We need to know what your size limitations are. Is this a narrow deep lot, or a shallow wide lot, or acreage of some kind? Does the garage need to be front-loading or can it be in the rear or on the side?

I think about 90% of the garden homes built in the last 15 years have had a variety of one common floor plan. Long skinny house. Left side has garage, BR, hall bath, BR, MBR/bath. Right side has garage, into laundry, into kitchen, into dining, into living. Occasionally the LR is in the middle, if the lot is slightly wider. Flip if desired.

Here is a link that might be useful: standard garden home in my area

phoggie, have you seen this website:

Simplehome

Phoggie- Here's the house I posted on the other forum...and two more :)
{{!gwi}}From Cottage house plans
{{!gwi}}From Cottage house plans
{{!gwi}}From Cottage house plans
{{!gwi}}From Cottage house plans
{{!gwi}}From Cottage house plans
From Cottage house plans

I meant to add...in the last plan, since you don't need the stairs, that would make a wonderful walk-in pantry :)

Phoggie, I've always been fond of this house Southern Living Gulf Coast Cottage, plan SL-131, and I had the privilege of walking through it as built here in Mobile. We were loving it and the realtor said it had just been sold while we were standing there.

The siding was not wood, it was Hardie plank, which is durable and really only the trim might need painting. The house has large gallery (covered porches) on three sides. The back of the house has a deck. While the front has the steps characteristic of a Cajun cottage, the back is at ground level because of the slope of the land. The garage is detached, and built to look like a "summer kitchen". They had a two car space and a tool shed included. The house had a wide center hall, much like the old style houses, and it catered to comfort. Take a look at the website, for more information. Here is the picture of the house and the floor plan. Talk about a gracious dwelling, nothing but class.

Here is a link that might be useful: Southern Living SL-131 house plan details

Hi Phoggie,
I posted on your house plan search onanother forum. I am also a widow selling my house to build a smaller house with a smaller lot. As I said before I have been following your search for a house plan and your move with great anticipation for you. How great that you have a friend to stay with while you sort this all out and get your home built.
I plan to build closer to my son and one of my nephews. I am also looking for a house plan with a view . I am posting two more plans that are around 1500' .
Good luck with the move and finding the right plan.

Here is a link that might be useful: Small House Plan

Phoggie,
The other link.

Good luck with your move!

Here is a link that might be useful: The second plan.