No decorative antlers in site. These chic, contemporary designs fit nicely in a lakefront or mountain locale but avoid the cliches. See more vacation house plans here.
The Onaway by Visbeen Architects makes the showstopping kitchen the focus in this waterfront design. A round bar table tops the end of the long island, giving plenty of room for guests to gather to drink summery cocktails and snack on appetizers before heading out to the deck to watch the sunset. A "lake bath" on the lower level provides a handy place to rinse off sandy feet before entering the house fully. See more images, information, and the floor plans.
Upside-Down Layout + Roof Terrace = Great Views
This unique layout wraps around a courtyard and puts the living spaces upstairs for fabulous views. On the ground level, the master suite includes a gorgeous curved shower and lanai access. Upstairs, the open kitchen, great room, and dining area are ready for relaxation. A study invites quiet work from home. When it's time to party, head up to the roof terrace for the very best view. See more images, information, and the floor plans.
Besides capturing views, this lovely coastal home is designed with the goal of minimizing damage in the event of a flood by putting the living spaces upstairs. A workshop and storage occupy the ground floor. On the second floor, the open layout puts the eat-in kitchen next to the living room so that it's easy to interact with family and friends while cooking. When the weather is nice, step out to the deck. Two bedrooms have use of the hall bathroom, complete with a soaking tub and large, separate shower. Laundry facilities sit nearby for convenience. See more images, information, and the floor plans.
Duplex with Contemporary Layouts
For extended families who want to go in together on the construction of a vacation home but could use a little privacy from each other, this duplex could be just the ticket. Each mirror-image layout holds an open living area, a kitchen snack bar with seating for four people, three bedrooms (two of them upstairs and large enough to hold multiple kids), and two bathrooms. Separate grilling porches ensure privacy (especially welcome if one of the units is rented out for additional income) but everyone can hang out together on the front porch. A breezeway between the units minimizes noise. See more images, information, and the floor plans.