Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, June 18, 1995 TAG: 9506200022
SECTION: HOMES PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Designs
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
In response to Associated Designs' 1995 Homes from the Heart survey, 96 percent of the Roanoke-area participants said they wanted a walk-in closet in the master suite. More than 80 percent asked for a basement, towel/linen storage in the master bathroom and a pantry in the kitchen.
These features, with the exception of the basement, were popular nationwide, also. But other preferences differed in each region, so the staff at Associated Designs drew up a home for each area. For the Roanoke area, it's the Bridgewater.
Other features that scored 60 percent or better included wood-frame construction, a front porch, deck/patio, fireplace, formal entrance, formal dining and a side-entry garage. In the kitchen, survey respondents wanted a work island and utilities close to the kitchen and garage. They preferred the master suite isolated from the other bedrooms and wanted the master bathroom to have a shower, two basins and a vanity.
A reader from Goodview said she wanted "lots of cabinet space in the kitchen. I mean lots! And a counter with stools between the kitchen and family room."
A Christiansburg woman wanted "room for two cooks together" in the kitchen.
The Bridgewater kitchen fills both requests.
Unlike many contemporary homes, this plan has a living room, a dining room and a huge great room/kitchen. Double doors swing into the high-ceilinged living room, where a wide-hearthed fireplace serves as a focal point. Glassed on three sides, this is a bright space. The narrow bayed nook in the dining room could hold a window seat.
Family room and eating nook are also richly illuminated. Four skylights bathe the nook in natural light, tall windows flank the fireplace, and more light washes in through French or atrium doors that access a screened porch.
While processing dishes at the kitchen sink, you can gaze across the long eating bar into any or all of these informal living environments. Appliances are built-in, and there's plenty of counter and storage space, including a large walk-in pantry. It's only a few steps to the basement stairs, a small bathroom with a shower and an exceptionally large utility room. Accessible from the garage, this space is outfitted with two storage closets, a long folding counter, overhead cabinets, and a deep sink.
The Bridgewater's master suite, along with a room that could function as a study, office, bedroom or guest room, is off to the left. Luxuries include a generously sized walk-in closet, twin lavs and private toilet. The huge shower has three or four shower-heads and a built-in seat.
For a review plan, including scaled floor plans, elevations, section and artist's conception, send $15 to Associated Designs, 1100 Jacobs Dr., Eugene, Ore. 97402. Please specify the Bridgewater 10-253 and include a return address when ordering. For more information call (800) 634-0123.
by CNB