So here's the dilemma. I have three window sizes I can choose from for the bathroom window, or go off in a new direction.

1. Small - the long skinny windows on the first floor (but there would only be one in the bathroom as they come down too low to fit over the toilet or vanity) - photo 1 below.

2. Large - the wider window at the top of garage. - photo 2

3. Medium - the medium size ones in the dormers. - photo 3

Or....something else.

Any votes?

Here's the back of the house (where the bathroom will be located).

Bathroom window will go about here.

The garage is currently a featureless cedar shingle expanse at bottom with one window at the top (impossible to get a good angle b/c of the trees). This is the front of house, but same window (stupid trees).

This is the back of the house.

Hi Robo! If it were me, I'd match the long skinny windows from the first floor.

I don't think it's necessary to match window size in the back of the house. What about privacy when you're gathered in the backyard?

I could maybe do two of the long skinny windows if I placed the vanity on the left hand wall instead of right by the toilet.

Privacy will be a concern. I'll need to either frost or cover the windows.

I wish I could glass in the entire wall because the rest of the windows in the house are so small! My husband's perspective is "it's just a bathroom, put a tiny window in."

I would put in a small one too...

It's by itself, I wouldn't worry about it. If the look from the back of the garage is of concern, I might consider adding a symmetrical window on the other side into the garage. That way it won't matter what size or shape as you'll have a matching one.

I would move the vanity to the other wall anyway and then center the window over the pot. It will give both the pot and the vanity a little more breathing room.

BTW, in swing doors on small baths are considered a safety hazard and the door should swing out or be pocket.

Thanks for that safety note, Annie :)

The windows in the dormers are about 36w x 44" tall. I'm thinking 36" might be a little wide for something centered over the pot - maybe I'll do 32" x 44".

Love your house!

I would move both the vanity and the toilet to the inside garage wall.

First of all, the plumbing will be more protected against freezing. Make sure that your tub plumbing is also on an inside wall.

Secondly, you can then put a more size appropriate windows (long to match the other lower windows) on the garage wall. One in the bath (put blinds up if you need privacy for the back yard.) and an additional window in the garage for symmetry. :)

I love the way you think but sadly there's not enough distance from the toilet rough in to the tub to turn the toilet sideways :( there is a lot of insulation however!

there just might be enough room to the right of the toilet to squeeze that size window in there...I would have to double check on that one.

Whatever you do, I would put two windows.

Two close together in the bathroom so they're as close together as the pairs of windows in the main house? Or two symmetrically placed on the garage facade?

What I have not yet divulged is my five-ten year plan for this cottage, which is to put a screen porch or three season room off the garage (the main cottage is way too dark to think of putting it in front). it's not a sure thing mind you...have to convince the husband and the outlaws.

Typically for privacy purposes, you don't want a bathroom window too large...you really want light and ventilation. If it's too big, you'll have to cover part of it anyway...

Two for symmetry w the main house and to break up The mass of the garage. In my opinion I would choose this window to maximize this aesthetics of that front view of the house where you currently have the unbroken line of the garage. Then I would adjust my layout and or adjust the privacy of the window with something like shutters in order to accommodate the needs of your bathroom.

Have you actually talked to a plumber about moving the roughed-in toilet? If it is just a 'hole' and concrete, it actually might not be as hard or expensive as you might think. I like nhb's drawing and suggestions. Believe you could go with a narrow, shorter windows on the garage side as long as you maintain the symmetry of 2 windows on that side.

Robo, my input isn't about the bathroom, it's about the generator. Any installation I've seen, including ours has had to be outside. They are dangerous inside. Have you guys gotten permits to put it there? Or is that just storage for a portable one?

Thanks for the input! We probably won't bother trenching the slab to move the drain, not really a priority for a second bathroom in a second home. Since I think, or hope, the layout is pretty functional as is. Fingers crossed!

The closet is just storage for a portable generator the plugs in outdoors. Good safety catch though!