Guest houses are also known as guest cottages, guest sheds, mother-in-law houses, and granny flats. From modern and prefab to classic cottage and Victorian, small houses built behind a main home need to pass local building codes and guidelines and should be built by a contractor. Often, these small structures are smaller versions or a nod to the larger home’s architectural design. Get creative: A guest cottage can be made from a kit, vintage trailer, shed, or even a shipping container. Don’t forget to roll out the welcome mat and include nice touches like extra bedding, toiletries, and fresh flowers from the garden. Let’s take a look at diverse styles and sizes of guest houses and granny flats from Massachusetts to New Zealand. “The unique feature is that it has equal parts closed interior and open patio with a roof,” says Pekkala. Each of Allwood’s kits include wood components, windows, doors, and hardware. A concrete foundation is not required; cinder blocks and gravel or treated timber and gravel will suffice. You’ll also have to buy roofing material for your Solvalla guest house, preferably shingles, tile, or tin. “Of course, if you want a bathroom or kitchen, then you will have to add those, too. But we do not promote this small model for that purpose,” says Pekkala. Not surprisingly, the Solvalla has been great for Allwood’s business, even when the kits are sold out. “Customers are starting to buy the larger models we sell as primary residences because it is so much cheaper and faster than building a traditional home,” says Pekkala. Working with Baahouse’s existing Lincoln Design 2B, the firm designed a tropical pair of homes that take advantage of the steep site, using hardwood outriggers, handrails, and vertical timber. Blending with the landscape, the modern homes emphasize the indoor/outdoor lifestyle with connecting decks and sliding glass doors that capture sub-tropical breezes. But when it came to softscape, the client was clear: she did not want water-wise succulents. Maestretti introduced her to other drought tolerant plants, like various lavenders, salvias, and the colorful African daisy (Arctotis ‘Pink Sugar’). The result is a lush xeriscape garden that evokes memories of McCook’s mother and is a peaceful place for relaxation and reflection. Chamberlain Construction of Millerton, New York, assisted Crisp in creating a stunning building that features board-and-batten siding, asphalt shingles, and handmade copper light fixtures by local craftspersons.
