13-1849 HOUSE PLAN – New American House Plan – 4-Bed, 3-Bath, 2,750 SF

New American Modern Traditional Home Plan with Stone, Lap Siding, and Board-and-Batten Detail

If you’re looking for a curb-appeal-forward design that feels classic at first glance yet tailored for the way families live today, this New American | Modern Traditional home plan delivers. The exterior composition balances timeless materials—stone veneer, horizontal lap siding, and board-and-batten accents—with clean trim lines, warm shutters, and layered gables that create depth without looking busy. It’s a comfortable, neighborhood-friendly look that lands perfectly in the Transitional space: traditional proportions with updated simplicity and livability.

Designed as an approximately 2,750 SF two-story residence with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, this plan supports everyday routines, entertaining, and long-term flexibility. It reads polished and established from the street, while the interior is shaped around openness, natural light, and the practical “drop zones” that make a house feel effortless to live in.

Exterior Architecture & Curb Appeal

The facade is a cohesive blend of textures and lines. A prominent stone section anchors the left side visually, giving the home a grounded, substantial look. Horizontal lap siding carries the main body, while board-and-batten in select gables adds vertical emphasis, breaking up massing and drawing the eye upward. The roofline is intentionally varied—multiple gables and a strong main ridge create the kind of architectural rhythm commonly seen in today’s New American designs.

• Primary materials: Stone veneer base/feature walls, horizontal lap siding, and board-and-batten accents for contrast.
• Trim & detailing: Crisp, light-colored trim lines that frame windows and roof edges for a tailored, modern-traditional finish.
• Shutters: Warm-toned shutters add character and help soften the palette with a welcoming, “lived-in” feel.
• Roofing: Architectural shingles (ideal for durability, texture, and a refined silhouette).
• Entry presence: A covered front entry adds depth, shade, and a natural focal point for guests.

From a marketing standpoint, this is the kind of elevation that photographs exceptionally well: strong contrast, clear focal points, and materials that read as “premium” even from a distance. It’s a versatile look that fits suburban neighborhoods, semi-rural lots, and transitional communities where traditional homes are being refreshed with more contemporary lines.

Interior Flow That Matches Modern Life

Modern Traditional layouts succeed when they feel open without feeling exposed. The goal is easy movement through the main living spaces, with smart transitions that provide privacy where it matters. In this plan, the main floor is designed to support the natural rhythm of a day—arriving home, setting things down, gathering in the kitchen, and relaxing in a comfortable central living area—without forcing anyone to walk through “dead space.”

Expect a welcoming front approach into a foyer that provides a sense of arrival (instead of stepping straight into a living room). From there, the home opens into a central core where the kitchen, dining, and great room feel connected, encouraging conversation, shared meals, and casual entertaining. Natural light is emphasized through balanced window placement—an important feature for a home with darker roof tones and mixed materials, because it keeps interiors feeling bright and upbeat.

Kitchen-Centered Living & Entertaining

New American families tend to live in the kitchen, and this plan is designed with that reality in mind. The kitchen is positioned as a hub—ideal for everything from weekday breakfasts to holiday hosting. A generous island (or expanded peninsula, depending on how you customize) becomes the command center for prep, homework, snacks, and casual seating. Storage is prioritized as well, because a clean, calm kitchen is one of the biggest contributors to how “high-end” a home feels day to day.

• Entertaining-friendly layout: Direct sightlines to dining and living areas for connection.
• Island-focused design: A natural gathering spot for family and guests.
• Pantry potential: Space planning that supports anything from a large walk-in pantry to a butler-style storage zone.
• Window balance: Light and views where you want them—especially around shared spaces.

Because the exterior style is Modern Traditional, the interior finishes can lean either direction: classic shaker cabinetry and warm wood floors for a more traditional feel, or simpler slab-front cabinets and streamlined lighting for a cleaner transitional look. The plan supports both without fighting the architecture.

Bedrooms & Private Spaces

With 4 bedrooms, this home plan offers flexibility for families, remote work, and guests. A common Modern Traditional strategy is to balance a spacious primary suite with secondary bedrooms that are efficient but comfortable—large enough to grow into, easy to furnish, and placed to protect privacy. If you’re building for long-term living, you’ll appreciate that this style of plan can be customized for changing needs: a nursery becomes an office, a guest room becomes a hobby space, and a bonus area becomes a teen hangout.

The primary suite is typically designed as a true retreat, separated from the busiest zones of the home. In a two-story layout like this, that often means a quiet upstairs suite with room for a sitting area, a spa-inspired bath configuration, and a walk-in closet that can be expanded or reconfigured during customization.

• Primary suite comfort: Designed for privacy and a peaceful daily routine.
• Secondary bedroom versatility: Ideal for kids, guests, or home office needs.
• Bathroom distribution: 3 baths supports busy mornings and guest comfort.

Garage & Everyday Functionality

In Modern Traditional homes, function is part of the luxury. That means designing for the way people actually enter and exit the home, carry groceries, drop backpacks, and manage shoes and coats. This plan’s attached garage placement supports curb appeal while keeping the daily path short and practical. A well-planned “arrival zone” (often a mudroom or transitional hallway) can include built-in storage, bench seating, and a drop counter—small details that dramatically improve daily life.

If you want to elevate functionality even further, many homeowners choose to add or enhance:

• Mudroom built-ins: Cubbies, hooks, and a bench for clean organization.
• Dedicated storage: Seasonal items, sports gear, and bulk pantry overflow.
• Laundry placement strategy: Convenient to bedrooms or to the arrival zone—depending on your preference.

Materials & Finish Notes for a Cohesive Exterior

The exterior material package is one of this plan’s biggest strengths. Done well, the combination of stone veneer, lap siding, and board-and-batten can make a home feel custom—even when you’re building within a controlled budget. The key is consistency in trim color, restraint in accent placement, and a thoughtful balance between horizontal and vertical lines.

Here’s how the material mix works together:

• Stone veneer: Provides weight and permanence, especially at the base or as a main feature wall.
• Horizontal lap siding: Offers classic American character and visually elongates the structure.
• Board-and-batten accents: Adds vertical lift and a modern-farmhouse-adjacent detail without turning the home into a farmhouse.
• Warm shutters: Introduce natural warmth and a crafted, welcoming tone.

This combination also plays nicely with landscaping. Evergreen foundation plantings, simple grasses, and clean-edged beds complement the tailored trim and give the elevation a polished “builder’s model home” look—without requiring high-maintenance design.

Energy-Efficient Potential

While the architectural style sets the tone, performance features are what make a home feel truly modern. This plan can be specified for energy-efficient construction by selecting upgraded insulation packages, high-performance windows, and smart mechanical systems. The result is improved comfort (fewer hot/cold spots), lower operating costs, and a quieter interior experience.

• Air sealing & insulation: Improve comfort and long-term efficiency.
• Window upgrades: Reduce heat gain/loss while keeping rooms bright.
• HVAC zoning potential: Helpful in two-story homes for balanced temperatures.
• LED + smart controls: Modern convenience with better efficiency.

Customization Ideas (Common Modern Traditional Upgrades)

One of the best aspects of building from CAD-ready plans is the ability to tailor the design to your lifestyle, your lot, and your regional preferences. If you love the exterior style but want the interior to work a bit differently, this plan can typically be adjusted without sacrificing the architectural character.

Popular customization requests for this style include:

• Expanded covered outdoor living: Extend the rear porch or add a screened option.
• Kitchen upgrades: Add a prep pantry, increase island size, or include built-in beverage storage.
• Primary suite enhancements: Rework the bath layout for a larger shower, freestanding tub, or dual closets.
• Flex room conversion: Add doors for a dedicated office or guest suite function.
• Garage configuration: Adjust bay count, storage nook, or workshop space based on your needs.

Who This Plan Is Perfect For

This New American Modern Traditional design is a great fit for buyers who want a home that feels established and timeless, but not old-fashioned. It’s also ideal if you want a style that can shift with your finish selections: warm and classic, clean and modern, or comfortably in between.

• Families who want a practical layout with room to grow.
• Homeowners who value curb appeal and a premium material mix.
• Anyone who wants transitional styling that won’t feel dated in a few years.
• Builders and investors targeting broad market appeal.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• Style: New American | Modern Traditional with Transitional influence
• Size: Approximately 2,750 heated SF
• Bedrooms/Baths: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
• Exterior: Stone veneer + horizontal lap siding + board-and-batten accents
• Roof: Architectural shingles
• Curb appeal: Layered gables, warm shutters, balanced window design

Design Inspiration (External Reference)

For additional exterior material ideas—especially how stone veneer pairs with board-and-batten and lap siding—browse this inspiration gallery on Houzz: Traditional Exterior Design Ideas.

What’s Typically Included with CAD-Ready Plans

When you’re ready to build, having the right documentation makes everything smoother—from builder pricing to customization and permitting. Plans that include CAD + PDF give you flexibility: the printable set for straightforward communication, and the editable file format for modifications and engineering coordination. Many buyers also value an unlimited build license, which supports repeat builds and long-term flexibility.

• CAD files: For edits, customization, and builder coordination.
• PDF set: For printing, sharing, and jobsite reference.
• Unlimited build license: Build again without repurchasing the plan.

Final Thoughts

This plan brings together the best of what buyers want right now: a confident Modern Traditional exterior with a premium material mix, paired with an interior concept that supports real life—busy mornings, relaxed evenings, and memorable weekends with friends and family. The combination of stone veneer, horizontal lap siding, and board-and-batten accents creates a polished New American look that feels both familiar and fresh, making it a strong choice for today and a smart investment for tomorrow.