3 Reasons a Carriage House is a Must-Have in the Lowcountry
It probably comes as no surprise that, historically, carriage houses were used to store horses and carts. While horses aren’t our primary mode of transportation today, the modern carriage house is still a quintessential feature of many homes in Palmetto Bluff and other Lowcountry communities. If you’re debating whether a carriage house would make a great addition to your custom Lowcountry home, here are a few considerations to keep in mind.
Carriage Houses Can Be Built to Match the Home’s Aesthetic
Carriage houses are standalone structures that most often are situated above a detached garage. At Shoreline Construction, we love customizing carriage houses to match the primary home's overall aesthetic so that the entire property looks cohesive. And speaking of customization, your carriage house can include as many features and amenities as you’d like. Some even have their own screened porches!
Carriage Houses Offer Guests Unique Accommodations
Nothing says “southern hospitality” like giving guests the full five-star treatment. To create a space that truly makes guests feel at home when visiting your abode, situate them in their own private suite complete with a bathroom, kitchen, and living area. If a full kitchen isn’t in the budget, a wet bar topped off by a coffee or espresso machine and a mini fridge will still provide visitors with the essentials they need to start their day. Carriage houses are beloved in the Lowcountry for offering a quiet place of respite between gatherings of friends and family, making them an ideal solution for holidays and extended stays.
Carriage Houses Make Great Multi-Functional Buildings
Beyond its use as a guest suite, the extra space above your detached garage can also be used as:
A Media Zone - Add a big screen TV or projector with game system integrations, a pool table, oversized couch, bar for stocking popcorn and sodas, and maybe even an old-fashioned pinball machine or two to create a cool escape for all ages.
Office Space - If you have trouble separating work life from home life, or simply don’t have the space in the main house to set up a home office, a carriage house can offer a physical location for you to go to when it’s time to clock in. Better yet, you won’t have to worry about the commute—and running home for lunch is a breeze!
A Play Area or Club House - Why not turn your carriage house into an upgraded version of a tree house? Storing toys and games away from the main home is a great way to minimize clutter while also allowing children a space to play uninterrupted. Adding a bunk room is a great finishing touch that will accommodate sleepovers for years to come.
A Learning Zone - Outside of free time, kids can use the carriage house as a quiet space for distance learning, studying, or working on homework.
A She Shed or Man Cave - For adults, a carriage house can serve as a hangout space or a sanctuary for reading, artistic endeavors, watching the game, and more.
A Staycation Destination - A carriage house can make the perfect home away from home, with your main home only a few steps away if you happen to forget something. Equip the bathroom with a few spa-like essentials to really make it feel like a relaxing getaway!
A Junior Apartment - As mentioned earlier, carriage houses are often equipped with many of the same livable spaces as the main home, including a small kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and living/dining area. For recent college grads looking to save funds while on the hunt for a more permanent situation, a carriage house makes an ideal apartment.
