When is an Idea House not a house? When it is a townhouse. But “Urbanna,” the 2023 CoVa Idea (Town) House, is steeped in so much single-family home luxury that buyers can downsize and upgrade simultaneously.
Located in the City of Chesapeake’s Legacy 168 development, Urbanna may be the first CoVa Idea House ever located in that city, but it is only the latest project in a long line of inspired partnerships between Coastal Virginia Magazine and Stephen Alexander Homes.
The 2,100 square feet of this three-story end unit are maxed out to create what principal Stephen Quick IV calls “an elevated expression.” Rather than the status quo “utilitarian” design of most townhomes, Urbanna offers high-end design without sacrificing affordability. The home’s “completely and totally unexpected” deluxe kitchen is a case in point.
Take for instance the culinary space where homeowners can showcase their upscale bourbon collection, artisanal charcuterie boards or vintage appliances. Nestled inside an architectural niche are a pair of floating painted wooden shelves with built-in lighting and a backdrop of 4 x 12” white subway tile. The result is a special bay begging to display the homeowners’ gastronomic passions in style.
White Shaker style cabinets below and throughout the kitchen echo the townhome’s exterior with its crisp white classical foundation and fresh, slightly modern edge courtesy of black windows and box bays in rich accent colors. The cabinets’ clean lines are enhanced by brushed stainless hardware with a squared-off geometric profile.
Commercial grade appliances with a white matte finish and stainless-steel handles feel simultaneously new and nostalgic. In this kitchen, you won’t find the microwave over the stove. Rather, it is tucked in an under-counter drawer for easy access, allowing the custom range hood its day in the sun.
With vertical wainscoting painted Needlepoint Navy, a dimensional tone the color of the deep waters of the Gulf Stream, the hood creates a focal point that is bold but not overpowering. Its look is carried over to the electric linear fireplace in the adjacent family room where it is flanked by floating shelves, visually tying the kitchen, culinary space and main living area together.
Opposite the range, vertical wainscoting painted white—think vertical shiplap—clads the 10-foot island with its deep centrally-located sink. Boasting ample room to comfortably seat four to five, this expansive white quartz work surface is brightly illuminated by a trio of large semi-sphere pendant lights. Their white metallic bodies set off by stainless hardware and suspended from 10-foot ceilings contribute to the breezy, breathable nautical-but-nice vibe. The warmth of satin-finished wide plank hickory floors anchors the space under foot.
Not to be outdone by the other style-forward features, the expansive walk-in pantry sports an elaborate build-out, including countertop workspace and storage for both appliances and food, along with specialty lighting. A heavy clear glass rolling door both defines and connects with a bold take on a barn door.
But why should indoor entertaining have all the fun? The party continues outdoors on the large screen porch or in the communal space. There a covered mid-mod pavilion, lounge area, grill and paver patio with string lights twinkling overhead are guaranteed to give the local farmhouse brewery a run for its money.
Keep track of all the latest updates on CoVa Idea House at CoVaMag.com, CovaIdeaHouse.com and @coastalvamag, including details for Open House events Sept. 16-17 and Sept. 23-24.
Betsy DiJulio
Betsy DiJulio is a full-time art teacher, artist and curator with side hustles as a freelance writer, including for Coastal Virginia Magazine, and a vegan recipe developer, food stylist and photographer. Learn more on her website thebloomingplatter.com.
