The Best House Plans of 2017

We don’t know if we could find a more charming Southern cottage than this 2,057-square-foot abode with a satisfyingly symmetrical exterior and stunning entry.

3 to 4 bedrooms and 4 baths
2,057 square feet
See Plan: Farmdale Cottage

We can’t get enough of this perfectly symmetrical exterior and historic style (though it’s a newer house plan). The Chippendale front railing, four front columns, and floor-to-ceiling front windows flanking the big front door pack it with charm and curb appeal.

3 bedrooms and 3 ½ baths
2,314 square feet
See Plan: Charlestowne Creek Cottage

There’s something so effortless about this bright and homey modern cottage. Its L-shaped layout gives an organic flow to the living spaces, while the great room is located towards the back of the home for easy access to the kitchen and outdoor deck.

4 bedrooms and 2 ½ baths
1,929 square feet
See Plan: Cottage Revival

This house plans exudes vintage appeal, while its mix of simple spaces and natural materials sets a relaxed tone. A metal roof and tall operable shutters lend a Lowcountry feel to this otherwise classic neighborhood home.

4 bedrooms and 4 ½ baths
2,233 square feet
See Plan: Aiken Street

This cozy country abode is detailed with rustic charm, but modern sensibilities. The plain slab shutters, simple board-and-batten siding, and a low wall and wooden gate could be pulled straight from an old farm; but a curved railing for the porch steps, two pairs of French doors, and a round window on the right side of the house turns up the urban elegance.

3 bedrooms and 3 ½ baths
2.440 square feet
See Plan: Orange Grove

This layout works just as well for a young, growing family, as it will for an older one on the cusp of being empty nesters. The first floor is a spacious 2,400 square feet with an open (and large) kitchen-living room, formal dining room, a master suite, a guest room, a tiny home office or mudroom, and not one–but two–covered porches to ease with the flow of the home. The prominent stacked stone façade mixed with brick and siding finishes with a charming touch.

3 to 4 bedrooms and 3 ½ baths
3,469 square feet
See Plan: Elberton Way

This modern farmhouse is spacious and open, making it perfect for a growing family. The large kitchen is big enough for weekend breakfasts with a crowd, and the porch and outdoor spaces make sure to give entertaining options no matter the occasion.

4 bedrooms and 4 ½ baths
3,511 square feet
See Plan: Farmhouse Revival

This plan is all about letting in natural light with large windows and French doors, while detailing for comfort with deep overhangs and a wraparound porch.

2 bedrooms and 2 ½ baths
2,418 square feet
See Plan: Tideland Haven

The front porch is directly off the living areas, letting you enjoy part of what makes living in the South so special—bringing the outdoors in and long evening sits on the porch.

3 to 4 bedrooms and 3 ½ baths
2,530 square feet
See Plan: Eastover Cottage

This best-selling house plans blends Greek Revival influences with inviting country charm. A front porch with traditional white columns and bay windows welcomes guests with comfort and grace. With a spacious 2,404-square-foot floor plan, this two-story home is fit for families or retirees alike.

3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 2 half baths
2,404 square feet
See Plan: New Oxford

With a combination of lap siding and board-and-batten siding, this design draws inspiration from Victorian architecture. Designers combined form and function with stylish, innovative spaces for the whole family.

4 to 5 bedrooms and 4 ½ baths
3,510 square feet
See Plan: Kinsley Place

We can imagine ourselves rocking in those rocking chairs on just about any afternoon, but this coastal charm is made even better with its spacious, open layout perfect for family time and entertaining.

3 bedrooms and 2 ½ baths
2,420 square feet
See Plan: River Place Cottage

Latticed porch columns, a steeply pitched roof, and exposed rafters make this Folk-inspired home anything but ordinary. This home is a twist on the Carpenter Gothic style and uses board and batten siding and a corrugated metal roof to give a modern vernacular appeal.

4 bedrooms and 4 ½ baths
2,942 square feet
See Plan: White Plains

If you love warm, inviting bungalow-style homes, don’t go any further than this house plan with its family-oriented layout and versatile features.

5 bedrooms and 4 baths
3,554 square feet
See Plan: Tucker Bayou

Broad, deep, and square porches are the standout marks in this design. Beautifully detailed, the front porch stretches 65-feet across the front of the house, with a three 14’ x 14’ square porches set at each end, totaling approximately 1,097 square feet of outdoor living, dining and entertaining space.

3 to 4 bedrooms and 4 baths
2,738 square feet
See Plan: Carolina Island House

This classic style exudes relaxation and comfort with plenty of windows for letting in natural light and large porch space for hanging out together. The open layout makes the interior breezy and bright.

3 bedrooms and 3 ½ baths
2,768 square feet
See Plan: Vintage Lowcountry

This coastal-inspired cottage is open and sunny, yet compact and cozy. Its perfect square footage lives big and offers dual access to a large full-width rear covered porch.

3 bedrooms and 3 baths
1,581 square feet
See Plan: St. George Cottage

We fell in love with our 2017 Idea House, the dreamiest island oasis we’ve seen yet! The large porches invite lazy afternoons and late nights, while the modern farmhouse style stands out among traditional seaside retreats.

4 bedrooms and 4 ½ baths
3,273 square feet
See Plan: Islander Cottage

For our 2016 Idea House, we wanted entertaining and style to be priorities in the design. Around 900 square feet of porch area wrapped with a traditional X-railing and newel posts welcome guests, while a dining terrace allows for a cozy evening under the stars.

4 to 4 bedrooms and 4 ½ baths
4,037 square feet
See Plan: Celebration Cottage

This traditional home can fit into any neighborhood and family effortlessly, making it a longtime favorite amongst our house plans. Its sturdy, simple design appeals to the growing family and empty nesters alike.

3 to 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and 2 half baths
2,853 square feet
See Plan: Sand Mountain House

In the tradition of George Vanderbilt, this design blends traditional styling with comfortable living. Its stucco exterior with wood and brick accents adds both distinction and elegance.

4 to 6 bedrooms and 4 baths
3,510 square feet
See Plan: Vernon Hill

Inside and out, this classical house teems with ideas that reflect the historic charm of traditional, Southern architecture. The interior is bright and open, with high ceilings and careful placement of windows and doors creating a spacious effect throughout the design.

4 to 6 bedrooms and 4 ½ baths
3,846 square feet
See Plan: Abberley Lane