Whether you’re building in Florida or Canada’s cottage country, a vacation home should include lots of outdoor living and a comfortable, fuss-free layout.
In-Law Suite with Living Space
Photography by Ashley Avila
Designed with an open floor plan and layered outdoor spaces, this Visbeen Architects plan fits nicely on a slim lakefront lot. Elements from both the Shingle and Craftsman architectural idioms create a warm cottage feel on the exterior. Inside, the open main level encourages movement while gently defining spaces with columns. The kitchen features a long island capped by a pub-height table with chairs for a fun, relaxed vibe. Above the garage (and separate from the main house) a bonus space includes a bedroom, bunk room, full bathroom, and living space. Meanwhile, the master suite offers the best views from its private deck. See more images, information, and the floor plan.
Building by the water? Besides capturing views, this lovely coastal home is designed with the goal of minimizing damage in the event of a flood by putting the living spaces upstairs. A workshop and storage occupy the ground floor. On the second floor, the open layout puts the eat-in kitchen next to the living room so that it’s easy to interact with family and friends while cooking. When the weather is nice, step out to the deck. Two bedrooms have use of the hall bathroom, complete with a soaking tub and large, separate shower. Laundry facilities sit nearby for convenience. See more images, information, and the floor plan.
Ideal for a coastal location, this Low Country design includes two levels of extensive outdoor living space on front and back. Garage and storage space on the ground level open to patios, while upstairs, most rooms offer porch access. The master suite includes two walk-in closets. On the top floor, two bedrooms and two bathrooms (plus a gathering loft) give guests plenty of room. An elevator connects all three levels for easy aging in place. See more images, information, and the floor plan.
Showstopping Outdoor Entertaining
Giovanni Photography
This five-bedroom design shows off a strong relationship with the outdoors, beginning with stacked porches on the front and continuing throughout the open layout. At the heart of the home, the kitchen invites everyone to hang out around two spacious islands and the family room’s walls can disappear to make this space one with the lanai. An outdoor kitchen invites relaxed alfresco entertaining. On the left side of the home, the master suite spreads out with a luxurious bathroom (check out that walk-through shower!), two walk-in closets, and even a morning bar. Three more bedroom suites upstairs enjoy access to the loft, two balconies, and a wet bar. Another suite over the garage offers privacy to visitors. See more images, information, and the floor plan.
