Retirement house plans nowadays encompass all the best features of modern design. As a result, you can build a perfect granny flat to ensure that your in-laws won’t feel cramped.
For this collection of granny flat plans, our team picked the newest floor plans according to this criteria:
- popular among retirees
- under 1000 square feet
- single level
- variety of designs and styles
- 1-2 bedroom house plans
- optional garage
- small footprint.
1. Tiny Granny Flat under 400 sq ft
Firstly, let’s start with this tiny plan with a 16’x23′ footprint and 368 square feet of total living space. Whether you need a granny flat, small guest house, or an efficient backyard rental, this 1-bedroom plan offers a budget-friendly solution. With a full kitchen, pantry, bathroom, and separate bedroom, it boasts all the essential features for comfortable living. And if you desire a covered porch, simply add one to make it your own.

2. 750 SqFt Scandinavian-Style House
As we promised to focus on a variety of styles in this collection of retirement house plans, let’s check this modern Scandinavian design. With 750 sqft of total living space, 2 bedrooms, an open living area, a separate laundry area, and a covered porch, it checks a lot of boxes for spacious living in your golden years.
Notably, the primary bedroom is much bigger than the secondary one and has a walk-in closet. Also, there is a small private patio which you can access from the main bedroom.

GET 750 SQFT SCANDINAVIAN PLAN HERE
3. Charming 2-Bedroom Cottage – 20’x33′
This charming cottage welcomes you with an open living/dining area. With a footprint of 20′ x 33′, it offers 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, attic access for storage, and room for a stackable washer/dryer. As a drawback, the hallway is not wheelchair-friendly. This 660 sqft cottage makes a great granny flat or backyard ADU.

GET 660 SQFT COTTAGE PLAN HERE
4. Modern ADU Granny Flat under 700 sqft
If a cozy cottage is not your cup of tea, check out this modern-style design. Perfect for an urban lot setting, it offers an open-concept living area, a full kitchen, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, and plenty of storage.
With a compact footprint (22’X30′) and lots of amenities, this floor plan is perfect for in-laws, a granny flat, or an ADU rental for extra income. As a suggestion, opt out of a flat roof, as it is not maintenance-free, and have a shed-style roof instead.

GET MODERN GRANNY FLAT PLAN HERE
5. Cozy Single Level Cottage – 660 Sqft
Welcome to the epitome of cozy living! This charming 600-square-foot cottage boasts an inviting porch, nostalgic flower boxes, and a vaulted living area. Next, step inside to discover a well-equipped kitchen, two cozy bedrooms, ample storage space, and a full bath. Perfect as a single-story retirement house plan to create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for your golden years.

GET 660 SQFT COTTAGE PLAN HERE
6. Rustic 1-Bedroom Granny Flat

GET 905 SQFT RUSTIC GRANNY FLAT PLAN HERE
If you are tired of modern retirement house plans, check out this rustic solution. An open floor plan makes this spacious 905 square feet cabin feel even bigger.
As you step in, you are welcomed by a cozy covered front porch. Inside, the emphasis is on a large and inviting living room with a cozy fireplace. Also, you have options of grilling on a big open patio or cooking meals in a well-appointed kitchen with a central island.
7. 2-Bedroom Country Cottage – 24′ x 34′
If you are looking for country charm, check out this 745 sq ft cottage. With a spacious covered porch, a cozy eat-in kitchen, 2 bedrooms, and lots of storage, it checks a lot of boxes for cozy retirement living. Furthermore, check out the link for decor ideas and a video tour of this single-story cottage.

GET 745 SQFT COTTAGE PLAN HERE
8. 1-Bedroom Granny Flat with Garage

If you are looking for all the comforts yet a small footprint, a 1-car garage is often on the wish list for a comfortable retirement. For this reason, check out this cozy Craftsman house with an iconic covered porch, a private patio, and a 1-car garage. Inside, you will find an open living area and a spacious owner’s suite with a walk-in closet.
9. Mid-Century Modern Granny Flat
The designer of this floor plan defined its style as ‘mid-century modern’. This popular design style originated in the middle of the 20th century, between the 1930s to the 1960s. Its characteristic features include clean lines, minimalist aesthetics, and a focus on functionality. Also, this style incorporates such natural materials as wooden elements, metal, and stone accents. Furthermore, it blends indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly.

This modern 890 sqft design features a simple, efficient floor plan layout with sloped ceilings ranging from 14 to 9 feet. Also, the front facade features 2 rows of large windows, which fill the interior with plenty of natural light.
A 5-foot-deep covered front porch leads you into a great room with a ventless fireplace, an efficient kitchen, and a separate dining area. From there, step into a screened porch. A hallway connects two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a laundry closet designed for a stacked washer and dryer.
10. 2-Bedroom Cottage with Garage

Get ready to fall in love with this efficient floor plan. Boasting a generous 924 sq ft with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, and a 20’x21′ garage, this space is perfect as a retirement house plan. As you step inside, you’ll appreciate the convenient mudroom with a storage closet. Moreover, the living area is the ultimate cozy retreat, complete with a toasty fireplace. Also, check out the galley kitchen, separated from the living room and equipped with a small laundry area. With 2 covered porches and a 2-car garage, this home has it all!
11. 1-Bedroom Granny Flat with Garage

GET 1-BEDROOM GRANNY FLAT PLAN
As you explore this floor plan, check out the 130 sqft covered front porch – perfect for a rocking chair and holiday decorations. As you step inside, you are welcomed by 9′ ceiling of a large entertainment area. Furthermore, admire a spacious owner’s suite with access to a private patio, a large closet, stairs to attic storage, and a bathroom with a walk-in shower.
Most importantly, you have the convenience and safety of an attached garage with direct access to the house. As people are searching for compact retirement house plans, the garage is often high on the list of priorities.
12. Narrow Lot Modern Granny Flat
Whether you need to fit a granny flat or an ADU on a narrow lot, check out this solution, perfect for an urban setting. With modern clean lines, plenty of natural light, 2 bedrooms, and a private back patio, this 957 sq ft plan offers lots of amenities for comfortable retirement living.

GET NARROW LOT 957 SQFT PLAN HERE
13. Narrow Lot Country Cottage – 800 sqft

As another clever solution for narrow lot retirement house plans, this country cottage offers 815 square feet of heated living space. With a cozy front porch and outdoor storage on the back, it is a convenient granny flat for a country setting. Furthermore, the single-level floor plan boasts 2 bedrooms and an open living area combined with a L-shaped kitchen.
14. 1-Bedroom Tiny Granny Flat

GET 391 SQFT PLAN HERE
Among all featured retirement house plans, this tiny 391 sqft granny flat holds a special place for efficient use of space. Its straightforward, compact design has a footprint of 17’x23′ and no wasted space. An open-concept living area with a simple kitchen has direct access to the bedroom. Most importantly, this single-level design is wheelchair-friendly.
Important Design Features of Retirement House Plans
As we explore this collection of trending retirement house plans, it is clear that architects are trying to maximize space in these compact plans with clever design strategies. As a result, it revolutionizes the way we think about small living spaces.
From embracing open-concept layouts to optimizing natural light and airflow, you can embrace practical tips to create a functional living environment. So, when you are looking for a perfect plan for a granny flat, make sure it is a comfortable oasis where every inch counts.
Among the most important design features are:
- Open-Concept Layouts
- Smart Storage Solutions
- Optimizing Natural Light and Airflow
- Importance of Outdoor Spaces
More Retirement House Plans & Ideas
- Prefabricated Granny Flats: Cons & Pros
- 14 Modern Cottage House Plans
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Meaning, Pros, Cons, and Floor Plans
- 7 Mother-in-Law Cottage Benefits
- The Hidden Costs of NOT Having a Mother-in-Law Cottage
- How to Build a DIY Tiny House for $60K with Free Plans
- 9 Prefab Homes Under 100K
In Conclusion
In conclusion, by embracing open-concept layouts, incorporating smart storage solutions, optimizing natural light and airflow, and prioritizing outdoor spaces, you can create a granny flat that is both spacious and functional. Remember, a well-designed floor plan can make all the difference in maximizing space and enhancing quality of life.