Category: News

Where do the words “French country house” take you? Provence, maybe? Normandy? Lorraine? If there’s one design style that can instantly transport you, it’s French country-style house plans.

Whether you’re on an estate just outside New York City or a cottage somewhere on the California coast, the distinctive rooflines, brick or stone exteriors, arched doorways, and shuttered windows give these homes a warm, timeless appeal. They have a blend of style and practicality that homeowners love. Let’s look at these popular plans available here at Frank Betz Associates. 

Key Elements of French Country Home Plans

French country house plans are inspired by the homes found across the French countryside. With their roots firmly planted in traditional farmhouses and rural manors, these comfortable homes combine elegance with a cozy, lived-in feel. Frank Betz Associates offers many French country home design plans featuring open floor plans, fireplaces, beamed or vaulted ceilings, built-in cabinets, and various exterior materials and architectural details that capture the casual charm and elegance of the French countryside.

Why are French country home design plans so sought-after? 

Distinctive Exteriors

Unlike American farmhouse-style country homes, French country home plans have a rustic yet formal feel. With steep or hipped rooflines and balanced facades featuring natural materials like stucco, stone and brick, these homes exude comfort and charm. Gables or turrets lend a regal air, while substantial chimneys and decorative shutters add warmth and character. Windows, often arched or paired, provide an inviting touch.

Commonly accented with wrought iron or wood details, these homes evoke the romance of the French countryside. Whether one or two stories, their refined yet welcoming exteriors invite those seeking a balance of sophistication and comfort.

Inviting Interiors

One of the most attractive facets of the interiors of French country house plans is their warmth and timeless appeal. Neutral tones like cream, beige, and soft gray provide a serene backdrop, while features such as wood beams, wood-plank floors, stone fireplaces, and wrought iron details enhance the rustic charm.

Open living spaces are perfect for entertaining or family gatherings, often centered around a cozy hearth. Elegant finishes like antique-style lighting and wood cabinetry bring sophistication, while cozy layouts ensure comfort. Large windows invite ample natural light, adding to the airy feel. French country interiors strike a perfect balance between relaxed countryside living and refined design.

Why a French Country Home Could Be Perfect for You

French country homes have captivated homeowners for centuries with their perfect blend of rustic charm and sophisticated elegance. Whether you’re looking for a spacious family home, a cozy retreat, or a timeless design to fit your lifestyle, these homes offer unmatched versatility and comfort.

Beauty Meets Functionality

French country homes are renowned for their harmonious balance between aesthetics and practicality. With durable natural materials like stone, stucco, and brick, and details such as shutters and arched windows, their exteriors radiate warmth and a sense of being solidly built. Inside, smooth walls, neutral tones, exposed wood beams, and unfussy finishes create a cozy and casual atmosphere ideal for boisterous family gatherings or quiet evenings by the fireplace.

Designed with functionality in mind, French country homes feature open-concept layouts that are ideal for modern lifestyles. With an easy flow between living areas, whether you’re hosting a dinner party in a spacious dining room or enjoying a quiet morning in a sunlit breakfast nook, you’re only steps from the kitchen. Catering to both practicality and socializing, there’s nothing overly formal or fussy about these homes. 

Designed for Versatility

French country homes can adapt beautifully to different needs and lifestyles. Families will appreciate layouts with multiple bedrooms, spacious kitchens, and ample storage, while couples or individuals seeking a serene retreat will love the cozy charm and timeless appeal of these designs. Features like private balconies, flexible bonus spaces, and inviting outdoor patios allow customization to suit your unique preferences.

Whether nestled in the countryside or a suburban neighborhood, French country chateau house plans provide a timeless aesthetic that never goes out of style. Combining everyday comforts with a touch of sophistication, it’s the perfect choice for those seeking a home that truly feels like a haven.

Find Your French Country Home Plan with Frank Betz!

For a homebuyer, there’s no better feeling than finding the right style of home for their family. With a French country house plan, you’ll enjoy comfortable living with an open-concept layout that’s flexible and comfortable. We hope this article illuminates the benefits of this style of home. If you are interested in learning about building a French country home plan, we at Frank Betz Associates are here to answer your questions. For more information, explore our plans online or call 888-717-3003.

When it comes to building a thriving community, the layout of each lot plays a pivotal role in determining the right home design. Lot size, shape, and orientation significantly impact which floor plans maximize space and functionality while creating an attractive neighborhood aesthetic. By selecting versatile and thoughtfully designed floor plans, you can create harmonious, inviting and balanced communities. 

In this blog, we’ll explore how lot layouts influence home designs and share recommendations for our floor plans that complement diverse lot configurations, whether you’re designing a community or are a build on your lot homebuilder. 

House Plans to Build on Your Lot

Careful consideration is key to achieving an optimal neighborhood layout when pairing house plans with corresponding lots. By tailoring designs to lot sizes and configurations, you can create cohesive, functional communities that prioritize privacy and curb appeal.

In this sample neighborhood site plan, we demonstrate how 10 of our unique house plans can be arranged to work harmoniously on different kinds of lots. 

LOT #1 | The Cameron Walk is a modern 1-story design that fits perfectly on a wide lot. 

• Large living area with welcoming fireplace and beamed ceiling
• Flex room for a homework space, media space or formal dining room
• Optional upper level includes fourth bedroom, bathroom, and bonus room

LOT #2 | The Forsyth Knoll is a distinctive 2-story design with a side entry garage that’s ideal for a wide lot.

• Crisp painted brick with dark-painted claddings & sharp roof lines 
• Main level includes gathering spaces, owner’s suite, a guest suite, and open stairway 
• Upstairs has three bedroom suites, and a vaulted retreat (den/media center/game room) 

LOT #3 | Our new Coopers Ferry plan is still in development but has a courtyard/plaza entry ideal for a range of lot configurations.

• Open living area with welcoming fireplace and access to covered patio
• Upstairs has three bedroom suites, and a loft
• Optional bonus room adds more living space if needed

LOT #4 | The Wembley Place is a modern take on a traditional 2-story design, featuring a motor court side entry, ideal for a pie-shaped lot.

• White-painted brick, dark sashes, gray trim, clean roof lines, and simple cornice details  
• Main level designed for comfort, with a central space for gathering, dining, and living
• Upper level has three bedrooms, bathrooms, and a loft area 

LOT #5 | The Becton Park features a real rocking chair porch and a motor court side entry, ideal for a pie-shaped lot.

• Dark gray board-and-batten siding, white trim, deep-toned windows, and steep-pitch gables
• Private main floor owner’s suite with beamed ceiling and a bath with a soaking tub, large shower, and walk-in closet
• Main floor guest bedroom perfect for an elderly parent or visitors

LOT #6 | The Allendale Farms is a new 1-story plan with a motor court side entry, ideal for a pie-shaped lot.

• Three garages offer space for cars & a workshop 
• Open, light-filled design has a family room with a vaulted ceiling and access to two outdoor living spaces
• Optional upper floor can be finished with an additional bedroom, bath, and bonus room

LOT #7 | The Carramore is a fresh, new design with a courtyard/plaza entry that is ideal for a range of lot configurations and locations.

• Cottage-style exterior with center gable, inviting porch, boxed bay window, planter boxes  
• Covered rear porches provide additional living space and beautiful views
• Optional upper level has another bedroom, bathroom, and bonus room

LOT #8 | The Rutherford Place plan is perfect for corner lots, providing curb appeal and no garage facing forward. 

• Prominent wrap-around porch, classic brick, and gabled roof lines add to timeless look 
• Light-filled owner’s suite has a large sliding door that opens onto a covered, vaulted porch
• Optional bonus space has a separate entrance, perfect for a workspace or au pair suite

LOT #9 | The Logans Bluff is a cozy 1-story design that fits narrower lots in any location.

• Farmhouse style with crisp white claddings and stained timber accents
• Bedroom 3 is a flex space that doubles as a workspace 
• Optional upper level with 4th bedroom & bonus room (finish as a recreation or exercise room)  

LOT #10 | The Bellhaven is an inviting plan that fits perfectly on deep, narrow lots in a range of locations.  

• Blend of stately brick, clapboard siding, and welcoming “rocking chair” front porch 
• Screened rear porch and large deck expand living space and offer access to rear yard 
• Upper-level owner’s suite with spa bath and large closet with access to the laundry room

Benefits & Strategy

Selecting the right lot for a chosen floor plan is a crucial step in creating custom built homes. A strategic pairing can enhance natural light, maximize privacy, and ensure a home aligns with the homeowner’s lifestyle and future needs.

Benefits & Strategy for Wide Lot Designs (See Lots #1 & #2) 

Wide designs use the extra width as an advantage. This design can be shallow in depth which helps it fit on sites with steep slopes or rear restrictions.

Benefits & Strategy for Courtyard and/or Plaza Entry Designs (See Lots #3 & #7) 

These designs allow for the maximum width of the design. The only restrictions are side-yard setbacks. They allow full exposure on the rear of the design because the garage protrudes forward creating an “L” shape that helps with privacy from neighbors. When approaching the house, site lines are good as you look into the “L”. 

Benefits & Strategy for Motor Court Side-Entry Designs (See Lots #4, #5 & #6) 

This type of design is a good choice for “pie” shaped lots that are narrower in the front than the rear. 

If/when side-entry is required, the benefits of three-car storage can be achieved without a three-car garage dominating the facade. It adds length to the overall width, which improves curb appeal. 

Benefits & Strategy for Corner Lot Designs (See Lot #8) 

This design features an unobstructed front. A rear/side garage is entered from the side street with the main elevation facing the front street. A long side dimension can create privacy for the rear yard – pool, play set, etc.

Benefits & Strategy for Smaller/Narrower Lot Designs (See Lot # 9 & #10)

These designs are a good choice for more compact lots. Their shape and front entry garages help them fit on a range of sites.

Builders Love Frank Betz Associates!

Homebuilding is an exciting journey, and Frank Betz Associates is here to make the process as smooth and enjoyable as possible for builders. Ready to get started? Contact us today to schedule a consultation, explore our build on your lot floor plans, and learn about our builder program.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Frank Betz, founder of Frank Betz Associates and a pioneer in the residential design industry since 1976. Frank was an innovator, great talent, and nimble businessman. He will be terribly missed, though he has left us an extraordinary legacy to carry forward.

Frank graduated from college in 1976 with a degree in architectural and civil engineering technology. He immediately went to work for a convenience store developer, but was not satisfied. He felt the strings of entrepreneurship pulling, and set out on his own as an illustrator/renderer and draftsman. In April of 1980 he founded Frank Betz Associates (FBA) in Atlanta, GA. 

This was a time of great economic growth and development for the City of Atlanta and its suburbs. FBA thrived by servicing the home building industry with design, drafting, and advertising offerings. His client list grew quickly and included many of the top real estate developers in the region.

Spurred by suburban housing development, FBA flourished from 1988-1992 when the company entered the stock house plan business by partnering with third-party publishers and publishing its own catalog of in-house plans. For over 10 years, from 1993 until the mid-2000s, FBA was named “Best Selling Designer” by Builder magazine. The company is also an Aurora Award winner, among many others. 

Frank Betz continued leading FBA until his semi-retirement in 2004. He maintained his interest in the company and provided strategic advice and support while dabbling in other business ventures, including real estate development and restaurant ownership. In retirement, he enjoyed playing golf and putting on his best poker face in Las Vegas. Frank was a generous and fun-loving person who enjoyed all aspects of work and life. 

Today, Frank Betz Associates’ solid reputation and respected status in the industry remains because of Frank’s creative vision, strong foundation, and exemplary work. The team today is proud to uphold the values and traditions he instilled in the company from the very beginning as we maintain his legacy and move the company forward. We are proud designers and drafters and look forward to continuing to provide expert services to home builders and homeowners alike in the memory of Frank Betz. 

Any homeowner or builder knows that when a house plan is designed the right way, the entire living experience is significantly impacted for the better. Today, people are looking for modern features and a foundation that reflects comfort and luxury all at once — and when these needs are met, every day opens up new doors. 

At Frank Betz Associates, we understand house plans like the backs of our hands. When we create a blueprint that will become someone’s living space, we use our over 100 years of combined experience, as well as our care and passion for home, to ensure the greatest result possible. Here’s how we make the magic happen:

We Keep Up With Trends

When it comes to home design, it’s safe to say that trends emerge as quickly as they fade. At Frank Betz Associates, keeping up with what homeowners actually want is part of what makes us the most reliable choice. We know that a home’s layout plays a major role in any homeowner’s happiness — which is why our knowledgeable, skilled, and perceptive team is always on top of the desirable home trends of the moment.

We Have the Experience

There’s something to be said for industry professionals who have “seen and experienced it all.” Having been in business for 39 years (almost 4 decades!), we know exactly what it takes to design house plans that builders can trust and homeowners can fall in love with more and more each day. We have an extensive background servicing builders, which means we complete every job with builders and their businesses in mind.

We’re Good Listeners

Everyone deserves to be heard. Especially when it comes to new homes, having a group of professionals who act like partners and genuinely listen to every opinion and concern is what makes all the difference. At Frank Betz Associates, we don’t just say that our “customers come first” like everyone else does, we actually embody it. One of our biggest priorities is allowing everyone we work with to have a say and feel as confident as can be.

We Understand Great Products

Plain and simple, our team understands great products. In fact, we live and breathe them. Based on our success for the past 39 years, it goes without saying that we know exactly how to utilize cost-efficient design to create outstanding products at prices that people can be happy about. Our team wants nothing more than to exceed our customers’ expectations and provide the absolute best house plans at the best value — always. 

For more information about our exceptional house plans, please give us a call at 888-717-3003. All of us here look forward to working with you! 

Members of America’s Armed Forces, men and women alike, work diligently every day to defend our Freedom and American way of life. The work they choose always results in some degree of sacrifice. Sacrifice that includes time away from loved-ones and family, physical and mental injury and the ultimate sacrifice of surrendering their own lives.

All Americans owe the citizen soldiers unlimited support and gratitude for the work they do. Frank Betz Associates is proud to support and be part of a special group: Operation Finally Home. The group builds and provides mortgage free homes to deserving veterans and their families. Frank Betz Associates is honored to be a house plan provider to Operation Finally Home.

On August 18, 2017, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Donald Davenport, a Purple Heart recipient and his family were presented with The Nickerson design. The home was provided by Operation Finally Home in Newnan, Georgia. Representing Frank Betz Associates was Laura Segers, Vice President of Sales Operation.

For more information about Operation Finally home, visit them at www.operationfinallyhome.org.

You can view images from the event below: