By Courtney Pittman
Classic and elegant, Old World house plans evoke European charm with delightful details and ornamental detailing. Romantic elements like stone arches, quirky asymmetrical facades, clipped gables, hipped rooflines, and charming window shutters deliver picturesque appeal to this design style. The architectural influences of European house plans are drawn from the design of French country homes, English cottages, Swiss Chalets, and Tudor homes. Let's take a look at some of our favorites below.
Explore our collection of European house plans here
Two-Story European House Plan
Plan 929-1060
Sloping roof lines draw the eye to this splendid two-story European house plan. With 3,418 square feet, this house plan is a luxurious design that gives plenty of room for family and guests. An organic flow between the kitchen, dining, and great room allows homeowners to roam around easily. The master suite resides on the first floor for convenience (and aging in place) and includes a private bathroom with two sinks, a walk-in closet, and a separate shower. A mudroom makes transitions from the garage to the kitchen smooth and keeps things organized. Guests can enjoy their own private suite on the main living level.
Exceptional outdoor spaces added to the open living area, while a wet bar makes it an entertainer's paradise. Upstairs, you will find two more bedrooms (each with its own bathroom), a library (with vaulted ceilings), and a bonus room.
Check out these DIY home library tips from Homedit
Spacious and Open Old World House Design
Plan 923-87
Spacious and open, this European house plan has it all. Move around seamlessly in the generous great room, which opens to the large island kitchen and breakfast area. Just off the great room, accordion doors lead to the sizable grilling porch making indoor-outdoor living easily accessible year-round. An in-law suite resides on the other side of the garage and features its own covered porch, kitchen, den, bedroom, and bathroom (perfect for in-laws, college students, or to rent out on Airbnb).
Other highlights we love: the formal study/dining room, office space, a handy kids nook for storage, and the private master suite.
Make the most of in-law suites with these ideas from Family Handyman
European Style Curb Appeal
430-176](plan:430-176) Plan 430-176
This beautiful European style house plan offers classic curb appeal. A spacious open floor plan makes it easy to move between the large great room, kitchen, and dining area. The kitchen provides a sizable island, plenty of cabinet space, and a large walk-in pantry. A large master suite features a trayed ceiling, dual sinks, and a separate tub and shower (and is located to the right rear of the home for extra privacy).
Need a home office? A flex space could serve as the perfect area (or be used as a guest suite, game room, study, etc.). Two bedrooms share their own wing to the left of the floor plan (and a bathroom). Stay organized with the handy mudroom that is conveniently placed next to the laundry room. Easy and relaxed, this home design gives you front and rear porches.
Luxurious Design with Timeless Charm
Plan 923-98
Hello luxury! This European house plan is full of timeless charm. A grand foyer greets you as you enter the home. Relax in the formal living room that features a fireplace and French doors opening to the large rear covered porch (and outdoor kitchen). Cooking is made easy in the large island kitchen that opens effortlessly to the hearth room. With the master suite on the main level, homeowners will love escaping to their private oasis.
The second level includes: three bedrooms (each boasting its own bathroom), an optional game room, and a balcony overlooking the formal living room.
One-Story House design with Grilling Porch
Plan 17-2682
Perennially popular, this one-story layout makes the grilling porch a priority. With many areas opening to it (the breakfast nook, great room, master suite, and even a hallway near a secondary bedroom), indoor-outdoor living is uncomplicated and smooth.
Back inside, the kitchen's snack bar opens to the great room and offers another relaxed area with seating for four. The home theater/living room near the front could also serve as a home office with the addition of some doors. Owners will love the master suite's generous bathroom and walk-in closet.
Standout European House Plan with Open Floor Plan
Plan 430-144
This standout European house design and offers an open floor plan that utilizes every square foot. The elegant exterior features an inviting front porch – perfect for relaxing evenings with family and friends. A formal foyer and dining space open into the large great room (which features raised ceilings and a brick accent wall). The large kitchen enjoys views of the rear porch and features an island (with an eating bar) and a large pantry.
The master suite is located to the right of the plan, while two bedrooms reside to the left and include walk-in closets. As an extra feature, a bonus space is also provided that would be perfect for a guest suite or a game room. This plan really does have it all!
Flexible Spaces Throughout
Plan 430-131
Amazing curb appeal, large rooms, and flexible spaces are just a few words to describe this amazing European house plan. The vast great room offers tons of entertaining space and opens into the spacious kitchen and dining room. These areas offer huge windows, bringing in natural light and wonderful views of the back yard.
Large and luxurious, the master suite offers a huge bath and walk in closet. Upstairs, a bonus room offers space for a growing family or just a little get-a-way.
