House plans with courtyards offer many advantages. If the home’s layout wraps around a central, side, or back courtyard, most rooms will offer views of this space for outstanding indoor/outdoor connections. If in front, a courtyard creates a sense of arrival for the entry. Side courtyards in particular can make the most of a narrow lot by adding outdoor space within the footprint of the home, with room for pools, fire pits, and other outdoor living amenities that add serious appeal. For more houses with serious outdoor living built in, check out the collections of house plans with patios , porches , wraparound porches , and pools .