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05 Feb 2023

House Tours

Cozy Little Guest House

The guest house is surrounded by lush gardens and tall trees. (Photo: Eric Shephard Architects)

When your nest is empty, the family home may feel a bit too large for two people. A smaller place like this guest house could be the answer. Created specifically for the comfort of visiting family and friends, it sits a stone’s throw away from the main residence, surrounded by lush gardens and tall trees. The setting is peaceful and quiet. The house, custom designed by Eric Shephard Architects, is just 600 square feet. But it’s big enough for two and makes such effective use of space, it’s perfect inspiration for anyone thinking about downsizing.

View of the guest house from the main residence. (Photo: Eric Shephard Architects)

Sitting on the covered porch of the main residence, you have a clear view of the guest house. Architect Eric Shephard describes the main residence as a “classic farmhouse with Tudor roots.” He custom designed the guest house to mirror that style.

A pergola frames the front porch, offering a comfortable, shaded sitting area. (Photo: Eric Shephard Architects)

A pergola frames the front porch, offering a comfortable, shaded sitting area.

Another view of the guest house with privacy fence and vine-covered arbor. (Photo: Eric Shephard Architects)

Another view of the guest house with privacy fence and vine-covered arbor.

French doors open to a small, but impressive living space. (Photo: Eric Shephard Architects)

French doors open to a small, but impressive living space.

Soaring ceilings and plenty of windows give the house a sense of spaciousness. (Photo: Eric Shephard Architects)

Soaring vaulted ceilings and plenty of windows give the house a sense of spaciousness.

The kitchen features tall cabinets and standard-sized appliances, a rare luxury in small houses. (Photo: Eric Shephard Architects)

The kitchen features tall cabinets and standard-sized appliances, a rare luxury in small houses.

A table for two looks out at the gardens and main residence. (Photo: Eric Shephard Architects)

A table for two looks out at the gardens and main residence.

Built-in bookcases and cabinets provide extra storage. The kitchen island is free-standing. (Photo: Eric Shephard Architects)

Built-in bookcases and cabinets provide extra storage. The kitchen island is free-standing.

Pale flooring, so effective in a small space, extends throughout the living area and into the bedroom. (Photo: Eric Shephard Architects)

Pale flooring, so effective in a small space, extends throughout the living area and into the bedroom.

The bedroom, in soothing colors of tan and blue, is a relaxing retreat. The chandelier—pure elegance. (Photo: Eric Shephard Architects)

The bedroom, in soothing colors of tan and blue, is a relaxing retreat. The chandelier—pure elegance.

Natural wood for the vanity and mirror work well with the flooring—I wonder, could it be vinyl? (Photo: Eric Shephard Architects)

Natural wood for the vanity and mirror work well with the flooring—I wonder, could it be vinyl?

All in all, a darling little house . . . and entirely livable.

Source: Eric Shephard Architects.

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More to explore and enjoy . . .

  • Living Like a Star
  • Cabin in the Woods
  • Cozy Little Guest House
  • Sarah's Country Home
  • From Little to Luxurious Loft
  • Sisse's Fab Farmhouse
  • Cottage Charm at the Beach
  • Everyone Loves a Parade
  • Stunning West Seattle Redo
  • Tiny Gardener's Cottage
  • Lovely Down Under
  • Downsizing for $4.3 Million
  • Old Garage Upcycled
  • Going Green
  • Maine Island Home

Comments

  1. Tom McDonald says

    Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at 8:05 AM

    We are retiring and really like the 600 square foot guest house for our small lake lot. Can we buy a set of plans that includes the HVAC design?

    Reply
    • Patricia says

      Saturday, September 8, 2018 at 9:18 AM

      I wish I could help you, but you would need to contact the architect about house plans.

  2. Melissa says

    Friday, May 18, 2018 at 2:14 PM

    I fell in love with Shephard Architects “classic farmhouse with Tudor roots.” I would love to build this house, but I don’t know where to find the house plan. Can you help me?

    Reply
    • Patricia says

      Friday, May 18, 2018 at 2:17 PM

      If you’re interested in the “classic farmhouse with Tudor roots,” you should contact Shepard Architects. They would have more information than I do about the house.

      Eric Shepard Architects
      320 Sycamore Valley Road West
      Danville CA 94526
      (925) 803-1000
      http://www.shephardarch.com/contact/

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Patricia and TomHi there! Tom and I are two empty nesters who decided to downsize and simplify our lives—lose the clutter and drama, travel a little, laugh a lot, sit back, and enjoy the simple pleasures life has to offer. Read more

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House Tours

  • Cottage Charm at the Beach
  • Cabin in the Woods
  • Cozy Little Guest House
  • Tiny Gardener's Cottage
  • From Little to Luxurious Loft
  • Sarah's Country Home
  • Everyone Loves a Parade
  • Maine Island Home
  • Sisse's Fab Farmhouse
  • Stunning West Seattle Redo
  • Old Garage Upcycled
  • Lovely Down Under
  • Living Like a Star
  • Going Green
  • Downsizing for $4.3 Million

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