By Courtney Pittman
Houseplans.com customers Clayton and Vanessa B. built a dreamy modern farmhouse plan (plan 430-165) in Arkansas – and our jaws are dropping. With a big front porch, metal roof accents, large windows, mixed siding, and an open floor plan, this head-turning house plan is big on style. Want to learn more about their building process and see real photos? Check out their cool interview below.
Explore modern farmhouse plans
An exterior view of house plan 430-165 in Arkansas.
Why did you build your home?
We were in a situation where we did not have to rush into buying a home. We had no time restrictions. We searched for a home for over two years and never found exactly what we wanted. Eventually, we found an affordable piece of land in a great location and decided we would build something that had everything we felt would fit our needs. Basically, we built because we couldn’t find an already built home we liked.
A wide front porch gives you plenty of space to enjoy nice weather.
How did you find your house plan?
We googled “house plans” found your website first. Entered our criteria. The house plan we purchased was literally the first one we looked at and immediately knew that was the one we wanted. However, after searching for a house for so long, we continued “surfing” other plans and other websites for about three weeks. No other plan spoke to us like the one we chose.
Inside, an open floor plan creates easy flow.
What was your budget going into the process?
$350,000 (Excluding land acquisition)
How much did you end up spending?
$420,000 approximately (Excluding land acquisition)
Why did you go over budget?
We went over budget. We were unaware of all the other fees. Example:
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City development building fee of $1.70 per square foot = $5397.50.
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Utilities feed $2500.00.
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Septic system $9000.00.
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Paved driveway $20,000.00 (530 feet off main road)
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Culvert and water drainage to code at roadway $3500.00
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City water feed $2300.00
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Upgrade windows to black +$6000.00
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Upgrade all lights and fixtures to black +$7000.00
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Upgrade brick exterior +$6500.00
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Upgrade extend rear porch and concrete entire rear porch $4500.00
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Upgrade dog door under stairs and trim and finish $1500.00
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Upgrade huge windmill ceiling fan on back porch $1200.00
The island kitchen opens to the great room and a breakfast nook. Check out the shaker-style cabinets, farmhouse sink, and the cool backsplash.
Did you make any modifications? If so, what were they?
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We extended the back porch design to be the same as the master bedroom (the roof line of the porch is flush with the roof line of the master bedroom. Not pitch changes. Just extended it out 2-3 feet)
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Added the dog barn door under the stairs
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Added a barn door from master suite to master bathroom
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Added brick exterior
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Deleted the sink in the butler’s pantry (regretful decision. It is the perfect location for our coffee pot)
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Add electrical outlets in the main living floor
[Editor's note: the Houseplans modification department can help you make all kinds of changes to most plans.]
The master suite sports cathedral ceilings and a stylish barn door.
What was your timeline and how long did it actually take?
Our timeline was 6 months. It took several months choosing a contractor.
The rear exterior gives you a covered porch for easy outdoor living. All photos courtesy of Clayton B.
Feeling inspired? Check out some of our favorite modern farmhouse plans below.
One-Story Modern Farmhouse Plan
Plan 430-222
Here’s a lovely modern farmhouse plan with a relaxing master suite, open floor plan, and even a bonus suite upstairs to expand later as needed. The great room flows beautifully into the dining area and modern kitchen, where an island gives you room to hang out. A flexible home office near the front of the home and a handy mudroom just off the three-car garage.
Porches in front and back add lots of outdoor living space. Don’t miss the kitchen’s spacious walk-in pantry.
Check out these outdoor living ideas from Hayneedle
Relaxed House Design with Front Porch
Plan 1074-30
Welcome home to this swoon-worthy modern farmhouse plan. Inside, the layout feels simple and relaxed with an open floor plan. Check out the huge kitchen island that overlooks the family room. We love the master suite’s impressive private bathroom and large walk-in closet. Cold weather? Warm up next to the big fireplace in the family room. Don’t miss the outdoor grilling area on the rear porch.
Update your outdoor grilling area with these ideas from Forbes
Modern Farmhouse Plan with Outdoor Kitchen
Plan 1074-31
This modern farmhouse plan shows off cool contemporary curb appeal, including metal roof accents and board-and-batten siding. The open floor plan creates great flow, especially around the kitchen’s island and into the great room. Enjoy relaxing in your private master suite, complete with two sinks in the bathroom. Store items (like coats and boots) in the mudroom on the way in from the two-car garage. Another highlight is the outdoor kitchen and fireplace on the rear porch.
Explore these modern master bathrooms from Builder Online
Country Home Design with an Open Floor Plan
Plan 54-384
This modern farmhouse house plan gives you a fireplace in the great room and an open floor plan. A wall of windows provides plenty of natural light. The kitchen features a central island, breakfast nook, and a walk-in pantry.
The master suite feels private and luxurious with a walk-through shower and two closets. Enjoy the great outdoors on the covered porch just off the living room. Need more space? A study could be used as a home office, guest room, or hobby space.
