One-Bed Country Cottage or ADU — 550 Sq Ft
This quaint, efficient cottage offers 550 heated square feet with one bedroom and one full bathroom. Its open layout, vaulted ceiling in the main space, and compact footprint make it ideal for a guest house, ADU, or cozy home in a smaller setting.
Exterior & Curb Appeal
The exterior is charming and timeless. The design uses clean vertical siding and modest rooflines to create a welcoming look. A small covered porch (about 45 sq ft) frames the entry, adding depth and shelter. The cottage feels balanced, neat, and friendly without needing elaborate ornamentation.
2D Floor Plan & Interior Layout
Entering the home brings you into a combined area that includes living, dining, and kitchen zones. The kitchen features an eat-at peninsula that helps separate kitchen tasks from the living space without blocking flow. A dining nook near the front window lets you enjoy natural light while you eat. 1
Behind that shared space lies the bedroom. The bedroom connects directly to the full bathroom, which also houses a stackable laundry unit to maximize utility in tight quarters. The layout is tight but smart, eliminating unnecessary corridors.
Bedrooms & Bathroom
The single bedroom is tucked quietly toward the rear, offering privacy while keeping the rest of the home open. It accommodates a bed, storage, and access to lighting or views. The adjacent bathroom is full in function—vanity, toilet, and shower or tub—and includes the laundry setup to conserve space.
Porch & Outdoor Living
The covered front porch is modest—around 45 square feet—but adds meaningful outdoor character and utility. Even a small porch like this gives you covered outdoor space for seating, entry shelter, or a little planting zone without expanding the footprint.
Structure & Specifications
The cottage measures about 25′ in width and 23′-10″ in depth. Exterior walls are 2×6 framed, giving room for good insulation. The roof uses trusses with a primary 9:12 pitch and a secondary 5:12 slope. Ceilings on the main floor are 9 feet. The maximum ridge height is 15′-9″. It sits on a monolithic slab foundation.
Lifestyle & Cost
This little cottage enables simple, comfortable living. The layout gives you all you need—living, kitchen, bedroom, bath—with no wasted hallways. It’s ideal for couples, solo dwellers, guests, or as a backyard ADU. The design keeps utility and maintenance costs down while still feeling warm and complete.
Estimated construction costs in the U.S. typically range between $120,000 and $160,000 USD, depending on materials, finishes, site, and labor. This design shows you can live fully in a compact, efficient space without compromising style or comfort.
