Turn your backyard into a year-round retreat with a cozy tiny home. The advantage of our backyard retreat home plans is their flexibility. Converting this cottage into a pool house is easy, but you'll want to consider a guest room, home office, and other options.
“We took the Lowcountry style of the original home and developed a structure that was like its little sister,” says Southern Living's custom builder, Randy Schiltz of t-Olive Properties. This little hideaway was created in collaboration with residential designer Al Causey of The Village Studio. “This is a place where you can live, play and have fun,” Causey says.
How can I use a backyard retreat?
Possibilities include a mother-in-law's bedroom or even a space that can be rented out for entertaining purposes. At the same time, it's easy to imagine a homeowner wanting to be selfish with this intimate little house. You'll find all your essentials here, as well as tasteful style and charm.
david cannon
relax by the pool
Plan designer: The Village Studio
Name: Backyard Retreat
Plan number: SL-2061
This space has a do-it-all attitude. Tall sliding glass doors facilitate indoor-outdoor living and help draw people to the front porch to hang out by the pool. This versatile space can serve as guest accommodation, a hangout area for the kids, or an outdoor dining room.
Ten-foot ceilings keep the great room bright and airy even on hot summer days, giving this small space a more generous feel. The large open space in the living area can accommodate a ping pong table and there is enough room to set up a section to host movie nights.
The Village Studio
Cozy added a fireplace to make the living room a cozy place to relax year-round. “Our main house is on a hill, so when the kids have friends over, the pool house acts as our 'basement.' My daughter leaves the cookie and cake mix there and invites friends over.” I try to cook while watching movies with them,” she says. Schultz hatched the plan in his backyard.
Create a guesthouse or in-law suite
With a full kitchen and private bath, this practical 891 square foot plan can also serve as a separate residence for elderly parents or adult children returning home. You can prepare both rooms as a corporate guesthouse or turn one space into a secluded study. The possibilities for escape from this backyard are endless.
This tiny home could change the way you entertain. If you take that approach, your guests will never be bored. Imagine a large living space that is both a dining area and an after-dinner relaxation zone. Needless to say, dinner club night is a sure win.
If you choose to turn the side “exercise room” into a guest room, you'll need to flip a coin to see which guest deserves to spend the night. Then imagine making it your own personal retreat and waking up in a tranquil setting in the gentle morning light. You'll thank yourself while drinking your first cup of coffee of the day on your porch.