Beach House Plans

Built upon piers, this design is perfect for low-lying areas, yet is open and airy. Three decks, one in front and two in back, encourage outdoor living. Vaulted ceilings expand the space in the living and dining rooms, both of which open to the rear decks. The well-equipped kitchen has a pass-through to the screened deck, making it ideal for al fresco meals. The first-floor master suite offers a luxurious bath with a walk-in closet and a dressing area. Upstairs is another full bath, bedroom two and a loft that could serve as the third bedroom. Foundation: pier.

Many features of two-story homes found in Old Florida appear in this charming Tidewater or past “cracker” design. The raised plan allows placement of the carport and storage areas under the main living areas, also protecting from damage in the event of flooding. The covered entry porch leads to a foyer opening to the gracious grand room with a fireplace and vaulted ceiling. Both the great room and the kitchen with a prep island open to the screened veranda in the rear, while the dining room adjoins the sun deck. The second floor serves as the owners’ retreat and includes a well-proportioned master bedroom, a roomy walk-in closet and a compartmented bath with his and her sinks and separate tub and a private shower. Foundation: raised island basement.

Arches, columns and French doors pay homage to the Key West style of this light, airy design. The open foyer announces a wonderful arrangement of casual and formal spaces. French doors open to a quiet study or guest quarters, which features a vaulted ceiling, built-in shelving and a view of the front property through an arch-topped window. More built-ins frame the great-room fireplace, anchoring the curved window wall. A secluded secondary bedroom or guest quarters is thoughtfully placed near a full bath, coat closet and linen storage. Upstairs, a balcony hall allows interior views of the two-story great room and connects a secondary bedroom and bath with the master suite. French doors open from both bedrooms to a wrap-around deck. Foundation: raised island.

Projecting a tropical feeling, this luxuriously appointed design features a lookout high atop the roof that is accessed by a spiral staircase off the master suite. The vaulted living room opens to a screened deck that can also be accessed from the island kitchen. Another balcony lies off the dining room. Occupying the upper level, the master suite enjoys a private balcony, twin walk-in closets and a bath with a step-up tub and separate shower. The den could easily be used as a third bedroom. Foundation: post & pier.

Jamaican shutters, an abundance of windows and a standing-seam roof characterize this island-style abode, where open living area and a grand loft extend the flexibility of the design. The wrap-around porch leads to a descending staircase, easing the transition indoors. The two-story great room features a spider-beam ceiling and an entire wall of French doors that opens to the rear veranda. The main-level master suite has its own access to the veranda and includes two walk-in closets, a dressing area and a lavish bath with garden tub. Upstairs, each guest suite features a walk-in closet and a private bath. Foundation: slab.