We have our washer and dryer in the wash room inches from the kitchen. They are pretty sweet - front loaders that require this hella expensive HE detergent. It actually lasts a lot longer than the regular stuff - took us like 2-3 months to run through a bottle.
I think our next set of washer/dryer will definitely be frontloaders. They save money with less water/energy used. I love them.
The other stuff in our townhouse came with the place.