I have a 4x8 on 2' legs with full-width doors on the 4' sides. I don't go inside -- cleanout is done from the doors and I have an egg box shelf which is accessed from outside by a hinged flap door (a terrific alternative to external boxes). When the time comes for a major cleaning, I have a power washer and I'm not afraid to use it. I have 8 LF and with a full-length roost pole (8') and a 10x10 run space attached. There is plenty of room for them with this setup (I could probably add 4 more and be just fine). They also have their foraging instincts intact and spend at least a couple hours per day out and about.
I get annoyed by the implication that a coop not being walk-in means the chickens are neglected. Being able to service the coop from outside only means that the coop is serviced from the outside. Those two doors I mentioned have big windows in them so I have a good view for a quick look around or I can open a full wall with very little effort. I wouldn't dream of collecting eggs and not checking on the chickens while I'm there!
Anyway, if you eventually want a larger flock, then I'd build for your future needs. Go heavy on the ventilation and run space since your birds are going to be outside much more often than in. And if you give them access to the shade under a raised coop, make sure that you'll be able to access that space without a lot of trouble since you will eventually need to clean under there and there's always a chance they'll decide that's a fine place for a nest.
I get annoyed by the implication that a coop not being walk-in means the chickens are neglected. Being able to service the coop from outside only means that the coop is serviced from the outside. Those two doors I mentioned have big windows in them so I have a good view for a quick look around or I can open a full wall with very little effort. I wouldn't dream of collecting eggs and not checking on the chickens while I'm there!
Anyway, if you eventually want a larger flock, then I'd build for your future needs. Go heavy on the ventilation and run space since your birds are going to be outside much more often than in. And if you give them access to the shade under a raised coop, make sure that you'll be able to access that space without a lot of trouble since you will eventually need to clean under there and there's always a chance they'll decide that's a fine place for a nest.