Here at Log & Timber Home Living, we have the pleasure of talking with readers, designers and builders every day, so we have an all-access pass to the latest and greatest trends. The two big topics on everyone’s mind are size and style: How much will I need? Do I want one story or two (or even three)? How will it be arranged? How do I avoid over-designing?
Our research has shown that when it comes to size, most people are looking for homes between 2,000 and 5,000 square feet but how those measurements are configured is a different story. Some future log and timber home owners want a single-level ranch; some want a multi-story house. The good news is that when you’re thinking of a plan in this size range, your choices are plentiful.
To get those creative juices flowing, we’ve selected 10 of our favorite floor plans that fall within the square-footage sweet spot buyers crave, and they do it with style and creativity.
Open Invitation - New Energy Works
Square Footage: 5,000
Bedrooms: 5
Baths: 4 full, 1 half
Designed to be open, airy and host a crowd, this five-bedroom timber-framed plan has enough space to accommodate as many as 12 people, while still feeling comfortable when only the owners are at home. “Like a lot of our clients, [this couple] wanted something livable for large groups but would still feel intimate when it was just the family,” explains New Energy Works architect Ty Allen.
What We Love: The L-shaped footprint creates separation and flow simultaneously. The offset great room gives it its own definition, but it’s still easily accessible to the kitchen. Together they are the heart of the design.
Tradition with a Twist - Hochstetler Log Homes
Kris Miller photo.
Square Footage: 2,872
Bedrooms: 4
Baths: 3 full
At first blush, this layout seems pretty straightforward. But look a little closer and you’ll discover the subtle twists that make it special. For example, the gentle elbow that puts the garage at an angle — a choice that’s practical and boosts curb appeal — as well as the decision to tilt the kitchen island so it can interplay with both the dining and great rooms. These simple tweaks create a design that satisfies.
What We Love: The massive kitchen is ideal for a family who loves to entertain. There’s room for everyone to gather for appetizers or help prepare the main course. And we’re suckers for the way a catwalk turns an otherwise dark, dreary hallway into a show-stopping focal point.
Getting Personal - Woodhouse, The Timber Frame Co.
Roger Wade photo.
Square Footage: 3,320
Bedrooms: 2
Baths: 2 full, 1 half
Inspiration comes from a variety of sources, but a Japanese Bento box? That concept served as the origin of this plan’s unique Asian influences. There are no walls to the ceilings, except in the master bedroom and powder room. The result is a peerless, light-filled masterpiece.
What We Love: With the inclusion of two home offices, as well as a dedicated music room, this plan is a prime example what’s possible when owners convey their lifestyle as well as their needs to the designer.
Stacked for Success - OakBridge Timber Framing
Kris Miller photo.
Square Footage: 4,745
Bedrooms: 3
Baths: 2 full, 1 half
Even though it’s on the larger side, space maximization lies at the core of this plan. Each room is strategically positioned to be easily accessed where you need it. Cases in point: the way the mudroom and the foyer both lead to the laundry; how the powder room is tucked away from the gathering areas but is still convenient to guests; and the way the master bath serves a bridge between the closet and the sleeping area, boosting square footage in the bedroom.
What We Love: Two things set this plan apart from the rest, and yet they both share the same goal: Storage. The master closet is so large it’s almost a room unto itself, and the oversized walk-in pantry is every at-home chef’s dream.
Barn Revival - Legacy Post & Beam
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Square Footage: 2,304
Bedrooms: 3
Baths: 2 full
Inspired by the structures of the American pioneers, this plan blazes a trail all its own. Specifically designed to take advantage of the 25 acres of Nebraska prairie on which it sits, the monitor-style barn home boasts a wide-open great room and kitchen core that spans the length of the house, flanked by bedrooms to one side and a lean-to style covered porch on the other.
What We Love: While the main level is ideally designed to serve as party central, the cozy upstairs loft is dedicated to the owners’ privacy and comfort. The master bath offers an oversized soaking tub for the ultimate in relaxation, and the huge walk-in closet is sure to satisfy the needs of the resident fashionista.
One for the Ages - Appalachian Log Structures, Inc.
Richard Lee photo.
Square Footage: 4,400
Bedrooms: 4
Baths: 3 full, 1 half
This design is ideal for aging in place, thanks to all the amenities strategically placed on the main level. The master bedroom occupies one-third of the floor, which also features a spacious, easy-to-navigate kitchen, open great room and sleek mudroom. The upper level and bonus room above the garage add all the extra room required to host the grandkids for slumber parties.
What We Love: From the wrap-around deck and porches to the 270-degree views from windows that encase the exaggerated-bow dining room, outdoor living is integral to this plan.
Ranch Dressing - PrecisionCraft Log & Timber Homes
Heidi Long photo.
Square Footage: 2,400
Bedrooms: 2
Baths: 2 full, 2 half
This is single-level living is at its best. The T-shaped design gives the exterior a vintage homestead vibe, while inside, situating the bedrooms at the opposite end from the garage, creates peace, quiet and privacy.
What We Love: Three fireplaces, including one in each bedroom, foster a cozy atmosphere. The great room’s fireplace, flanked by a pair of French doors that lead to the covered deck, is perfectly positioned to anchor an expansive view.
Prow Perfection - Coventry Log Homes
Joseph Hilliard photo.
Square Footage: 2,100
Bedrooms: 2
Baths: 2 full
A riverfront location drove the design of this custom log home layout. Instead of the classic pointed prow, this floor plan flattens it, creating the opportunity to add additional windows to capture the view. And to keep the vistas pristine, the chimney is offset.
What We Love: The plan maximizes its living space by minimizing hallways and using the staircase as a natural (and open) room divider. Plus, the large foyer greets friends and family as they enter from the equally welcoming covered porch.
Farm Fantastic - Timberpeg
Square Footage: 2,923
Bedrooms: 5
Baths: 3 full, 1 half
Designed as a retreat for an adventurous, outdoors-loving family, this plan lives a whole lot larger than its actual square footage. The main level’s wide-open layout and the upper-level rec room foster togetherness until it’s time for everyone to retreat to one of the five private bedrooms.
What We Love: All the nooks and crannies created by the angular layout provide opportunities to tuck away necessities, like the mudroom, laundry and spare storage. Plus, the three-car garage actually features one pull-through bay (doors on both sides), making it easier to maneuver oversized vehicles. Add in the farm charm and this house feels fresh and friendly.
Switch Hitter - Timberhaven Log & Timber Homes
Square Footage: 4,950
Bedrooms: 4
Baths: 3 full, 1 half
This design may be based on Timberhaven’s “Millwood” plan; however, the company’s client flipped it to reposition the office, sunroom and master suite to take advantage of their site’s water view. It shows how easily a stock plan can be customized to meet an owner’s needs.
What We Love: In today’s WFH environment, offices get a lot more attention than they used to. This plan’s office is attached to a breezy sunroom via French doors, ushering in sunlight and fresh air, as well as giving the home-based executive a built-in break room when he/she needs it.
