Your Personal Favorite Villages Home

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

If you didn't already live in the Villages, and could afford whatever kind of home you liked in the Villages, which 1 or 2 homes on the Villages Homefinder do you think you'd pick as your absolute favorites, and where in the Villages would you want it built?

My ideal home would be in the "old" section for a myriad of reasons, off of Shay or near the Boone Gate. But it would be a "site-built" home, rather than a manufactured home.

This one right here - if I could put this home in my choice of locations, and replace all the carpeting with premium vinyl plank, and replace that tropical-themed shower door with something a little more elegant - it'd be perfect.


Homefinder - The Villages(R) Homes and Villas for Sale (https://www.thevillages.com/homefinder/S128.149/gallery/1?new&preowned&homesites&series=5&lng=-81.9330688734781&lat=28.964524457835005&lvl=1)

[graciegirl]

My personal favorite Villages home is a ranch in Buttonwood that has been decorated by a friend who I think has the best sense of décor of anyone I have met beside our oldest daughter.

This home is done with a lot of beach influence and other touches of the beginning of her life near the shore in Massachusetts. The house is always immaculately clean and so very welcoming. She has added just the right amount of accessories, but not too many. The color is lovely and soft and welcoming and the balance of placement of all things makes you think of a perfectly painted picture.

I have many friends who have lovely and welcoming homes here in The Villages. In the top ten is Nucky's home which is always immaculately clean and beautifully decorated. The yard is immaculate and even when their car is parked there, it sparkles like the stars. I love clean.

There are on my list of homes here those of all sizes and in all areas including the historic area.

One of my favorite models is the Lantana if I were forced to choose. Like every villager, I think the Village we live in is the best, right in the middle.

[thelegges]

Since Op is asking for homes in TV homefinder, her are my two favorites

VLS #228211
Bridgeport with 3 car garage, room for in-law suite, pool. Golf course view, although not a deal breaker.

VLS #228957
Casa Grande, the architecture in the older homes is a work of art. Unlike the newer models it has character, great lines, detail in the trams and design. Even though it does not have a 3 car garage, the private pool area is peaceful, and a room away from other parts of the house for in-law suite

[Taltarzac725]

If you didn't already live in the Villages, and could afford whatever kind of home you liked in the Villages, which 1 or 2 homes on the Villages Homefinder do you think you'd pick as your absolute favorites, and where in the Villages would you want it built?

My ideal home would be in the "old" section for a myriad of reasons, off of Shay or near the Boone Gate. But it would be a "site-built" home, rather than a manufactured home.

This one right here - if I could put this home in my choice of locations, and replace all the carpeting with premium vinyl plank, and replace that tropical-themed shower door with something a little more elegant - it'd be perfect.


Homefinder - The Villages(R) Homes and Villas for Sale (https://www.thevillages.com/homefinder/S128.149/gallery/1?new&preowned&homesites&series=5&lng=-81.9330688734781&lat=28.964524457835005&lvl=1)

That is a nice one.

[Taltarzac725]

I would like a home with a pool, pool table, high ceilings, and an very large home theater.

Just dreaming.

Have only been in maybe 20 houses here in the Villages over the years from 2005 until now. So, I do not have a lot to go on.

And most of those homes are in Lynnhaven or Winifred.

[manaboutown]

I found the Lantana provides the right sized and laid out floorplan for my needs and tastes. I love that model!

[tophcfa]

A home somewhere between LSL and SS with privacy, a really big garage, and a private 25 yard long lap swimming pool. If our home had a bigger garage and our pool was 51 feet longer it would be the one. Oh well, we will have to settle for a crowded garage and do our lap swimming in the sports pools.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Since Op is asking for homes in TV homefinder, her are my two favorites

VLS #228211
Bridgeport with 3 car garage, room for in-law suite, pool. Golf course view, although not a deal breaker.

VLS #228957
Casa Grande, the architecture in the older homes is a work of art. Unlike the newer models it has character, great lines, detail in the trams and design. Even though it does not have a 3 car garage, the private pool area is peaceful, and a room away from other parts of the house for in-law suite

That Bridgeport is beautiful! Just the master bedroom alone is big enough for a luxury studio apartment up in the north!

The Casa Grande is gorgeous right from the stone driveway, fenced front porch to the back and everything inbetween. I'd need a maid - no way would I clean that place myself! But if money was no object as I said in the OP it'd definitely be a possibility! The spa with waterfall into the little pool is great. And was that a wine refrigerator in the laundry room? Wowza!

Nooks and crannies are my favorite "things" in homes. The Casa Grande certainly has lots of those!

[Taltarzac725]

The intention of this thread is to get folks to check out the currently for sale homes on the Villages Homefinder and see the types of tastes people have. I was very specific for a reason: this wasn't supposed to be a popularity contest to say "oh member A's house is decorated so nicely" or "this generic floor plan would be awesome."

There are folks who visit here, or are just thinking about visiting and not decided yet, and pointing out members' favorites in the actual listings, can be helpful because these are actual homes that are actually for sale on the actual website. I'm not talking about how the knicknacks are laid out on their furniture and whether or not they have good taste in dining room table selection. I'm talking about the home itself.

OK. Intention noted. There are far too many homes on there to really get an idea about which might be our favorite home. And I usually have to see a home in person to tell if I would like it.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I started the thread because I didn't want to derail the "million dollar home in McLure" thread. Someone posted the listing for it, and that got me to the Homefinder Page, which got me poking around looking at various homes for sale. I saw a bunch of photos that were attractive and clicked on the listings, and realized I was looking for my "favorites." And so - this thread. To see what attracts other people when they look at that website.

Failed experiment. I tried, thought it'd be fun.

[billethkid]

No, just reminding people of the actual post I posted when I started the thread. Seems some people either don't actually read the thread, or do, and choose to ignore the topic.

One also has to allow for interpretation (right, wrong or indifferent) when asking a question of any non homogeneous group.

[Velvet]

My first preference is location, then neighbors, then close to those recreation areas I like to visit. The model of the house comes somewhere limping behind. I have bought many houses in my life time and only in TV was model a factor.

I was in the most beautiful house in TV I ever saw, had everything exclusive and high end that you could ask for located in the millionaires section. I noticed every house had their own pool, every house had a large lot, every house had lots of garages with their very expensive cars they might drive 5 miles a week. But the people were exclusive too, would not be seen at the common pool.... etc.

High ceilings and decorations only go so far with me.

As far as listings go, there are 2 in Mallory that are close to me, they would be my second choice.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Location definitely means the most to me above all, Velvet! Neighbors are definitely a close second, but you can't pick your neighbors unfortunately. You might start out with awesome neighbors but people move, or pass away, and homeowners are replaced faster than the homes themselves. Home models can be customized, so one Lantana has a pool and spa and birdcage, the other has less land, and just an open-air rear lanai. A third has an oversized garage, and yet a fourth has a bonus room and a golf cart. Models don't mean anything to me, but the actual finished product - something that says "I am HOME" - is what means something to me when I walk in the front door.

That's why I picked the house I picked on my previous post.

[graciegirl]

My first preference is location, then neighbors, then close to those recreation areas I like to visit. The model of the house comes somewhere limping behind. I have bought many houses in my life time and only in TV was model a factor.

I was in the most beautiful house in TV I ever saw, had everything exclusive and high end that you could ask for located in the millionaires section. I noticed every house had their own pool, every house had a large lot, every house had lots of garages with their very expensive cars they might drive 5 miles a week. But the people were exclusive too, would not be seen at the common pool.... etc.

High ceilings and decorations only go so far with me.

As far as listings go, there are 2 in Mallory that are close to me, they would be my second choice.

I have NEVER seen such a village here in The Villages. There is not one Village here where pools even dominate the non pools. How could anyone even think as well as KNOW that people in ANY village would "not be seen at the "common" pool???? The only Villages in all of The Villages where there are "large lots" is Harmeswood and I know for sure there were not more pools than not there, because we rented a home (for $1200 a month) when we were building the home we are in now nine years ago.

I think you are misinformed. And might just be guessing wrong.

P.S. The Porsch I pictured with me recently was not owned by us. I was trying to again try to make a point of not making judgements about things that we don't know. I believe that every soul in The Villages lives like a millionaire and a few are millionaires but didn't break any laws or harm anyone to become one.

I know of many, many people who live in Premier neighborhoods and I am inclined to think that most of them drive cars several years old and certainly not luxury cars. Some do, granted, but not the majority.

[graciegirl]

Well since only one person wanted to participate in the actual original post's topic, and this thread has gone on for three pages, we'll call this a failed topic. I tried.

I think it is a great topic. What is your favorite home in all of the Villages.

Mine is a Lantana. Or perhaps the Gardenia that was our first one in Hadley. We had wonderful neighbors. When we decided to move here full time we opted for a house with a little bigger bedroom for Helene and we did then build our first pool.

We like our second home here which is a Seabrook. And we love the neighbors here too.

Here is a picture of our first home in The Villages in Hadley thirteen years ago.

[Velvet]

I have NEVER seen such a village here in The Villages. There is not one Village here where pools even dominate the non pools. How could anyone even think as well as KNOW that people in ANY village would "not be seen at the "common" pool???? The only Villages in all of The Villages where there are "large lots" is Harmeswood and I know for sure there is not more pools than not there, because we rented a home (for $1200 a month) when we were building the home we are in now.

I think you are misinformed. And might just be guessing wrong.

P.S. The Porsch I pictured with me recently was not owned by us. I was trying to again try to make a point of not making judgements about things that we don't know. I believe that every soul in The Villages lives like a millionaire and a few are millionaires but didn't break any laws or harm anyone to become one.

I know of many, many people who live in Premier neighborhoods and I am inclined to think that most of them drive cars several years old and certainly not luxury cars. Some do, granted, but not the majority.

Gracie, it sounds like you have not met the people I am talking about. And they are nice people, just very exclusive...

It’s not that they are snobbish, it’s more that their hobbies are so expensive that one can’t play unless one can afford it. Oh, and I don’t mean car hobbies only.

And I could be wrong about the number of pools in the area.

[Bogie Shooter]

My first preference is location, then neighbors, then close to those recreation areas I like to visit. The model of the house comes somewhere limping behind. I have bought many houses in my life time and only in TV was model a factor.

I was in the most beautiful house in TV I ever saw, had everything exclusive and high end that you could ask for located in the millionaires section. I noticed every house had their own pool, every house had a large lot, every house had lots of garages with their very expensive cars they might drive 5 miles a week. But the people were exclusive too, would not be seen at the common pool.... etc.

High ceilings and decorations only go so far with me.

As far as listings go, there are 2 in Mallory that are close to me, they would be my second choice.

You just dreamed this all up? I have been here for 17 years and have yet to see an area described this way.

[manaboutown]

P.S. The Porsch I pictured with me recently was not owned by us. I was trying to again try to make a point of not making judgements about things that we don't know. I believe that every soul in The Villages lives like a millionaire and a few are millionaires but didn't break any laws or harm anyone to become one.

I know of many, many people who live in Premier neighborhoods and I am inclined to think that most of them drive cars several years old and certainly not luxury cars. Some do, granted, but not the majority.

I am disappointed to read that is not your Porsche, GG. I owned a Cayenne S for many years and liked it but I prefer the xDrive50i BMW X5 I now drive to it. You ought to test drive one when you get a chance!

[Velvet]

As I said, I could be wrong about the number of pools.

[manaboutown]

Gracie, it sounds like you have not met the people I am talking about. They are new. And they are nice people, just very exclusive...

It’s not that they are snobbish, it’s more that their hobbies are so expensive that one can’t play unless one can afford it.

And I could be wrong about the number of pools in the area.

Are you thinking of Pine Hills, The Preserve? Skip Smith has a video on YouTube showing some beautiful large homes in that area. Some have huge RV garages.

[dewilson58]

I noticed every house had their own pool, every house had a large lot, every house had lots of garages with their very expensive cars they might drive 5 miles a week. But the people were exclusive too, would not be seen at the common pool.... etc.






Luckily we all had our garage doors open so you could see our expensive cars.

Out of respect to other Villagers, we have private pools so we can swim naked.


:shocked:

[Velvet]

I prefer not to name the location because I don’t want to dis them in any way. It was just an observation I was making from what was said.

[Velvet]

Luckily we all had our garage doors open so you could see our expensive cars.

Out of respect to other Villagers, we have private pools so we can swim naked.


:shocked:






Now, now, don’t be jealous. Lol.

[graciegirl]

If you didn't already live in the Villages, and could afford whatever kind of home you liked in the Villages, which 1 or 2 homes on the Villages Homefinder do you think you'd pick as your absolute favorites, and where in the Villages would you want it built?

My ideal home would be in the "old" section for a myriad of reasons, off of Shay or near the Boone Gate. But it would be a "site-built" home, rather than a manufactured home.

This one right here - if I could put this home in my choice of locations, and replace all the carpeting with premium vinyl plank, and replace that tropical-themed shower door with something a little more elegant - it'd be perfect.


Homefinder - The Villages(R) Homes and Villas for Sale (https://www.thevillages.com/homefinder/S128.149/gallery/1?new&preowned&homesites&series=5&lng=-81.9330688734781&lat=28.964524457835005&lvl=1)

This is a lovely home, Jazuela. I can see why you chose it. I love looking at homes here. Everyone puts their own stamp on them. I have always enjoying looking at homes for sale and at decorated models. When my husband and I were dating 58 years ago we would go to model homes and to the current Parade of Homes in Columbus, Ohio to dream. Now our dreams have come true.

[Velvet]

Not meant to upset you guys, I was startled when I heard the comment about the pool too. I just prefer not to live in the very exclusive areas myself. But there is no need to get upset that some people do, in my opinion.

[dewilson58]

Now, now, don’t be jealous. Lol.






Of what??

:gc:

[Velvet]

My impression was, that you are kidding. This is a just for fun thread.

[charmed59]

I have NEVER seen such a village here in The Villages. There is not one Village here where pools even dominate the non pools. How could anyone even think as well as KNOW that people in ANY village would "not be seen at the "common" pool???? The only Villages in all of The Villages where there are "large lots" is Harmeswood and I know for sure there is not more pools than not there, because we rented a home (for $1200 a month) when we were building the home we are in now.

I think you are misinformed. And might just be guessing wrong.

P.S. The Porsch I pictured with me recently was not owned by us. I was trying to again try to make a point of not making judgements about things that we don't know. I believe that every soul in The Villages lives like a millionaire and a few are millionaires but didn't break any laws or harm anyone to become one.

I know of many, many people who live in Premier neighborhoods and I am inclined to think that most of them drive cars several years old and certainly not luxury cars. Some do, granted, but not the majority.

Let’s take a small premier neighborhood, say Bridgeport at Laurel Valley. Half of the homes there have pools as seen from Google maps. However, there is no neighborhood pool, so I’m not sure which neighborhood pool they would be seen at. I’m not sure what you consider a “large lot” but in that neighborhood there are no homes on less than 1/4 an acre, most a bit over 1/3 an acre and a few over 3/4 an acre.

Out of the 66 home in Harmswood, at least 40 have pools...

[ColdNoMore]

Well since only one person wanted to participate in the actual original post's topic, and this thread has gone on for three pages, we'll call this a failed topic. I tried.

I own the same design as the "ideal" home you linked to in the OP.

While the size and layout were perfect for us, the one negative in my mind is the 'L' shape of the lanai.

Would much have preferred pushing out the formal dining (eliminating the side portion of the lanai from the kitchen) and making the back portion of the lanai deeper/wider.

[graciegirl]

Let’s take a small premier neighborhood, say Bridgeport at Laurel Valley. Half of the homes there have pools as seen from Google maps. However, there is no neighborhood pool, so I’m not sure which neighborhood pool they would be seen at. I’m not sure what you consider a “large lot” but in that neighborhood there are no homes on less than 1/4 an acre, most a bit over 1/3 an acre and a few over 3/4 an acre.

Out of the 66 home in Harmswood, at least 40 have pools...

Many people at Laurel Valley use the sports pool at Laurel Manor. There is a group that goes there every week and exercises together ...And those who don't use the one at Tall Trees. We very much enjoyed going to Tall Trees before we got our first pool ever three years.

I didn't think half had pools. Just took a spin around and counted. I think you are right about half have pools in Laurel Valley.

[jebartle]

81047

[thelegges]

I know of many, many people who live in Premier neighborhoods and I am inclined to think that most of them drive cars several years old and certainly not luxury cars. Some do, granted, but not the majority.[/QUOTE]

The 2 Bentley’s, and Maseratis that drive past our home are classic. The engine purrs. Have no idea what else they drive, but quite a few have that classic in the garage. You are correct we have a several year old car, it’s 18 years old, drive it more here than I do up north. But it doesn’t handle well in a foot of snow. We drive triple the amount of miles in TV than up north.

[graciegirl]

Except, that isn't the topic, hence my frustration.

The topic is - of all the homes CURRENTLY LISTED ON THE VILLAGES HOMEFINDER FOR SALE - which is your favorite, and where in the villages would you want it to be located, if you had a choice?

Fortunately/unfortunately a topic drifts, but everyone has stayed on the general topic of Which is your favorite type of home in The Villages?

I find it interesting.

[kcrazorbackfan]

Just like the one I have - mortgage free.

[manaboutown]

Just like the one I have - mortgage free.

I’ll drink to that!

[JimJohnson]

The one bed one bath cottage. Then travel the world

[JimJohnson]

Homefinder - The Villages(R) Homes and Villas for Sale (https://www.thevillages.com/homefinder/S735.42?new&preowned&homesites&model=Cottage&lng=-81.99355979584547&lat=28.87421165371721&lvl=0)

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Homefinder - The Villages(R) Homes and Villas for Sale (https://www.thevillages.com/homefinder/S735.42?new&preowned&homesites&model=Cottage&lng=-81.99355979584547&lat=28.87421165371721&lvl=0)

I love the way they do the kitchen layouts in these homes. If I lived by myself, a place like this would be perfect. Still, in the older section of TV and with the carpets replaced with planks. I like throw rugs, definitely not a fan of wall-to-wall carpeting.