Cottage Collection · One-Story Plans

One-story cottage house plans for easy cottage living.

Cottage plans that keep the daily routine on one level: living, kitchen, bedrooms, laundry, porch access, and storage without stairs doing the work.

7 Plans Available
1 Level Living Focus
$1,495 From (PDF Set)
Browse 7 plans Why choose one story?
Designer's Pick
Fireside Cottage

Plan No. MF-7881 · Traditional, Open Floor Plan

Fireside Cottage

The Fireside Cottage is a 3-bedroom, 2-bath single-story home that puts 1,770 square feet all on one level with a 2-car garage. I designed this plan for people who want cottage charm and open living without climbing a…

1,770 sq. ft. Sq Ft
3 Beds
2 Baths
2 car 550 sq. ft Garage
Explore plan → From $1,495
7 Cottage Plans · One Story

Cottage plans with main-level ease.

These picks include exact one-story cottage plans and one-story-compatible cottage/craftsman plans where the main-level living promise is defensible.

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Short Answer

A one-story cottage house plan keeps the main living spaces and bedrooms on a single level. Some plans may still include optional lower or bonus space, but daily life does not require stairs.

Build Budget - Planning Notes

Where one-story cottages change cost.

The tradeoff is simple: easier living, usually with more roof and foundation area.

  • Foundation width More footprint for the same square footage Higher
  • Roof area A wider shell usually means more roof Higher
  • No daily stairs Accessibility and ease improve Lifestyle win
  • Simpler routine Bedrooms, laundry, kitchen, and porch stay close Smart trade
  • Best value move Keep the footprint compact and spend on porch, storage, and light Easy cottage
One-story cottage plans look small from the road and live large inside. The whole house works on one level, the porch becomes the second room, and you never have to climb a stair to do anything daily. Most retirees figure out they want this layout three years too late.
Max Fulbright Sr. Lead Designer + Builder · 35 Years

Numbers reflect 2026 national averages for a 1,400–1,800 sq ft one-story cottage with mid-range finishes. Wider main-floor foundation and roof drive most of the delta versus a two-story plan of the same square footage.

One-Story Cottage Decision Guide

Is one-story cottage living the right trade?

Use one story when access matters more than stacking efficiency.

01

Do you want daily life without stairs?

If yes, one-story or main-level living should lead the search.

Yes -> continue
02

Is the lot wide enough?

Setbacks and garage placement can decide the answer.

Check width
03

Can the roof stay calm?

Simple rooflines keep one-story cottages from getting expensive.

Simplify
04

Are bedrooms private enough?

Same-level bedrooms need good separation.

Zone rooms
05

Would a loft solve guest overflow?

If stairs are acceptable for guests, a loft may preserve the smaller footprint.

Compare lofts
Layout Types - Visual Compare

One story, loft, two story, or walkout cottage?

The right layout depends on access, lot width, and how much guest space you need.

Small Cottage

Compact charm

Best when efficient rooms, porch life, and cozy scale matter more than extra bedrooms.

ScaleCompact
Porch valueHigh
Cost$$

Cottage with Loft

Extra vertical space

Adds sleeping, storage, or retreat space without widening the footprint.

ScaleCompact
Porch valueMedium
Cost$$

One-Story Cottage

Easy main level

Keeps daily living simple and accessible, usually with a wider footprint.

ScaleWider
Porch valueHigh
Cost$$$

Mountain Cottage

Slope and view fit

Best when cottage scale meets mountain grade, porches, and long-view orientation.

ScaleVaries
Porch valueHigh
Cost$$$
Before You Build

Things to check in a one-story cottage.

One-story living is easiest when the footprint stays disciplined.

Confirm lot width

One-story plans need more horizontal space than stacked cottages.

Keep the roof simple

A wide cottage can get expensive if the roof becomes too busy.

Separate bedrooms thoughtfully

All bedrooms on one level need privacy through layout.

Place laundry where life happens

Laundry should support bedrooms and kitchen without long walks.

Protect porch connection

One-story cottage living should spill outside easily.

Common Questions

One-story cottage answers.

Is one-story better for a cottage?+

It can be, especially when easy access, aging in place, and simple daily living matter more than a compact stacked footprint.

Does one-story cost more?+

Often it costs more per square foot because the foundation and roof spread wider, but the layout can be easier to live in.

Can a one-story cottage still feel cozy?+

Yes. Good roof proportion, porch depth, warm materials, and efficient room sizes keep the cottage character intact.

What is the main drawback?+

Width. A one-story plan needs enough lot width to avoid feeling stretched or over-roofed.

Keep Learning

Related cottage plans and next steps.

Other Cottage Collections

Helpful Guides

Not sure which plan fits your lot

Talk to the designer before you buy.

Call (770) 301-4214 Email the family