When family comes over, where do you put everyone? Once kids, grandkids, or out-of-town relatives start making plans, this is something you need to be able to answer on a dime. While the spare bedroom or couch will do in a pinch, if family visits often, you may be looking for a better place for them to spend their stay. How about a guesthouse?
There are several types of guesthouses to consider for your family. Some options give people more privacy, some make the most of space you already have, and some just feel right the minute you see them. Let’s look at a few popular styles.
Barndominiums
If you have an old pole barn on your property, you may be able to convert it into a barndominium for your guests to stay in. This is a practical and economical choice for families because it’s working with something you already have rather than building a new structure from scratch.
Most barndominiums are spacious and have a warm, rustic feel once finished, though there are ways to create a pole barn home that doesn’t feel like a barn if that style isn’t your thing. Regardless of the design, it provides extra room for your guests to settle in comfortably.
A-Frame Guesthouses
An A-frame home, as its name suggests, features a steeply angled roofline that forms the shape of the letter A. This design is aesthetically distinctive, but this style also has a practical purpose; the sharp pitch helps rain and snow slide off instead of collecting on top, which can mean less upkeep over time.
Most A-frame guesthouses have a roomy lower floor and sometimes a loft above, with tall, vaulted ceilings that make the interior feel open and bright. They also commonly feature plenty of windows to bring in natural light. If you want an open, airy space where your family can spread out comfortably during visits, this could be a contender for your guesthouse.
Cottage-Style Guesthouses
A cottage-style guesthouse has a comfortable, lived-in feel that many families enjoy right away. This style usually includes an efficient layout, cozy architectural details, and a modest footprint that feels comfortable without wasting space. The look feels warm without being fussy, and that gives visiting family a place to settle in, sleep well, and enjoy a little privacy without feeling cut off from the rest of the property.
Many cottage guesthouses also work well for older visitors because they can be designed with everything on one level, which makes getting around simpler.
Garage Apartment Guesthouses
A garage apartment guesthouse can be a smart option when you want to make use of space that already exists on your property. Built above a detached garage or added to one, this style gives family members a separate place to stay without putting them too far from the main house. While it isn’t as private as a detached guesthouses, it’s still better than the spare bedroom or pullout couch, and includes all the basics people could want, like a bedroom, a bathroom, and a small living area.
Finding The Right Fit
The best choice depends on your property, your budget, and how often family comes to stay. Once you’ve looked at the types of guesthouses to consider for your family, it gets easier to choose a setup that fits your home and the people who’ll be staying there.
