New homes on The Villages Original Side

[bkcunningham1]

Two new homes, side by side near the corner of Sharon and Shay on the Original Side of The Villages.

[bkcunningham1]

More views of the new homes near the corner of Shay and Sharon.

[bkcunningham1]

A few more photos of the new homes being built on the Original Side of The Villages.

[bkcunningham1]

More photos:

[bkcunningham1]

And still more:

[njbchbum]

Well! Aren't you the shutterbug today!!! So glad you had the time to enjoy the out of doors in this way! Lovin' the update! Thanx!

[kittygilchrist]

:agree:Well! Aren't you the shutterbug today!!! So glad you had the time to enjoy the out of doors in this way! Lovin' the update! Thanx!

BK....!!

[bkcunningham1]

Woo hoo. It was a beautiful day today. Absolutely beautiful. The weather was perfect and I told my husband to come along, I was going to be a reporter again. LOL It was a nice afternoon. Especially after the Giants finally won a game.

These few houses are only a drop in the bucket of the houses they are starting and constructing. It is really exciting times here.

[Schaumburger]

Another thank you for posting these photos. The two houses with addresses of "440" and "1013" look just about finished. I looked on the Villages web site, but did not see these houses listed for sale. I wonder if these two houses have already been sold.

[bkcunningham1]

Another thank you for posting these photos. The two houses with addresses of "440" and "1013" look just about finished. I looked on the Villages web site, but did not see these houses listed for sale. I wonder if these two houses have already been sold.

I honestly don't know if they been sold. They are finished though. The landscaping has been done and the lanais are screened. I have talked to several realtors who work with TV and they don't even know the prices of the homes yet. I doubt they've been sold. I keep waiting on the-powers-that-be to have a big showcase of the new homes around the same time OBHCC opens and the golf course reopens. I am only guessing though. The only thing I know for a fact is they look really nice.

[Halibut]

Let's start a pool on pricing. :)

They got the color scheme down, anyway -- tan with blue shutters!

[dbanks50]

Thank you for posting. We left just as they were pouring the first foundations. We return in two weeks. Can't wait to tour the neighborhood!

[graciegirl]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Those Morses are amazing.

[Bonanza]

These houses will be a real shot of adenalin for the historic side.

A new house with a great location is nothing short of terrific!

[Deseylou]

Wow
I hope they have an open house

[jblum315]

OK, I believe you. I believe!

[Challenger]

Almost all of us can look at the neighborhood in which we were raised with sadness. In most cases they have deteriorated badly. Many housing areas begin slipping after 25 years or so.

I have no idea why the "Developer" is acquiring and building in the "Historic Area". It may be purely a capitalistic urge, or pride in what the organization has produced over many years. I am not worried about the prices as the market (demand) will set the apppropriate level- unless the "Developer" decides to give them away.

The remaining property owners should be very happy about the activity. In my opinion the value of dwellings will begin to show significant increases and the activity will spark individuals to upgrade and modernize.

In MHO the "Developer" has made another very wise business decision that will help to protect and enhance values in and around TV, notwithstanding the conspiracy theorists.

[njbchbum]

I honestly don't know if they been sold. They are finished though. The landscaping has been done and the lanais are screened. I have talked to several realtors who work with TV and they don't even know the prices of the homes yet. I doubt they've been sold. I keep waiting on the-powers-that-be to have a big showcase of the new homes around the same time OBHCC opens and the golf course reopens. I am only guessing though. The only thing I know for a fact is they look really nice.

My guess is that we will see the Villages trolley touring our neighborhoods quite a bit this winter! Friends on Bonita indicated that somewhere between 70 and 80 properties have been secured by the developer already! I've been too busy to review tax book to confirm!

[TVMayor]

Let's start a pool on pricing. :)

They got the color scheme down, anyway -- tan with blue shutters!
I will say $210,000 but because of the price paid the land I think that is low.

[bkcunningham1]

I will say $210,000 but because of the price paid the land I think that is low.


That isn't far off the price of a new 3 bedroom designer home in Lake Deaton.

[maybe]

I suspect that Morse was concerned that if left as is, that section would eventually start getting worse. Although I think some owners there had done it, it is risky for individual owners to remove the old and build a new home because who wants to buy a new house that is surrounded by others which are a few steps below it? But by doing it to a large number of lots at one time, Morse can kick-start a re-build, and potential buyers will see it as a transforming neighborhood, and thus be willing to buy in early. It is like reaching a critical mass. Once started, it will them be safer for owners to do it themselves.

[Ohiogirl]

Prices may end up being not much different for than for small new builds south of 466a, but the lot sizes in the historic section are so much larger. Just speculating.

[njbchbum]

Without patio villas being constructed in the new Fruitland villages - where would folks find similar new homes?

[gingersnap]

Oh my BK...I forgot about you folks living in that area. Have they purchased your home? I know Don has put alot of work into your home.

[stroglass]

There are many very well keep houses and nice area here on the historical side and to refer to these homes as a sept down is untrue and unfair all of the owners here, I give You some of the homes on this side did come into disrepair ,but as a whole this side is still a very well keep and lovely place to live

[bkcunningham1]

Oh my BK...I forgot about you folks living in that area. Have they purchased your home? I know Don has put alot of work into your home.

We own two beautiful homes here in The Villages. Both are on Orange Blossom Country Club Golf Course. We bought one of these for Don's dad to live in. I wouldn't trade either of my houses for one of these beautiful new homes. I love my home and I especially love my neighbors.

Njbchbum, similar homes are being built in Lake Deaton and surrounding areas.

[Schaumburger]

There are many very well keep houses and nice area here on the historical side and to refer to these homes as a sept down is untrue and unfair all of the owners here, I give You some of the homes on this side did come into disrepair ,but as a whole this side is still a very well keep and lovely place to live

:agree: with stroglass. This past July I rented a lovely home in the Village of Silver Lake that had been totally remodeled in the past couple of years. I would like to rent this home again next year when I come to The Villages. Just my two cents.

[Topspinmo]

My guess would be about 189K, my guess on profit would be 20-30K.
When we looked two years ago prices have gone up 30 to 40K plus everywhere now. I don't see market around here dropping any time soon. IMO that made it profitable.

[Marion]

I, too, agree with Storglass. I read so many negative comments about the historic side and I have to wonder if many people from "the other side" have ever really driven around this side. We live in Orange Blossom Gardens, the very first village of The Villages and bought a beautiful site built home (built over 20 years ago) almost 2000 sq ft on a lovely lake filled with wild life. We have a large lot with beautiful live oaks. We bought it 3 months ago and we paid less than half of what we would have paid elsewhere in The Villages. We have lovely neighbours and we love it over here. We're two minutes away from OBC, Hilltop, and Silver Lake golf courses and about 7 minutes away from two other executive course. We're close to shopping. We have everything and then some. I love what the Morris' are doing.

[TVMayor]

My guess would be about 189K, my guess on profit would be 20-30K.
When we looked two years ago prices have gone up 30 to 40K plus everywhere now. I don't see market around here dropping any time soon. IMO that made it profitable.
189K

$115,000 for lot
$5,000 to pull unit put
$30,000 profit
$150,000 total

$189,000 - $150,000= $39,000 left for material and labor for a 3b 2b house. I personally have not a clue how much material and labor would cost but..........

[janmcn]

At a "meet the candidates" meeting last week, it was reported in the news that there are 150 abandoned properties in The Villages. The neighbors of these properties are outraged that nothing is being done to correct the deplorable conditions that they have to live with, sometimes for years.

Hopefully, the developer is looking at buying and razing some of these properties to get rid of this blight.

[graciegirl]

At a "meet the candidates" meeting last week, it was reported in the news that there are 150 abandoned properties in The Villages. The neighbors of these properties are outraged that nothing is being done to correct the deplorable conditions that they have to live with, sometimes for years.

Hopefully, the developer is looking at buying and razing some of these properties to get rid of this blight.


That would be nice of him wouldn't it? RuthtomNorma, KittyKat, TippyClub, me and a male poster whose name escapes me tried to help a foreclosed on couple and it turned out to be a lot more complicated than we thought.

Sometimes these properties are owned by heirs in dispute, by the bank, and sometimes people are literally squatting in them who do not want to move or relinquish them for various and sad and not logical reasons.

You can't buy anything if it isn't for sale.

I feel sure that the Morse's would love to see everything well maintained just like we all do, but sometimes it is not an easy fix. Or even a hard fix. The properties are owned by the property owners and the developer has no say other than to follow the deed restrictions and fine them.

[TVMayor]

That would be nice of him wouldn't it? RuthtomNorma, KittyKat, TippyClub, me and a male poster whose name escapes me tried to help a foreclosed on couple and it turned out to be a lot more complicated than we thought.

Sometimes these properties are owned by heirs in dispute, by the bank, and sometimes people are literally squatting in them who do not want to move or relinquish them for various and sad and not logical reasons.

You can't buy anything if it isn't for sale.

I feel sure that the Morse's would love to see everything well maintained just like we all do, but sometimes it is not an easy fix. Or even a hard fix. The properties are owned by the property owners and the developer has no say other than to follow the deed restrictions and fine them.
https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS0CSjy-xABUAwZOReCsjO8Wgr9EmADb1fL14UcTle1RudctQ7Rmg
And that's the key.

[TVMayor]

I will say $210,000 but because of the price paid the land I think that is low.
Ok boys and girls, we have one listed for $225,000 and one for $205,000 did I win anything?

[joldnol]

one sold already

[delima2000]

Do these houses come with a bond? I know lady lake doesn't have bonds but since these are new houses just wondering!

[janmcn]

Do these houses come with a bond? I know lady lake doesn't have bonds but since these are new houses just wondering!

No bonds are allowed anywhere in Lake County. That includes the planned new development in Fruitland Park.

[Steve & Deanna]

Can't wait to get back and tour the Historical Section. We always liked that area and it's always so much fun to golf cart around there. We almost bought in Lake County but are quite pleased in Sumter for the time being. Sounds like lots of good things happening.

[graciegirl]

No bonds are allowed anywhere in Lake County. That includes the planned new development in Fruitland Park.

And so the price of the home will be bigger. It is what it is.

[cattywampus]

And so the price of the home will be bigger. It is what it is.

You are Correct .

Bonds for the Village Community Development District 11, in City of Fruitland Park,
will be a component of the homes advertised "listing" price.

According to the Berkshire-Hathaway " Business Feed "
The almost $60 Million of bonds will be offered the week of Oct 20.
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. is the Underwriter.

As far as total of new units in Historic Side, your guess is better than mine.
We all know Gary Morse lived in Historic District with his kids, when they
were first starting out here in Central Florida.

[Halibut]

Ok boys and girls, we have one listed for $225,000 and one for $205,000 did I win anything?

You'll have to make do with our shock and awe!

[Schaumburger]

Thanks to all for keeping this thread updated. I will have to keep checking the TV web site to see if photos of the home on Parker Place are posted.

[asianthree]

Thanks to all for keeping this thread updated. I will have to keep checking the TV web site to see if photos of the home on Parker Place are posted.

No photos or sf listed yet just the price

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

You'll have to make do with our shock and awe!

Why shock and awe? What did you expect them to go for?

I can't imagine that anyone is making any money at those prices.

[champion6]

<snip> We all know Gary Morse lived in Historic District with his kids, when they were first starting out here in Central Florida.Are you sure about this? Personally, I don't think this is true. Anyone else know for sure?

[janmcn]

Are you sure about this? Personally, I don't think this is true. Anyone else know for sure?

It is absolutely true. Harold Schwartz lived on the historic side for many years. The entire Morse family lived there until the late 80's or early 90's when they built a home in Hickory Hammock.

Where do you think they would live? The historic side was all there was at that time. There was no development on the other side of 441/27.

[rustyp]

Are you sure about this? Personally, I don't think this is true. Anyone else know for sure?

Harold Schwartz lived on Aloha Way and Gary Morse lived on Paradise Drive. The names of many streets on the historic side are names of Harold's friends and family. FYI below is a short history:

Story about Harold Schwartz, founder of The Villages, family history, Gary Morse and a link to pictures of his yacht based near Tampa.

Cracker Bay Yacht Photos - Hakvoort Shipyard.. | superyachts.com (http://www.superyachts.com/motor-yacht-2536/cracker-bay-photos.htm)

A little Villages’ History:

Mary Louise (“Mema”) Brown-Schwartz was divorced from the founder, Harold S. Schwartz and she moved back from Chicago IL. to Central Lake, MI (where she was raised) about 1944 with her two children, Harold Gary Schwartz and Mary Louise Schwartz. She later married Clifford H. Morse there and started Brownwood Farms about 1945. Because the war was still going on, she didn’t want the Schwartz name of her children to be an anti-semetic target in case the Nazis invaded the US. Clifford adopted the children and their names were legally changed to his (Morse). Son, H. Gary (his Mom preferred to use his middle name) later operated the Farmhouse Restaurant there with his Mom and wife, Sharon. Gary’s sister, Mary Louise (“Mar”) married David S. Detar and continued to run Brownwood Farms with her son, Stephan Detar. She still lives in Central Lake and Gary visits her often.

Founder, Harold Schwartz later married Bernice Newman (about 1946) and had three other children, one of which is Richard A. Schwartz (who lived in “Eden Prairie”, MN. for a while), Gary’s half brother, who now lives in the area but no longer is involved with the golf operations of the corporation. Harold went around the country buying up radio stations until he got to Wildwood, FL. and found Orange Blossom Gardens. He bought and sold land plots in Florida and New Mexico and even owned a hotel in Miami, FL. at one time.

About 1983 after buying out his OBG partner, Albert J. Tarrson, Harold asked his son Gary to come down and manage the business and help develop the growing retirement community. Gary, Sharon and their three children moved to Paradise Drive. Harold returned to Chicago for two years then came back to live on Aloha Way about 1985. Together, Harold and Gary had a bright vision for a retirement place they eventually named The Villages. By the time Harold died (just before Chrismas, 2003), he was 93 years old, had 5 children, 16 grandchildren (Mark Gary, Jennifer Louise and Tracy Lee among them), 28 greatgrandchildren and shook thousands of hands on the Town Square.

H. Gary Morse, who lost his wife Sharon to cancer just before New Years in 1999, is now 74 years old and loves to spend time on his 143 ft. yacht named “Cracker Bay” with his second wife, Renee.

[graciegirl]

Harold Schwartz lived on Aloha Way and Gary Morse lived on Paradise Drive. The names of many streets on the historic side are names of Harold's friends and family. FYI below is a short history:

Story about Harold Schwartz, founder of The Villages, family history, Gary Morse and a link to pictures of his yacht based near Tampa.

Cracker Bay Yacht Photos - Hakvoort Shipyard.. | superyachts.com (http://www.superyachts.com/motor-yacht-2536/cracker-bay-photos.htm)

A little Villages’ History:

Mary Louise (“Mema”) Brown-Schwartz was divorced from the founder, Harold S. Schwartz and she moved back from Chicago IL. to Central Lake, MI (where she was raised) about 1944 with her two children, Harold Gary Schwartz and Mary Louise Schwartz. She later married Clifford H. Morse there and started Brownwood Farms about 1945. Because the war was still going on, she didn’t want the Schwartz name of her children to be an anti-semetic target in case the Nazis invaded the US. Clifford adopted the children and their names were legally changed to his (Morse). Son, H. Gary (his Mom preferred to use his middle name) later operated the Farmhouse Restaurant there with his Mom and wife, Sharon. Gary’s sister, Mary Louise (“Mar”) married David S. Detar and continued to run Brownwood Farms with her son, Stephan Detar. She still lives in Central Lake and Gary visits her often.

Founder, Harold Schwartz later married Bernice Newman (about 1946) and had three other children, one of which is Richard A. Schwartz (who lived in “Eden Prairie”, MN. for a while), Gary’s half brother, who now lives in the area but no longer is involved with the golf operations of the corporation. Harold went around the country buying up radio stations until he got to Wildwood, FL. and found Orange Blossom Gardens. He bought and sold land plots in Florida and New Mexico and even owned a hotel in Miami, FL. at one time.

About 1983 after buying out his OBG partner, Albert J. Tarrson, Harold asked his son Gary to come down and manage the business and help develop the growing retirement community. Gary, Sharon and their three children moved to Paradise Drive. Harold returned to Chicago for two years then came back to live on Aloha Way about 1985. Together, Harold and Gary had a bright vision for a retirement place they eventually named The Villages. By the time Harold died (just before Chrismas, 2003), he was 93 years old, had 5 children, 16 grandchildren (Mark Gary, Jennifer Louise and Tracy Lee among them), 28 greatgrandchildren and shook thousands of hands on the Town Square.

H. Gary Morse, who lost his wife Sharon to cancer just before New Years in 1999, is now 74 years old and loves to spend time on his 143 ft. yacht named “Cracker Bay” with his second wife, Renee.


I received a letter with a local newspaper clipping from upper Michigan last week from a poster on this forum who knows I am a Morse fan. She has known the Morse family since her childhood when she spent summers near the Michigan Brownwood. Mary Lou, Gary's sister is still making homemade donuts for her patrons at The General Store. Her picture was in the local paper. Mary Lou has visited here but continues to run her small business that was the family business in the original Brownwood.

This poster came to a TOTV gathering at my home last Christmas season for the expressed purpose of meeting me and reassuring me that I am right to think the Morse family are worthy of my admiration. She said that they were decent, hard working people and deserve their success.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Prices may end up being not much different for than for small new builds south of 466a, but the lot sizes in the historic section are so much larger. Just speculating.

I'm not sure where so many people get the idea that the lots are larger over here. Most of the lots are 60 X 90. They probably look larger because the manufactured homes are so much smaller. But, when you look at these new homes, you'll see that there's not a lot of room between houses.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Are you sure about this? Personally, I don't think this is true. Anyone else know for sure?

Harold lived on the corner of Aloha Way and Tarrson Blvd until his death in 2003. The home is still there. I drive by it all the time. Next to it is Schwartz Park.

I know people over here that knew Harold Schwartz. They all have nothing but good things to say about him. He would walk around his neighborhood and say hi and shake hands with everyone. He'd invite people into his house for ice tea and lemonade.

The historic district is where The Villages began. Everything else is an addition. In fact the first town square sits behind the Circle K on LaGrande Ave opposite the post office. That is where the first nightly live entertainment was held. I believe that all of the retail establishments are now gone. Cal's Barber Shop was the last one. The Mexican restaurant is still there, but the rest of the building are medical offices or soon to be medical offices.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I will say $210,000 but because of the price paid the land I think that is low.

You nailed the price, but I don't understand why you think the price of the land is low.

If you look at home owners insurance for the manufactured homes on this side, you'll see that the value of the land is about $39,000. The developer is paying about $100,000 for the lot and then has to remove the old home and then remove the driveway and sidewalks. Many of these older homes have stick built additions that slo have to be torn down.

Then a lot of the site work is more complex because old infrastructure has to be removed before new pipes and conduit can be installed.

It seems to me that he's over paying for these lots by a wide margin.

Maybe $120,000 or so is less than what one would pay for a lot on the other side, but these just don't seem to be worth that. I can't imagine that the developer is making money on these few homes. They must have some sort of long term goal in mind.

[champion6]

rustyp and Dr. Winston O Boogie Jr: Thanks for the history lesson. I appreciate the information!

[joldnol]

Anchor sold

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Neither of the two homes listed on the Villages site are there. I assume that they both sold.

[joldnol]

3 more new cottages were just listed on the villages site

The Villages - Search for New, Pre-owned Homes and Villas in The Villages, Florida (http://www.thevillages.com/HomeFinder/NewHomes/list/282?sort=1,desc,1,OPNHSETOD&page=0&pageLength=10&searchType=B&keyWords=)