:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/bay-creek-house-plan_0-2000-42be1e2a92654f16972fc48f416d86f7.jpg "20 Timeless Southern-Style House Plans You’ll Love")
The South covers a lot of ground, from beaches in the Lowcountry to the bayous of Louisiana to the mountains of Appalachia. And our homes have to adapt to the weather. A cabin may have lots of stonework and fireplaces to take on all the snow in Blue Ridge Mountains’ wintry clime. A Texas villa may have terra-cotta floors, breezy porches, and tall ceilings to take on hot and humid summers.
And Southern houses run the gamut of architectural styles. There are Greek Revivals, Neoclassical estates, and Victorian cottages. Mid-century ranches and modern farmhouses. Some architectural styles may be strongly associated with a certain locale, like New Orleans’ shotgun houses, but can be found in many other places.
Despite all these differences, residential architecture throughout the South has a certain appeal and a certain through-line. Here, we love symmetrical exteriors, shutters, and gables. Houses can have tall, oft-imposing columns and a grand staircase, plus a mix of formal and casual spaces for entertaining and living.
And don’t forget the porches. Whether they’re screened, covered, sleeping, or rain, we Southerners love our porches, patios, and Florida rooms.
It can sometimes be hard to find all these details, but you can always start from scratch. We hope your builder is on standby because, after one look at these classic Southern homes, you’ll want to move right in. Classic architecture and key regional features, from wide porches, stately columns, and cozy cottage details—there’s something to appeal to every Southern architectural style.
You might not classify a 2,420-square-foot house as a cottage, but the charming Lowcountry details make this three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath Southern stunner as classic as they come. This house, designed by Watermark Coastal Homes, is built for entertaining, from its screened-in porch with an outdoor fireplace to an open floor plan.
- 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms
- 2,420 square feet
This house plan is yet another stately cabin we cannot help but dream about. It’s 2,011 square feet with three bedrooms and three baths. Firefly Communities designed this storybook cottage with a steeply pitched roof, flexible layout, and wraparound porch.
- 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms
- 2,011 square feet
We’ve had a love affair with this petite cottage for quite some time. Interestingly, it’s larger than it appears from the street. The 1,800-square-foot home fits a family with three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths. Designed by Bill Ingram, this “Williamsburg meets New England style” house has abundant Southern charm.
- 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms
- 1,800 square feet
Southern Living
This house, designed by Allison Ramsey Architects, certainly has an impactful curb appeal. A wraparound front porch provides plenty of space for entertaining, while the upper patio is the ideal spot for a quiet morning cup of coffee. It’s 3,625 square feet, with four bedrooms, four full baths, and two half baths.
- 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 half baths
- 3,625 square feet
A well-thought-out layout maximizes this 1,870-square-foot home, which is complete with three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths. Designed by P. Allen Smith & Associates, this house features a kitchen, parlor, and front and back porch.
- 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms
- 1,870 square feet
Clean lines and classic style make this 1,859-square-foot beauty universally appealing. The Moser Design Group designed this house to include two bedrooms and two-a-half baths. The Colonial-style cottage presents as contemporary with its livable layout.
- 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms
- 1,859 square feet
Plenty of porch space wraps the front of this 2,853-square-foot house. Its spacious layout allows for three bedrooms, three baths, and two half baths. Architect John Tee designed this house plan with much-loved features including a stone fireplace, 9-foot-tall ceilings, and classic detailing, like latticework, a brick chimney, and dormer windows.
- 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 half baths
- 2,853 square feet
An expansive 3,554 square feet of interior living space, designed by Looney Ricks Kiss Architects for St. Joe Land Co., connects the indoors and outside with the surrounding landscape. This Idea House is ideal for today’s busy families and will make everyday life easier.
- 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms
- 3,554 square feet
Laurey W. Glenn
Latticed porch columns, a steeply pitched roof, and exposed rafters add character to this traditional cottage. Its 2,942-square-foot interior includes four bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths. Designed by Our Town Plans, this Carpenter Gothic-style house has a playful appeal with board-and-batten siding and a corrugated metal roof.
- 4 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms
- 2,942 square feet
With four bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths, the house, designed by Todd Wilson, totals 3,291 square feet. Thoughtful design details, like the mail drop-off spot next to the rear “Friend’s Entry” and the Keeping Room, make this stunning home equally functional.
- 4 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms
- 3,291 square feet
This house has 3,470 square feet and plenty of space for larger families. The four-bedroom and four-bathroom house, designed by Mitchell Ginn, features an open layout and an extraordinary vaulted ceiling. The house’s entertaining amenities extend to the outside living space, with a large covered porch and an outdoor fireplace.
- 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms
- 3,470 square feet
If you’re looking for a classic beach house with the perfect amount of gingerbread trim, you’ve found it with this 2,158-square-foot stunner designed by Allison Ramsey Architects. Four bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths provide plenty of room for weekend guests.
- 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms
- 2,158 square feet
Ideal for multigenerational living, this expansive floor plan has an unfinished basement reserved for future development so that you can customize it to your family’s preferences. The primary bedroom is on the first floor, and there is a second bedroom with an attached full bath. Upstairs there are even more bedrooms with bathrooms, perfect for hosting guests.
- 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 half baths
- 3,327 square feet
This cottage has a comfortable and functional house plan that emphasizes gathering spaces and includes plenty of areas for private retreats. The 12-foot ceilings in the great room add an airy quality to the space.
- 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms
- 2,089 square feet
This 3,559-square-foot house features two primary-bedroom suites. The first suite is on the first floor, tucked near the rear of the house, creating a private getaway. The second floor has three bedrooms and a separate living area and deck.
- 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms
- 3,559 square feet
One of the great features of this house plan is the expansive outdoor entertaining space. From the family and dining rooms, a screened porch opens to a large patio, perfect for grilling in the summertime. The primary bedroom on the first floor is private and designed for comfortable living.
- 4 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms
- 4,142 square feet
This house plan packs a lot into the 3,643-square-foot layout. Designed by Beau Clowney Architects, this open-floor-plan home has several entertaining areas, like the sitting area or the library inside and the large porch and deck outside. This house also features classic amenities like a pantry and mudroom.
- 4 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms
- 3,643 square feet
Southern Living
This 3,498-square-foot house features a large covered porch that wraps the front of the home. There is a private study with views of the front of the property and an open kitchen, dining, and family room for a perfect entertainment flow.
- 3 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms
- 3,498 square feet
Inspired by a historic Nashville home, this four-bedroom house has three stories filled with exciting amenities. The primary bedroom suite is on the main floor for convenience, and the covered porches and patio are ideal for entertaining.
- 4 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms
- 6,265 square feet
This 3,881-square-foot house has a timeless Southern exterior and a bright, open floor plan. The kitchen opens to a family room and breakfast room, making everyday activities easier for busy families. There is plenty of space in this floor plan, so you can use the designated guest room to match your preferences.
- 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms
- 3,881 square feet
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