Because of the houses' proximity, this Simple Shotgun House Plan often does not have windows on the sides (though they almost always do along the front or back). Despite their outward modesty, shotgun houses hold few surprises for those willing to look beyond their facades. The shotgun house has ornate features that add a sense of dignity to an otherwise modest home. This Simple Shotgun House Plan can help you build a place where a family can gather on a hot summer evening. The front of a traditional shotgun house would usually encroach on the sidewalk, and the house's porch gave rise to the long-standing New Orleans tradition of eating on the patio.