Whether you have occasional guests or frequently invite people over for the weekend, it’s always nice to be able to offer a space that gives them room and privacy.

Source: Jon R. Sayler, Architect AIA PS via Houzz.com

A carriage house is the perfect option when you have visitors as it’s a smaller building separate from the main house. Our Tiefenthaler experts have been designing and constructing these types of guest houses for over 25 years, so we can provide some insight on the benefits of these structures.

The origin of the carriage house traces back to the time of horse-drawn carts, where stately homes of the well-to-do needed a space for storage of their horses and other equipment. These structures were often transformed into guest quarters when carriages became obsolete, though the name stuck. In modern times, carriage houses add visual interest to an estate as an outbuilding or miniature version of the larger home.

Because they’re separate structures, carriage houses are perfect for guests who might need the privacy of their own quarters. Typically, they include a bedroom or two, as well as a bathroom and sitting area. They’re especially useful if they include a kitchen or kitchenette, as the occupants can fix their own meals without imposing on the meals or family time of the members of the main household.

In addition to overnight guests, carriage houses are perfect for college-aged kids, or even aging relatives who need assistance from time to time. They can also be used as an income property for homeowners who want to take on tenants.

Would you like more information on carriage house structures and other outbuilding projects that can provide more room for overnight guests? Please give us a call.  We can tell you more about our custom construction, outdoor space designs and major home renovations.