Hendrick Farm: A One-of-a-Kind Community, Minutes from Downtown Ottawa

Founded on the principle “that a vibrant community is one that listens to its cultural, historical and natural environment,” Hendrick Farm is changing the way communities are shaped with its new townhomes and single family homes in Old Chelsea. There, developers and homeowners agree that the best way to protect nature is to leave it alone.

Hendrick Farm is about urban living in a natural setting. Nestled next to a certified organic farm, as well as acres of parks and green spaces, the village centre will feature a variety of small locally-owned businesses like restaurants, coffee shops, and trendy boutiques. At the onsite Farm Stand, residents can purchase seasonal produce that is harvested daily. It’s all part of the not-for-profit Hendrick Farm Foundation’s mandate to make high-quality, local food available to the community. All proceeds support the organic farming operations, the maintenance of all common parks, trails, and green spaces, and the foundation’s educational and outreach programs. One per cent of all home sales also support the foundation.

This development has been in the works for 12 years, when developer Sean McAdam began sitting with the Hendrick family every week to discuss his vision over tea. The history of the Hendrick family, coupled with the beautiful setting, were always central to the lifestyle McAdam dreamed of creating for others. The Hendrick Farm community was later fully mapped out by DPZ, one of the best urban planning firms in the world.

The environmental focus has been clear from the onset: at least 50% of the land will be conserved as green space, to provide walkability, socialization, and encourage residents to spend time outdoors in their neighbourhood. All details of the community have been tailored to capture a healthy, social, and vibrant atmosphere.

“Nearly 40 acres of parks, trails, and green space – including the beautiful Chelsea Creek corridor – rest at the heart of Hendrick Farm,” explains developer Sean McAdam. “These exceptional natural resources are central to the planning of the community and provide walkable links to the surrounding village and neighbouring communities. Our parks and trails provide beautiful connections to the local golf course, village eateries, and hundreds of kilometres of trails in Gatineau Park.”

The homes themselves are just as unique as the surrounding area. The use of real wood and brick, luxurious finishings, and distinctive property styles ensures each neighborhood is as far from cookie-cutter as possible. The Farm Properties put homeowners front and center, with 8-foot picture windows and a front porch directly overlooking the organic farm. The Park Properties produce a sense of micro-community by creating exclusive enclaves of a dozen or so homes built around shared, semi-private green spaces. With front porches set close to the street for increased social interactions and rear laneways offering a safe place for kids to play away from traffic, the Village Properties provide the balance of a quiet life in the country while maintaining meaningful community connections.

The newest phase to launch at Hendrick Farm are the White Model townhomes. With construction slated to begin in the spring of 2017, this limited number of homes will be situated directly in front of the organic farm. Modeled after the white-painted brick architecture of the Béguinages in Belgium, these will be the only homes located directly in front of the farm itself. They will feature 10-foot ceilings, 8-foot windows for a gorgeous view of the organic farm and garden, and an open concept kitchen. This phase has been named in honour of Hendrick Farm matriarch, Gertrude White.

On November 12, from noon to 5 pm, you can come experience it for yourself at the White Model open house. Arrive early as only a handful of the townhomes will directly overlook the organic garden, and lots will be sold on a first come, first serve basis. These townhomes are slated to go fast, and when you visit Hendrick Farm and experience the true sense of community, you’ll understand why.

For more information about the White Model townhomes, send a message to townhomes@hendrickfarm.ca