By Gabby Torrenti
This collection of house plans features homes with room for long-term visitors or live-in family members. (Sometimes these are referred to as house plans with mother-in-law suites, though really anyone can enjoy the extra privacy and space.) Whether they offer simply an extra suite in the house or a fully separate living space, house plans with in-law suites are designed to make everyone feel comfortable.
Want to see more of our plans with in-law apartments? Explore the full collection here.
Ranch Home with a Flexible Suite
House Plan 888-17
This chic ranch-style home features 3,776 square feet of living space, including a separate suite just steps away from the main house. The main house features a wide-open living and dining room, which leads toward the kitchen with a center island. Down a hallway, two guest bedrooms are connected by a bathroom with dual sinks, with the primary bedroom located at the end of the hallway. This space includes a large closet and five-piece private bathroom.
Back toward the main living area, a covered breezeway leads to the flex suite, which is highly versatile. With a full bathroom and two living spaces, this space can definitely serve as a private retreat. Barn doors separate the two main rooms, allowing for various combinations of living and working spaces. Imagine turning this space into your own quiet office, workout studio, or library.
Craftsman House Plan with an In-Law Apartment
House Plan 437-111
From the exterior, this home features classic Craftsman details like trussed gables and a covered front porch. With four bedrooms including a full in-law apartment, this home has lots to offer inside, too. Beyond the porch, a foyer is flanked by an office and powder room, with the main living space facing the back of the home and leading onto a screened porch that covers nearly the entire rear of the home. The owners can enjoy their own space on the home’s right side in a spacious suite that includes a bathroom with a private toilet closet and dual sinks and a walk-in closet that is sure to fit all of your favorite outfits. A kitchen with a hidden pantry makes preparing meals a breeze, especially if you’re cooking for long-term guests too. Upstairs, two more bedrooms are perfect for children or short-term guests. A shared full bathroom on this level and an unfinished bonus space add to the versatility and convenience of this home.
Accessible from a private one-car garage but still attached to the house, a full guest suite makes this home ideal for having guests stay for extended periods of time or housing older children or relatives. This secluded space includes a kitchenette, dining space, and living room, as well as its own laundry closet. A bedroom with a walk-in closet makes it simple for guests to unpack their belongings and feel right at home and getting ready for the day is effortless with an attached full bathroom. This suite is made complete by a flex room, which can serve as office space for those working from home.
Contemporary Home with a Luxe Guest Suite
House Plan 1066-62
This beautiful contemporary home is ideal for housing your family and guests with four bedrooms, plenty of living space, and lots of room to all relax together. On the main level, an entry foyer leads into the primary living space, including a kitchen, breakfast nook, great room, formal dining room, and butler’s pantry. The star of this level, though, is the luxurious guest suite. Visitors will find themselves right at home in this space, which includes a spacious bedroom with a walk-in closet and a full bathroom. This suite is just around the corner from the main living area, giving guests their own space while also keeping them involved in the action. A covered patio and weatherproof deck on this level provide the opportunity to hang out outside with your guests, too.
Upstairs, a bridge connects the primary suite to the two additional guest rooms, giving the owners their own space. The main suite features a walk-in closet and private dressing area, as well as a bathroom with dual sinks and simple access to the laundry room. Back across the bridge, two more bedrooms enjoy use of the full bathroom with double sinks.
Want to help your guests feel right at home? Browse these guest suite decor ideas from House Beautiful.
Optional Suite for Guests or In-Laws
House Plan 928-13
From the street, this gorgeous design (the Eleanor, an exclusive house plan from Visbeen Architects) is sure to invite guests right inside with a traditional front porch and a quaint breezeway that connects the main house to the in-law apartment, which can be finished to give your guests or relatives a bedroom with a private closet, a full bathroom, and a kitchenette with a combined dining room and living space.
In the main house, a foyer opens to a wide-open living room that flows onto the screened patio. The kitchen and dining room on the right side make entertaining or preparing a family meal simple. Across the home, enjoy your own spacious suite with a big bedroom with porch access, two walk-in closets, and a bathroom with double vanities. Back on the right side, a combined laundry and mudroom provides access to the covered walk that leads to the garage apartment.
A flight of stairs to the left of the foyer leads upstairs, where two guest bedrooms sit on opposite sides of this level. Each features its own bathroom and closet, making children or short-term guests feel comfortable in their own spaces. An office and loft sit at the center of the second floor, allowing for lots of extra space to relax or conduct business.
Prairie-Style Home with In-Law Suite
House Plan 80-198
Outside, this home features a low-pitched roof and a covered entryway, paying homage to classic Prairie style. In back, a summer kitchen begs for outdoor entertaining, while inside, the large island kitchen sits at the heart of the home and invites relaxed hangout times. The family room and study space are located off to the right side. Beyond this space, homeowners can unwind in the primary suite, which features a bathroom with two vanities, dual closets, and access to the porch for enjoying a cup of coffee to start your day on the right foot.
At the front of the home, a courtyard leads to the luxe guest suite. This space comprises a bedroom with a wet bar for preparing beverages, as well as a private bathroom. Guests can come and go via a gallery hall that connects this suite to the main living space.
Upstairs, you'll find two more bedrooms and bathrooms, along with a loft. A second-floor game room makes the perfect place to relax at the end of a long day and indulge in some friendly competition.
