Have you considered engaging an architect to design a retirement home with you? You can determine the style of the home, the size of the rooms, where those rooms are situated, and what advantages it takes from the site. Talk to a few local architects. You can see what they can do for you and they don't bite. It may not cost as much as you thing considering the benefit you will receive. Have a great retirement and have fun with building your home.

IMO the minute you start changing a stock plan the changes add up very fast and i find you are much better off to get an architect to design YOUR house to suit you. I do not like vaulted ceilings I think they eat heating and cooloing for no benefit . I never have a closet in a bathroom or one that is accessed through a bathroom. Are you gloing to use the tub? As for the entry yes it is large and wasted space but again a change not included in the plan and building price.

For aging in place (i.e. retirement) I'm not sure I'd want a home that could only be accessed via steps/stairs. And since it will probably have to be sold during your lifetime, or by family members after your demise or your move to a nursing facility, two bedrooms are not very marketable. Sorry to be harsh, but those might just be the simple facts. In addition, the comments above seem to be on point. I think you could use pix of this home's exterior as inspiration for an architect if it defines the "look" you love, but be realistic about the livability of the home when you're 80, and the marketability of it when its time to sell.

Too many stairs

And very poor layout

Thank you for the comments! They are all helpful. We are working with a piece of property that is in a 100yr flood plain so some stairs are a must for the elevation. Also, there are environmental restrictions that may only allow 2 bedrooms (septic near river). we thought this plan had enough rooms to create a ”bedroom” if needed in a study for example. Lots of complications so it may be better to start with this and talk to an architect for a unique design

Sure you want to clean 3 bathrooms?

Here's a link to the plans: Southern Living Tideland Haven

Lots of complications so it may be better to [trash] this and talk to an architect for a[n appropriate] design.

I like the plan. Definitely needs to be tweaked. Draftsman can do that. I’m a big fan of pier and beam. Agree on the steps. Detached garage walkway to house could possibly be done step free. The kitchen is so odd but lots of space to tweak. Adore one story plan and the kill shot for us was the porch with the fireplace. We have a huge wraparound porch now, and not sure we’re ready to part with it. We’re looking at the 3 bedroom one. On the detached garage instead of another suite we’d made it a workshop for hubby.

Have to give huge shoutout to the architects. We have a 1905 Victorian farmhouse. Best thing we did was have our architect tweak it considerably and keep to the age and charm of the house. We’re delighted with the results.

I completely redsigned the house and gave it to an architect. Most fantastic house I could imagine

Laura, thanks so much for posting. Love seeing the pics!! So much to be said for getting exactly what you want and putting your own spin on your design. Lovely! Enjoy!

Agree with the recommendations to consult an architect….. A). Love the house plan, but really dislike the “weird/small” kitchen, especially in renderings in which the cooktop is sitting in the middle of the kitchen with a metal exhaust pipe going through the ceiling. For me, it completely ruins the entire look of the house…. B). I also agree with the Vaulted Ceiling Comments. I once built a house by a well-known designer/architect that had a completely open 2nd Floor (in several locations)— It was a gorgeous house, but was a monster to heat and cool and I would never do that again. Nine-ten foot ceilings are fine for me…. C). Final Considerations—- Depending on the version, Tideland Haven has a relatively sizable footprint, but has very few “rooms.” For me— I’d expect a large food pantry, butlers pantry/china closet, food prep area and/or Grandkid’s FROG/Bunk-Room for 2400-2800 square feet of heated space…. D). Although it is technically “wasted” space, I do actually like the entry “Wow Factor” and could think of several ways to utilize that space….. E). Would love to see the creative solutions that others have found with this plan since it has so much potential. ❤️

The Tideland Haven plan has a charming, cottage-like exterior that's very inviting. I like the porches--provided there is a view and the climate zone will allow for their frequent use. Other than that, I don't think it offers very much. The kitchen in the original plan was clearly designed by someone who doesn't cook. It's a disaster.

Couldn’t agree more.

I actually started designing the house completely over. The only thing I saved was the living room with the vaulted ceiling and the way the bedrooms were split but totally different house i couldnt be more pleased