When it comes to house plans and architecture, nothing captures the charm, grace, and tradition as well as southern architecture.
Over the last 20+ years, we at SDC House Plans have had several of our designs featured in the prestigious Southern Living and Coastal Living magazines. We take great pride in our work and it means a lot to see one of our designs in some of the editions.
These plans were chosen, not only because they embody the elegance of Southern living but also offer functionality and comfort for modern lifestyles.
Below, we explore the top 14 Southern Living house plans that have captivated homeowners across the country.
1. Aberdeen Cottage
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Square Footage: 2,450 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3.5
The Aberdeen Cottage is a classic bungalow celebrated on the Cottage Living website. Ideal for a growing family, this design offers spacious living areas and a dedicated home office. The second floor features a gathering area that provides an ideal hangout for kids, while an optional basement adds flexibility to this charming home. With ample storage cleverly integrated under the roof, every inch of space is maximized.
2. Amberview Way
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Square Footage: 2,850 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3
The Amberview Way plan is a homeowner favorite, featuring an open floor plan and split bedroom design. This layout offers a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living, with a rear porch that extends the living space into the backyard. Perfect for families who love to entertain, this design balances privacy and communal spaces beautifully.
3. Bayharbor Cottage
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Square Footage: 2,300 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.5
The Bayharbor Cottage is the epitome of coastal charm and was featured by Southern Living. Its expansive wrap-around porch invites you to enjoy the sea breeze, making it an ideal retreat for coastal living. Inside, the open floor plan ensures a relaxed, airy feel, while the well-appointed bedrooms offer comfort and privacy.
4. Bayside Wharf
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Square Footage: 1,950 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3
This unique reverse floor plan, highlighted in the September 2006 issue of Coastal Living magazine, is designed to maximize views. The Bayside Wharf is an excellent choice for a vacation home, offering four bedrooms in a modest square footage. It provides the perfect balance of space and efficiency, ensuring every family getaway is memorable.
5. Bayview Classic
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Square Footage: 3,600 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 4.5
As featured in the March 2007 issue of Coastal Living, the Bayview Classic offers ample space for large families. This home combines formal elegance with casual comfort, featuring a grand gathering room, a spacious kitchen, and an informal dining area. The second floor has room for expansion over the garage, making it perfect for those who may need extra space in the future.
6. Briar Rose
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Square Footage: 4,200 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 4.5
The Briar Rose house plan is a grand example of classical architecture. With its two-story columns and stately facade, this home makes a bold statement. Inside, there is plenty of room for a media room, and the space above the garage can be customized as an exercise room or playroom. This design is perfect for those who love to entertain and appreciate a formal living environment.
7. Chestnut Lane
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Square Footage: 1,500 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2
Chestnut Lane is a charming two-bedroom cottage that expands living spaces through generous porches. The design is ideal for those who want a cozy, manageable home with plenty of outdoor living options. Perfect for a small family or empty nesters, this classic cottage embodies Southern simplicity and elegance.
8. Fairfield Place
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Square Footage: 3,400 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3.5
Fairfield Place is a grand two-story home designed for contemporary neighborhoods with alley-access garages. It features a luxurious first-floor master suite, a keeping room off the kitchen, and a large second-floor gathering room. These unique features make it ideal for families who value both style and functionality.
9. Forestdale
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Square Footage: 2,800 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3
The Forestdale plan is one of three in its series, showcasing Southern charm through extensive use of front and rear porches. This design is highly flexible, allowing for easy customization to fit the needs of any homeowner. Whether you’re looking for a family home or a spacious retreat, the Forestdale plan adapts to your lifestyle with ease.
10. Northridge
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Square Footage: 4,000 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 4.5
Northridge is a stunning example of grand Southern architecture, developed specifically for Southern Living Magazine. This top-selling plan features a spacious layout with a formal dining room, large kitchen, and expansive living areas. It’s perfect for homeowners who want a stately, elegant home that exudes Southern charm.
11. Redbay Cottage
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Square Footage: 1,750 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
The Redbay Cottage served as the inspiration for SDC’s popular Crows Nest Cottage and Bay Island plans. Its modest size and reverse living plan make it ideal for a small coastal property with stunning views. This design offers a cozy yet functional layout, perfect for weekend getaways or a permanent seaside residence.
12. Silverhill
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Square Footage: 2,100 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.5
Silverhill is a quaint bungalow that offers a first-floor master suite, two additional bedrooms upstairs, and large front and rear porches. This design is perfect for families who love outdoor living and want a home that blends traditional charm with modern amenities. The layout is both practical and inviting, making it a popular choice among homeowners.
13. Stonebridge Cottage
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Square Footage: 2,600 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3
Inspired by a home built in the 1920s in historic Wilmington, North Carolina, the Stonebridge Cottage combines modern updates with traditional charm. This plan is designed for a corner lot, making it a versatile choice for various settings. With its timeless appeal and thoughtful design, Stonebridge Cottage is a perfect blend of old and new.
14. Windsong Cottage
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Square Footage: 1,800 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
The Windsong Cottage was featured in the May/June 2001 issue of Coastal Living magazine and holds a special place in the SDC collection. Its modest farmhouse style, complete with a wrap-around porch, offers the flexibility to convert the downstairs bedroom into a den, home office, or formal dining room. This plan has been popular across America, appreciated for its charm and adaptability.
Conclusion
These 14 house plans by SDC House Plans showcase some of the finest examples of Southern living, but they’re just the beginning. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy cottage or a grand estate, our extensive catalog offers hundreds of designs to help you find your perfect match. Each plan blends Southern elegance with modern comfort, ensuring a home that suits your style and needs. If you have any questions or inquiries about a design, don’t hesitate to contact us. Explore the full collection at SDC House Plans to discover even more possibilities.