Cranbrook is a cozy duplex with privacy

The Cranbrook is a townhouse duplex with the look of two cozy country cottages. These two-story units stand side by side, but not too close. The garage between them serves as a sound buffer, and its driveway creates a comfortable distance between the entry porches.

In each unit, the front porch is easily wide enough to hang an old-fashioned porch swing or laze away a summer afternoon on a chaise lounge. Slender posts support the porch and frame the front door. A half wall wraps around to the side.

Entering, you stand at the edge of the living room. Once the door closes, you can hang outerwear in the closet behind it. The dining area is completely open to the living room, and only a half wall separates it from the compact kitchen.

This kitchen is designed to minimize steps. Stove, sink and refrigerator sit in a tight triangle, while a stacked pantry offers plenty of storage space for staple foods, canned goods, spice collections, and the like.

Natural light filters in through sliding glass doors at the rear. They access a covered patio, ideal for outdoor dining when the weather is inviting. Each unit's patio is well-separated from the other and could be screened, if desired, for protection from pesky flying insects.

A small bathroom is also at the rear, near direct access to the garage. Utilities are in the garage, right across from a storage area ideal for bike parking.

Two bedrooms, a bathroom, and linen closet are upstairs in each of the Cranbrook's units. The front unit is slightly larger, but both bedrooms have wide, gridded windows.