21 Small Beach House Designs That Make a Big Splash

Last updated on July 8, 2025

Check out the coastal charm and cozy splendor of our small beach house designs that promise both tranquility and delightful tales of architectural wonder.

Imagine trading in your skyscraper view for a glimpse of the ocean, where the biggest decision involves whether to flip to your sunburn side or brave the seagulls for a snack. Ah, the allure of a small beach house!

These charming little coastal abodes seem to have mastered the art of packing personality into a footprint smaller than your average urban studio. Join me as we squeeze through the doorways of these tiny seaside sanctuaries; they may be small, but they pack a punch bigger than your sunscreen supply.

A-Frame Escape by the Sea

Compact beach house with wooden facade and glass doors — More like this: Beach Houses Modern Houses

This house is the superhero of beach retreats, standing boldly amidst the whispering dunes, wearing a sleek suit of vertical wooden panels. The large glass doors are like eyes looking out to the endless horizon, whispering sweet nautical nothings.

Up top, a window gazes out from the gable, thinking deep thoughts about sunsets and seagulls. The house sits stoically on a wooden deck, defying sand-in-the-shoes predictions with an air of laid-back sophistication.

Seaside Sanctuary: A Beachy Abode

Small beach house with a wooden balcony and sun loungers — More like this: Beach Houses Modern Houses Villas

This delightful beach house knows how to make a sun-drenched statement! With its charming wooden details, it’s got those rustic beach vibes nailed down, literally.

The sun loungers seem ready for a lazy afternoon, and the wooden railing looks like it’s practicing social distancing—politely keeping you from an accidental dip in the sand. Who knew a house could wear wood so well?

Azure-Streaked Bungalow Bliss

White beach house with blue shutters and lush plants — More like this: Mediterranean Houses Villas

This delightful two-story beach house flaunts a refreshing white facade accented with bright blue shutters. Wooden trim and a balcony add cozy charm, while cascading greenery seems ready to spill the latest beach gossip.

Vibrant potted plants abound, popping with color and almost asking for a compliment. The cozy seating area promises endless relaxation—unless the chairs start their own sunbathing contest!

A Breezy Bungalow Getaway

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More like this: Beach Houses Modern Houses

A modest beach house stands proudly, flaunting its chic charm. Its crisp white façade, complete with a bright blue door, echoes tranquil coastal vibes.

Windows on either side promise peek-a-boo ocean views, perfect for pretending you’re in a movie.

Sky-Blue Oasis on Stilts

Stilted beach house with blue siding and white accents — More like this: Beach Houses Dream Homes Modern Houses

Perched high on sturdy stilts, this beach house stands like a seagull keeping watch. Its charming sky-blue siding and crisp white trim give it a playful yet serene vibe.

A wide staircase invites visitors up to the welcoming porch, where the ocean breeze is the house’s permanent guest. The symmetrical windows create a perfectly balanced façade, making it look like the house knows it’s the prettiest on the block.

Sunshine Yellow Door Charm

Charming small beach house with a yellow door — More like this: Beach Houses Cottages Dream Homes Modern Houses

Behold the small beach house with a facade painted in a serene shade of blue, reminiscent of the sky on a clear day.

It’s like the house has dressed up for a seaside party, showing off a cheery yellow door that practically shouts “Come on in!” The architecture is delightfully classic with its gable roof and crisp white trim. Sturdy columns frame the porch, offering a welcoming embrace, while the clean railing design adds a touch of beachy chic sophistication.

A Quaint Cabin by the Waves

Small gray beach house with a cozy porch and ocean view — More like this: Beach Houses Cottages Modern Houses

This beach house sports a snazzy gray facade, adorned with clean lines that make you want to don sunglasses indoors. The inviting porch, with its cheerful blue pots and laid-back chairs, beckons you for a lazy afternoon.

A modern take on a seaside shack, it’s ready for postcards and fishing stories. Meanwhile, a wild deck stretches out like it’s auditioning for Broadway, eager to showcase your best tan lines.

Beachfront Bliss: The Surf Shack

Wooden house with surfboards and a cozy patio — More like this: Beach Houses Modern Houses

Behold the surf shack that dreams are made of! This snug two-story gem is adorned with sleek white paneling and warm wooden accents, making it both a minimalist marvel and a cozy retreat.

Its generous sliding glass doors on both levels invite the sea breeze in, while a wee wooden balcony offers a perfect vantage point for spotting mermaids—or maybe just seagulls.

Cabin on the Rocks: Waterside Wonder

Cozy beach house on rocky shore — More like this: Lake Houses Modern Houses Cottages

Perched right on the rocky edge, this charming beach house steals the scene with its picture-perfect design. Floor-to-ceiling windows invite the sunshine in, while the wooden siding and sloping roof give it a rustic yet modern vibe. It’s got stairs leading right down to the water as if it’s asking you to take a dip.

And don’t miss those cheeky little potted plants on the deck—they’re obviously there to critique your swimming form. The scenery is topped with a whispering backdrop of tall, leafy trees.

Sandy Shores and Cozy Doors

Small beach house with white exterior and patio — More like this: Beach Houses Cottages Dream Homes Modern Houses

This adorable beach house sits snugly on the sand, flaunting its crisp white exterior. The inviting deck boasts plush seating, perfect for sip-and-stare sessions at the ocean.

French doors welcome you to a cozy interior, possibly whispering, “Nap here.” The whole scene screams beach bliss and barefoot dreams.

Nestled Nirvana: A Beachside Gem

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Seaside Splendor: A Modern Marvel

Contemporary beach house with large windows and wooden exterior — More like this: Beach Houses Dream Homes Modern Houses

This stunning beach house boasts a sleek, modern design with a wooden facade that screams sophistication. Large windows dominate the front, making them perfect for accidental bird collisions or spectacular sea views.

The clean lines and seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces have architects raising both eyebrows. It’s a triumph of design that even the seagulls would envy—if they cared about such things.

Dreamy Dunes Hideaway

Charming beach house with ocean view — More like this: Beach Houses Modern Houses

Nestled on sandy shores, this delightful beach house boasts a chic, modern design with natural wood siding. A line of large windows creates an inviting, bright interior, perfect for gazing at the ocean while pretending to work.

The small porch adds a cozy touch, equipped for lazy afternoons with a good book. Its compact charm is an architectural wink to relaxation, making it a place where time loves to stand still.

Coastal Calm: A Porch with Panache

White beach house with porch and balcony — More like this: Beach Houses Modern Houses Dream Homes Cottages

This two-story beach house flaunts a clean, white exterior that gleams under the sun like a pearl in a bed of oysters. The inviting double doors, framed by a cozy porch, practically beg you to bring your flip-flops over for a visit!

Beachfront Dreams: A Tiny Treasure

Cozy beach house with ocean view — More like this: Beach Houses Dream Homes Modern Houses

This delightful beach house boasts a charming façade with crisp white siding, reflecting the sun’s rays like a seashell. Its gabled roof and neat, symmetrical windows invite coastal breezes and the occasional gawking seagull.

A spacious glass door offers a tantalizing glimpse of sandy shores and the lazy blue ocean beyond. The porch, flanked by minimalist planters, promises quiet mornings with coffee in hand and adventures in flip-flop fashion.

Beachside Dreamscape: Windows and Wonder

Stylish two-story beach house with large windows — More like this: Beach Houses Modern Houses Dream Homes

This whimsical beach house boasts a modern yet playful design, with a generous sprinkle of windows nearly as tall as the structure itself. The exterior is clad in charming gray shingles, topped with a delightful gabled roof that seems to wink at the sun.

A balcony adds a dash of elegance, perfect for serenading sea breezes. Steps lead up to the front door, welcoming sandy feet with open arms and a touch of nautical charm.

Whimsical Turret Hideaway

Compact turret-style beach house with a red brick path — More like this: Cottages Modern Houses Suburban Houses Traditional Houses

This charming beach house resembles something out of a fairy tale with its playful turret and inviting facade. The light minty-green siding, coupled with crisp white trim, adds a lighthearted touch that feels both sophisticated and homely.

A red brick pathway lures you in, as if promising magical adventures inside. The windows, spacious and symmetrically arranged, hint at breathtaking views, leaving you aching to peek through and watch the waves sashay by.

Modern Marvel with a Splash of Zen

Modern beach house with sleek design and pool — More like this: Modern Houses Villas

This contemporary beach house has an eye-catching geometric design, featuring expansive glass windows that invite the sun like it’s a VIP guest. The contrasting wood and sleek façade make a stylish statement, while the shaded patio area whispers, “Relax, lay back,” in the most soothing beachside tone.

A compact pool is nestled amid lush greenery, perfect for a quick dip or pretending you’re training for the Olympics… in very slow motion.

The Shuttered Shoreside Charmer

White two-story beach house with black shutters under trees — More like this: Traditional Houses Suburban Houses

This delightful beach house features crisp white siding complemented by striking black shutters, giving it a classic charm. A welcoming porch with a couple of inviting chairs offers the perfect spot to sip iced tea and admire the seaside view while pondering life’s great mysteries—like where the other sock went.

Cozy Coastal Cottage: A Touch of Tranquility

Compact beach house with a charming porch — More like this: Cottages Dream Homes Modern Houses

This delightful little beach house looks like it was plucked straight from a fairytale. With its two-story design, the wooden shingles on the upper level add a rustic touch, making it more interesting than your average sand castle.

The white trimming and door frame give it a crisp, clean appearance, contrasting charmingly with the natural surroundings.

Wood-Loving Wonder on the Waterfront

Modern beach house with large glass windows — More like this: Modern Houses Beach Houses

This modern beach house is a sight to behold, with its sleek, geometric design and a penchant for oversized windows that scream “I love sunshine!” The wood paneling wraps around the structure like a cozy sweater on a crisp autumn day, offering a rich, inviting texture.

The front deck provides ample space to soak in the sea breeze while contemplating your next volleyball victory. A clever use of glass ensures the stunning ocean view is always in the spotlight, making this a perfect getaway for those who enjoy a good dose of vitamin sea.

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