Cottage House Plans

This modest one-story plan nevertheless provides authentic Victorian styling, including high ceilings in most rooms, gables trimmed with gingerbread, a dramatic turret, oval and round windows and a covered front porch. A corner fireplace dominates the great room, also notable for its 10-foot stepped ceiling. A convenient pass-through separates the great room from the galley-style kitchen. Both the adjacent dining room and the great room overlook the backyard. The turreted breakfast room could easily be used as a family room. Nearby, the good-sized laundry room contains a pantry closet. Secluded on one side of the house and in back, the master suite is a true retreat. A 10-foot stepped ceiling and a cozy window seat are features of the bedroom, while the compartmented bath includes a walk-in closet, a dressing area, two sinks, garden tub and separate shower. Two other bedrooms share a full bath. Foundation: basement, slab or crawl space.

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.

A covered porch wraps entirely around this country home, providing effortless outdoor extension of indoor activities. Two oversized dormers and a substantial stone chimney add character. The entry leads into the two-story living room with its fireplace and bay window. The open plan at the living and dining rooms and the kitchen add further appeal. A peninsula eating bar separates the living room from the U-shaped kitchen. The adjacent dining room includes a second entrance to the porch. In the first-floor master suite, the bay window in the bedroom is the twin of the one in the living room. The compartmented master bath includes twin sinks, separate shower, tub and a walk-in closet. Upstairs, a loft overlooks the living room on one side and the dining room on the other. A second full bath and two bedrooms, one with a walk-in closet, complete this floor. Foundation options: basement, slab or crawl space. Please specify.

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.

Inspired by 19th-century summer cottages along the East Coast, this versatile shingle-style design is suitable as either a year-round residence or a vacation retreat. Serving as outdoor entertainment areas are a wrap-around veranda in front and a screened porch in back. Hardwood floors and nine- and ten-foot ceilings add beauty and volume to the indoor living spaces. The front door opens to a two-story foyer. A wood stove warms the spacious living room. Nearby, the dining room is nestled between two sets of sliding French doors, one to the veranda and the other to the porch. Centrally located, the efficient kitchen features a convenient pass-through to the living room. Double doors open to the first floor master suite with its private bath and access to the porch. The master bath includes a handy pocket door to the utility room. Upstairs, two bedrooms, both with sloped ceilings, share a four-fixture bath. A built-in seat makes the balcony area special. Foundation: slab. Plans are included for a detached two-car garage.