To celebrate more than 40 years of providing luxury custom-designed homes, we'd like to introduce you to some of the most popular plans offered by Southern Living House Plans. Southern Living has featured and sold housing plans since its first issue. These architectural drawings give readers access to the South's top architects to build custom homes at an affordable price. Styles and trends may change over the years, but we have stayed true to designing classic, authentic Southern homes.
Today, we offer more than 1,400 home plans that are as diverse as the neighborhoods and the people who live in them. Here we've rounded up 12 of the best-selling home plans of all time, from quaint cottages to spacious family homes. If you look closely, you might find a Southern Living home plan that you'd like to build yourself.
Tideland Haven, Plan #1375
DESIGNED BY OUR CITY PLANNING
Protected by deep overhangs and wraparound porches, this award-winning plan features cozy details in every room. French doors make the most of natural light and create an open, spacious feel. Enjoy the living area in the master bedroom, designed to enjoy the view through the window nook.
2,418 square feet 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
Farm revitalization, plan #1821
Designed based on historical concepts
A 2012 Idea House, this plan is all about casual comfort. Exterior details and a wraparound porch add a classic Southern feel. Subtle changes in the scale of your home can help foster a welcoming environment.
3,511 square feet 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms
Cottage of the Year, Plan #593
Designed by Moser Design Group
This is a warm and cozy retreat all year round where friends and family can relax. This New England Colonial-style home features four bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, and two spacious floors with plenty of space for entertaining. Additionally, there is plenty of indoor and outdoor space.
2,718 square feet 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths
Lowland Farmer, Plan #2000
J. Savage Gibson
A classic interpretation of coastal and lowland architecture, this home maximizes views from nearly every direction. The open, contemporary floor plan features a large front porch and screened living area to the rear, creating a relaxed, casual atmosphere.
2,754 square feet 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths
Dear Run, Plan #731
southern living
This cozy cabin may be less than 1,000 square feet, but it feels much larger with an open living room with a fireplace and windows along three walls, plus French doors leading to the back porch . Upstairs is a second bedroom and full bathroom.
973 square feet 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
River Place Cottage, Plan #1959
southern living
This coastal cottage is inspired by traditional Southern architecture and built for indoor and outdoor entertaining, from a screened living porch with an outdoor fireplace to an indoor wet bar and large kitchen island. and plenty of space to entertain friends and family.
2,420 square feet 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
Sugarberry Cottage, Plan #1648
Designed by Moser Design Group
This classic 1.5 story home takes advantage of every square inch of space. These Craftsman and Bungalow styles feature large front porches, grand living rooms, and cozy primary suites.
1,679 square feet 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
Whiteside Farm, Plan #1979
Laurie W. Glenn
Timeless design details like exposed beams and vaulted ceilings anchor the family room, while bellows doors open to a screened porch, creating a seamless flow of indoor-outdoor living. This 4-bedroom plan also has a bonus room on each floor that can serve as an office, playroom, exercise room, nursery, and more, making it perfect for every stage of life.
3,610 square feet 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms
Palmetto Cottage, Plan #2009
Southern Living House Plan; Photo: John McManus
This Lowcountry-inspired home has an easy-going, compact floor plan, perfect for those looking to downsize their family or build a guest cottage or in-law suite. At only 656 square feet, this small cottage is spacious thanks to its vaulted entertaining space, eat-in kitchen, and cozy front porch.
656 square feet 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Four gables, plan #1832
Laurie W. Glenn
The architect's goal here was to simplify the floor plan, reduce wasted square footage and maximize livability. The simple lines and open floor plan, especially the arrangement of the kitchen, dining, and living spaces, make the main floor feel larger. Furthermore, by adjusting the main floor, the plan allows for the installation of an optional basement. And of course, in classic Southern style, this plan features large front and rear porches, providing an abundance of outdoor living space.
2,341 square feet 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths
Elberton Way, Plan #1561
southern living house plan
The picturesque charm of the English cottage style found in many ancient areas of the south of England gives this design instant presence. Enjoy the bright and airy main level featuring 10-foot ceilings.
3,469 square feet 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths
Tucker Bayou, Plan #1408
Designed by LRK Architects
Inspired by historic seaside architecture, this design combines the comfort of a vacation home with thoughtful features that ease the daily lives of today's busy families.
3,554 square feet 5 bedrooms, 4 baths
Hawthorn Cottage, Plan #2004
Lake & Land Studio LLC
Vaulted ceilings and open plan kitchen, living and dining spaces work together with windows on three walls and access points to the front porch and rear screened porch. The plan separates the shared living space from the private space, placing two bedrooms and a bathroom on the left wing of the house.
1,560 square feet 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
Aikenridge, Plan #1123
Laurie W. Glenn
This two-story cottage is always popular. Full of character and Southern charm, from the deep front porch with adjacent sunroom to the open concept living space that provides a smooth flow to the kitchen. There is also an additional family room on the first floor. A cozy study located off the dining area.
2,202 square feet 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths