Is a coastal home on your dream house list? Living by the coast has always been a dream for many homeowners. With the increasing demand for coastal homes, it’s no surprise that architects and interior designers are concentrating on coastal home aesthetics.
But whether you’re planning on making it your full-time residence, a vacation getaway, or an investment property, there are certain things you need to consider to make the most out of your coastal living experience.
Firstly, it’s important to keep up with the latest trends in coastal home design. Beach houses are not just about sun, sand, and surf. They have evolved into luxurious living spaces that offer the perfect blend of comfort and style that can serve as a valuable financial investment.
According to home builders, popular coastal house features focus on maximizing ocean views, welcoming natural light, and enjoying a relaxed indoor-outdoor lifestyle.
Must-Have Coastal Home Features
We’ve compiled a list of popular house features that not only maximize your home value but also make sure you follow the popular modern trends for a coastal lifestyle.
- Elevated Structures: designed for flood safety, coastal homes often have parking or storage on the ground level.
- Large Windows & Glass Doors: homeowners prefer expansive, floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors to maximize views and natural light.
- Well-Designed Outdoor Living Spaces: large decks, balconies, and covered porches designed for relaxing and entertaining.
- Weather-Resistant Materials: stone, stucco, fiber cement siding, and high-quality materials to withstand humid, salty environments.
- Outdoor Showers and Storage: A practical necessity for washing off sand, rinsing beach gear, and cleaning surfboards.
With this in mind, browse our collection of coastal house plans. They are designed to make the most of their seaside location and maximize stunning ocean views and beautiful sunsets.
1. 3-Story Coastal Contemporary House Plan
This modern coastal design is perfect for narrow beach lots and offers 2,096 sq ft of living space on 3 levels. On the ground level, you’ll find a garage, a spacious family room, a bathroom, and access to a covered patio.
As you walk to the second level, discover an open great room with kitchen and dining areas, a walk-in pantry, and a private home office. On the third level, two bedrooms share a Jack-and-Jill bath, while the primary suite includes a private bath, a walk-in closet, and its own sun deck.
2. Modern 1-Bedroom Coastal Home
This modern coastal house exterior features a wall of windows, ensuring you have a perfect ocean view in every direction. With only one bedroom and 944 sqft of total living space, there is a primary focus on outdoor spaces. The house layout offers multiple cascading decks leading you straight to the beach. On the ground level, there is a carport, storage, and space for an optional garage.
3. Coastal House Plan with Dog Trot and Guest Suite
If you are looking for luxurious accommodations on the coast or lakeshore, this plan is for you. The house layout with dog trot and guest suite gives you 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, and 4,271 square feet of total living space.
Most importantly, large windows throughout this coastal cottage ensure that every room is filled with natural light and offers stunning views. Also, the house features a thoughtfully designed dog trot—a covered, open-air passageway connecting the main house with a guest suite.
On the left, a guest suite offers a kitchenette, sitting area, and access to the deck. It can serve as a private space for friends and family, ensuring they have a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Overall, with a garage, plenty of deck space, and 4 bedrooms, this coastal home offers luxurious living with ample space for you, your family, and guests.
4. Modern 3-Bedroom Vacation Coastal Home
This modern 3-bedroom vacation home offers 1,766 sqft of space and 3 bedrooms on two levels. With plenty of outdoor spaces, the coastal home ensures a relaxed indoor-outdoor lifestyle while embracing natural light and views.
Picture this: large windows and glass doors that flood your space with sunlight and offer breathtaking views of the surroundings. Imagine spending your mornings sipping coffee on a spacious deck, soaking in the breeze.
5. Coastal 1-Bedroom Apartment over Garage
This small yet inviting coastal home features a 2-car garage, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, and 725 sqft of space. Its exterior showcases a modern coastal design with clean lines and warm wood accents. As you ascend the exterior staircase, you discover the private living quarters on the second floor, designed with an open-concept layout in mind.
The main living space gracefully combines a comfortable living room with an 8-foot vaulted ceiling, a functional kitchen, and a dining area filled with natural light. Furthermore, the upstairs master suite serves as a tranquil haven with amazing views, offering a private bedroom and full bathroom. Also, an 85 sq. ft. deck and porch area provide an ideal spot for morning coffee, enjoying a coastal breeze, or watching the sunset.
6. Modern 3-Bedroom Coastal House Plan (2,705 SqFt)
If you are looking for a bright, open-concept design perfect for waterfront living, take a closer look at this 2,705 sq. ft. house plan, which offers 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and dual decks. Step inside from a covered porch into an open grand room, combining living, dining, and kitchen areas.
Most importantly, you have a coveted mudroom or ‘sand room’, perfect for cleaning up after the day on the beach. The gourmet kitchen anchors the main floor with a spacious island and a butler walk-in pantry. They are also on the list of the most requested features for modern coastal homes.
Walk upstairs to find serene accommodation for sleeping and relaxation for every member of the family. Lastly, enjoy the coastal breeze from multiple outdoor living areas. This coastal home features a welcoming covered porch at the front, a spacious screened porch at the rear, and an additional covered deck and open deck on the second level.
7. Tuscan Coastal House Plan with 2-Car Drive-Under Garage
If you are fond of Tuscan-style design, check out this stunning 3-level coastal home. The ground floor houses a 2-car garage, mechanical rooms, and storage with access to a lower patio. It ensures elevating the living area above any potential storm-related waters so you can enjoy coastal living in comfort.
On the second level, there is an open grand room with three sets of French doors opening to a home-wide lanai. These features not only maximize ocean views but also create a relaxed indoor-outdoor lifestyle while embracing natural light. All three bedrooms are on the top floor, while a small Juliet-style balcony lets you take in the views.
8. Coastal Home with Waterfront Views From Every Room
Elevated from the ground, this ultimate coastal home lets you enjoy the views from every room. Also, you have a closed storage area and space for beach gear, bikes, etc. on the ground level. Furthermore, you will find a grand staircase at ground level leading up to the raised main level. Two separate stairways lead up to the covered lanai on the backside of the house.
On the main living level, the great room and kitchen can open up to the covered lanai with three sliding glass doors, ensuring you have a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. The great room includes a fireplace that is flanked by built-in bookshelves, while the kitchen features an island and a pantry. Lastly, two identical bedrooms share a bath and have access to a dedicated laundry space.
More Popular Modern House Designs & Coastal Decor Ideas
- Dream House: Popular Layouts, Styles, and Interior Design
- 17 Popular Cottage House Plans
- Flexible Small House Design Plans
- DIY Coastal Home Decor
- Affordable DIY Beach Cabins
In Conclusion
In summary, building a coastal home offers endless options for homeowners, whether it be your full-time residence, vacation getaway, or financial investment property. By keeping up with the latest trends, incorporating must-have features, and carefully considering the layout of your home, you can create a unique and comfortable living space that will make you feel like you’re on a permanent vacation.
After all, life is always better on the beach!
