Granny Annexe Floor Plans: Studio, 1 & 2 Bedroom Layouts

Why the Floor Plan Matters More Than You Think

A granny annexe is not a garden shed or a holiday lodge. It is a permanent, self-contained home for someone you care about. That means every square metre needs to work hard. A well-designed floor plan ensures natural light reaches the right rooms, the bathroom is accessible, the kitchen is practical, and there is enough storage to live comfortably long term. Poor layouts lead to wasted space, dark corners, and frustration. The right granny annexe floor plan also needs to account for future needs. If the annexe is for an elderly parent, consider wheelchair accessibility, walk-in showers, and wider doorways from the outset. Retrofitting these features later is expensive and disruptive. All Grannexe floor plans are designed with accessibility in mind as standard.

• Natural light distribution is planned for each room
• Doorways are wide enough for wheelchair access (minimum 850mm clear opening)
• Bathrooms feature level-access showers as standard
• Storage is designed into the layout rather than added as an afterthought
• Utility connections are positioned for practical kitchen and bathroom placement

Studio Granny Annexe Floor Plans

Our studio granny annexe floor plans are designed for individuals who want independence without unnecessary space. The open-plan layout combines the living area, sleeping area, and kitchenette into one bright, well-proportioned room. A separate bathroom provides privacy and practicality. Studios from Grannexe typically measure around 6m by 4m externally, giving approximately 20 to 24 square metres of internal living space. This might sound compact, but the open-plan design makes it feel significantly larger. High ceilings and generous glazing amplify the sense of space. The kitchenette runs along one wall and includes a full-size fridge freezer, a two-ring hob, a built-in oven, and a stainless steel sink with drainer. Worktop space is sufficient for everyday cooking. The bathroom is fully tiled with a walk-in shower, WC, and basin. Underfloor heating keeps the space warm without the need for radiators that eat into floor space.

• External dimensions: approximately 6m x 4m
• Internal living space: 20 to 24 square metres
• Open-plan living, sleeping, and kitchen area
• Separate bathroom with walk-in shower
• Ideal for a single occupant who values independence
• Starting from around £90,000 (zero VAT under the Caravan Act)

Who Is the Studio Layout Best For?

The studio granny annexe floor plan works well for a single parent or relative who is reasonably mobile and wants their own space close to the family. It is also popular with homeowners who have smaller gardens, as the footprint is modest. Some families choose the studio for a young adult who needs their first independent space before moving out. Others use it as a home office that could later convert to a granny annexe. The open-plan layout is easy to furnish and maintain. A single person can keep it clean in minutes, and the compact dimensions mean heating costs are minimal. Grannexe studios are insulated with our proprietary WarmWall system (250mm insulated panels), so they stay warm in winter and cool in summer without high energy bills.

One Bedroom Granny Annexe Floor Plans

The one bedroom granny annexe floor plan is our most popular option. It provides a dedicated bedroom separate from the living space, which makes a significant difference to everyday comfort. Typical external dimensions are around 9m by 5m, providing approximately 38 to 42 square metres of internal floor space. The layout usually places the bedroom at one end and the living area at the other, with the kitchen and bathroom in between. This arrangement keeps the bedroom quiet and private, away from the entrance and main living area. The living room is large enough for a sofa, armchair, dining table, and television. The kitchen is a proper galley or L-shaped layout with full-size appliances, including a washing machine, dishwasher, and full oven. There is space for a breakfast bar in most configurations.

• External dimensions: approximately 9m x 5m
• Internal living space: 38 to 42 square metres
• Separate bedroom with space for a double bed and wardrobe
• Full kitchen with washing machine and dishwasher
• Living room large enough for comfortable daily use
• Bathroom with walk-in shower, WC, and basin
• Starting from around £110,000 (zero VAT)

Who Is the One Bedroom Layout Best For?

The one bedroom granny annexe floor plan suits individuals or couples who want a genuine sense of having their own home. The separate bedroom provides privacy and better sleep quality, as the living area can be used for evening television without disturbing someone who has gone to bed early. For couples, the one bedroom layout is usually the minimum comfortable option. The living space is large enough for two people to spend time together without feeling cramped, and the kitchen is practical enough for proper meal preparation. Many families find the one bedroom layout is the sweet spot between cost and comfort. It fits comfortably in most medium-sized gardens and provides everything needed for long-term independent living.

Two Bedroom Granny Annexe Floor Plans

Our two bedroom granny annexe floor plans provide the most generous living arrangements. With typical external dimensions of around 12m by 6m, these units offer 60 to 70 square metres of internal space. That is comparable to many one-bedroom flats on the market. The two bedroom layout includes a primary bedroom (usually large enough for a king-size bed), a second bedroom that works as a guest room or carer's room, a full bathroom, a spacious living room, and a proper kitchen with full-size appliances. Some configurations also include a small utility area or en-suite to the main bedroom. The second bedroom is particularly valuable for families where a carer may need to stay overnight. It also provides flexibility if circumstances change, for example if both parents eventually need to live in the annexe, or if grandchildren come to stay.

• External dimensions: approximately 12m x 6m
• Internal living space: 60 to 70 square metres
• Two bedrooms with the primary accommodating a king-size bed
• Full kitchen with utility space
• Generous living room
• Main bathroom plus optional en-suite
• Starting from around £130,000 (zero VAT)

Custom Granny Annexe Floor Plans

While our three standard layouts suit the majority of families, Grannexe also offers fully custom floor plans. If your garden is an unusual shape, if you need a specific room configuration, or if you have particular accessibility requirements, we can design a bespoke layout that fits your exact needs. Custom floor plans start with a site visit. Our design team surveys your garden, discusses your requirements, and produces initial drawings within two weeks. We use modular construction methods, so even custom designs benefit from factory-controlled quality and fast build times. Common customisations include wider hallways for wheelchair access, positioning the entrance on a specific side of the building, adding a second bathroom, creating an L-shaped layout to work around trees or boundaries, and adjusting ceiling heights. Custom designs typically add 10 to 15 percent to the cost of the nearest standard layout.

• Bespoke layouts designed around your garden and needs
• L-shaped, T-shaped, and other non-standard configurations available
• Wider hallways, ramps, and enhanced accessibility features
• Multiple entrance positions to suit your garden layout
• Additional bathrooms or utility rooms
• Design consultation included at no extra cost

How to Choose the Right Granny Annexe Floor Plan

Selecting the right layout comes down to four main factors: the occupant's needs, your garden size, your budget, and future flexibility. Start with the occupant. A single person who is mobile and independent may be perfectly happy in a studio. A couple, or someone who values having separate rooms, will need at least one bedroom. If overnight carers might be needed in the future, a two bedroom layout is the safest choice. Next, measure your garden. You need to account for the annexe footprint plus setbacks from boundaries (usually at least one metre from each boundary, though local planning rules may require more). Leave enough space for access during construction and for the occupant to walk around the building comfortably. Budget matters, but remember that a granny annexe is a long-term investment. Spending an extra £20,000 for a one bedroom instead of a studio could make the difference between an annexe that is used for decades and one that feels too small after six months.

• Assess the occupant's current and future mobility needs
• Measure your garden and check boundary setback requirements
• Consider whether overnight carers may be needed in the future
• Think about resale value if circumstances change
• Visit our showroom in Kent to see the layouts in person
• Request a free site survey to understand what fits your space

Key Dimensions and Room Sizes to Know

When reviewing granny annexe floor plans, understanding standard room sizes helps you judge whether a layout will feel comfortable. A bedroom should be at least 2.4m by 3.0m to accommodate a double bed with space to walk around it. A kitchen needs a minimum of 1.8m width for a single-run layout, or 2.4m for an L-shape with facing worktops. Bathrooms with walk-in showers need at least 1.8m by 2.0m to be comfortable and accessible. Living rooms should ideally be at least 3.5m by 3.5m to fit a sofa, chair, and television comfortably. These are minimums. Our standard floor plans exceed these dimensions across the board, and our WarmWall insulation system keeps wall thickness to a minimum so that more of the external footprint translates into usable internal space.

• Bedroom minimum: 2.4m x 3.0m (our standard: 3.0m x 3.5m or larger)
• Kitchen minimum width: 1.8m single run, 2.4m for L-shape
• Bathroom minimum: 1.8m x 2.0m for accessible walk-in shower
• Living room minimum: 3.5m x 3.5m
• Hallway width: 1.0m standard, 1.2m for wheelchair access
• Doorways: 850mm minimum clear opening for accessibility

Planning Permission and Floor Plan Considerations

Your choice of granny annexe floor plan can affect planning permission requirements. Under Permitted Development rights, outbuildings are limited to 50 percent of the total garden area, and single-storey structures must not exceed 2.5m in height at the eaves if within 2m of a boundary. Larger floor plans obviously take up more garden, so a two bedroom annexe might require a formal planning application where a studio would fall within Permitted Development. Grannexe annexes are built to qualify under the Caravan Act 1960, which provides a separate and often simpler route. Under this legislation, the annexe is classified as a caravan (despite being indistinguishable from a permanent building) and benefits from zero VAT. The maximum dimensions under the Caravan Act are 20m long, 6.8m wide, and 3.05m internal ceiling height. All three of our standard floor plans fall well within these limits.

• Permitted Development limits outbuildings to 50% of garden area
• Caravan Act maximum: 20m x 6.8m x 3.05m ceiling height
• All Grannexe standard plans comply with Caravan Act dimensions
• Zero VAT applies to qualifying Caravan Act annexes
• Grannexe handles planning applications where required
• Free site survey includes initial planning assessment