I like option 2, though I window would sure be nice, even if the natural light has to go through the closet to get into the bathroom. I assume there's an existing window or two in this bedroom? Is this a long low dresser? Something tall and narrow would probably give you more flexibility.

ETA: Compromising on the need for a water closet would give you a lot more options.

jslazart - no windows in this room. The master bedroom was the result of an addition, and the only window in the bathroom/closet room was on the wall that is now open to the master bedroom.

I would be willing to sell my dresser and get something else, but I'd prefer not to unless I can't find a design I'm satisfied with using the current one.

I would be happy to forego the water closet, but my husband is firm on that point. I might see what kind of drawings I can up with without the water closet to see if I can convince him.

rainyseason - yes, hanging clothes! My understanding is that a minimum of 5' is required for width in a walk-in closet if clothes are hung on both sides. Option 2 is really only a few inches shy of that (since the wall is drawn at 6" width, which isn't necessary), option 1 is 5' and option 3 is very open. In my current setup, I have 19" between that dresser and my bed and it's fine, so I think the width drawn here should be okay. Definitely open to discussion on opening that up though!

You need 2' per clothes rod, so 5' would give you 5-2-2 = 1' to walk. You need at least 2' to walk. 3' is more comfortable, particularly in a deep room. Here's an idea without the water closet. .. you get a big shower and decent hanging space. If your dresser is low enough, you could maybe add a hanging bar above it as well.

ahhh, thank you for this! I had it stuck in my head that I didn't want the door to open onto the toilet so I didn't even consider this setup, but it really is very logical and has so many other things going for it!

I second @jslazart’s plan, however, you could just do a regular door to the bathroom (and closet) and switch sink and toilet. Pocket doors can be problematic, normal doors would work just as well.
You could also retain a decent 5’x8’ bathroom and moving the guest bedroom closet to occupy space from the bathroom half to give you about 4 linear feet of extra storage. You’ll lose about 2’ of vanity space storage, but you’ll get double that in closet space (some of which can still be used for linens). Btw, the single plumbing wall on the left will also be cheaper than all your original plans. I hope you go for it!

Hanging clothes take up 2’. You need 3’ of aisle width for a walk in closet so a 5’ wide closet would allow hanging on one side. You need a minimum of 7’ for hanging on both sides

Also double check your dresser. Most are 21” deep, not 18”

Also, something I didn’t mention: By making your bathroom 5’x8’ you’ll be giving yourself a significantly bigger WIC (>7’x10.5’). This is significant. I’d center the WIC door in the middle of that space to allow for a U shaped layout and I’d relocate the bathroom door next to the WIC door. You’ll have an excellent WIC and a standard bathroom.

cpartist - you're absolutely right, the dresser is 21"! I think I started drawing it at 18" for convenience and then eventually assumed it was 18". As for the closet width, I swear google suggested 5' with clothes hanging on both sides, but now can't find that. Regardless, thinking about it, you're right, it does seem like it would feel narrow.

Steven - The master bedroom is only 10.5'x11', so I think it would feel out of proportion to have such a spacious closet with a moderate bedroom size and bathroom. Besides, we were looking forward to more counter space than our current 36". I'm leaning towards trading in my dresser for a smaller one to make more room in the closet (and include a linen closet); a smaller dresser would also give me the option of having it in the bedroom. As for the bathroom door location - there's a wall that juts out from the hallway side between the bathroom and bedroom that is 5'8" long that we can't move (without significant difficulty and mess), so that precludes a door to the bathroom from the bedroom. I do like swapping the toilet and vanity though; my husband is now saying he's fine losing the water closet.

Love the plans, planning to do something similar. How much will such a conversion cost in California?

You might price out buying a dresser and shelving system for your closet vs. using your own dresser. Going with a system might enable you to get more useable drawer sizes, bins, shelves, etc. that a regular dresser can’t. Are you integrating a mirror above it? As has been suggested here, perhaps hanging space above it will be appropriate? I suggest that you play around with some systems’ software to “build” your own closet interior. Just a thought!