Modern Guest House for the Next Generation in Encinitas
Double Ll Ranch Road, Encinitas, CA 92024
Homeowner Story: House younger family
Video TourUpgraded Modern Guest House
This modern guest house was thoughtfully designed for the homeowner’s adult children to have a comfortable, independent living space close to home. At just under 1,200 square feet, the layout balances privacy and connection, making it ideal for multigenerational living. The clean, modern finishes and open concept layout create a bright, welcoming space. The homeowners added a custom tiled shower with glass enclosure in the primary bedroom, and the exterior siding was also upgraded to match the beautiful white exterior of the primary home.
Interior Layout & Floor Plan Highlights
The floor plan of this modern guest house is a square shaped layout. The ADU features two spacious bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom. One of the bathrooms is also accessible from the main living area, adding convenience for guests or shared living situations.
The open concept kitchen and living room create an inviting central hub, with room for a dining table and an optional kitchen peninsula for additional seating or prep space. A short hallway connects the main space to a laundry closet and extra storage.
See more two bedroom ADU layouts.
Modern Guest House for Multigenerational Living
A growing number of families are turning to multigenerational living as a solution to rising housing costs and evolving family needs. This modern guest house is perfectly suited for that purpose, offering independent living quarters while keeping loved ones close.
With private bedrooms, bathrooms, and a full kitchen, younger or older generations can live autonomously while still being part of the family dynamic. This setup allows for a balance of privacy and connection, making it easier to support one another across generations.
Living in close proximity fosters daily interactions, shared responsibilities, and stronger family bonds. Whether it’s helping with childcare, offering companionship, or simply enjoying meals together, a multigenerational ADU promotes a sense of community and shared living without sacrificing personal space.
Read more about the benefits of multigenerational ADUs and building an ADU for family.
Floor Plan:
2BR/2BA 36×32 Square
Community:
The Encinitas ADU Guide
We have many projects in Encinitas and we know the city’s regulations and processes very well. Encinitas has some of the lowest permitting fees in the area, averaging just $2-4 per square foot of space for ADUs. We are also seeing fewer requirements for minor use permits in the coastal zone. Encinitas has also put out “permit ready” plans (PRADU), which some homeowners have found helpful as a starting place for their ADU designs.
The greatest attribute of Encinitas is that nearly all plan check and building permit fees have been waived for ADUs. Also, while much of Encinitas is located in the coastal zone, ADUs do not require extensive coastal permit requirements, meaning there is little to no added time or cost for coastal.
What about Encinitas Permit Ready Accessory Dwelling Unit (PRADU) Program?
You may have heard about the City of Encinitas having a permit ready ADU program (PRADU). Under the program, the city offers a handful of floor plans that may be used by the public.
However, these plans require property-specific modifications and additional documentation to meet full permitting requirements. While initially seeming cost-effective, pre-approved plans may not offer significant savings due to construction costs and potential design adjustments needed for your specific site. Based on our experience building several PRADU plans, the permitting time for these plans is also not any different than other ADU plans.
For a detailed exploration of using pre-approved ADU plans and their implications, read more about the considerations for using pre-approved ADU plans from cities.
