[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Lisanp@aol.com

We purchased in The Villages last week. After looking extensively at every model and floor plan, viewing every high-end resale, visiting the design center, looking at every available lot, and asking a ton of questions we decided to buy a smaller home then we want. This approach has 3 benefits, in our opinion. We get to "try out" The Villages before we spend a lot of money to design/build a large custom home, we have someplace to live during the design/build process of a custom designer home, and we can wait for a lot we love.
We learned a ton about the design/build possibilities during our stay and home search. No, they are no longer building the Premier floor plans, but basically any designer floor plan can be customized to suit your wants/needs (as long as it complies with the lot setbacks, of course). Thus, with a larger lot you can build almost anything you want (for a price, of course). Yes, homes do sell in a day because agents have lists of buyers and know about new listings before they even hit the market. Thus, you need both a Villages and MLS Realtor to "watch" for what you are looking for.
My advice is to look at the larger square footage designer floor plans (Ivy, Woodside, Laurel Oak, Bridgeport) and see if they can be modified to suite your dreams. They will stretch length and/or width as well as height, add a bath, go out to the sides and/or rear, enlarge the lanai, add a garage (or two) etc. But, they want to start with the foundation plan of one of their existing designer homes. Interior walls can be moved as you desire for very little cost, but plumbing is a bit more expensive so choose a plan that has the basic kitchen/laundry/master bath location and configuration you desire.
I hope that is helpful.

They are still showing Premier Home plans on their website.

I don't know why they would quit building them when they sell so well.
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