 The Sage House, Plan #947
    16 of 32 Rockborne, Plan #639
    17 of 32 Cherry Hill, Plan #1843
    18 of 32 St. Simons Retreat, Plan #256
    19 of 32 Fontanel Carriage House, Plan #1856
    20 of 32 River's Edge, Plan #1977
    21 of 32 Deer Run, Plan #731
    22 of 32 Rustic Beach Cottage, Plan #360
    23 of 32 Beaufort Cottage, Plan #1136
    24 of 32 Palmetto Cottage, Plan #2009
    25 of 32 Sparta II, Plan #1810
    26 of 32 Cloudland Cottage, Plan #1894
    27 of 32 Canton Row, Plan #1938
    28 of 32 Shoreline Cottage, Plan #490
    29 of 32 Randolph Cottage, Plan #1861
    30 of 32 St. George Cottage, Plan #1906
    31 of 32 Beachside Bungalow, Plan #1117
    32 of 32 Rustic Lake Cabin, Plan #1809

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