This collection of narrow lot house plans is for you if you are facing constraints of space for your dream home. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of the popular design styles and potential obstacles that may arise and how to navigate them effectively.
In addition to the benefits of space-saving design, these house plans also offer cost-saving advantages. With a smaller footprint, you can reduce building costs and save on expenses such as heating and cooling. And because these plans are specifically created for narrow lots, you can also avoid the additional costs of customizing a traditional house plan to fit your lot’s dimensions.
1. 25′ Narrow Lot House Plan with Garage
This narrow lot house plan checks lots of boxes, as it is a rare single-level solution with a 2-car garage. A 25′-wide house could be placed on a challenging, small lot while boasting 1391 sqft of space and 3 bedrooms. As you enter the house from a spacious front porch, discover an open-concept interior.
A spacious great room features a living, dining, and kitchen area with access to a side porch for BBQs. Also, a peninsula-style eating bar defines the kitchen space. Furthermore, the dedicated laundry room offers additional storage space. Lastly, two smaller bedrooms share the hall bath, while the master bedroom is tucked towards the rear with access to an ensuite and walk-in closet.
2. 30′-Wide Modern Farmhouse Narrow Lot Plan
Need more space in the country? This 30′-wide plan provides plenty of space for everyone, along with farmhouse charm. Firstly, the home is open front to back with the kitchen separating the dining room from the great room. Sliding doors on the back wall of the great room expand your entertaining space from the front porch to the vaulted back porch.
The master bedroom is located on the main floor and has a 5-fixture bathroom and a walk-in closet. Also, the home has a garage and a dedicated laundry room on the ground level. As you walk upstairs, you’ll find three additional bedrooms and a bonus game room over the garage.
3. Quaint 3-Bedroom Narrow Lot Cottage
This quaint cottage is both cozy and practical if you are facing a narrow lot challenge. With a small footprint (19′ wide), 1252 sqft of total living space, and 3 bedrooms, this budget-friendly solution is charming yet practical. As you enter from a covered front porch, the great room, combined with the kitchen, welcomes you in.
There is enough room for storage with closet space, laundry, and a dedicated pantry. A ground-level bedroom is a welcome bonus for the elderly and disabled. Also, both second-level bedrooms are spacious and share the hall bath with a nearby linen closet.
4. Contemporary Duplex for a Narrow Lot
If you are planning on building a duplex to generate extra income for your family but face urban lot challenges, we have a solution. This contemporary duplex features private entrances for each unit, offering 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, and 1,106 square feet of living space per unit.
The open layout on the main floor (547 sq. ft.) creates a spacious living area, while the second floor (560 sq. ft.) has all three bedrooms, sharing a hall bathroom. A washer/dryer closet adds convenience.
In fact, you will have 2 small houses built back-to-back on a narrow lot. It also offers an interesting solution for multi-generational living on a narrow urban lot.
5. Tiny House for a Narrow Lot
As illustrated, this tiny 400 sqft 1-bedroom house plan is just 10′ wide and 40′ long. Overall, it makes a great rental property, guest house, granny flat, or urban ADU. Relax on your covered front porch with a cup of coffee in the morning or listen to the chirping of birds in the afternoon. Open-concept living room with vaulted ceilings and a bedroom in the back creates a practical living solution.
6. Narrow Lot House Plan with ADU over Garage
This 19′ wide plan gives you an interesting solution as you get an ADU over the detached garage. Perfect for multi-generational living arrangements or rental opportunities, you can get an optional space above the garage.
The main house boasts 1457 sqft of living space with all three bedrooms on the second floor. On the first level, you have a spacious great room combo, study/home office, and access to a back private porch. Also, check out an interesting design solution for a dining booth and a cozy fireplace with built-ins on the first floor.
7. Modern Narrow Lot House Plan
This contemporary narrow lot house has clean lines and a shed roof design with a 26′ by 47′ footprint. As you pass the entrance hall, you are welcomed by a very spacious great room, a perfect place for families to spend quality time together. Also, the plan provides the convenience of a 2-car garage, covered entry, and a private back patio. Lastly, all four bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a dedicated laundry space are on the second level.
8. 15′-Wide Narrow Lot House Plan
While only 15′ wide, this house plan boasts 1,332 sqft of space, 2 bedrooms, and a 1-car garage (with alley access). On the ground level, you’ll find a great room with access to the garage and a covered porch along the side of the garage. A half bath, laundry room, and walk-in pantry provide additional storage space on the ground level. Both bedrooms (each with a walk-in closet) and two bathrooms occupy the second floor.
9. Narrow Lot House Plan under 1000 sqft
Check out this small, narrow lot house plan boasting 977 sqft in a 16′ by 35′ footprint. Its sleek, vertically-clad exterior design has modern curb appeal. As you enter the house from a charming 64 sqft front porch, you are greeted by an open-concept great room combined with an L-shaped kitchen.
As you climb the stairs to the second level, you’ll discover 2 spacious bedrooms, 2 full baths, and plenty of closet storage. Overall, this plan is perfect for those dreaming of building a small house (under 1000 square feet) on a narrow lot.
10. Modern Narrow Lot House with 3 Bedrooms
This striking contemporary plan offers 1,775 sqft, 3 bedrooms, and an integrated 228 sq. ft. 1-car garage for sophisticated urban living. As you enter the house from an inviting foyer with a coat closet, you are welcomed by an open-concept layout, perfect for a seamless daily routine and intimate gatherings.
The gourmet kitchen, featuring a central island and a walk-in pantry, flows effortlessly into the dining room. Also, enjoy alfresco dining on the rear porch, which extends the indoor space outdoors.
Furthermore, the private sleeping quarters are located on the second floor. The luxurious main suite offers a tranquil escape, complete with a full bath and a walk-in closet. Lastly, the two additional bedrooms, with plenty of closet space, share a hallway bath.
11. 15′ Wide 3-Bed House Plan (with Garage)
If you are looking for a 15-foot-wide plan for a narrow lot, this 1,580 sq ft plan offers 3 bedrooms and a 1-car garage. A 252 sq ft garage is located at the front and has room for a small workbench.
As you enter the house through the foyer or from the garage, you find yourself in a hallway leading to the great room. The kitchen/dining area has access to the back patio for BBQ grilling.
All three bedrooms and the laundry area are located on the second floor. The main bedroom with vaulted ceilings has access to a bath with double sinks and a walk-in closet.
As you browse this collection of narrow-lot house plans, let’s summarize which popular architectural styles are suitable for these challenging lots.
Popular Architectural Styles for Narrow Lots
Popular architectural styles for narrow lots are those that maximize space vertically and through design, creating an illusion of width and letting in natural light. These include modern, Craftsman, and shotgun-style homes.
Modern/Contemporary
This style is highly popular for urban narrow lots because it prioritizes clean, sleek lines and open floor plans that make spaces feel more expansive. The key features include:
- Emphasis on vertical design, often featuring multiple stories
- Large windows and skylights to maximize natural light
- Geometric shapes, shed-style roofs, and uncluttered design
- Materials like steel, concrete, and large expanses of glass.
Craftsman Style
Born from the Arts and Crafts movement, this style focuses on craftsmanship and natural materials. Its emphasis on a cozy, welcoming feel can be well-adapted to smaller footprints. Key features:
- Large front porches
- Natural materials such as stone, wood, and brick
- Exposed rafters and decorative accents
- Low-pitched gable roofs.
Shotgun Houses
Historically, shotgun-style houses were built to fit on narrow city lots. These long, narrow homes were originally designed with all rooms in a straight line from front to back. Modern versions have adapted this layout for more privacy and comfort. Key features include:
- Typically 12–20 feet wide, but can extend quite far back
- High ceilings create a feeling of spaciousness
- Front porches that encourage a sense of community.
PROS & CONS of Narrow Lot House Plans
Living in a narrow lot or shotgun house offers a blend of historical charm, affordability, and unique design, but it also comes with significant limitations in privacy and space.
Pros:
- Affordability
- Energy Efficiency
- Ease of Maintenance
- Historical Charm
- Efficient Use of Space
Cons
- Lack of Privacy
- Limited Natural Light
- Minimal Storage
- Renovation Restrictions
- Resale Challenges
More Narrow Lot Design Ideas
In Conclusion
Building a home on a narrow lot can present some unique challenges, but with the right plans and guidance, those obstacles can be easily navigated. It’s important to understand the potential roadblocks that may arise during the design and building process, so that you can be prepared to overcome them. These plans are designed to help you do just that.
Don’t let the limitations of a narrow lot hold you back from building your dream home. With this collection of house plans, you can turn those constraints into opportunities and create a unique and functional space that you will love for years to come.
Check out more unique NARROW LOT HOUSE PLANS HERE.
So why settle when you can have a custom-built dream home on your narrow lot? Start comparing these plans and let your imagination guide you – your dream home awaits!
