Active resort-style living right here in Gig Harbor By Jillian Chandler | Photo courtesy of Kensington Gardens
“Like many families across America, we found ourselves caring for my husband Mark’s grandmother, and later, my father who had suffered a stroke,” shares Kelly Watson. “As we began touring facilities for our aging family members, we could not find the quality of life that we were seeking.”
Mark and Kelly are both native Washingtonians. Though the couple’s early careers would take them around the globe, they landed in the South Sound area when Mark worked on the executive team for the Tacoma Narrows Bridge construction project, and Kelly owned a design consulting firm. Both have been proud to call Gig Harbor home for 20 years.
The experience they encountered with their aging family members became the driving force behind their next endeavor—the notion that people deserve personalized care where they can feel loved in a home environment. In 2012, the Watsons established Regent Park at Kensington Gardens to provide living the way it should be—with grace, laughter and love, and they have been providing personalized award-winning care ever since.
Their innovative living concept, Personalized Care Resort Community (PCRC), provides care that evolves with the members, and individuals can tailor a plan toward specific needs and goals as they age.
In 2018, Kelly and Mark embarked on the next chapter—Kensington Gardens Resort Living Community, with the design inspired by the buildings and grounds of Kensington Palace in London, England. “This innovative wellness community concept offers a boutique living experience that is designed for active adults who are ready to take the next step toward a maintenance-free lifestyle, so there is time for social connectivity, traveling and healthy engagement,” shares Trish Yates, director of marketing and sales.
In 2022, the Watsons announced the addition of new luxurious villas, where members enjoy features such as heated bathroom floors, large private balconies, 10- and 12-foot ceiling heights, walk-in closets, and fireplaces. Additionally, each suite is beautifully appointed with a large great room and quartz countertops throughout. The buildings and grounds are meticulously maintained, and community amenities include walking trails, personalized gourmet meals, concierge services, activities, transportation, housekeeping, and personalized care.
Its first villa, the Hawksworth, which offers 12 luxurious suites, celebrated its grand opening on February 22, 2023. According to Trish, future developments include four more villas, with Carl’s Court, offering 10 spacious suites, the next to be completed. Included in the development is Le Orangery indoor pool house, tennis and pickleball courts, a putting green, and The Conservatory—which will be a venue for social gatherings. “Ultimately, there will be approximately 50 luxury suites in villas throughout the 27-acre community,” she says.
In addition to the beautiful and luxurious accommodations and amenities, members define how they wish to spend their days, be it an active lifestyle with fitness, healthy eating, time spent with family and friends, quiet time or travel. “KG members will enjoy maintenance-free living so they can focus on living their best lives,” affirms Trish. “We designed Kensington Gardens for the quality of life we want for ourselves and our family members,” adds Kelly. “It is time for a new, fresh, resort lifestyle option.”
Kelly and Mark believe so much in the concept of the Personalized Care Resort Community they’ve created that they live within the Kensington Gardens community itself!
Kensington Gardens is a family endeavor, as Kelly and Mark’s daughter, Morgan Cammarata (né Watson), is an award-winning designer who has overseen the architectural and interior designs of the new villas, while their son Ryan Watson is the company graphic designer. All members of the Watson family share the vision of Kensington Gardens—living a casually elegant, carefree lifestyle which is individually tailored to one’s tastes and needs.
Kensington Gardens uses a one-time membership and monthly service fee model, which allows for residents to budget and provide a legacy for their estates. The membership plan provides incentive to move in earlier, allowing for partners to age together and promoting aging in place. All amenities, which are included in the membership and monthly service fees, include gourmet meals, housekeeping, social and recreational activities, transportation for local events and errands, utilities, property taxes, all building and grounds maintenance, and home health-care services personalized to the needs of the individual.
Mark and Kelly love working with individuals and families and helping their clients craft plans for living life to its fullest: Your life. Your way.
Kensington Gardens 3417 Harborview Drive Gig Harbor, Washington 98332 253.858.7588