[Altavia]

Originally Posted by tophcfa

We bought a pre owned home with an overgrown preserve (swamp) in the back yard. We paid $15,000 more than the same home went for across the street with kissing lanai's in the back yard. We paid the premium for privacy, not necessarily the view, but the view (back yard faces west so beautiful sunsets) is very nice despite the preserve being overgrown. Also, both the views and sounds of the wildlife is another bonus. We have seen more types of birds than we could have imagined, bobcats, fox, rabbits, gators, and yes, snakes, among other unusual animals. We absolutely love our back yard oasis and would never trade it to live on a golf course (we both love to play golf) because of the lack of privacy as well as all the maintenance noise, much of which takes place very early in the morning.

Very nice, sounds like you made a good deal, we have similar preferences.