Cottage House Plans

Cottage-style house plans are known for looking cozy and charming. They often have a unique, traditional, storybook-like appearance. Key features usually include stucco or shingles on the outside, small porches, bay windows, and gable roofs. Larger cottage homes might have dormer windows or ceilings over ten feet high. Even though they may look old-fashioned, new cottage plans typically enjoy modern comforts such as open layouts and more spacious primary suites.

 

Considerations for Choosing a Cottage House Plan

What should one consider or look for when choosing a cottage-style plan?

When selecting a cottage-style house plan, think about the layout first. Make sure it works for your daily life and family, whether you need two or three bedrooms, a minimum of two baths, or an open design. Check if the plan fits your land, including its size and any slopes, as many cottages work well on narrow or small lots. Consider if the option for future expansion is important to you. For example, plans with a second story or partial secondary story can accommodate additional living space. Of course, throughout the selection process, keep your budget in mind.

Why should one consider purchasing a cottage plan?

Besides the emotional connection one may find with one of the many styles of cottage homes, cottage plans have several practical advantages. Cottages tend to be smaller than many other home architectural styles. For families looking for a first home or couples nearing retirement and seeking to downsize, the typical cottage offers a reasonable amount of square footage while also having curb appeal and resale value. The primary suite is typically on the first floor, which is an advantage for those wishing to avoid stairs. Their compact design is often more energy efficient than other floor plans.

 

Variations and Types of Cottages

What are the different style variations of cottage house plans?

Cottage house plans come in many different variations of the style. Cottage design has been influenced by both history and region. From the simple, stone, stucco, and thatched-roof cottages from centuries ago, the cottage evolved into a more traditional small home design albeit with regional variations. Those regional variations exist to this day while more modern cottage designs have joined the ranks.

• Southern-style cottages are known for their symmetrical design, wood siding exteriors, large front porch, and dormer windows.
• Beach cottages tend to be small yet airy with an emphasis on shingle exteriors, windows, patios, and natural light.
• French country cottages evoke both a rustic and elegant appearance, using a mix of materials, including stucco and stone.
• English cottages, while similar to French cottages, have a more cozy and comfortable feel. The English cottage is most similar to what is widely known as the storybook cottage with their thatched roofs, stucco, brick, and wood timber exteriors.
• Modern-style cottages incorporate many of the best elements of earlier styles, contemporary looks, and modern materials, such as concrete, to create their own distinctive look. Defining interior features are comfort and casual sophistication, and natural materials.

What sizes and features are available with cottage–style houses?

The term “small” is often associated with the typical cottage-style home, often under 1,500 square feet. It features one story or one-and-a-half stories. Its layout features well-defined rooms and typically inclues one to two bedrooms. Today’s homeowners prefer a more contemporary interior design. Expect to see open floor plans, larger kitchens, and three bedrooms and two baths, including a primary bedroom with an ensuite bath. A growing niche is luxury cottages inspired by the cottage style, but with a larger footprint (2,000 square feet and up), vaulted ceilings, an impressive primary suite, and living space options on a second floor. It first began with luxury cottages, but is now a widening trend: extensive outdoor living with multiple porches and large rear patios.

 

Finding and Customizing Your Cottage House Plan

How can one find their cottage house plans?

The Plan Collection offers almost 1,000 cottage-style plans. We’ve curated a collection of cottage designs covering many of the traditional, regional, and modern cottage styles. For those looking for a tiny cottage, typically under 1,000 square feet,  we’ve created a separate tiny cottage floor plans collection. Based on your home size and features requirements, filter the cottage floor plans to a selection of plans that meet your needs. Use our free cost estimate to get an idea of the cost to build in your area. Once you’ve further narrowed your choices, consider the Cost-to-Build report for a more accurate cost estimate that includes the ability to make more refined adjustments, such as the quality and type of finishes used in construction. If you have any questions during the selection or purchase process, please contact us via email or our toll-free number.

How can one customize cottage floor plans?

If you have found a cottage plan you like but would like to make some changes, we can help you do just that. On the page with your plan, click the “Modify this Plan” button to describe and submit your modification requests for a free quote. If you have any questions, we are happy to help.