13-1199 CART PLAN – Carriage House Home Plan – 1-Bed, 1-Bath, 224 SF

Carriage House Garage Apartment Home Plan – Compact, Efficient & Beautifully Designed

This thoughtfully crafted two-story Carriage House Garage Apartment is a perfect match for homeowners seeking a compact, versatile, and budget-friendly living solution. With its clean lines, horizontal siding exterior, and cottage-influenced simplicity, this design blends charm with practicality in a way that works for nearly any setting. Whether you’re looking to add an ADU, create a rentable guest suite, build a private retreat, or maximize a narrow lot, this 224 sq. ft. design delivers impressive comfort in a small footprint.

Its proportions, symmetry, and streamlined elevation make the exterior feel well-balanced and modern yet timeless. The staircase leading to the second floor, upper balcony, and efficient ground-level layout combine to create a structure that feels much larger than it is. Every square foot has been planned with purpose, offering you a flexible and customizable small home solution that can support modern living, remote work, or guest accommodations.

Exterior Architectural Appeal

The home features a clean horizontal siding exterior—one of the most adaptable and widely loved materials in residential architecture. The siding gives the structure a fresh, contemporary-cottage look without losing the simplicity and warmth expected of a Carriage House–style building. The steep hipped roof adds refined character, while the upper balcony brings a welcoming and airy feeling that enhances outdoor usability.

Exterior elements include:

• Horizontal siding for a clean, low-maintenance look
• Exterior stairway offering privacy and convenience for upstairs living
• Upper balcony for relaxation, morning coffee, or sunset views
• Symmetrical window layout ensuring natural light flows into the interior
• Compact footprint perfect for tight or narrow lots

This exterior style can complement a range of architectural environments—suburban, rural, or coastal—thanks to its unobtrusive yet attractive appearance. Homeowners often pair this plan with main residences ranging from traditional to modern, since the Carriage House aesthetic blends effortlessly with most styles.

A Smartly Designed Interior for Modern Living

Inside the upper-level living space, the layout is compact but highly efficient. With 224 heated square feet, this plan incorporates everything required for comfortable living without wasted space. The thoughtful design promotes an airy, open feel, aided by natural light and the balcony access.

Open-Concept Living Area

The living area serves multiple functions—lounging, dining, working, or hosting. The open floor plan helps maximize the available area while encouraging seamless movement between zones. Large windows bring sunlight into the space, minimizing the need for artificial lighting during the day and making the interior feel larger.

• Flexible living space that adapts to your needs
• Natural light–optimized with well-placed windows
• Direct balcony access enhances indoor/outdoor flow

Efficient Kitchenette Design

With its functional layout, the kitchenette supports light cooking, meal prep, and day-to-day essentials. This makes the plan ideal for guest stays, short-term rentals, or personal studio use. Space is allocated efficiently for a mini fridge, cabinetry, counter space, and possibly a two-burner cooktop.

Bedroom & Bathroom Layout

The single bedroom offers comfort and privacy, complete with a walk-in closet—an uncommon luxury in compact homes. The bathroom is designed for convenience, featuring a full shower and enough room for comfortable daily use.

• 1 private bedroom suitable for long-term or short-term stays
• Walk-in closet maximizing storage in a tight footprint
• Full bathroom with efficient layout

Ground-Level Garage & Storage Space

The ground floor features a versatile garage bay. While perfect for storing a golf cart, the space also works well for bicycles, tools, lawn equipment, small vehicles, or workshop use. This flexibility makes the design appealing for homeowners looking to increase property value and utility without major construction costs.

• 1 garage bay suitable for golf cart or general storage
• Unheated space ideal for hobby or utility use
• Direct access point for convenience and safety

Outdoor Living Benefits

The upper balcony is perhaps one of the standout features of this design. Even though the home is small, the outdoor space opens up countless lifestyle possibilities—morning coffee outdoors, quiet reading, or simply enjoying fresh air.

The exterior staircase also creates a sense of privacy for the upper-level living area, making this home plan ideal for:

• Guest accommodations
• Short-term rental units
• College-age or adult children
• Caregiver living quarters
• Private retreat or hobby studio

Style Identity: Carriage House with Cottage Influence

This plan’s architecture sits at the intersection of Carriage House traditionalism and Contemporary Cottage simplicity. Its exterior materials, roof shape, and compact volume align with the personality of historical carriage homes, while modern proportions and finishes give it subtle contemporary flair. The result is a timeless yet current structure that feels clean, uncluttered, and universally appealing.

To see more inspiration in this style category, you may enjoy browsing articles like those on ArchDaily, which frequently showcase efficient and stylish compact home design concepts.

Included Benefits with Every Purchase

• CAD + PDF files included for full customization and clarity
• Unlimited build license allowing you to reuse the plan indefinitely
• Free foundation changes—slab, crawlspace, or basement
• Structural engineering included for safe, code-compliant construction
• Modification services at up to 50% lower cost than competitors
• View-before-you-buy access so you can preview the entire plan set in advance

Why This Compact Carriage House ADU Works So Well

Across the country, homeowners increasingly turn to garage apartments and ADUs as affordable solutions for multi-generational living, income property, or personal lifestyle space. This plan’s small footprint and cost-efficiency make it widely accessible while preserving comfort and livability.

The design excels because it offers:

• A flexible footprint suitable for virtually any lot
• Separate upper-level living for increased privacy
• Durable horizontal siding that suits many architectural settings
• Outdoor living through a private balcony
• Low construction cost potential thanks to its simple form

Frequently Asked Questions

What comes with the plan?
You receive CAD + PDF files, structural engineering, unlimited build rights, and foundation adjustments—all included.

Can it be used for rental income?
Yes. The layout is ideal for short-term or long-term rentals due to its separate entrance and full living area.

Can I preview the drawings?
Yes. You can view every sheet before purchase through our “view before you buy” option.

Is it customizable?
Absolutely. With included CAD files, modification is fast and affordable.

Ready to Build?

If you’re ready to build or want customization assistance, reach out anytime. Your future project starts with a strong plan—and we’re here to help every step of the way.