This Northwest Cottage Has it All

Written by Janice Brewster

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) gave this home, the Townsend, a platinum award in its Best in American Living 2016 program. At just over 1,800 square feet, the charming cottage is part of a community in Port Ludlow, Wash. Craftsman-style accents add character to the cottage, which offers a detached garage, back patio, wraparound porch and a view of the water.



With aging-in-place in mind, the architects, Union Studio Architecture & Community Design, gave the cottage an open floor plan and a first- floor master suite. Energy- efficient materials and ample windows to capture natural light increase the cottage’s livability. Stainless-steel appliances accent the kitchen’s Shaker-style cabinetry.

See Also Small Cabin Escape: Richland, Oregon
 


The judges appreciated the plan’s efficient use of space and details like a reading nook next to the living room replace, built- in shelving under the stairs and a “landing zone” for keys and other items that are brought into the cottage every day.

On the upper floor, a loft creates a getaway space, and two bedrooms share a bath. The front bedroom features sliding glass doors that open onto a balcony. Westharbor Homes (portludlowhomes. com) developed the community, which is located on the eastern side of the Olympic Peninsula. Union Studio Architecture & Community Design (unionstudioarch.com) is based in Providence, R.I.