Small Farmhouse and Cottage House Plans: Big Character, Small Footprint

Commanding cedar posts, a metal roof, and an inviting front porch with two chairs waiting. Some of the most memorable homes don’t need much square footage to make an impression.

Small farmhouse style plans and small cottage house plans pack a lot of character into a modest footprint, with layouts that make everyday life easier, not more cramped. Maybe you want the clean lines of a modern farmhouse. Maybe you want the storybook feel of a cottage tucked under the trees. Either way, our small house plans range from two-bedroom retreats to family-friendly homes with open living areas and smart storage.

What Defines a Small Farmhouse or Cottage House Plan?

There’s no official cutoff, but farmhouse and cottage plans under 2,000 square feet are generally considered small. Designs under 1,500 square feet are especially compact. Both styles are known for charm, but they get there in different ways.

Farmhouse plans keep things simple: clean shapes, practical layouts and understated exterior details. Small farmhouse-style plans often feature covered porches, gabled roofs and board-and-batten siding. Modern versions pair those classic elements with open interiors and contemporary finishes.

Modern Farmhouse Plan 4534-00140

Cottage plans lean whimsical and intimate. Think steep rooflines, decorative trim, dormer windows and asymmetrical facades, inspired by anything from an English country cottage to a lakeside getaway.

French Country Plan 7983-00221

Want to go deeper? Read our guide to small house plans and the ultimate guide to cottage homes.

Porches Add Personality and Living Space

A covered front porch is often the first thing people fall for in a small farmhouse plan. It adds curb appeal, and it gives you a place to drink your morning coffee, wave to neighbors or watch a summer storm roll in.

Small cottage plans with front porches deliver the same welcome, whether it’s a simple covered stoop or a porch that stretches across the facade. Out back, a patio or screened porch extends your living space outdoors without adding interior square footage.

Open Floor Plans Make Smaller Homes Feel Bigger

A small footprint doesn’t have to mean small, closed-off rooms. Many small farmhouse and cottage floor plans combine the kitchen, dining and living areas into one central gathering space.

Open-concept layouts make every square foot count by cutting unnecessary hallways and interior walls. Add large windows, taller ceilings and well-placed storage, and the whole home feels brighter and airier. Other compact styles, like small barndominium floor plans, use the same strategies.

Open layouts are a natural fit if you love to entertain or want to keep an eye on the kids while you cook. If you value privacy or a quiet place to work, a plan with more defined rooms may suit you better.

How Many Bedrooms Fit in a Small Farmhouse or Cottage?

It depends on square footage and layout, but most small farmhouse and cottage plans have two or three bedrooms.

Two-bedroom plans work well for couples, empty nesters and anyone who wants a guest room or home office without the upkeep of a bigger house.

Three-bedroom plans give growing families, frequent hosts and remote workers more flexibility. That third room can be a nursery today and an office or hobby room later.

Bedroom count is only part of the story. As you compare plans, look at closet space, bathroom placement, laundry location and the size of the shared living areas.

Are Small Farmhouse and Cottage Plans More Affordable to Build?

Often, but not automatically. Smaller homes typically use fewer materials and can cost less to heat, cool and maintain. Simple farmhouse plans with uncomplicated footprints and rooflines may also cost less to build than designs with lots of architectural detail.

But size isn’t the whole equation. Your site, local labor rates, materials and finishes all shape the final number. A cottage with an elaborate roofline, custom windows and premium finishes can cost more than its square footage suggests.

Modern Farmhouse Plan 009-00417

How to Choose the Right Small House Plan

The right small home fits your lifestyle, your property and your taste.

• Love a traditional country look? Browse country house plans with covered porches and classic exterior finishes.
• Prefer something contemporary? Explore small modern houses with clean lines, natural light and streamlined interiors.
• Building on a narrow lot? Check the overall dimensions, setbacks and placement of outdoor spaces before you fall in love with a facade. View Narrow Lot plans. 

Found a plan that’s almost perfect? Every plan in our collection can be modified. Learn about modifications here and request a free, no-obligation modification quote once you’ve found a plan you love.

Ready to find yours? Explore America’s Best House Plans’ collection of small house plans and narrow your search by style, square footage, bedroom count and more.