With the growing demand for flexible living solutions, granny flats have emerged as the perfect solution, providing a harmonious blend of practicality, convenience, and independence. Whether you’re looking to accommodate an older family member, create a private oasis for guests, or even generate additional rental income, finding the best granny flat floor plans is crucial to bringing your vision to life.
From charming one-bedroom retreats to multi-room suites with modern amenities, my selection below showcases granny flat design ingenuity. I aim to guide you toward inspiration for creating the granny flat of your dreams by providing an exclusive peek into these exceptional small home designs.
What Is A Granny Flat
Originally, the granny flat designs were conceived as a comfortable small home addition to the main house for aging family members, parents, or grandparents; granny flats have evolved to offer versatile solutions for homeowners. They can be used as guest rooms, providing visitors privacy and convenience, or as rental income.
Granny Flat Designs
Let’s explore the possibilities and have fun to discover the perfect granny flat ideas and plans.
1 Bedroom Granny Flats
PLAN 1
Tiny House with Exposed Eaves
1 Bedroom | 500 sq ft |117
Plans By Truoba
This design is a perfect Granny Flat for a studio, additional guest house, small vacation home, or older relatives. The kitchen is big enough to cook meals for two, along with space for a small dining area and living room. The one bedroom itself is spacious, with plenty of room for storage. There’s a full bathroom, an additional storage wall, and a laundry space.
The overall design is simple, meaning it can be built economically, depending on the wall siding and other finishing materials.
PLAN 2
Rustic Cottage Plan with Front Porch
1 Bedroom | 750 ft sq | 420029WNT
Plans By Architectural Designs
The design of this Granny Flat would work well with a traditional-style house, such as a Mountain, Cabin, Craftsman, or Rustic, to name a few. The overall structure is quite simple; however, using Natural Stone in the design will increase costs, but it gives the building a feeling of robust quality.
The Bedroom and Bathroom are adequate, but the open-plan kitchen and living room make up for any loss of space anywhere else.
PLAN 3
Farmhouse Style Cabin with Front Porch
1 Bedroom | 732 ft sq | 51866HZ
Plans By Architectural Designs
The plans are for a timber construction design, and the style could easily suit Cottage, Vacation, Farmhouse, and Country.
There is a good size bedroom and bathroom with the bonus of a walk-in wardrobe, and the size of the living area makes the interior of this granny flat design ideal for vacation or guest use
PLAN 4
Craftsman Cottage House Plan
1 Bedroom | 733 ft sq | 623071DJ
Plans By Architectural Designs
This is a lovely little cottage, but I am biased toward this granny flat style. The design is for timber construction with a foundation option of a crawl space or basement. Robust columns support the front porch roof, a particular feature of Craftsman and Arts and Crafts houses.
The living room is large enough for a fireplace and kitchen with an island. In addition, there is a bedroom with a walk-in closet, bathroom, laundry room, and plant room.
PLAN 5
Modern House Plan with Carport and Green Roof
1 Bedroom | 850 ft sq | 44196TD
Plans By Architectural Designs
These plans are for an ultra-modern, granny flat with sleek aesthetics and floor-to-ceiling windows for lots of natural light.
This open floor design has a full bathroom, plant room, and laundry cupboard.
PLAN 6
Rustic Cabin with Double Sided Fireplace
1 Bedroom | 869 ft sq | 444401GDN
Plans By Architectural Designs
These granny flat plans are for a rustic woodland-style building large enough for a single person or couple to live in full-time. The design is a timber frame building covered with cedar shingle siding, a stone chimney, and a large porch.
The great room has a vaulted ceiling and a double-sided chimney in the porch area. There is a large kitchen with an island; just off this is a utility room with a linen cupboard, pantry, and shower room—finally, the large bedroom with a walk-in closet.
2 Bedroom Granny Flat Plans
PLAN 7
Modern House with Side Porch
2 Bedroom | 795 ft sq | 319
Plans By Truoba
The construction is timber with a metal-clad roof. It’s a small two-bedroom or large granny flat, ideal for a vacation home, full-time use for relatives, or rental.
This granny flat design has everything you need for a luxury one with two spacious bedrooms, a walk-in closet, a large bathroom, and a large kitchen and living room combo.
PLAN 8
Modern Rustic House with Porch
2 Bedroom | 972 ft sq | 1021
Plans By Truoba
This is a modern rustic-style house with front and rear porches.
This is a good layout for a granny flat. There is an easy flow between the spaces, lots of storage, high ceilings, and good size rooms.
PLAN 9
Country Craftsman House Plan with Carport
2 Bedroom | 1000 ft sq | 67817MG
Plans By Architectural Designs
This bright little house has attractive features, a craftsman front porch, and a side carport. It has a Craftsman style feel and comes under country, cottage, and traditional categories.
The floor plan is a welcoming layout with a central living room hub and the main suite to one side of the granny flat with the guest bedroom, utility areas, and en-suite on the opposite side.
PLAN 10
Charming Getaway Vacation Cabin
2 Bedroom | 670 ft sq | 62698DJ
Plans By Architectural Designs
This gorgeous little house has many features, such as a stone chimney, weatherboard and shingle siding, small dormer windows, and a wraparound porch.
This property is not a big two-bedroom granny flat, but if it is for vacation or occasional or guest room use, it is perfect.
Granny Flat Design
Several essential tips ensure a successful and well-designed living space when planning granny flat designs. Here are some key factors to keep in mind with your granny flat.
If you’re unsure which style suits you take a look at this post on 48 Types of House Styles. You’re bound for find something you’ll love.
Legal and Building Regulations
Familiarize yourself with local zoning regulations and permits regarding the construction of granny flats, which vary greatly from State to State. For example, you may achieve more sq ft of space if it is attached to the house rather than a separate ADU structure and any tax liability when receiving additional rental income.
Purpose and Functionality
Determine the primary purpose of your granny flat. Will it serve as a guest house, a home office, or a permanent residence for a family member? Define the intended functionality of the granny flat to guide the design process effectively. Consider the benefits of it being a separate building, and get away from the hustle and bustle of the house.
Space Optimization
Granny flats often have limited square footage, so maximizing space efficiency is crucial. Consider open floor plans, such as a small kitchen-living room combo, multifunctional furniture, and smart storage solutions to maximize the available space.
Integration with Existing Property
For the granny flat designs to blend seamlessly with the primary residence, yard, and surrounding landscape. Consider the architectural style, shape, materials, and colors to create a cohesive visual appeal that complements the property. Consider a 20×20 room addition, as this may be more cost effective.
Natural Lighting and Ventilation
Incorporate ample natural lighting and ventilation into the design. Utilize windows, skylights, and well-placed natural light openings to create a bright, airy living space.
Budget and Financial Considerations
Establish a realistic budget for the cost of your granny flat project. Research construction costs, materials, and labor expenses to understand the financial investment required.
Conclusion
Throughout this blog post, I have emphasized the importance of considering factors such as functionality, privacy, accessibility, and integration with the main house. By keeping these key aspects in mind, you can ensure a harmonious and comfortable living environment for yourself, your family, your loved ones, or your guests
However, you maybe consider something a little bigger with 2000 sq ft house plans or Unique House Plans, Wrap Around Porch House plans