Inadequate Kitchens?

[KEVIN & JOSIE]

Has anyone else noticed the downsizing of the kitchens in some of the new Villas? How can you function with so little wall cabinets?

Homefinder - The Villages(R) Homes and Villas for Sale (https://www.thevillages.com/homefinder/S723.19/gallery/4?new&map&lng=-82.03775762869829&lat=28.801398627021943&lvl=0)

[JoMar]

Those that buy them

[Rango]

Those that buy them

:bigbow:

[rjm1cc]

What is a kitchen?

[Serenoa]

I agree, I've seen studio apartments with bigger kitchens. I don't get it....for years folks had been asking for bigger garages in Courtyard Villas & TV finally listened. But I've never heard anyone suggest that the kitchens would be better if smaller. They are extremely undersized for a $250K+ CV.

[sallybowron]

Has anyone else noticed the downsizing of the kitchens in some of the new Villas? How can you function with so little wall cabinets?

Homefinder - The Villages(R) Homes and Villas for Sale (https://www.thevillages.com/homefinder/S723.19/gallery/4?new&map&lng=-82.03775762869829&lat=28.801398627021943&lvl=0)

We are in that situation. I bought a steel mesh rack and we keep canned good, extra cookware, things stored in tupperware, etc out in the garage. It works very well.

[graciegirl]

I agree, I've seen studio apartments with bigger kitchens. I don't get it....for years folks had been asking for bigger garages in Courtyard Villas & TV finally listened. But I've never heard anyone suggest that the kitchens would be better if smaller. They are extremely undersized for a $250K+ CV.

There are other choices in that price range.

[villagetinker]

IMHO, I would not keep any food items in the garage due to summer heat.

As for additional storage, I was looking at an open set of shelves behind a door in the laundry room that is always open. I have know idea if your house would support it, but we added a window seat (matching cabinets) and additional cabinets on either side of the window for additional storage.

The only other option might be to change out pullout shelves for wire racks or a different type of pullout storage unit that might offer more room.

Hope this helps.

[thelegges]

As we look for a possible 4th home, I can love the view, but if the kitchen counter is too small, than it’s a NO. Maybe it’s thought that retirement means you don’t cook as much. I find we cook everyday and eat out couple times a month.

[sbarron01]

Had to laugh b/c that kitchen pic has 1 more cabinet than my current kitchen. That's why moving to our old-but-new-to-us house in The Villages next wk seems like such opulence! Currently in a row house in DC; smaller urban homes = less of everything. And forget about storing things in the garage...what garage?!

[Abby10]

Has anyone else noticed the downsizing of the kitchens in some of the new Villas? How can you function with so little wall cabinets?

Homefinder - The Villages(R) Homes and Villas for Sale (https://www.thevillages.com/homefinder/S723.19/gallery/4?new&map&lng=-82.03775762869829&lat=28.801398627021943&lvl=0)

If I'm thinking of the right model, I believe I was in one like that this past December. Notice the louvered doors opposite the kitchen. If I'm not mistaken behind those doors is a huge walk-in pantry. We were shocked when we opened it and saw how much storage space was in there. Also there's probably some storage on the other side of that island as well. One reason not to go by the website pictures alone if you're considering a purchase.

As far as counter space goes, I have a large island similar to the one in the picture in my home up north. I do all of my food prep on that counter. Not only does it offer plenty of space but I prefer working on a counter that is open versus one with cabinets overhead. Also, islands like the one in the picture are usually quite a bit wider than normal counters.

They have done some amazing things with the newer villas. I particularly liked some of the new bathroom layouts.

[coffeebean]

Notice the louvered doors opposite the kitchen. If I'm not mistaken behind those doors is a huge walk-in pantry.

Do you mean the bi-fold doors? I don't see doors with louvers.

[charmed59]

Do you mean the bi-fold doors? I don't see doors with louvers.

Yup, the bi-fold doors are a pantry.

[pklein9747]

This is just like our Bonita villa here in Hadley. I would definitely give up some of our wall cabinets for a golf cart garage. And did you see that bathroom???!!!! It I didn't just love our villa and neighborhood location, I would definitely think about moving down to Marsh Bend.

[NotGolfer]

If you're shopping online it can be deceitful. We nearly purchased a house that way before we actually came down and looked 1st before buying. SOOOO glad we didn't do the former as we did then check out the "said house" and boy was it much different than online. It was tiny! NOT sure what model is was (it was 10 yrs ago) but we'd not have been happy. We wanted to down-size but I think we'd not have stayed long in that home.

As for cabinet space---if you're looking for a kitchen that meets your needs it's always good to really look at different models before making your decision! Our present kitchen seemed larger before we moved in but then as we were putting items away we discovered it was lacking a bit. We made a pantry (hard to explain it hear) by cutting into a wall into the laundry-room and placing a store-bought cabinet in that. NOT all models would allow this. I know of several folks who've done this however.

[Abby10]

Do you mean the bi-fold doors? I don't see doors with louvers.

Sorry, yes........shouldn't post before :mornincoffee: lol

[eweissenbach]

We bought a pre owned 3/2 Anaheim CYV last year. While the kitchen is not opulent it is adequate for our needs. Over the last few years kitchens have grown exponentially in size and in many cases are far larger than necessary. We are part timers so might prefer a larger place with a larger kitchen if we were full time, but we could probably make this villa fit our lifestyle without much angst. FWIW the previous owners of our villa, part timers for 4+ years, had never turned on the oven. When I went to run the dishwasher for the first time it wouldn't work. I texted the previous owner to see if he knew what the problem could be and he replied that the water valve to the dw had never been activated. Sure enough I opened the valve and voila, it worked! Some folks don't need a kitchen apparently.

[villagetinker]

Has anyone else noticed the downsizing of the kitchens in some of the new Villas? How can you function with so little wall cabinets?

Homefinder - The Villages(R) Homes and Villas for Sale (https://www.thevillages.com/homefinder/S723.19/gallery/4?new&map&lng=-82.03775762869829&lat=28.801398627021943&lvl=0)

I had not looked at the link with the pictures before I commented. It looks like there might be 4 feet of space from the end of the island to the wall with the window. You could put in all UPPER cabinets (12 inches deep) with either no counter, or just a 14 inch deep counter. 2 by 4 can be used for the toe kick area, with a suitable matching covering. Since this is a new house, matching cabinets should be available. This would get you several feet of additional cabinetry. just make sure the walkway around the cabinet still works.

[graciegirl]

If I'm thinking of the right model, I believe I was in one like that this past December. Notice the louvered doors opposite the kitchen. If I'm not mistaken behind those doors is a huge walk-in pantry. We were shocked when we opened it and saw how much storage space was in there. Also there's probably some storage on the other side of that island as well. One reason not to go by the website pictures alone if you're considering a purchase.

As far as counter space goes, I have a large island similar to the one in the picture in my home up north. I do all of my food prep on that counter. Not only does it offer plenty of space but I prefer working on a counter that is open versus one with cabinets overhead. Also, islands like the one in the picture are usually quite a bit wider than normal counters.

They have done some amazing things with the newer villas. I particularly liked some of the new bathroom layouts.

Thank you. Usually when "they" change things, there is a lot of thought and usually it makes things nicer. I have thought so ever since they put that chip in my arm at closing. ;)

[FenneyFanatic]

I am amazed that my Ruby model does not have one drawer large enough to put a utensil tray into. There are three drawers and they are about 8 inches wide.. I ended up buying a dining room server with drawers. It's not all that convenient though.

[sallybowron]

IMHO, I would not keep any food items in the garage due to summer heat.

As for additional storage, I was looking at an open set of shelves behind a door in the laundry room that is always open. I have know idea if your house would support it, but we added a window seat (matching cabinets) and additional cabinets on either side of the window for additional storage.

The only other option might be to change out pullout shelves for wire racks or a different type of pullout storage unit that might offer more room.

Hope this helps.

I have stored food in the garage for two years now and have not had one problem, summer or winter. Try leaving just a few cans out there for awhile and see how it goes. Besides, food I also stare my lesser used cookware, i.e. pressure cooker, large pots, etc. That frees up a lot of room in the kitchen. Until someone posted this I have never even questioned the kitchen being small. Who'd a thunk it?
:shrug:

[thetruth]

I have stored food in the garage for two years now and have not had one problem, summer or winter. Try leaving just a few cans out there for awhile and see how it goes. Besides, food I also stare my lesser used cookware, i.e. pressure cooker, large pots, etc. That frees up a lot of room in the kitchen. Until someone posted this I have never even questioned the kitchen being small. Who'd a thunk it?
:shrug:

I do not think storing food in your not temperature controlled garage is a good idea.

You can, as we did, purchase those relatively inexpensive plastic stacking shelves typically used in garages and put them in your clothing closet. Typically they are sold as five shelf units. You want the narrow ones. If, you purchase several of these systems, you can easily cut the vertical tubes to reduce the height between each shelf and obviously a five shelf system can be assembled as a three shelf plus a two shelf.

[thetruth]

I am amazed that my Ruby model does not have one drawer large enough to put a utensil tray into. There are three drawers and they are about 8 inches wide.. I ended up buying a dining room server with drawers. It's not all that convenient though.

We have several huge draws in our laundry room. I have no idea what the plan was as to what you are expected to put in them. They are not built to hold much weight and like in dominoes, when one goes down it takes out the next one below it.

I have and you should, put 1/4 round stock to support the corners of the draws and the bottom. It is easy to do. Since the finish on the draws is actually printed plastic over press board, you must scrape off the plastic film or the glue will not hold.

[perrjojo]

Has anyone else noticed the downsizing of the kitchens in some of the new Villas? How can you function with so little wall cabinets?

Homefinder - The Villages(R) Homes and Villas for Sale (https://www.thevillages.com/homefinder/S723.19/gallery/4?new&map&lng=-82.03775762869829&lat=28.801398627021943&lvl=0)

I understand your comment. We have a Charlotte Villa which has a great kitchen for a small home. The newest Charlotte villas have very little cabinet space. I guess the new buyers don’t cook. LOL. Btw, I do believe the photo is of the Carollete model an it has 50% less cabinets than the older models have. They have improved the garage and master bath but I am NOT a fan of the new kitchen. I love our present configuration in the kitchen not only for food prep put the large counter top gives space for sewing, carfts etc.

[KEVIN & JOSIE]

The earlier models has great kitchens. I saw one model today that only had three cabinets and next to none counter space. The garages are a great improvement, but the kitchens are disappointments.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Looks to me like there's plenty of room in that kitchen. You can easily put a cabinet and drawer unit between the window and sliding doors, against the wall. And you'll still have plenty of room to walk between the sink island and the unit.

The island offers tons of counter space, from what I can see. Plenty of room to prep. The island also has at least one cabinet useful for storing canned goods, since one side is for the dishwasher and the middle is "under the sink."

My kitchen in Connecticut is bigger in square footage with maybe 2 more cabinets, but I also don't have a dishwasher. My counter space is more cramped.

[CWGUY]

I understand your comment. We have a Charlotte Villa which has a great kitchen for a small home. The newest Charlotte villas have very little cabinet space. I guess the new buyers don’t cook. LOL. Btw, I do believe the photo is of the Carollete model an it has 50% less cabinets than the older models have. They have improved the garage and master bath but I am NOT a fan of the new kitchen. I love our present configuration in the kitchen not only for food prep put the large counter top gives space for sewing, carfts etc.

:ohdear: Homefinder - The Villages(R) Homes and Villas for Sale (https://www.thevillages.com/homefinder/S723.19?new&map&lng=-82.03775762869829&lat=28.801398627021943&lvl=0)

IT"S A BONIFAY! Here is the listing with pics and floor plan. :ho:

[perrjojo]

:ohdear: Homefinder - The Villages(R) Homes and Villas for Sale (https://www.thevillages.com/homefinder/S723.19?new&map&lng=-82.03775762869829&lat=28.801398627021943&lvl=0)

IT"S A BONIFAY! Here is the listing with pics and floor plan. :ho:

I think The Bonifay is the vinyl siding version of the Charlotte.

[CWGUY]

I think The Bonifay is the vinyl siding version of the Charlotte.

:coolsmiley: I think it might be. I'm just saying the picture posted by the OP is the "BONIFAY". The link I posted will also show the floor plan if people want to see how small/big the kitchen is. It also shows the pantry that was mentioned. :ho:

[KEVIN & JOSIE]

Here's a new one with two full wall cabinets and a pantry cabinet for 255K.

Homefinder - The Villages(R) Homes and Villas for Sale (https://www.thevillages.com/homefinder/S33V.64/gallery/7?new&map&lng=-82.03775762869829&lat=28.801398627021943&lvl=0)

[Garywt]

Many do have large pantry closets but we went a different direction because of this kitchen change and the total lack of counter space.