Have you ever dreamt of having a small guest house in your backyard? A peaceful retreat for family and friends has its benefits. For this reason, it’s not just a place for visitors to stay, but it can also serve as:
- home office
- rental property
- in-laws apartment
- home gym
- additional storage
- art studio
- woodworking shop
- nanny quarters.
Most importantly, it adds value to your property and provides additional income opportunities. Plus, having your guests and family close by but enjoying their privacy at the same time, can help you build stronger family ties.
So, we will guide you through the steps of constructing a charming and intimate space that will provide comfort and relaxation for your guests and family members. From selecting the perfect layout to adding personal touches, discover how to build a small guest house in your backyard on a budget.
Furthermore, let’s analyze trending floorplans for building your guest house. It is a collection of professionally designed tiny and 1-2 bedroom house plans that will spark your imagination on how to build a perfect guest house.
1. 347 sqft Tiny Backyard Guest House
If you are looking for ways on how to build a guest house cheap, this tiny house project is for you. With extreme attention to every small detail, this 347 sqft plan is well-designed to accommodate your friends and family.
Firstly, if you had no chance to experience the tiny house movement, building a tiny backyard guest house is a great first step. So, with an approximate DIY building cost of $25,800*, it is an affordable way to build a guest house. (* estimated by the designer based on the average cost of building materials at the time of writing)
Get Plan Camila by PinUpHouses HERE
2. 578 sqft Guest House
Above all, this 578 sq. ft. floor plan has a simple layout with a cozy porch. As a result, your guests will enjoy a well-designed small space with all modern amenities: a kitchen, a spacious living room, and a private bath with a stackable washer and dryer. Additionally, the home has a narrow footprint (16’6″ x 35′) and can fit in a narrow space.
3. 600 SQ.FT. Small Backyard ADU
Is ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) the same as a guest house? In brief, ADU is an independent residential unit located on the same property as a main single-family home. ADU must have certain features:
- a kitchen
- a bathroom
- a living space
- a separate entrance.
Though any properly designed ADU can be used as a guest house, not every backyard guest house will qualify as a legal ADU (for rental potential) if it doesn’t meet the above-mentioned criteria.
Nevertheless, this 600 sq. ft. plan with modern board and batten siding meets all the legal requirements for an ADU. As a result, you as a homeowner will have the flexibility of renting your guest house /ADU if you ever need additional income.
4. 419 sq. ft. Pool / Guest House
This spacious ADU boasts a large covered patio and an open-concept kitchen/living space. So, with a private bedroom and walk-in closet, your guests will feel very comfortable.
Additionally, on the back, the plan has room for storage and pool equipment. Thus, this 619 sq. ft. structure offers flexibility for multiple uses, including a pool house or a home gym.
5. 1-Bedroom Backyard Cottage
This cozy 672 sq. ft. cottage would be a great addition to any backyard. Picture this: a peaceful oasis in your very own backyard where your guests can relax on a large porch, surrounded by fresh air and tranquil scenery.
With a mud room to keep your space tidy and organized, a cozy fireplace for chilly nights, and a spacious living area with a vaulted ceiling, this guest house is truly a gem. Transform your backyard into a cozy retreat and give your guests the perfect home away from home.
6. 730 Sq.Ft. Country House Plan
Notably, this spacious floor plan gives homeowners lots of possibilities. Besides the excellent layout downstairs to accommodate guests, the plan offers a loft space that can be used as a craft room, art studio, or home office.
7. 774 SQ. FT. Compact Craftsman
You would appreciate the beauty and spaciousness of this 2-bedroom craftsman structure which offers great opportunities to homeowners. With this in mind, take a look at the 774 sq. ft. floor plan boasting such amenities as a full kitchen, separate laundry room, pantry, and generous closet space.
8. 787 SqFt Modern ADU
As illustrated, this modern ADU gives plenty of space to enjoy outdoors (with 2 porches) and indoors. With 787 sq. ft. of heated space, a bedroom, and a 115 sq. ft. loft, there are plenty of opportunities for a flex use of space. For example, a loft can serve as an extra bedroom, home office, or den.
9. 800 Sq. Ft. Backyard Cottage
Besides a modern farmhouse look, this cottage offers a small footprint and a practical solution for someone confined to a wheelchair. For this reason, an upstairs bedroom, bathroom, and loft space are perfect for a caregiver who needs privacy. As a result, a modern 800 sq. ft. ADU makes a perfect granny flat, rental, or backyard guest house offering plenty of flexibility.
10. Practical Mini Barndominium
If you are a fan of the barndominium style, this plan is for you. Also, mini barndominiums are a growing trend as families are looking for something spacious yet practical and budget-friendly.
This practical floor plan has plenty of room with 1067 sq. ft. of heated space, including 3 upstairs bedrooms. Downstairs you’ll find an open living area and an extensive covered porch.
GET MINI BARNDOMINIUM PLAN HERE
11. 840 sq. ft. Slope Guest House
If you have a difficult sloped terrain, this plan will solve the problem. With a clever layout on three levels, you will find everything you need for comfortable living.
For example, a cozy living area boasts a large kitchen, a cozy fireplace, and a library. Additionally, you have access to a ground terrace for outdoor enjoyment.
12. 897 Sq.Ft. 2-Bed Country Cottage
A cozy 2-bedroom country cottage gives you almost 900 sq. ft. of space. As a result, you can build it as a backyard ADU, a guest house, or a comfortable granny flat. Significantly, the living area features vaulted ceilings and a modern island with seating for 3. A low-maintenance small porch is great for stargazing.
GET 897 SQ.FT. COTTAGE PLAN HERE
13. 952 sq. ft. 2-Bed Country House
This floor plan with 2 spacious bedrooms and 2 covered porches is great for country living. With this in mind, imagine sipping iced tea in your rocking chair in the summer and a pumpkin spice latte in the fall, surrounded by the sounds of nature. Fro this reason, it is a perfect simple life in the country!
FIND 952 SQ. FT. COTTAGE PLAN HERE
14. 215 sq. ft. Prefab Guest House Wikkel by Dwellito
So, if you don’t want to deal with construction, you can pick a fab prefab by Dwellito. Most importantly, their innovative construction approach is both environmentally and budget-friendly. Notable, the house is shipped in pieces and assembled on-site. As a result, your prefab house is customizable and starts at $33,000 for the most basic model.
15. 269 sq. ft. Muutama by Dwellito
Muutama is a stunning 269-square-foot modular home, designed to elevate both your backyard and lifestyle. With angled roofs and a sleek charcoal exterior, this home is a work of art that will make a statement in any setting. Also, the interior is thoughtfully designed to maximize space and comfort. A pull-out bed, bathroom, and kitchen are all seamlessly integrated within the 269 sq. ft., making it a great home office by day and guest house by night.
Selecting the Perfect Layout
When it comes to selecting the perfect layout for your cozy guest house, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, think about the size and shape of your backyard space.
Consider whether a traditional rectangular layout would work best, or if a more unique, angular design would complement the surroundings. Next, take into account the orientation of the guest house in relation to the sun and other structures in your yard.
Maximizing natural light and privacy will play a crucial role in creating a comfortable and welcoming space. Additionally, think about how the layout can optimize the flow and functionality of the interior space, making sure to allocate areas for sleeping, lounging, and storage.
By carefully choosing the layout of your tiny retreat, you can ensure a harmonious and inviting living space that seamlessly blends with the natural beauty of your backyard. Now, let’s move on to choosing the right materials for your project.
Choosing the Right Materials
When it comes to creating your cozy guest house, selecting the right materials is essential for both the aesthetic appeal and durability of your project. Opt for high-quality materials that can withstand the outdoor elements and provide a sturdy foundation for your retreat.
Consider using natural materials such as wood or stone to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, or explore modern options like metal or concrete for a more contemporary look. Keep in mind your style and preferences when choosing materials, as they will set the tone for the overall design of your guest house.
By carefully selecting the right materials, you can ensure that your small backyard guest house not only looks great but also stands the test of time. As you begin to make these decisions, remember that the materials you choose will play a crucial role in ensuring the long life of your backyard oasis.
Adding Personal Touches to Your Small Guest House
As you continue to bring your cozy guest house to life, don’t forget to add personal touches that reflect your unique personality and style. Whether incorporating your favorite colors, adding wall art, or displaying cherished mementos, these personal touches will make your retreat feel truly special and welcoming.
By infusing your guest house with meaningful elements, you’ll create a space that not only provides comfort but also resonates with your individuality. After all, explore how you can enhance the ambiance by creating a relaxing atmosphere.
Furthermore, check out these ideas on how to decorate your space:
- Wall Art Ideas to Help You Deal with Bare Walls Dilemma
- Coffee Printables and Sayings
- Learn acrylic pour painting techniques for your prettiest DIY wall art ever!
Creating a Relaxing Atmosphere
To create a truly inviting and relaxing atmosphere in your cozy guest house, consider the use of soft lighting, comfortable seating, and soothing decor elements. Soft, warm lighting can instantly make a space feel cozier and more welcoming, while plush seating options such as a comfortable chair or loveseat can encourage guests to unwind and relax.
In fact, decorate with calming colors, like soft blues or earthy greens, to evoke a sense of tranquility and peace in your guest house. Indeed, by carefully selecting these elements, you can transform your retreat into a serene oasis where your guests can escape the stresses of everyday life.
Source: Interior Design on Pinterest
In Conclusion
In conclusion, transforming your backyard into a cozy guest house is a rewarding project that can enhance your living space and provide a peaceful retreat for yourself or your visitors. For instance, by carefully selecting the layout, materials, personal touches, and atmosphere, and maximizing space efficiency, you can create a welcoming and tranquil space a few steps away from your home.
For this reason, start planning your backyard retreat today and unlock the potential for comfort and relaxation right in your backyard. As the saying goes, “A guest house is a home away from home, where every guest feels welcomed and every visitor feels at peace.”
So, take the steps to create a small guest house as a tiny sanctuary for a truly memorable experience for your guests.
