More than just a collection of traditional cottages clustered tightly around a courtyard, their developments are evolving into truly livable, I-can-see-myself-there communities. To the credit of the Seattle-based company and its architects, this has happened not by accident but through careful, informed design.

photography: Laurie Black Sidewalks border vibrant perennial beds that surround a lawn shared by all of the residents.

Greenwood typifies The Cottage Company's ventures: The complex, designed with Langley, Washington-based architect Ross Chapin, is set within a larger neighborhood of established single-family homes. Its eight cottages cluster around a common lawn and garden, while the parking area and garages sit out of sight at the far perimeter.

To encourage a neighborhood feel, each cottage features a front porch facing the inner courtyard and sidewalk. Owners heading to their porch for morning coffee wave to each other on a daily basis. Walking by after work, they're likely offered a cup of tea or glass of wine. These are not the kinds of communities where young singles and empty nesters emerge from their cars behind sealed garage doors. Mailbox kiosks, commonly maintained gardens and tool storage areas, and a community building for larger functions (including a regular Saturday night potluck supper) encourage residents to interact and get to know one another better.