Backyard privacy

[galady]

We are planning to move to TV as soon as our home sells, one quick question if I may.
With the homes being so close together, do you have any privacy in your backyard, lanai, etc. I like quiet mornings with tea and newspaper. Do you hear other's TV, loud voices, etc.
thanks for you input

[Villages Kahuna]

As fa as I'm concerned, backyard privacy--or rather closeness to neighbors behind you--is the single disadvantage to TV. It is somewhat avoidable though it'll probably cost you a bit more for privacy. There are a few options.

A house or villa with a wall behind you provides pretty good privacy, even though there may be a street on the other side of the wall. Traffic is not what it's like "up north" and almost totally non-existent after about 8 PM.

Of course, there are the golf course or "view" lots. They tend to be pretty pricey.

We lived on 1-1/2 acres in the woods in north suburban Chicago, so we couldn't "get our arms around" the closeness of some of the houses we looked at. When our very cooperative and knowledgeable Villages sales rep showed us a newly-released house on a cul de sac with the back overlooking a tree farm, we jumped at it. Our lot is unique and could possibly be built on sometime in the future, but by then the several trees we've planted along the back of our lot line will be mature.

The key to your desire is to tell the sales rep up front that privacy is important to you. Then "steer" the sales rep into the price range you're willing to pay. Your choices will be fewer for sure, but if you shop long and hard enough you can find some privacy in The Villages.

[BUC]

Good Fences make for Good Neighbors!

[JohnN]

galady, yep I understand,
I like to sit in my pj's and sip coffee and read the paper, and the neighbors might not like the view of me. LOLOL

good advice from kahuna, make it known to the sales rep.

[islandgal]

You might want to consider a Courtyard Villa. I have total privacy with a high stone wall in the back and high fences on both side yards. There are houses behind me but I seldom hear anything except the yard maintenance people.

What I love best is I never close the blinds until I go to bed and that is just so the sun won't shine in in the AM.

[njgranny]

The only thing that I liked about one of the other retirement communities we looked at was that they did allow backyard fences. They had to be of a certain type and could only extend from the sides of the house back to insure a uniformity.

I wish something like this was allowed at the Villages.

[SteveZ]

For all of these reasons - and to give my dog some safety as well - the Courtyard Villa became our choice. While I really like my neighbors, I also like the privacy the CV provides.

[Rokinronda]

I have a big corner lot and the privacy in my lanaii is very good! Have beautiful hibiscus and bird feeder out side of the lanaii and a huge Oak tree for shade. Neighbors are across the streets, Their lanaii's are out of view. If they use binoculars my pajamas may be seen, but I think a lot more is seen at the pools! I think a lot of us fetch our newspapers in our PJ's. Who cares!!?? I can understand why fences and sheds are not allowed, they would surely fly in storms! I have a 30 foot lead that my dogs (my blind girl sniffs her way) use from lanaii to the yard and they love to watch the golf carts and go for cart rides. Having a view would have been our first choice, but our place is perfect for us! I'm sure you will find your perfect home also!

[SteveFromNY]

We definitely considered the issue of no fences and very nearly purchased a CYV as a result. In the end, though, we decided not to. Yeah, a view would be nice, but 2 things persuaded me away form it. First, I considered just how much time I'd actually be looking at the view. I figured almost never. If I'm home, I'll either be eating, sleeping, at the computer or watching TV. Even having a lot large enough for a pool didn't attract me. I'm in a sort of "been there, done that" frame of mind about a pool, and the idea of a community pool sounded great (no maintenance cost or effort). The beautiful vista, and or the pool just didn't seem a priority. And second, the cost was seemingly way out of line. The sales folks spoke of $100,000 to get that view! I'm the type that would prefer to have that $100K in my pocket, or in a bigger house.
So in the end we opted for a pretty large designer with some decent options on a larger than "normal" lot (it's a little wide) called an "interior site" on the descriptions. Our lanai faces the back of a house with no lanai - they have a finished room instead. I can also see between the two homes back there. When I am there permanantly, I will add some shrubs to provide complete privacy. But even when I visit now, I feel perfectly comfortable having coffee, a drink, a cigar, on the lanai without fear of being intruded upon.
So while I don't have a golf course behind me (I didn't want folks playing from my lawn anyway!), or a lake (oooh, no, gators), and I don't have a fence (that would have been OK, I guess), I'm content with what I have and I'll stop rambling now.

[golfnut]

Muncle, come on give us a break, there has to be some advantages to being a couple. Steve, don't wait until you're here full time to plant those shrubs, do it now for 1/3 the cost and by the time you're here full time they will be all grown up and filled in.

[SteveFromNY]

golfnut - I am hoping to be there before the plants have a chance to mature!!!!
I am (maybe) going to extend the lanai the few feet I think I can out the side and into the back before I plant anything, and I will not be doing that until I get there.
I'll compensate by buying big ones or fast growers.

[Frangyomory]

For us the courtyard villa solved all our concerns. We like our privacy.

Many people who purchase ranch, designer and premier homes just have landscaping done around the property line to "hide" their lanai from public view. Landscaping of this nature is costly but will solve your problems.

If you want to see a few homes that have done the privacy landscaping, drive over to Tall Trees Lane, not far from the pool, and you will see a few homes whose lanai's were right on Tall Trees Lane have planted very high trees, I would say very mature trees or bushes that give them visual privacy.

As for hearing others, even in the CYV if you are on your lanai and your neighbors are on theirs, you will definitely hear each other. No sound barriers and I am sure that trees and bushes don't provide any either.

[BUC]

Not everyone wants or can afford a courtyard villia, just allow fences, approved designs,

[galady]

Thanks everyone for your input. I have put a few of the suggestions on the "Wish List".
Bye for now.

[Halle]

BUC

I have read several of your post reference fences and more recently your bass boat. It doesn't really sound like you would be happy in The Villages. We bought there because we like the restrictions we feel they help to keep The Villages beautiful and property values up. We know it is not for everyone but luckily there are many communities to choose from and I sure you will find one that suits your lifestyle.

[Frangyomory]

Halle, agree with you absolutely. We love it here but it might not be the best place for some. I am glad we have some restrictions because I have lived in communities where you see all kinds of crap on the front lawns and rickety fences all over. Thank Heaven we have restrictions and won't have to worry about how horrible the place can look if everyone can do what they want!!!!! :agree:

[Time for Tee]

:agree: :agree:

[BUC]

Friendly? :dontknow:

[njgranny]

As a future resident of the Villages, it disturbs me when I read messages that seem to indicate that if you'd like a fence, you somehow don't belong in the Villages.

There could be tasteful fences that are regulated as to type and placement. I thought BUC was just asking questions.

When you answer by telling a person that maybe the Villages isn't for them, I don't find it so friendly.

[chuckinca]

Jan:

I don't think the response to BUC was meant to be unfriendly. I agree that it was blunt and could have been put in a more diplomatic manner (I get called on this all the time at work).

The facts are that the Villages and many other communities have CC&R's that prohibit fences, boat & RV storage, exterior changes to the structure, lawn statuary, etc etc etc.

If a person must have a rear fence (on a non-villa type home) and store their boat on their property, the Villages and many other communities are not for them.

[Boomer]

Chuck, I think you said it very well.

I understand the question just fine. But I also understand the answer. It's not meant as an unfriendly response but as an acceptance and an explanation of the restrictions. Those restrictions are one of the things I happen to really like about TV.

I have nothing against bass boats and RV's but I sure don't want them living in my neighbors' driveways when we buy in TV. No matter how big the biggest of the TV lots may be, they still are just not all that big. And to expect to permanently park something which is going to loom large just doesn't sound all that neighborly to me.

I just can't see how fences could work either. The green and landscaped look of the place could get pretty jumbled up I would think if it were interrupted with fences everywhere. The design and maintenance issues of the fences themselves would be there, along with all the extra trimming that would need to be done.

And as far as geegaws go, I understand that if I want to bring my pink flamingos with me, I will just have to buy a courtyard villa so nobody else has to look at them. :yikes:

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I realize. But TV's restrictions are not put in place to ruin anybody's good time. They are there to protect property values, to protect your investment.

[Barefoot]

As a future resident of the Villages, it disturbs me when I read messages that seem to indicate that if you'd like a fence, you somehow don't belong in the Villages. There could be tasteful fences that are regulated as to type and placement. I thought BUC was just asking questions. When you answer by telling a person that maybe the Villages isn't for them, I don't find it so friendly.


Njgranny - I don't think anyone is trying to be unfriendly to BUC (who has made his feelings known on many previous occasions that he does not like the Villages "no fence" rule). To live in TV, you have to accept the bylaws. Which means no fences, unless you buy a Courtyard Villa.

Those of us who really, really want privacy and a fence have bought a courtyard villa. I think the by-laws are there to protect our property values and I'm glad we have them.

[JohnnyM]

Very well put Barefoot, that should put an end to this thread. I think galady is happy with the input she received from the forum.
Thanks everyone for your input. I have put a few of the suggestions on the "Wish List".
Bye for now.

Good luck galady! JohnnyM

[BETHPAGE BLACK]

From Long Island NY whcih I happen to love...I also have home in TV..The thing I most love about TV is the LACK OF fences...When you are in areas that have various fences..they just give a look of "oh whatever I put up is OK"..Even when you see an area of everyone having exact same fencing, they do become old..some people will keep up and care for them, some dont..everything starts to look old and dirty...Have had the large property, the pool etc..it's time to scale down, relax and play golf.
Use trees and shrubs as barriers and it it's that important ...go with the courtyard villa..
When you live in the villages..get out and play in the villages...dont stay home!

[mmclover]

Poor Buc,

I understand your frustration, I am moving from a home I have been in for 43 years with no neighbors on either side or back with a fenced in yard and two dogs. I am planning on the Court Yard Villa for just those reasons, and actually looking forward to downsizing and having some neighbors. Have you looked at Rainbow Springs, nice homes on the river and I think they allow fences. Good Luck.

[Russ_Boston]

Remember that there are other homes beside CYV that have some privacy walls. Most are designer homes that border on a villa section. No side walls though.

Not that many but I'll see at least one per week on a resale page.

For example: http://www.thevillages.com/homes/vls/detail4.asp?vls=204883

Just a thought.

[BUC]

Sorry, I've made suggestions that is so upsetting to a few. The fence can be handled by landscraping, hedges are allowed, but why is it a awful thing to store a bass boat in my carport or garage. This boat will be used at least 3 times a week. The real sad thing is that the fine people that I've enjoyed on this site is being ruled by just a few that should quit worrying so much about things that really won't affect they lives at all. Of course this is the type that get on the board of neighborhoods to impose they wishes on everyone. I may or may not move to the villages, only GOD knows what he has planned for me, but if I don't the people of the villages has missed a great chance to get to know my wife( she's a wonderful person) I'm not. I wish you a wonderful and happy life.

[njgranny]

I'm with BUC on this one. He was just as much as told not to come to the Villages because he asked some questions.

I've seen some of the other "fence" posts and feel people are put down if they say they would like a fence, or try to work out another way such as hedges. I guess I'm not so uptight about my neighbors having fences.

I wouldn't think that in a place like the Villages, people would let their properties go.

I also am not real happy that I'm restricted to a CYV if I want my property partially fenced for my dogs. But, I like the Villages well enough and I do like the CYV's so will accept that.

[JohnnyM]

I think this thread should have ended with Barefoot's posting. :dontknow: If people do not like what TV offers so be it, move on. There are other choices. People just can't change rules capriciously because they have a bass boat and want to park it in their driveway. Find another community that allows such a thing. NO FENCES ALLOWED, find another community that allows such a thing. Why keep suggesting that TOTV is being unfriendly to posters. Maybe it is the poster being unfriendly to TOTV.

[njgranny]

I don't think anyone was suggesting that the rules should be changed. People do, however, have a right to their own opinion.

To be told that you'd be better off somewhere else is not friendly. This hasn't given me a warm and fuzzy feeling about the Villages, believe me.

[JohnnyM]

Njgranny, the point is people ask questions and are answered properly. The problem comes in when the asker doesn't like the answer they get and they in turn get testy with the forum. TOTV responders can only give answers that apply to the rules and try to give other solutions or remedies. This brings back memories the MAK Attack post that caused so many problems.

[samhass]

Would you marry someone that had traits you disliked? No one is being unfriendly. TV is what it is and that's why we bought here. We "Married" it and are in love..

[JohnnyM]

Quote: njgranny "I don't think anyone was suggesting that the rules should be changed. People do, however, have a right to their own opinion"

After 10 or so posts explaining why fences are not allowed we got this post. Sounds like someone would like the rules changed to me.


Not everyone wants or can afford a courtyard villia, just allow fences, approved designs,

[njgranny]

What is a MAK Attack?????

It seems as though some people on here don't like any suggestions or criticisms.

I have visited and love the Villages. It's just my feeling that having properly maintained and regulated fences wouldn't kill anyone. That doesn't mean I wouldn't want to live in the Villages without fences. It's not a love everything about me or leave me situation.

As far as marrying someone with traits you disliked - no likes EVERYTHING about another person. If you haven't found something you didn't like about your SO, you haven't looked hard enough. :)

I understand about the restrictions and we will abide by them.

Just because someone questions something, it doesn't mean they intend to break rules.

[samhass]

There you have it..look hard enough and I guess you could find fault with anything. Why not spend more time looking for all the good in a person or place?
As for faults with my SO, yeah.. he's German and sometimes his v's sound like w's. Other than that (which I find enchanting) he's about perfect. So is living in TV.

[JohnnyM]

"MAK Attack" was a posting from a contributor named simply MAK. He made one post and opened up on TOTV with all barrels smoking. Then at the end he simply said ADIOS. That post and the ensuing thread left a very bad taste in all TOTV'ers mouths. Now we are a little more careful about someone trying to provoke an argument or force their will on us. The Mak Attack posting taught us a lesson not to continue a thread that has been fully vetted or in the end, it can only result in bad feelings. Can we please let this thread end peacefully. Johnny

[Boomer]

Maybe the developer could build one more village. --

The Village of Dowhatchawannado

[The Great Fumar]

galady ..
Sorry this blog got so far afield , Your original question was about privacy and do other peoples voices and music bother you on your lanai. The answer is " of course they do" However let me add that neighbors voices and cell phone jabber plus music is not a problem , You cannot hear them for the trains ...... (only kidding ) you'll love it here , what more can I say..

very content fumar ;D ;D ;D ;D :bigthumbsup:

[JohnN]

I think rules are rules, and take 'em or find somewhere with different rules.
as long as the rules are explicit and then enforced, I'm cool with whatever,

if I didn't like TV, I wouldn't think to go there

[renielarson]

I have only one comment...

Good friends have a designer home with a 2 car plus golf cart garage. He stores his bass boat in the garage...

It is in a garage, though, and not under an open carport.

[chelsea24]

We visited The Villages twice before buying (not because it wasn't love at first sight, because it was). The lack of privacy did bother me though. On our second try we finally decided on new construction and an upgraded or extended lot that backs onto a highway. Beautiful palms and trees are already in place to give us privacy from the traffic. Being from the city, the traffic behind our lanai is next to none and I actually love the occasional car going by. We then added more of our own landscapping. Yes, it was a little pricey. Since our houses are staggered in a cul-de-sac, we cannot see the neighbor to our left at all. So, during the landscapping we added more to the right and now we have complete privacy. And I know our neighbors appreciate it too. I love to sit on the lanai without anyone staring at me. We rarely hear anyone. (Guess we just lucked out with quiet neighbors. But, just wanted to say, privacy issues can be solved without a fence. You just have to look around. We see the sunrise and the sunset with no one staring at us. I can't say enough about how much I love living in TV. It's simply the best and I appreciate that they have restrictions to keep up property values. You may have good taste in fences, but believe me, there are plenty of people our there that would have this place looking like a dump in no time. And, sorry, but I don't think I'd like a huge boat looming in the driveway next to me all the time. That would be a pain in the Bass! ;D

[njgranny]

My issues are not with privacy, but rather a place for my beagles to go outside and be safe. That's why we will buy a CYV.

I would never advocate fences that were unregulated.

I'm really surprised to hear some people say that people might not take care of their properties without regulations.

[chelsea24]

Oh yes, I agree, for the safety of dogs, the villas are the best! I'm a huge animal lover so I really believe in safety first. The thing about fences is that I've lived both in and out of an association before. And no matter how nice or even expensive the neighborhood can be, someone will enviably move in and put up a goofy fence that they don't keep up, 4 troll dolls and a frog and it just diminishes the look immediately. I'm not big on rules, as some of my TOTV friends can attest to, but I do appreciate that this particular rule is to help keep up our property value.

[samhass]

Jan, some people absolutely would NOT keep up their properties without regulation. One only has to drive around areas with lax zoning to see the chaos that can ensue. Being a neat freak, I'm thrilled that we have certain restrictions here in TV. As a rule, I hate being told what I can do with my property, but this keeps everything beautiful here in TV. With the density of the housing, this is critical.







My issues are not with privacy, but rather a place for my beagles to go outside and be safe. That's why we will buy a CYV.

I would never advocate fences that were unregulated.

I'm really surprised to hear some people say that people might not take care of their properties without regulations.

[njgranny]

We have thoroughly investigated The Villages. I'm not that uptight about the fence issue. I just find it a tad unfriendly to have people tell other people that they might be better off somewhere else - just because they have a different idea.

Just because someone has a different opinion, doesn't mean they would be unhappy there, or break the rules.

Re: dog barking - This winter we rented a place on a canal. The people renting directly across from us acquired a dog while they were there. Talk about barking! Whenever his parents went out, he barked ALL THE TIME - sometimes for hours until his bark would get hoarse. But, guess what - when he didn't do it one time, I missed it. It was like something was missing. ha, ha

[nONIE]

Sometimes we will even miss a toothache if its been with us long enough! ;)

[BUC]

Njgranny, I hope your my neighbor when my wife and I finally get to the TV. You sound like a nice person.

[zcaveman]

Sorry, I've made suggestions that is so upsetting to a few. The fence can be handled by landscraping, hedges are allowed, but why is it a awful thing to store a bass boat in my carport or garage. This boat will be used at least 3 times a week. The real sad thing is that the fine people that I've enjoyed on this site is being ruled by just a few that should quit worrying so much about things that really won't affect they lives at all. Of course this is the type that get on the board of neighborhoods to impose they wishes on everyone. I may or may not move to the villages, only GOD knows what he has planned for me, but if I don't the people of the villages has missed a great chance to get to know my wife( she's a wonderful person) I'm not. I wish you a wonderful and happy life.


I might get flak on this, but there is no problem if you store the boat in your garage where it is out of sight. I have two neighbors in this area of the Villages that keep their boats in the garage and take them out when they go fishing. One finally sold his boat because he was not fishing that much (too many gators in the lakes he picked) and he wanted the room for a second golf cart.

So that the topic cop won't get me, I purposely bought a ranch that backs onto a Villa village. I have my 6 foot wall so I am not bothered by the neighbor in back and the neighbor on the sides are recluses. I put the vinyl windows on my lanai for privacy and have a patio for my grill and a couple of rosin lawn chairs where I grill, drink my Buds or other beverages and watch the sunset.

[ConeyIsBabe]

I'm all FOR restrictions.

I lived in a community with strict regulations for 40+ years, "The City Beautiful"..... CORAL GABLES, Florida.... with the pink sidewalks! People griped and complained about their code enforcement but the restrictions, and its excellent service to its residents, was what made the city of Coral Gables the most desirable and BEST in Miami-Dade County and it has sustained a high property value to this day!

[rdmills]

Halle,

Well put. We moved to The Villages to live in a clutter free community. I live in a rancher, no problem using our lani at any time.

[Frangyomory]

BUC my understanding is that if it fits in the garage you can put it there. The issue about parking on the street and in your driveway pertains to recreational vehicles which are limited to 72 hours. We used to have a bass boat and I believe it would have fit in our gaage but we sold it before moving here. We didn't think we would use it much and it turns out we were right.

We had a 30 ft recreational vehicle which we planned to use for mini vacations. Howeve, once we settled in, we felt that everything we want is here so we sold that as well.

We live in a CYV and you can get one for a reasonable price today. So if it is a full fence you need, you should be able to find an affordable place.

The best solution if you want a ranch or designer home is landscaping. I have seen some wonderful landscaping that actually is better than any fence you could build. It is something to consider.

Truthfully, sometimes all the covenants get my goat but then I walk around and see how wonderful everything looks and I am delighted that we are limited in what we can do outdoors. I come from Virginia and in our lovely neighborhood you would likely see two cards, a boat and an RV parked in the driveway and in front of the house.

Give me the Villages any day.

Unfortunately, everyone does not feel comfortable being told what they can or can't do. If you ever lived on a Military installation such as a Marine Corps Base, this would be mild. Back in the "day" we were told how low to cut our grass and someone came to base housing regularly to measure it!!!!! :bigthumbsup:

[BUC]

Thank you, It'll work out things always do somehow. I undestand restrictions I'm retired Navy Seabees, Builder Chief.