When Linda Pruitt co-founded The Cottage Company in the late 1990s, she had a clear vision: To build more than just homes. Her experience in the consumer goods industry and retail sector had instilled in her a deep understanding of what people want—and, more importantly, of what was missing in the housing market. This vision would evolve into something much larger than she ever imagined: A commitment to creating communities that foster meaningful connections.

Linda's path to real estate began in consumer goods, including a role with Federated Department Stores, which later became Macy’s. “I was always drawn to the customer—understanding what they wanted, what was missing in the marketplace, and how to meet those needs,” Linda explains. “I ran product category divisions, focusing on women’s clothing, intimate apparel, and accessories, traveling to Asia and Europe to develop products with a customer-centric approach.”

Yet, despite her success in the consumer goods sector, Linda found her true passion in creating spaces where people could truly connect. It was this passion that led to the creation of The Cottage Company, a development firm focused on building not just homes, but communities. The company’s philosophy was rooted in creating smaller, carefully crafted homes that would bring people together.

The idea for The Cottage Company was born out of a desire to address the issues that Linda had observed in suburban sprawl. “Many neighborhoods felt anonymous,” she says. “People drove into their garages, closed the door, and never saw their neighbors. The human connection was missing.”

In the late 90s, Linda and her team embarked on their first development, Third Street Cottages, which consisted of 800-square-foot cottages arranged around a shared courtyard. Inspired by the bungalow-style homes of the pre-WWII years, these cottages offered a sense of community that was sorely lacking in many modern developments. “We wanted to create a space where people could connect, especially in an era where it was increasingly common for families to feel isolated,” Linda explains. The Third Street Cottages project was a success, and resonated with a wide variety of buyers, from young couples to singles and empty nesters. The idea of smaller, well-designed homes built around community was something people longed for, and The Cottage Company was there to deliver.

Fast forward two decades, and Linda’s commitment to building communities remains at the heart of The Cottage Company’s mission. “We don’t just build houses; we create communities,” Linda says. “We are a development company and general contractor, but our first priority is to design high-performance homes that are thoughtfully planned to connect people.”

Over the years, The Cottage Company has completed 11 successful developments, each one focused on creating a tight-knit neighborhood that fosters relationships among home owners.  . “Our strategy is to find overlooked parcels of land in already developed neighborhoods,” Linda explains. “These are places that offer an opportunity to create what we call ‘pocket communities.’ We’re not starting from scratch on large, empty fields. Instead, we’re building communities in areas where people are already living, allowing us to integrate into existing neighborhoods.”

One such development is Thornton Creek Commons, the company’s latest project. Located in Northeast Seattle, Thornton Creek Commons is a pocket community built on a two-and-a-half-acre property bordering  the largest watershed in the city. “Thornton Creek is home to wildlife like trout, eagles, and herons,” Linda says. “We’ve designed the community around a shared private park bordering the creek, creating a space where  homeowners can connect with nature and one another.”

Thornton Creek Commons is not only about community—it’s also about sustainability. Linda’s team has designed the homes to be net-zero capable, meaning they have the potential to generate as much energy as they consume. “We’ve made these homes highly energy efficient and soundproof, a rarity in the city where noise can be an issue,” Linda explains. “It’s about creating a living environment that’s not only sustainable but also peaceful.”

The homes at Thornton Creek Commons are also built with flexibility in mind. Some include studio apartment spaces with level entries, providing the possibility for multi-generational living. This design makes it easier for families to accommodate elderly parents or relatives in need of care, while still maintaining a sense of privacy. “We wanted to create a space that works for people at all stages of life,” Linda says.

Beyond the design, The Cottage Company is proud of the high-performance quality of its homes. All of the homes in Thornton Creek Commons are certified with a 5-Star Built Green Certification from King/Snohomish County Master Builders Association. This third-party verification program ensures the homes meet rigorous standards for energy efficiency, sustainability, and environmental impact.

As of now, three families have purchased homes in Thornton Creek Commons, and the first owners are moving in. “The right people always show up,” Linda reflects. “We don’t know exactly who our homebuyers will be when we start building, but we know they will be people who value what we’re offering—people who want a beautiful, high quality home in a community that fosters connection.”

The process of developing these communities is not without its challenges. Every site is unique, and Linda and her team must carefully navigate each project’s specific obstacles. “Innovation isn’t easy,” she acknowledges. “Every site presents its own set of challenges, but we embrace them. Our goal is to create something special—something that’s more than just a place to live.”

What has been the most rewarding aspect of Linda’s work? The gratitude from homeowners who move into the communities she has created. “People are  thankful to have a housing option like this,” she says. “They never thought something like this would be possible. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see how our work can truly make a difference in people’s lives.”

With the success of Thornton Creek Commons and several other developments under her belt, Linda looks to the future with optimism. “We’re excited to continue creating communities that make a positive impact,” she says. “Whether it’s through energy-efficient homes, thoughtful designs, or fostering connections between neighbors, we’re committed to making a difference.”