Charterhouse at Hampton cove: Intelligent layout inspires owners to downsize and live clutter-free
Mary Frances Hill
The Province
Charterhouse at Hampton Cove
Where: 5510 Admiral Way, Ladner
Project size: 84 townhomes
Residence sizes and prices: Three to four bedrooms, 1,550-1,860 sq. ft., priced from $819,900
Developer: Polygon Charterhouse Homes Ltd.
Architect: Rositch Hemphill Architects
Interior designer: Polygon Interior Design Ltd.
Sales centre: 5510 Admiral Blvd., Ladner
Hours: noon-6 p.m., Saturday-Thursday
For many home hunters, a townhouse represents an ideal style of residency. Many are drawn by the sense of community, the cost relative to single-family homes and the fact that when they’re designed well, they can offer the spacious feel of detached homes.
Such appeal resonates with Celia Dawson, senior-vice president of interior design at Polygon Homes and organizer of the design of the display homes at Charterhouse at Hampton Cove, Polygon’s new community in Ladner.
The veteran designer of interiors at Polygon’s master-planned communities sees what buyers see — and more. She’s particularly sensitive to the ways in which the Charterhouse townhouses’ intelligent layout can inspire homeowners to downsize and live clutter-free.
“Townhomes are an efficient use of space,” Dawson says. “(They have) the luxury of all the main living areas without the corridors and unusable space that some homes offer. This makes for a fantastic home at an affordable price.”
For those downsizing from larger single-family homes, she says, townhouses allow for a “scaling back of all the ‘extras’ in household furnishings (so they can) live a clean and uncluttered life.”
Visitors are finding the Charterhouse display suite kitchens one of the biggest draws. While many designers lean toward modern, sleek white offset by similar shades, one scheme goes against trend: dark cabinets give warmth to the food prep and eating area, with an industrial iron look in the stools, hanging lights and chandelier. Dawson says her team aimed for a “French château” look, reminiscent of Restoration Hardware retailers.
“The Restoration Hardware look is appealing to many because it is a warm, grand feeling with traditional details and luxurious,” she says.
Polygon is no stranger to master-planned communities and the company appeals to buyers by offering clubhouses and attractive common spaces. Here, the 12,000-square-foot Hampton Club will feature an outdoor pool, barbecue and entertainment area, a playground, fitness studio, gym, guest suite and billiards room.
While crafting community spaces is important, it’s just as essential to respond to the sense of place that surrounds the homes.
Charterhouse’s proximity to the Fraser River influenced the way Dawson and the Polygon team approached the interior design.
“Charterhouse has a definite seaside and yachtsman appeal and yes, this definitely influenced our designs,” she says. “Its location, with its proximity to Richmond and Vancouver and located on the water, is a definite draw.”
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