Are 'kissing lanais' a problem?

[VApeople]

We have been looking at new houses on the internet. We like the Iris model with the 2.5 car garage, and we have noticed the prices vary from $280K to $420K. The main difference in the houses seems to be the shape of the lot, the ones with 'kissing lanais' being lower priced. We get the impression that some people must really prefer houses with no neighbors closely behind them, and are willing to pay much more for a house on a better lot.

For those of you in a house where you and your neighbors have 'kissing lanais', has that ever caused you a problem?

For those of you who paid more to have a larger lot, was it worth it?

[dbussone]

Although we have a neighbor behind and on one side, we found a corner lot to be very satisfactory. More room for our dog and for us. With the correct selection of shrubs, kissing lanais become non-existent. A corner lot costs more than an interior lot, but less than a golf or pond view. We love our home and location.

[bluedog103]

It was a big deal for us. Had we not found a lot like we have it would have been a deal breaker. We paid more for and oversized lot with privacy and it was well worth it. Even what TV considers oversized is tiny compared to most of the country but I don't have to smell the neighbor's cigar or have them listen to our conversations.
Planting shrubs along the rear of your property can help hide your neighbors property but the back yards of these homes are really tiny. With view blocking shrubs that back yard is pretty much non-existent.
That being said, some people claim to have no problem with very close neighbors. It's really a decision that only you can make. Only you know what's important to you.

[NotGolfer]

It's a subjective question. It depends on the neighbor and the individual. Our neighborhood has close homes and I've not heard anyone complain. Eventually many folks enclose their lanai's with windows and if their birdcard extends from there...it doesn't seem to matter.

[Sable99]

It was a big deal for me too! I love my lot! It was a tad oversized and I paid more for it in 2012. I was able to bump out my lanai 4 feet in depth. The neighbors behind me have a large pie shaped lot so we don't have kissing lanais. There is atleast 60 feet between us! The best part is they put in three beautiful palm trees between us and I don't have to do the work to maintain them.

I have an Iris too and rent it out in a long-term rental program. I can't wait to move into my beautiful home.

[Villager Joyce]

We have a kissing lanai. It was not a problem for us. We enclosed our lanai, but not because of neighbors. We did it to enlarge our living space.

[Cedwards38]

As far as seeing each other, it's actually more like "blowing a kiss" as they aren't usually that close, and plant a few ligustrum trees and you'll never know they are there.

If your neighbor is loud, you're gonna hear that from much more distance than the lanais are spaced.

But those in the forum are right when they say that it depends on what you can live with. If it freaks you out, don't do it.:shrug:

[rjm1cc]

Part of the answer depends on your neighbor and they can change over time.
Consider - When they (or you) are having breakfast is your conversation disturbing your neighbor.
How about a radio or TV.
Maybe they are reading the paper and do not want to be disturbed but you both say hello to each other when you come out and start a conversation. etc. etc.
I think you need some distance between.
On the other hand you or your neighbor may not use the lanais.
Remember in real estate location, location, location.

[Debfrommaine]

We tried it and moved. Neighbors were quiet, etc., no issues there. We just like our privacy too much and got a corner lot villa. No regrets and has worked out well for our lifestyle.

Since you're asking the question, sounds like it could be a concern for you - smart to ask input from others so you can make an informed decision.

The Villages is great, IMO!

[Chatbrat]

The Lanais were not a problem. the problem we had was a person across the street who insisted on exercising in his garage @ 6:30 every morning-we could see him & hear his exercise music. solution-wrapped our Lanai with a non-invasive bamboo-we no longer see & hear this person.

More important than privacy is respect.

[justjim]

We have been looking at new houses on the internet. We like the Iris model with the 2.5 car garage, and we have noticed the prices vary from $280K to $420K. The main difference in the houses seems to be the shape of the lot, the ones with 'kissing lanais' being lower priced. We get the impression that some people must really prefer houses with no neighbors closely behind them, and are willing to pay much more for a house on a better lot.

For those of you in a house where you and your neighbors have 'kissing lanais', has that ever caused you a problem?

For those of you who paid more to have a larger lot, was it worth it?

OP, 98% of the time kissing lanai's are no problem. It hasn't been for us in two different houses in TV. You can absolutely landscape out your back door neighbor. The house we built on the golf course was great except for the price---we decided to downsize a bit.

[Boomer]

We have an interior lot backing up to a courtyard villa wall. The houses beside us are sited to allow as much privacy as possible on our small lots.

We did not want the responsibility and expense of a bigger lot.

We bought a pre-owned and I admit, that wall was the clincher for me.

But I think the real determiner of what works is the luck of the draw with neighbors. Ours are wonderful.

[JoMar]

All helps make the case for renting for a few months and find out. We did that, hated the kissing Lanai and bought a larger lot. When we rented about 4 years ago we asked what a water or golf course view would cost and was told the premium would be 40K. Well, smarty here said no way. We bought last year, the premium on our corner lot was 40K...me who hesitated...lost :) The premium on golf or water view today can be well into 6 digits.

[Carl in Tampa]

All helps make the case for renting for a few months and find out. We did that, hated the kissing Lanai and bought a larger lot. When we rented about 4 years ago we asked what a water or golf course view would cost and was told the premium would be 40K. Well, smarty here said no way. We bought last year, the premium on our corner lot was 40K...me who hesitated...lost :) The premium on golf or water view today can be well into 6 digits.

Both privacy for me and being shielded from the activity of neighbors are major considerations for me. We rented twice before making a purchase decision, and decided that "kissing lanai's" were unacceptable. TV noise and loud conversations can really spoil a tranquil evening.

The final decision was a house on the circle of a cul-de-sac, giving both extra space on each side of the house and a large, deep back yard. The down side of such a location is that you have a larger yard to maintain. The lawn mowing costs a bit more and the water bill is somewhat higher. (The lawn guys can't seem to understand that the larger back yard is compensated for by the smaller front yard.)

Your decision will depend somewhat on your lifestyle. If you expect to send a lot of time on the lanai, you might want to consider what a nuisance it would be to hear neighbors' TV and conversations.

Enjoy.

[mtdjed]

If you are asking questions regarding whether they are a problem, you should probably establish what your desires are. Why would you want a "kissing Lanai"? They are probably OK, but wouldn't you normally want a little room. If you pay more for a little space, it is for a reason.

[capecoralbill]

The solution-wrapped our Lanai with a non-invasive bamboo-we no longer see & hear this person.

.

Hi, Not sure what you mean, real bamboo trees? How does this stop the noise?

[asianthree]

Corner lot back to a road with pond across the street. Very happy

[j8384]

Could NOT stand it and moved. Best decision ever. Much much happier, and always in the lanai, and no one to bother us, we don't bother anyone!! If you are concerned, just shell out the extra bucks and you won't have to move again like us. We didn't last a year!

[SALYBOW]

We have an Iris, we paid extra to get a lot big enough to extend the lanai and we are glad we did. We had room to build an arbor and planting behind the lanai. Our lanais are not "kissing" but we can still hear our neighbors conversations. I probably would not like it if they were.
We are located in Buttonwood. We will be putting our Iris on the maket after the first, If you have any interest, PM me. :2excited:

[gap2415]

We always lived on a huge property with lots of trees and privacy but wanted to downsize and get rid of having the maintenance so believing less was more purchased a regular lot with a wall behind. We can see several homes over the top of the wall and the day we moved in a lady was very, very loudly talking out back on her cell phone. Yikes. We closed in the lanai. Several months later, we have made so many wonderful friends we love it here. Its not about the house; it's not about the lot (too much) but about people.

[buzzy]

We did not want kissing lanais, even if bushes could provide privacy. Many people entertain on the lanai, and the sound carries. Instead, we paid a modest premium to back up to a street that does not connect between villages. There is light auto and cart traffic, and occasional walkers. After dark, almost nothing.

[Jdmiata]

The lanai in back of the house was the first thing I looked at in a new home. If they were kissing we did not buy there no matter what the house cost. We found a Lantana that had plenty of room in the back as that street was on a curve. Planted a hedge too. I like our privacy but it's solely a matter of taste. Well worth it to me.

[Sandtrap328]

If you buy a new house, you really do not know what your neighbors plan to do. One of our friends had their backyard neighbors build a swimming pool in back under a birdcage. It was so noisy as they used it for a family room, too, that our friends glass enclosed their own lanai. Looks very nice but an expensive solution.

Personally, I suggest buy backing up on a golf course or pond. Enclose and a/c the lanai, too. Make sure the lanai is East facing or you will bake in the late afternoon sun!! The sunrises are beautiful, too, (I understand).

[Fraugoofy]

We looked at all kinds of villas and houses and didn't care for kissing lanais. We ended up with the perfect villa for us. Corner lot with a privacy hedge. Hard to find in TV, but totally worth it. I love the privacy...

[twoplanekid]

Most Villagers have kissing lanais and seem to be happy. We do have Warnock Rd in back.

[queasy27]

As other have said, landscaping can alleviate a lot, but it's not so much seeing your neighbors as hearing and smelling them. Golf course lots and backing up to a street can also have their downsides.

My lanai is glassed in, as are my kissing neighbors, but people sit out on their patios and I can hear them and smell cigarette smoke if I have my windows open. I also smell their dryer sheets on laundry day! It's not intrusive enough to make me move by any means, but it's a fact that lots in TV are generally on the petite side. I imagine the same is true of many planned retirement communities in order to keep costs down.

The OP specified wanting a 2.5 car garage so the historic district wouldn't be suitable, but I will say my house there was absolutely quiet in regards to any noise from the neighbors.

[golfing eagles]

All helps make the case for renting for a few months and find out. We did that, hated the kissing Lanai and bought a larger lot. When we rented about 4 years ago we asked what a water or golf course view would cost and was told the premium would be 40K. Well, smarty here said no way. We bought last year, the premium on our corner lot was 40K...me who hesitated...lost :) The premium on golf or water view today can be well into 6 digits.


Personally, I suggest buy backing up on a golf course or pond. Enclose and a/c the lanai, too. Make sure the lanai is East facing or you will bake in the late afternoon sun!! The sunrises are beautiful, too, (I understand).

Wanted to be on a golf course from the time we started looking, but never thought to consider the east-west lanai issue----I guess we won the 50-50 coin toss and face east---phew!. Sunrises are beautiful, have great neighbors on either side and a 180 degree view. You do have early morning golf equipment noise, not a big issue. Golfers passing by have no interest in looking in at you. There is the occasional fertilizing/chemical spray, but you do that to your own lawn anyway. The main downside is the cost, I wish it were 40K!, but now you can buy a CYV for the lot premium. On the other hand, golf and water views will generally hold their value when there are no more built (the mythical "build out").

[Greg Nelson]

we have extra parking, no one on three sides, best view anywhere and no houses across the 4th hole of Lopez. Publix, VA etc a 2 minute cart ride. Downside is a too small garage....renting now ..this spot is unique...looking into possibly adding a cart barn..for 25k$....

[golfing eagles]

My lanai is glassed in, as are my kissing neighbors, but people sit out on their patios and I can hear them and smell cigarette smoke if I have my windows open. I also smell their dryer sheets on laundry day! It's not intrusive enough to make me move by any means, but it's a fact that lots in TV are generally on the petite side. I imagine the same is true of many planned retirement communities in order to keep costs down.


I think this is true of most new developments nationwide. When my son lived in Colorado, there would be many square miles of open space with an oasis of a new development with houses built practically on top of each other. Land cost could not be an issue, I suspect this layout keeps the infrastructure cost to a minimum.

[Count'n the days]

The only thing we would do differently as far as our home selection is look for a lot that could give just a tad of visual privacy. When we purchased our lot it was just dirt so it was hard to picture exactly how close the houses would be. Luckily our lanais aren't kissing but they are still close. I don't think there's much you can do for the sound carrying. We realize we have no privacy but live in a wonderful neighborhood and would be hesitant to move. But basically our lanai is an area we do not use. We paid a premium for the lot we purchased but paying more would have been money well spent in our case. As previously mentioned closing in your lanai or using shades are always an option.

[Carla B]

It was very hard at the time to pay extra for a golf course view, but so glad my husband insisted. Going on eight years and very content...saved the expense of moving.

[VApeople]

You all have given very good answers to all of the other questions we have answered, but your responses to this topic have been even better. Your comments have helped us decide what we are going to do and you have brought up issues that we had not considered. We simply cannot express how helpful your posts have been and we thank you all very much. Bob and Suzanne

[rjn5656]

Not a problem unless your neighbor has a dog.

[KathieI]

Boy, did I learn the hard way. My first house was a Lantana backing up to a beautiful pond, therefore, no one behind me and very quiet. I always wanted a CYV for my dogs so they could have space to run so I gave up the view and bought a corner lot CYV. Worse mistake of my life.

People behind me (which are small designer homes) are so close to my wall and I can hear everything, and they in turn can here me too. They have complained bitterly even if the dogs bark for a minute so I have confined the dogs to the lanai to keep peace with the neighbors.

Also, now that the weather is cooler, I have been opening my windows and have discovered that many of the neighbors are smokers and sit in their backyards and smoke away. It is intolerable for me and I have to shut the windows and put on the a/c.

My opinion, pay the extra money and get a little more space between neighbors and you'll be very happy.

[golfing eagles]

Boy, did I learn the hard way. My first house was a Lantana backing up to a beautiful pond, therefore, no one behind me and very quiet. I always wanted a CYV for my dogs so they could have space to run so I gave up the view and bought a corner lot CYV. Worse mistake of my life.

People behind me (which are small designer homes) are so close to my wall and I can hear everything, and they in turn can here me too. They have complained bitterly even if the dogs bark for a minute so I have confined the dogs to the lanai to keep peace with the neighbors.

Also, now that the weather is cooler, I have been opening my windows and have discovered that many of the neighbors are smokers and sit in their backyards and smoke away. It is intolerable for me and I have to shut the windows and put on the a/c.

My opinion, pay the extra money and get a little more space between neighbors and you'll be very happy.

Hindsight is always 20/20. If you had it do over, would you have kept the Lantana and just drop in an invisible fence for the dogs? Something for anyone else to contemplate rather than moving. (No, I do not work for an invisible fence company)

[rubicon]

There was no question for us but that we wanted a home on golf course. We have a home on a championship golf course with a lanai and birdcage. We often cook outdoor but we seldom if ever really use the lanai . It fits our needs and is located on a secluded cul de sac. The prize is our neighbors so many genuine caring and fun loving human beings.

[KathieI]

Hindsight is always 20/20. If you had it do over, would you have kept the Lantana and just drop in an invisible fence for the dogs? Something for anyone else to contemplate rather than moving. (No, I do not work for an invisible fence company)

Yep, you're right. I wish I could go back in time, definitely would NOT give up that house and view for the CYV. I thought about the invisible fence but our pond was large and people told me to be concerned about gators, although I lived there 7 years and never saw a gator. I certainly miss all the ducks and birds. This was probably one of the worse decisions I have ever made in my life and I've made many that were good. As they say, it is what it is.......

[justjim]

Yep, you're right. I wish I could go back in time, definitely would NOT give up that house and view for the CYV. I thought about the invisible fence but our pond was large and people told me to be concerned about gators, although I lived there 7 years and never saw a gator. I certainly miss all the ducks and birds. This was probably one of the worse decisions I have ever made in my life and I've made many that were good. As they say, it is what it is.......

We all have made mistakes and sometimes some of us have "Seller's remorse". We are on our fourth property in TV. I know----moving is a hassle (and lots of work) but property sells quickly in TV if its priced just slightly below market. Life is short..............just a thought. :crap2:

[asianthree]

hard for someone to tell you what's going to be the perfect house for you. We always wanted a courtyard villa and on our fourth trip our sales person put us in a courtyard villa for a week. The noise from people talking the dog barking and the televisions on the lanais drove us nuts. That's the reason why we chose not to buy a courtyard villa I really think the inside of the house can stay the same but it's the outside that will make the difference as to your surroundings. Just remember people 2.5 times when they live in the villages.

[Carla B]

I'll reiterate...it was very hard to pay the g.c. premium. But it's the best decision re real estate we ever made. The view is gorgeous. The golfers don't bother us and they can't hit our house. With the double-paned windows, we don't even hear them. They are not interested in looking at us, and we are not interested in moving ('till we have to).

[JoMar]

And that's why they build many models on many lots......everyone has their preferences and their budgets......choose carefully and take your time, it's important.

[Greg Nelson]

Yesterday I went pond fishing along Legacy close to the golf course. There are maybe 8 homes facing the pond and someone towards the middle had loud music going that I could hear easily. no bueno! Our rental on 4th hole of Lopez is really unique. No neighbors on three sides. The one neighbor has a pool and is a rental. They have a solar heated pool that never gets very warm and is rented to a family with noisy kids always in the pool. BUT, we cannot hear them from our unit. Again yesterday we took in several new units way south on open house. You can buy brand new for less than used! But way to close together for us..just saying..We'd buy the unique unit we reside in if the owner hadn't raised the price from last year by $50,000!!

[bovelsky]

I have an IRIS with a kissing Lanai and it is no issue for me. However, I did not care at all about the Lanai and I almost never use it. Depending on you neighbors it could be a noise issue if you want to use it alot. Visually it is not an issue because lanscaping can take care of it. The real differences in price you are seeing are view lots on ponds or golf courses. You an pay as much as 170k premium for the lot for the same house. So the question you have to answer is it the view and outdoor living that are important to you or is it the house. Fortunately here at the villages you have many choices and your neighbors will likely be great in a 300k house or a 600k house so just decide how important the outdoor living at your house is to you. Also do not forget we have so many outdoor activities here that do not need to happen at your house. We have pools, rec centers, clubs , and parks which tend to keep the time at home at a minimum.

[dpscmsgt]

We have a small lot on purpose for several reasons: 1. Hate grass; smaller lot means less grass to water and mow. Grass is a jobs program for people in in Florida. Most of us pay someone to maintain our landscape. When we upgraded our landscape we got rid of as much grass as we were allowed to and replaced it with colorful plants, shrubs and trees. 2. This is our 7th house on 43 years of marriage. In the past we spent a lot of money adding a pool and other things that we never really used. Getting smaller lot insured that we would never be tempted to put in a pool or a big bird cage that we would never use. If you drive around your will see all the people who have pools and/or big birdcages but you rarely see anybody use them. Our neighbors are quiet and friendly and with the right landscaping privacy is not a problem.

[Greg Nelson]

The real problem with this unit is the small garage. Not enough room for my beloved tbird and a golf cart. We're looking at adding a cart barn...but that costs over $20,000!

[TheMoyers]

Purely a personal choice. We overlook a golf course and can barely see our neighbor's lanai, but our home up north had a nasty neighbor, hence our choice here. Would not have needed it here. Perhaps you may want to meet your potential neighbors before choosing.

[Chatbrat]

A view and water view is not important to us-during the day we're out and about, and we lived on a motor-yacht for 6 years, did a lot of cruising 30K miles- had our full of water .

At night all you can see is sky & stars & thats the best view without paying for it.

Nothing comes close to cruising in the seas with the phosphorous glowing off your boats bow.

[Madelaine Amee]

Yesterday I went pond fishing along Legacy close to the golf course. There are maybe 8 homes facing the pond and someone towards the middle had loud music going that I could hear easily. no bueno! Our rental on 4th hole of Lopez is really unique. No neighbors on three sides. The one neighbor has a pool and is a rental. They have a solar heated pool that never gets very warm and is rented to a family with noisy kids always in the pool. BUT, we cannot hear them from our unit. Again yesterday we took in several new units way south on open house. You can buy brand new for less than used! But way to close together for us..just saying..We'd buy the unique unit we reside in if the owner hadn't raised the price from last year by $50,000!!

Have you thought of looking in the Villages of Santiago and Santo Domingo? These two villages are off B.Vista towards SSprings. These homes were built before the lot sizes were drastically reduced and there are some really nice homes and big lots in this area. It is older, but good homes with loads of space.

I am on a golf course and when we purchased our home it was a "new" development so most of us have been here from the beginning. But being a resident of a retirement community means "change" in one way of the other and we have started to see people move out for various reasons. So if you started off with a very quiet neighbor you could suddenly find you have a party house next door :eek: and there is not much you can do about it, other than move on! Thankfully our neighbors, on both sides, are in the Witness Protection Program so we never know whether they are still alive or .......:laugh:

[Ohiogirl]

We have a CYV and use our lanai A LOT - last January we enclosed it so we could use it even more, and we do. We are out here almost every morning, having coffee and reading the paper, using computer. Also love having a quiet place to read. Have visited lots of friends with kissing lanais and do NOT like those, although I think both options depend greatly on your neighbors.

We have gradually added landscaping/plants that encircle our entire back yard - it is lovely to look at and great for birdwatching as well. My preference would be a beautiful view of a pond, but the price difference would be huge.

No one around us has a TV on their lanai, nor do we. I think listening to TV noise when trying to enjoy your lanai would be awful.

And - checking out neighbors before you buy only helps to a limited extent. Neighbors can change a lot here over time and especially in the first couple of years after they are built, as people change their minds trying to get their retirement lifestyle right. Some move back north, some want something bigger or smaller, with or without a pool - you name it, it happens.

There are 4 lanais that could affect us, but none do - dogs next door are never allowed to be annoying, and 2 out of the 3 behind us have enclosed lanais or Florida rooms and never seem to open the windows. The other one added a birdcage extension a couple of years ago, and someone sat outside talking loudly on the phone sometimes (I think always in the afternoon), but they sold and moved a few months after they added the birdcage.

I do think that annoying neighbors are one of the main reasons why people do move here so often. If we ever get any, that is when I might consider moving, if we couldn't resolve the issue first.

[toeser]

We have been looking at new houses on the internet. We like the Iris model with the 2.5 car garage, and we have noticed the prices vary from $280K to $420K. The main difference in the houses seems to be the shape of the lot, the ones with 'kissing lanais' being lower priced. We get the impression that some people must really prefer houses with no neighbors closely behind them, and are willing to pay much more for a house on a better lot.

For those of you in a house where you and your neighbors have 'kissing lanais', has that ever caused you a problem?

For those of you who paid more to have a larger lot, was it worth it?



It really all depends on what's important to you. We came from a place with a "miles long" view and I just could not accept another house behind. We have a very small lot, but it's on a golf course so it doesn't feel small.

[OhioBuckeye]

We have been looking at new houses on the internet. We like the Iris model with the 2.5 car garage, and we have noticed the prices vary from $280K to $420K. The main difference in the houses seems to be the shape of the lot, the ones with 'kissing lanais' being lower priced. We get the impression that some people must really prefer houses with no neighbors closely behind them, and are willing to pay much more for a house on a better lot.

For those of you in a house where you and your neighbors have 'kissing lanais', has that ever caused you a problem?

For those of you who paid more to have a larger lot, was it worth it? Actually we have what they call a "Kissing Lanai". We have great neighbors in The Village of Charolette & when we first moved there 4 yrs. ago we planted shrubs for privacy & they like it & so do we, it works out great for us & all or our neighbors, personally the small lot isn't an issue for us it's the lanai, it's to narrow & you can't really have nice furniture out there because of rain & to close it in would be beating the purpose of have the open air feeling. Hope this helps. Personally we would like to sell our "Lilac" & buy another "Courtyard Villa".

[jimmiemoser]

These "kissing lanais can be easily overcome with creative landscaping that cost less than other lots. The more expensive homes are usually on a "view" lot, backing up to a preserve, a water feature or one of our many golf courses. Can these "kissing lanais" be a problem, sure they can. I have a friend who's lanai kisses a neighbor who walks around his lanai nude. That can be embarrassing to my friend and/or guests. She has a beautiful lanai and spends lots of time out there, so her landscaping has been enhanced greatly and she also added custom roll down shades all cheaper than the "view lots".

[Madelaine Amee]

[QUOTE=

The other one added a birdcage extension a couple of years ago, and someone sat outside talking loudly on the phone sometimes (I think always in the afternoon)[/QUOTE]

We, too, have one of those. Built a gi-normous bird cage overlooking the golf course, has no furniture in it, but walks inside the bird cage talking on the phone! He is stone deaf, so we get to hear both his conversation along with the incoming conversation, and he is three doors down from us! Thankfully he is a "bird" and is not here for much of the time.

[Ohiogirl]

Actually we have what they call a "Kissing Lanai". We have great neighbors in The Village of Charolette & when we first moved there 4 yrs. ago we planted shrubs for privacy & they like it & so do we, it works out great for us & all or our neighbors, personally the small lot isn't an issue for us it's the lanai, it's to narrow & you can't really have nice furniture out there because of rain & to close it in would be beating the purpose of have the open air feeling. Hope this helps. Personally we would like to sell our "Lilac" & buy another "Courtyard Villa".

I also thought enclosing would defeat the purpose of having a lanai, but now have triple track glass windows which give you about 70% screen when open. We did it so we could not worry about scheduling guests only when the weather was nice. Can open slider to house and heat/cool pretty easily unless temperatures are really extreme, as our lanai is not large (but does provide another table for games/cards or dining when entertaining).

We are seasonal so not here for the really hot weather anyway.

[boynurse484]

We do have kissing lanai's but the current couple behind us are very quiet. Obviously that will change eventually when they "move on" so we enclosed ours in acrylic sliders which are tinted and they have 4 podocampus tall bushes lining the back so we're all set. Paid more more a side lot and love that decision.

[golfing eagles]

We, too, have one of those. Built a gi-normous bird cage overlooking the golf course, has no furniture in it, but walks inside the bird cage talking on the phone! He is stone deaf, so we get to hear both his conversation along with the incoming conversation, and he is three doors down from us! Thankfully he is a "bird" and is not here for much of the time.

Did anyone politely speak to him and let him know all this? You may find that he does not want his private conversations overheard as well

[Goodbye Snow]

It was worth the extra money to us to have our house with the large backyard and to be located on a cul de sac. No matter what the side and back yard neighbors decide to do in the future, we know no one can build anything right behind us. Landscaping for a greener view is in our plans. Our lot is about 1/3 acre.

Voices and noise travel no matter how close or far away the lanais are and we are having ours enclosed with full length sliding windows. Then we can have the best of both, an open and/or closed lanai and enjoy the extra space no matter what the weather. A small yard will mean less cost to maintain the yard and watering, etc. if that is a factor in your decision.

When you see the homes in person I think you will know which one is right for you :-)

[laiello123]

For me, coming from a very private piece of property in northern Massachusetts, the "kissing lanai" was an issue. Not so much for my husband, but he wanted a little yard space for grilling. Fortunately, we found a lovely Begonia that backs to a villa wall, with a sizeable lanai and birdcage combo, on a cul-de-sac to boot. We closed-in the lanai with all glass sliding doors which gives us the option to open it all up, or close it up tight! Our birdcage is open to face one neighbor whose elaborate landscaping provides an additional buffer. We are new to the village of Dunedin and are very pleased with our neighbors, thus far. LOL My main concern now is that my singing isn't too loud for the neighbors!!!!

[Madelaine Amee]

Did anyone politely speak to him and let him know all this? You may find that he does not want his private conversations overheard as well

Yes, it has been mentioned to him and he just laughs.

[genobambino]

The thing you have to remember with houses being close is your neighbors probably go to bed at 8 or 9, it's not like living in a regular neighborhood where people are up all hours of the night hoot and hollering

[CindyNah1]

I moved here 3 months ago I looked at 15 homes and didn't like the "feel" of kissing lanai so i paid extra and LOVE my home. my suggestion, if there is even a "question" you won't like hearing your neighbors TV or voices. PAY the extra money. I lived in PA surrounded by 4 acres of trees and no neighbors for 33 yr. so I KNEW what I needed to enjoy my peace. as with any neighborhood, some neighbors are quiet, some only come for a few weeks a year, and some, well, are more noisy. Best to you. I am LOVING my decision to live here, don't "spoil" it by going "cheaper" if you want quiet

[JoMar]

I moved here 3 months ago I looked at 15 homes and didn't like the "feel" of kissing lanai so i paid extra and LOVE my home. my suggestion, if there is even a "question" you won't like hearing your neighbors TV or voices. PAY the extra money. I lived in PA surrounded by 4 acres of trees and no neighbors for 33 yr. so I KNEW what I needed to enjoy my peace. as with any neighborhood, some neighbors are quiet, some only come for a few weeks a year, and some, well, are more noisy. Best to you. I am LOVING my decision to live here, don't "spoil" it by going "cheaper" if you want quiet

Know the feeling, from PA surrounded by 18 acres in the woods....it was an adjustment here, even with an oversize lot, but love it.

[Sanbo]

I bought an iris designer home in 2013. My neighbor and I do have kissing lanais and it has not been a problem at all. I did have the landscaper plant shrubs and plants that would be a buffer to any noise. My neighbors all have been very respectful for each other's privacy.

[Happy Gardener]

Nine years ago we paid 80K extra for a designer home that backs onto a retention pond maintained by The Villages. Over the years we've enjoyed watching all the birds that swim and dive and catch fish from the pond, our retriever has the freedom to run after training dummies and bring them back, plus we appreciate the privacy of not having a neighbor in the back yard. Yes, for us, it's well worth the extra cost.



We get the impression that some people must really prefer houses with no neighbors closely behind them, and are willing to pay much more for a house on a better lot...For those of you who paid more to have a larger lot, was it worth it?

[Barefoot]

Nine years ago we paid 80K extra for a designer home that backs onto a retention pond maintained by The Villages. Over the years we've enjoyed watching all the birds that swim and dive and catch fish from the pond, plus we appreciate the privacy of not having a neighbor in the back yard. Yes, for us, it's well worth the extra cost.

We decided in 2007 that we'd rather have a modest home on a golf course lot, than a mansion with a kissing lanai.
We made the right decision for us, because we love nature, and we value our privacy.
Like Happy Gardener, we enjoy watching the birds that swim and dive and catch fish. Magical!

[THUNDERCHIEF]

Do not buy a house with a kissing lanai, you will be sorry, noise, dogs, people talking, not a good deal being close to your neighbor.

[Newbeginnings]

I moved here from Alaska, I had 5 acres and no neighbors, loved the solitude and privacy. When I decided to move to The Villages, after seeing some very nice homes with "kissing" lanai's decided it wasn't for me. My first home was a designer against a villa wall, my second home was on a golf course, and the latest is against a preserve. Loved all 3 in the aspects of what was affordable at the time when I purchased them. I never considered a "Kissing Lanai", it wasn't something no matter how much enclosing or landscaping I did , I would not consider. I paid extra in each home, but well worth the investment, my first home sold in 1 day after putting it up for sale, and the second on the golf course sold within 30 days. The view is one of the most important selling points if you ever decide to move, IMO.

[Greg Nelson]

according to Village Realtor's, that privacy can add up to and extra $150K!! If we wanted kissing lanais we'd get a mobile home. Not our cup of tea. Back home in Minnesota we're on a 4000 acre glacial lake and our closest neighbor is over 300' away....but the homes in our PUD in the third tier are about 12' apart. Those lots sold for 80-90K ours with woods on three sides were listed at 225K...second tier..go Vikings!

[Barefoot]

according to Village Realtor's, that privacy can add up to and extra $150K!!

Greg, I assume you are talking about new homes.
It's been our experience that resale homes enable the Purchaser to buy a home in mid-Villages on a golf course for a fraction of that price.
With no cart path anywhere near and a pond view.

[Greg Nelson]

We've looked at more than a 100 places and had the help of more than one Village Realtor. We asked them to show us a comparable view and they have not found one as yet. Based on other sales this villa 2/2 we're in is 40-50 over due to the view. The drawback is the dinky garage. We've contacted Fortin Construction for building a cart barn. He's having the ruling people look it over. Now I see 2 villas close by needing new furnaces. it all adds up.......

[VApeople]

Nine years ago we paid 80K extra for a designer home that backs onto a retention pond maintained by The Villages. Over the years we've enjoyed watching all the birds that swim and dive and catch fish from the pond, our retriever has the freedom to run after training dummies and bring them back, plus we appreciate the privacy of not having a neighbor in the back yard.

If you have a house that borders a retention pond, are your dogs allowed to run free?

[justjim]

If you have a house that borders a retention pond, are your dogs allowed to run free?

OP, short answer is no.

[RickeyD]

If you have a house that borders a retention pond, are your dogs allowed to run free?


Don't know, but the gators are...

[mickey100]

As others Have pointed out, you can easily spend $150,000-$170,000 extra for a view lot, and there is absolutely NO guarantee that you will have peace and quiet. I have played golf on courses in the villages where you could hear someone's television blaring 200 yards away, because the owner is hard of hearing and has a tv out in his birdcage. We played the other day and someone's dog was yapping the whole time we were on the hole. If you get a bad neighbor a few doors down or someone has a nuisance type dog, forget it. We talked it over and decided we did not want to risk $150,000 and end up in a bad situation as far as noise, so we bought a kissing lanai. It has turned out fine. Occasionally the neighbors behind us have a dinner party and are noisy, but it is few and far between. And all the lanais have been in closed except ours, which really cuts down on the sound transmission. We have beautiful landscaping in the back and don't see our neighbors so it's really not much of an issue. That $150,00 we saved is paying the way for some fabulous vacations.

[Bonsai Golfer]

It does depend on what you think you can live with and who your neighbors are, and their habits. Someone pointed out that neighbors can change. I'd go a step farther and say they DO change. Remember, it is not uncommon for villagers to change homes at least once during their life in TV and many change twice. We've lived in our current (second) home only 5 years but two neighbors across the street, one next door and one behind us have all changed in the last year!

I'm going to disagree with some respondents and say that you CANNOT avoid hearing your neighbors (and they you) when you have kissing lanais that are not enclosed regardless of how much landscaping you do. But, you almost have to landscape if you don't want to look in to your neighbor's home or have them looking in to yours. This may be as much of a problem as noise or even more. If you heavily landscape then you're looking at a wall of shrubs which may only be 5' from your lanai. Remember, lot set-backs are only about 10' in much of TV so you are only 20' from your neighbors, that's not a lot.

A couple of people mentioned the desirability of corner lots and ones that back up to other homes on irregular lots. That is a good suggestion. Our lot fits that description so our lanai is some distance from those behind. Keep in mind that even if you find such a home, you still may have a next door neighbor who has a lanai fairly close to you, but better to have one close than three kissing. I don't think you necessarily need to expect to pay a lot more for these kinds of lots. I know we didn't but it all depends on the market at the time you are looking.

One caution, corner lots are often moderately to much bigger than interior lots so they take a lot more irrigation, hence more cost. Water is expensive in TV. We love our lot but we didn't take than in to account when we bought. Expect to pay $200 - $400 more per year on your water bill.

In the end, it all does depend on what's important to you. Hope this helps and good luck with your search.

[Chatbrat]

Good neighbors make the problems go away.

[Sandtrap328]

If you have a house that borders a retention pond, are your dogs allowed to run free?

Answer is NO! Besides being against the regulations, dogs near a pond have a fair possibility of being killed by an alligator, pygmy rattlesnake, water moccasin, or coral snake. They certainly would get ticks. Brown recluse spiders are also in those tall grasses by ponds.

You also have coyote issues and feral pig issues in some Villages areas.

[Greg Nelson]

my avocation is to avoid stress.....

[MSGirl]

Honestly, all of the homes here are close to neighbors, whether you have a kissing lanai, golf course view, water view, wall or whatever. I lived on a championship golf course back home...lots of land. Downside of living by a pond or golf course...lots of unwanted critters!

[Villager Joyce]

Answer is NO! Besides being against the regulations, dogs near a pond have a fair possibility of being killed by an alligator, pygmy rattlesnake, water moccasin, or coral snake. They certainly would get ticks. Brown recluse spiders are also in those tall grasses by ponds.

You also have coyote issues and feral pig issues in some Villages areas.

I think I would take the nudist neighbor who smokes to some of these options.

[sallymatthews77@gmail.com]

It all depends on the neighbors, that is the bottom line.
Our's happen to be wonderful and respect our privacy.

[dwnhllracer1]

We have been looking at new houses on the internet. We like the Iris model with the 2.5 car garage, and we have noticed the prices vary from $280K to $420K. The main difference in the houses seems to be the shape of the lot, the ones with 'kissing lanais' being lower priced. We get the impression that some people must really prefer houses with no neighbors closely behind them, and are willing to pay much more for a house on a better lot.

For those of you in a house where you and your neighbors have 'kissing lanais', has that ever caused you a problem?

For those of you who paid more to have a larger lot, was it worth it?
We are in our second home and we now have a corner lot. This exposes our lanai to an expansive intersection and lots of space. Have lived here for 6 years YES it would be a problem. Some homes are backed up to several lanais where you can overhear everything from several houses. As a result, many of these lanais are not used much due to small space, little privacy and NO breezes and many expose to the sun all day.

We shopped for our perfect re sale and we use the lanai every day for lunch etc 8 months of the year. Most important. DO NOT get a lanai faced in a direction that exposes it to hot sun all day. Good luck.

[Barefoot]

If you have a house that borders a retention pond, are your dogs allowed to run free?

Dogs must always be leashed off your property.

Honestly, all of the homes here are close to neighbors, whether you have a kissing lanai, golf course view, water view, wall or whatever..........Downside of living by a pond or golf course...lots of unwanted critters!
We've had a golf-course home since 2007 and have never seen an "unwanted critter". And we never hear our neighbors at all.

[VApeople]

Dogs must always be leashed off your property.


Do the laws say dogs must be leashed or just "under control" off your property?

Does it depend which county or neighborhood you live in?

[Barefoot]

Do the laws say dogs must be leashed or just "under control" off your property?
Does it depend which county or neighborhood you live in?

I believe that deed restrictions may differ by area.
For instance, some Villages allow only one dog per household. Most Villages allow two.
Dogs are never allowed to "run free" except at the fenced dog parks.

[HimandMe]

If you have a house that borders a retention pond, are your dogs allowed to run free?

The alligators would answer yes....send them out. BTW, alligators have long legs and can run quite fast....swim even better.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Over the past 35 years, I have live in small one bedroom apartment in downtown Boston, a 300 sq foot studio apartment, a 600 sq foot, three bedroom, two story condo, a 2,000 sq foot two story three bedroom home on over an acre, a 350 sq foot one bedroom apartment in Manila, a 736 sq foot manufactured home in TV and my current 1,392 sq foot cottage home here in TV.

I've been able to live quite happily in all of these places. I've never had a problem with a neighbor.