Bungalow, Craftsman, Cottage · small lot, narrow lot

Lake James Cabin

Lake James Cabin is a cottage house plan with porch, offering 1,604 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, and 2 1/2 baths. A strong fit for open deck, screened porch, and deck.

House Plan
1,604Sq Ft
3Beds
2 1/2Baths
2Stories
Best fit
Open Deck Screen Porch Deck Stoop Lake Storage Open Living
PDF Plan Set $1,495 Emailed after order · Build-ready
CAD Files $1,950 Editable · For builder changes
Buy PDF Plans — $1,495
Secure Checkout Emailed After Order Family Run · 35 yrs
Builder's Insight · Max Fulbright Sr.

How I designed this plan.

I drew the Lake James Cabin as a 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath small bungalow cottage house plan with 1,604 square feet for folks who want real lake living without a massive footprint. This cabin packs a lot of life into a narrow, two-story layout that feels open and relaxed from the moment you walk in.

The main floor holds 928 square feet anchored by an open living area with a stone fireplace that draws you in on cool evenings. The first-floor master suite means no climbing stairs at the end of a long day on the water. Upstairs you get 676 square feet with two more bedrooms and plenty of room for family or guests.

The whole plan flows naturally – kitchen to living to outdoor space – with no awkward transitions or wasted square footage. Outside is where this cabin really shines. A screen porch keeps the bugs out while you enjoy the view, and an open deck gives you space to grill and spread out. There is even dedicated lake storage for kayaks, paddleboards, and all the gear that comes with waterfront life.

At just 36-foot-4-inch wide and 40 feet deep, this plan fits comfortably on small and narrow lots close to the water. Plans start at $1,495. For similar lakefront designs, check out the Waterview Cabin, The Runaway, Lake Glenville Cottage, and Water’s Edge.

MF Max Fulbright Sr. Lead Designer + Builder · 35 Years
Floor Plans · Complete Layout

Explore the layout.

small bungalow cottage floor plan

Floor Plans — all levels.

1,604 SQ. FT.

Full Plan Details

Everything your builder needs.

Complete specifications for bidding, permitting, and construction.

Living Area

  • Main Floor928 sq. ft
  • Upper Floor676 sq. ft
  • Total Heated1,604 Sq. Ft.
  • Width36'4"
  • Depth40'

House Features

  • Bedrooms3
  • Bathrooms2 1/2
  • Stories2
  • Garagenone
  • Outdooropen deck, screen porch, deck, stoop
  • Lot Suitabilitysmall lot, narrow lot
  • Additional Roomslake storage
  • Other Featuresopen living, stone fireplace, first floor master bedroom

Construction

  • Exterior2x4 or 2x6
  • Ceiling9', sloped upper bedrooms
  • Roof11'2
  • StyleBungalow, Craftsman, Cottage
Your Plan Set

What's included.

Complete and build-ready. Everything your builder needs to break ground.

Elevations

Front, side, and rear at ¼″ scale with exterior material call-outs and porch details.

Floor Plans

Dimensioned plans for all levels with room labels, wall dimensions, and fixture locations.

Foundation Plan

Footing and wall dimensions. Suitable for slab, crawlspace, or full basement foundations.

Roof Plan

Pitches, ridges, valleys, and porch roof details for accurate bidding and construction.

Build Budget · 2026 Data

What it costs to build this home.

Ballpark estimates based on 1,604 sq ft, live 2026 cost data, and your region. Move the pieces to see how your build changes.

Region: Southeast · Georgia · Multiplier: 1.00×

Quality finishes, custom cabinets, upgraded fixtures. The sweet spot for most builders.

Finished walkout basement
+living area · ~$85k
Screen the porch
+screening · ~$18k
Standing-seam metal roof
Upgrade from asphalt · ~$22k
Additional garage bay
Widen + slab · ~$32k

Your Estimated Build Cost

$281k $361k

$175 – $225 per sq ft · Mid-Range Build · Southeast region

  • Base home · 1,604 sq ft$281k – $361k

Estimates based on 2026 national averages and regional cost multipliers. Excludes land, site prep, permits, utility connections, and financing. Call (770) 301-4214 for a personalized build cost consultation.

Designer Support

A house plan should come with help.

When you buy the Lake James Cabin, you get direct access to the designer who drew it. Call before, during, or after the build and talk with someone who knows the plan.

Before Free pre-purchase consultation Talk to Max before you buy. Confirm the plan fits your lot, family, and budget.
During Modifications by the original designer Every change goes back to the same drafting desk. Not outsourced. Not delegated.
During Direct builder support Your builder has a question at 2pm on a Tuesday? They call us. We answer.
After We're still here in five years Want to add a porch or finish the basement later? Same family, same designer, same phone number.
MF
"We've been doing this for 35 years. Every plan we sell is one I'd build for my own family. When you call, you get me — not a call center."
Max Fulbright Sr. Lead Designer + Builder · West Georgia
Common Questions

Before you buy.

What is included in the Lake James Cabin house plan set?+

Each plan set includes dimensioned floor plans for all levels, front, side, and rear elevations at 1/4" scale with notes and dimensions, foundation plan (basement standard; slab and crawlspace available for an additional fee), and roof plan. Available as a PDF plan set ($1,495) or editable CAD files ($1,950). Electrical plans are not included because they are customer-specific and finalized on site with your builder and electrician after framing.

Can the Lake James Cabin plan be modified?+

Yes. Modifications are one of the most common services we provide. Our in-house design team handles all modifications directly. Common changes include adjusting bedroom count, resizing rooms, changing exterior materials, or adapting for a specific lot. Typical turnaround is 2 to 4 weeks. Contact Max Fulbright Designs at (770) 301-4214 or [email protected] for a free consultation and quote.

Does the Lake James Cabin plan require a structural engineer's stamp?+

Stock plans do not include a professional engineer's stamp. Many US jurisdictions require a licensed engineer in your state to review and stamp the plans before permit submission. Check with your local building department before purchasing. This is a standard industry practice and is not unique to Max Fulbright Designs.

Who designed the Lake James Cabin house plan?+

The Lake James Cabin house plan was drawn personally by Max Fulbright Sr., the founder of Max Fulbright Designs. Max is a Georgia Institute of Technology-trained engineer who has designed and personally built more than 500 custom homes since founding the firm in 1990. Every plan in the Max Fulbright Designs catalog is drawn by Max himself.

Can I build the Lake James Cabin house plan in any US state?+

Yes. Max Fulbright Designs has delivered more than 12,000 plans to homeowners and builders in all 50 US states and Canada. The Lake James Cabin plan is drawn to general residential construction standards that work in most US jurisdictions, though local building codes vary and should be reviewed with your builder before construction.