Are you dreaming of creating the perfect retreat for your guests? A well-designed guest house can provide comfort, privacy, and a touch of luxury for your visitors. Whether you’re looking to accommodate family members, rent out space, or simply enhance your property’s value, guest house plans offer endless possibilities.
From cozy studio-style cottages to spacious mini-homes, there’s a guest house design to suit every need and budget. You’ll discover how to maximize limited space, incorporate essential amenities, and create a welcoming atmosphere that’ll make your guests feel right at home. Let’s explore the world of guest house plans and turn your vision into reality.
What Are Guest House Plans?
Guest house plans are architectural designs for secondary living spaces on a property. These blueprints detail the layout of a separate dwelling, typically smaller than the main residence. They include specifications for bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and living areas.
Guest house plans serve multiple purposes. They provide accommodations for visitors, offering privacy and comfort. Some homeowners use them as rental units for additional income. Others transform these spaces into home offices or studios for personal pursuits.
The designs vary widely, from compact cottages to spacious mini-homes. They cater to different needs, budgets, and property sizes. Guest house plans help you visualize and create the perfect auxiliary living space for your specific requirements.
Top 17 Guest House Plans You Can Choose
#1. Truoba Mini 121
The Truoba Mini 121 is a 285 sq/ft modern ADU, blending style and function with its 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom layout. Its open floor plan includes a bedroom with a small kitchen and seating area, plus a deck for outdoor living. Perfect as a guest house or home office, this sustainable design offers customization, ensuring it fits your needs while maintaining a minimalist, eco-friendly vibe.
With large windows and an optional covered porch, the Mini 121 feels spacious and connected to nature. Truoba’s unlimited revisions let you tweak the layout or facade, making it a versatile, budget-friendly option. Ideal for compact living, this plan delivers modern aesthetics and practical design for a personalized, sustainable retreat.
#2. Truoba Mini 217
The Truoba Mini 217 house plan offers a stylish 858 sq/ft solution for compact, modern living. This 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom ADU features an open floor plan that maximizes space and fosters a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor areas through large windows. Perfect as a guest house or primary residence, its minimalist design emphasizes sustainability and functionality, with customizable options like adding a porch or tweaking the layout to suit your needs.
Designed for efficiency, the Truoba Mini 217 blends contemporary aesthetics with practical living. Its clean lines and flexible design allow for personalization, from adjusting room layouts to modifying the facade. Ideal for small lots or backyard builds, this plan supports eco-friendly construction and delivers a bright, airy feel, making it a smart choice for those seeking a modern, budget-conscious home.
#3. Truoba Mini 117
The Truoba Mini 117 house plan is a chic 500 sq/ft ADU, perfect for those embracing minimalist, modern living. This 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom design features an open floor plan with large windows that flood the space with light and enhance the indoor-outdoor connection. Ideal as a guest house or home office, its sustainable design and customizable options, like adding a deck or porch, make it a versatile and eco-friendly choice.
With its clean lines and flexible layout, the Truoba Mini 117 offers both style and practicality. You can personalize the facade or adjust the floor plan to fit your vision, thanks to Truoba’s unlimited revisions. Compact yet spacious-feeling, this plan is perfect for small lots or backyard builds, delivering a modern, budget-friendly retreat for sustainable living.
#4. Truoba Mini 118
The Truoba Mini 118 house plan is a 1,000 sq/ft modern ADU that combines style and efficiency. Featuring 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, this design boasts an open floor plan with high ceilings, blending a spacious kitchen and great room for seamless living. Large windows and porch access create a strong indoor-outdoor connection, while a separate storage room keeps things clutter-free. Perfect as a guest house or compact home, its sustainable, customizable layout makes it a standout choice.
This plan’s minimalist charm shines through its clean lines and flexible design, allowing you to tweak the layout, add rooms, or modify the facade to suit your vision. The second bedroom doubles as a home office or hobby space, and the master suite opens to a porch for morning coffee in serene surroundings. Built with sustainability in mind, the Truoba Mini 118 offers an affordable, eco-friendly solution for modern living, ideal for small lots or mountain retreats.
#5. Truoba Mini 120
The Truoba Mini 120 house plan is a stylish 532 sq/ft ADU designed for modern, minimalist living. This 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom layout features an open floor plan with large windows that invite natural light and enhance the indoor-outdoor flow. Perfect as a guest house or home office, its sustainable design and customizable options, such as adding a deck or porch, make it a practical and eco-friendly choice for compact spaces.
With its sleek design and flexible layout, the Truoba Mini 120 maximizes every square foot. The compact kitchen and living area feel spacious thanks to thoughtful design, and Truoba’s unlimited revisions let you personalize the plan to your needs. Ideal for small lots or backyard builds, this ADU offers a modern, budget-friendly retreat that blends functionality with sustainable living.
#6. Truoba Mini 319
The Truoba Mini 319 house plan is a sleek 795 sq/ft ADU, blending modern minimalism with practical living. This 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom design features an open floor plan with large windows that flood the space with light and connect seamlessly to the outdoors. Perfect as a guest house or small family home, its sustainable and customizable layout, with options like a deck or porch, makes it a versatile choice for compact, eco-conscious living.
Designed for efficiency, the Truoba Mini 319 maximizes space with a compact kitchen and airy living area. Truoba’s unlimited revisions allow you to tailor the facade or floor plan to your needs, ensuring a personalized touch. Ideal for small lots or backyard builds, this ADU delivers a bright, modern retreat that balances style, sustainability, and affordability for today’s homeowners.
#7. Truoba Mini 1021
The Truoba Mini 1021 is a compact 972 sq. ft. modern cabin-style home featuring 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. Its open-concept design includes vaulted ceilings, a cozy living area, and a master bedroom with access to a covered porch—perfect for a peaceful retreat or a small primary home.
Ideal for minimalist living, vacation getaways, or guest houses, this plan combines rustic charm with smart functionality. With natural wood siding, large windows, and an efficient layout, it offers comfort, style, and flexibility in a small footprint.
#8. Truoba Mini 922
The Truoba Mini 922 is a 784 sq. ft. modern cabin-style home with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. Its open-concept living space features vaulted ceilings and seamless access to both private and shared covered porches, offering cozy indoor-outdoor living.
Perfect for a small home, vacation spot, or guest house, this plan combines functionality with simplicity. Large windows bring in natural light, and the layout can be customized to fit your needs.
#9. Truoba Mini 222
The Truoba Mini 222 is a 1,200 sq. ft. modern Scandinavian-style home featuring 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Its open-concept layout includes a spacious kitchen and living area, complemented by a full front porch and an optional carport. The design emphasizes clean lines, functional spaces, and a strong connection to the outdoors.
Ideal for small families or couples, this plan offers a balance of simplicity and comfort. With customization options available, you can tailor the layout to fit your specific needs, making it a versatile choice for various lifestyles.
#10. Truoba Mini 219
The Truoba Mini 219 is a 910 sq. ft. modern house plan featuring 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. Its open-concept layout includes a combined kitchen and living area, designed for efficient use of space. Large windows provide ample natural light, enhancing the sense of openness.
Ideal for small families, couples, or as a vacation retreat, the Mini 219 offers a balance of simplicity and functionality. Customization options are available, allowing you to tailor the design to your specific needs, making it a versatile choice for various lifestyles.
#11. Truoba Mini 615
The Truoba Mini 615 is an 880 sq. ft. modern house plan featuring 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. Its open-concept layout includes a combined kitchen and living area, designed for efficient use of space. Large windows provide ample natural light, enhancing the sense of openness.
Ideal for small families, couples, or as a vacation retreat, the Mini 615 offers a balance of simplicity and functionality. Customization options are available, allowing you to tailor the design to your specific needs, making it a versatile choice for various lifestyles.
#12. Truoba 321
The Truoba 321 is a 1,410 sq. ft. modern home featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Its open-concept design includes a spacious kitchen and living area, complemented by large windows that flood the space with natural light. The layout emphasizes functionality and a seamless flow between rooms.
Ideal for families or those seeking a comfortable living space, the Truoba 321 offers a balance of modern aesthetics and practicality. Customization options are available, allowing you to tailor the design to your specific needs, making it a versatile choice for various lifestyles.
#13. Truoba Mini 721
The Truoba Mini 721 is a 1,162 sq. ft. modern house plan featuring 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Designed as an Accessory Dwelling Unit or guest house, it offers a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The open-concept layout combines the kitchen and great room, leading to a covered porch that can be screened in for added comfort. The master bedroom is situated away from the main living area for enhanced privacy.
Ideal for small families, couples, or as a vacation retreat, the Mini 721 emphasizes functionality and simplicity. Large windows provide ample natural light, and the design includes a utility room accommodating a stackable washer and dryer, storage closet, and water heater. Customization options are available, allowing you to tailor the layout to your specific needs, making it a versatile choice for various lifestyles.
#14. Truoba Mini 221
The Truoba Mini 221 is a compact 650 sq. ft. modern house plan featuring 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. Designed for efficiency, it includes an open-concept layout that maximizes space and functionality. Large windows provide ample natural light, enhancing the sense of openness.
Ideal as a guest house, vacation retreat, or compact primary residence, the Mini 221 offers a balance of simplicity and comfort. Customization options are available, allowing you to tailor the design to your specific needs, making it a versatile choice for various lifestyles.
#15. Truoba Mini 522
The Truoba Mini 522 is a 1,250 sq. ft. modern cabin-style home featuring 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Its open-concept design includes a spacious kitchen and living area, complemented by large windows that flood the space with natural light. The layout emphasizes functionality and a seamless flow between rooms.
Ideal for small families or couples, the Mini 522 offers a balance of modern aesthetics and practicality. Customization options are available, allowing you to tailor the design to your specific needs, making it a versatile choice for various lifestyles.
#16. Truoba Mini 220
The Truoba Mini 220 is a 570 sq. ft. modern house plan featuring 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom. Designed for compact living, it includes an open-concept kitchen and living area, maximizing the use of space. Large windows provide ample natural light, enhancing the sense of openness.
Ideal as a guest house, vacation retreat, or compact primary residence, the Mini 220 offers a balance of simplicity and comfort. Customization options are available, allowing you to tailor the design to your specific needs, making it a versatile choice for various lifestyles.
#17. Truoba Mini 419
The Truoba Mini 419 is a 1,170 sq. ft. modern cabin-style home featuring 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Designed to connect the indoors with the outdoors, it includes a spacious open-concept living area, a sundeck, and a covered side porch, enhancing the living experience. The layout emphasizes functionality and a seamless flow between rooms.
Ideal for small families, couples, or as a vacation retreat, the Mini 419 offers a balance of modern aesthetics and practicality. Customization options are available, allowing you to tailor the design to your specific needs, making it a versatile choice for various lifestyles.
Benefits of Adding a Guest House to Your Property
A guest house adds valuable living space to your property. It creates a private retreat for family or friends, doubling as a home office or workspace. Your property value increases significantly with this addition, making it more attractive to potential buyers.
Renting out your guest house generates passive income. This extra revenue helps offset construction costs and provides ongoing financial benefits. Guest houses are perfect for multi-generational living arrangements, allowing elderly relatives or adult children to live nearby while maintaining privacy.
Types of Guest House Designs
Guest house designs come in various forms to suit different needs and property layouts. Here are three common types of guest house designs:
Detached Guest Houses
Detached guest houses are standalone structures separate from the main residence. They offer maximum privacy for guests and homeowners alike. These designs can match the main house’s style or feature a unique look. Detached guest houses provide flexibility in size and amenities, making them suitable for long-term stays or rental purposes.
Attached Guest Houses
Attached guest houses are built as extensions of the main home. They share at least one wall with the primary residence, making them cost-effective and space-efficient. These designs often include separate entrances for privacy while maintaining easy access to the main house. Attached guest houses are ideal for properties with limited space or strict zoning regulations.
Garage Conversions
Garage conversions transform existing garage spaces into functional guest accommodations. This option is cost-effective and doesn’t require new construction. Converted garages can include amenities like kitchenettes and bathrooms. They’re perfect for occasional guests or as temporary living spaces for family members. Garage conversions often require less permitting than new structures.
Key Features to Include in Your Guest House Plans
Creating a comfortable guest house requires careful planning of essential features. Here are key elements to consider in your guest house design:
Kitchenette or Full Kitchen
A kitchenette offers basic amenities like a microwave, mini-fridge, and sink for short-term guests. For longer stays, a full kitchen with a stove, oven, and refrigerator provides more independence. Choose based on your guests’ needs and available space.
Bathroom Essentials
A private bathroom is crucial for guest comfort. Include a shower, toilet, and sink. Add luxury touches like high-quality towels, robes, and premium bath products to elevate the guest experience. Consider a bathtub for extra relaxation options.
Living and Sleeping Areas
Design a multipurpose space that serves as both living and sleeping areas. Include a comfortable bed or pull-out sofa, a small dining table, and seating options. Add storage solutions like closets or dressers for guests to unpack and feel at home.
Popular Architectural Styles for Guest Houses
Guest house plans come in various architectural styles to suit different preferences and property aesthetics. Here are three popular styles that offer distinct features and atmospheres:
Modern Minimalist
Modern minimalist guest houses feature clean lines, open spaces, and simplicity. They often incorporate large windows, flat or low-pitched roofs, and a focus on functionality. These designs prioritize efficient layouts and minimalist material palettes, creating a sleek and contemporary living space. The result is a guest house that feels spacious and uncluttered, perfect for those who appreciate a streamlined aesthetic.
Rustic Cottage
Rustic cottage guest houses evoke a cozy and intimate feel, inspired by rural or countryside aesthetics. These designs typically use natural materials like wood, stone, or brick, and may include exposed beams or reclaimed materials. The warm and inviting atmosphere of rustic cottages blends seamlessly with natural settings, making them ideal for properties surrounded by lush landscapes or wooded areas.
Mediterranean Casita
Mediterranean casitas draw inspiration from Spanish architecture, offering a small yet charming dwelling on the same property as the main residence. These guest houses often feature terracotta roof tiles, stucco walls, and arched doorways or windows. The design emphasizes indoor-outdoor living with courtyards or patios, creating a relaxing and sun-drenched retreat for guests.
Zoning and Permit Considerations
Zoning regulations play a crucial role in guest house plans. Local ordinances dictate property uses, height limits, and design requirements. Research setback rules to determine the minimum distance between your guest house and property lines.
Permit requirements vary based on location and project scope. Building permits are often necessary for guest houses, depending on size and attachment to the main residence. Check with local authorities to understand specific legal requirements for your project.
Navigating zoning and permit processes can be complex. Consult professionals or city officials for guidance on compliance. Understanding these regulations early in the planning stage helps avoid costly mistakes and delays in your guest house project.
Budgeting for Your Guest House Project
Purpose and Functionality
Define your guest house’s primary function. Is it for hosting family, generating rental income, or creating a workspace? This decision shapes the features you’ll need. A rental property may well require more amenities than a simple family retreat.
Budget Considerations
Set a realistic budget for your project. Include construction costs, permits, furnishings, and ongoing maintenance. Research cost-effective design options and materials to maximize value without sacrificing quality. Remember to factor in finishing expenses like interior design, furnishings, and landscaping.
Choosing the Right Location on Your Property
Proximity to the Main Home
Position your guest house at a comfortable distance from your main residence. This balance allows easy access while maintaining privacy for both you and your guests. Consider placing it 30-50 feet away from your home for optimal separation.
Parking and Accessibility
Create dedicated parking spaces near the guest house. A gravel driveway leading to the structure provides convenient access. Install pathway lighting to guide visitors safely to the entrance, especially at night.
Natural Light and Ventilation
Orient the guest house to maximize sunlight exposure. South-facing windows capture ample natural light throughout the day. Include large windows or skylights to enhance airflow and reduce reliance on artificial lighting.
Privacy and Landscaping
Plant evergreen trees or shrubs around the guest house perimeter. This natural barrier offers year-round privacy and enhances the overall aesthetics of your property. Consider incorporating a small garden or patio area for guests to enjoy outdoor space.
Zoning and Legal Requirements
Check local zoning laws before finalizing your guest house location. Some areas restrict the placement of secondary structures. Obtain necessary permits and adhere to setback requirements to avoid potential legal issues or fines.
