The house plan described here offers approximately 2,058 sq ft of heated living area, all on a single level (one story) with a layout tailored for comfort and flexibility. The width of the structure is about 95’-5” and the depth is roughly 46’-10”. 0
Exterior Design & Character
This design channels a classic country / farmhouse aesthetic, with large covered porches both front and back that span nearly the full width of the house. 1 The roof features a primary pitch of 10 in 12 and a secondary pitch of 4 in 12, giving it a crisp roofline with traditional proportions. 2 The maximum ridge height is 23’-0”. 3 The exterior walls are designed for 2×4 construction (with optional 2×6) and the foundation is the standard crawl-space type. 4
Interior Walk-Through
As you enter, you’ll find a generous open-concept living, dining and kitchen area, all unified into one expansive space. According to the plan details: “living, dining and kitchen areas are all combined into one huge room with sliding glass doors to take you to the back porch.” 5 The ceiling height is 9′ on the main floor, with vaulted ceilings of roughly 17′-10″ in the entry, living room and dining room to add airiness and a sense of volume. 6
The house uses a split-bedroom layout, which positions the master suite on one side for privacy, and the three additional bedrooms on the opposite side sharing a hall bathroom. 7 The master suite also includes a built-in cedar closet for off-season clothes storage, a nice touch. 8 There is also a half-bath (2.5 baths total: 2 full, 1 half) in addition to the full baths. 9
Outdoor & Porch Spaces
One of the standout features is the front and rear porches, each approximately 515 sq ft in size. 10 These wide porches extend nearly the full width of the home, providing
excellent outdoor living space for shade, seating, and enjoying views. The rear porch connects via sliding glass doors from the main living space, enhancing the indoor/outdoor flow.
Dimensions & Rough Cost Estimate
The heated area: 2,058 sq ft. 11 The footprint width: about 95’-5”; depth: about 46’-10”. 12
As for cost, estimates vary widely depending on region, finishes, labour, local regulations, site work, etc. As a general ballpark for mid-quality finish construction in many parts of the U.S., one might estimate anywhere from **US $150 to US $250 per square foot** (or more) for a custom home of this nature. Using the 2,058 sq ft number:
- At US$150/ft² → ~ US$308,700
- At US$200/ft² → ~ US$411,600
- At US$250/ft² → ~ US$514,500
Of course, if you are building in Tanzania (Arusha), local labour, materials, shipping/import, site conditions, and finishes may shift the cost considerably (could be higher or lower depending on commodity pricing). This estimate is purely illustrative.
Good Fit & Considerations
This plan works particularly well if you:
- Prefer a single-story home with an open living/dining/kitchen space and direct access to a large rear porch.
- Work well with a split-bedroom plan (master separate from the others) for privacy.
- Have a lot width to spare (given 95’+ width) and want a home that offers strong indoor/outdoor connectivity via porches.
Some things to check or adjust:
- The width dimension (95’-5”) means you’ll need a wide lot. If your site is narrower, you may need to mirror or modify the plan.
- Utility and mechanical layouts are not included in the base plan (mechanical drawings, plumbing drawings, wind/seismic specs are omitted) — you’ll need a local engineer or architect to handle those. 13
- Foundation type is crawl-space by default; depending on your region (Arusha area) you may prefer slab or raised depending on soil and climate.
- Vaulted ceilings are wonderful but increase roof and insulation costs; check if climate or budget favour simpler ceiling lines.
Summary
Overall, Plan 28906JJ offers a spacious, one-level, 4-bedroom country-style home with excellent porch/front and rear presence, vaulted living spaces, and an open concept layout suited to comfortable family living. Its dimensions and features make it ideal for a generous lot and a desire for strong indoor/outdoor flow. With appropriate local adaptation (foundation, finishes, mechanicals) it could be a very attractive choice.
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