Fences and Puppers

[Jumaduke]

Greetings everyone, my husband and I are considering a move to TV within the next few years. However, we have two requirements that I fear are diametrically opposed and may short-circuit our quest to ever become frogs.

Is there any area in TV where we might find a lot with a fenced-in back yard (for dogs) but does NOT utilize zero-lot-line construction for the home?

We are not willing to cave on either of these requirements. Our dogs are currently free-roaming on large acreage in the middle of nowhere, so a secure fence is paramount. We are also not comfortable with anyone else having any claim to access our property (nor with us needing to exercise the claim to access theirs).

[retiredguy123]

As I understand it, there are no zero lot line properties in The Villages, except for townhouses. Even the courtyard villas, which are about 10 feet apart, have at least 5 feet of property around the house. Although, they do incorporate a sideyard easement deed restriction that may allow your neighbor to landscape part of your property. I would suggest that you read the deed restriction documents.

[LuvtheVillages]

Greetings everyone, my husband and I are considering a move to TV within the next few years. However, we have two requirements that I fear are diametrically opposed and may short-circuit our quest to ever become frogs.

Is there any area in TV where we might find a lot with a fenced-in back yard (for dogs) but does NOT utilize zero-lot-line construction for the home?

We are not willing to cave on either of these requirements. Our dogs are currently free-roaming on large acreage in the middle of nowhere, so a secure fence is paramount. We are also not comfortable with anyone else having any claim to access our property (nor with us needing to exercise the claim to access theirs).

What you are looking for is a home in the “Veranda” line. These are designer level homes where the back yard is enclosed by a wall. They are being built south of 44. A few were built north of 44.

Note that this is just a back yard, which in The Villages is not expansive.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Greetings everyone, my husband and I are considering a move to TV within the next few years. However, we have two requirements that I fear are diametrically opposed and may short-circuit our quest to ever become frogs.

Is there any area in TV where we might find a lot with a fenced-in back yard (for dogs) but does NOT utilize zero-lot-line construction for the home?

We are not willing to cave on either of these requirements. Our dogs are currently free-roaming on large acreage in the middle of nowhere, so a secure fence is paramount. We are also not comfortable with anyone else having any claim to access our property (nor with us needing to exercise the claim to access theirs).

You'd need to avoid courtyard and villas, which give access to your immediate neighbor to a piece of your property that contains the edge of their driveway, and the property abutting the external wall of your house but that they have the right to plant on. Bungalow villas also are zero-lot-line, with one of their house walls serving as the back wall of your back yard. Veranda homes also have one wall of the back yard which is actually the wall of the house next door, so again - zero lot line.

I don't know of any walled yards that are /not/ zero-lot-line, other than perhaps the Cottage Villas in Newell. But the backs of them all have short fences to provide views to the retention pond, which means your dogs can easily get out (they're no higher than 4 feet, with wide posts for the view).

There are, however, dog parks scattered throughout The Villages, where your pooch can roam free with other dogs, while you relax with other owners.

[Jumaduke]

But the backs of them all have short fences to provide views to the retention pond, which means your dogs can easily get out (they're no higher than 4 feet, with wide posts for the view).

This begs another question ... if a fence is already installed, can I reinforce it in any way to keep my pups in? I have a 10-pound pipsqueak who can't jump a 4' fence but can certainly scurry out between the slats. Would I be able to do something like attach chicken wire to the slats, and maybe paint the wire green or black so as to make it inconspicuous?

[retiredguy123]

You'd need to avoid courtyard and villas, which give access to your immediate neighbor to a piece of your property that contains the edge of their driveway, and the property abutting the external wall of your house but that they have the right to plant on. Bungalow villas also are zero-lot-line, with one of their house walls serving as the back wall of your back yard. Veranda homes also have one wall of the back yard which is actually the wall of the house next door, so again - zero lot line.

I don't know of any walled yards that are /not/ zero-lot-line, other than perhaps the Cottage Villas in Newell. But the backs of them all have short fences to provide views to the retention pond, which means your dogs can easily get out (they're no higher than 4 feet, with wide posts for the view).

There are, however, dog parks scattered throughout The Villages, where your pooch can roam free with other dogs, while you relax with other owners.
Courtyard villas are NOT zero lot line construction. Yes, the next door neighbor does have access to part of your property for some use and landscaping, but they do not own it. It is called a sideyard easement.

[oldtimes]

Greetings everyone, my husband and I are considering a move to TV within the next few years. However, we have two requirements that I fear are diametrically opposed and may short-circuit our quest to ever become frogs.

Is there any area in TV where we might find a lot with a fenced-in back yard (for dogs) but does NOT utilize zero-lot-line construction for the home?

We are not willing to cave on either of these requirements. Our dogs are currently free-roaming on large acreage in the middle of nowhere, so a secure fence is paramount. We are also not comfortable with anyone else having any claim to access our property (nor with us needing to exercise the claim to access theirs).

We bought a grassed corner lot courtyard villa so that our dogs would have a secure area where they can run and play. They are hard to find but available if you just keep looking. Most also have a 2 car garage which is a huge bonus.

[Jumaduke]

I don't know of any walled yards that are /not/ zero-lot-line, other than perhaps the Cottage Villas in Newell.

I have noticed that a substantial number of homes on Nash Loop, by the Hemingway Pool, seem to be non-zero AND fenced in the back.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Courtyard villas are NOT zero lot line construction. Yes, the next door neighbor does have access to part of your property for some use and landscaping, but they do not own it. It is called a sideyard easement.

And one wall of the house next door is the wall of your yard. That, by definition, is zero-lot. A wall of YOUR house - is a wall shared by your neighbor. Not the wall around the house, the wall of the house itself.

[retiredguy123]

And one wall of the house next door is the wall of your yard. That, by definition, is zero-lot. A wall of YOUR house - is a wall shared by your neighbor. Not the wall around the house, the wall of the house itself.
Not true. The definition of zero lot line is when the lot line occurs at the exterior wall of the neighbor and the property extends to the exterior wall. That is not the case in The Villages. The lot lines are located between the houses. A courtyard villa lot line is about 5 feet from the nextdoor neighbor's exterior wall. That is not zero lot line building. That is why the deed restriction document defines the sideyard easements the way they do. The only lot line construction that I am aware of in The Villages is the townhouses on the north side.

[UsuallyLurking]

Although rare there are courtyard villas that meet your needs. I have a courtyard villa that is on the edge of the development, so I have a wall, not a neighbor's house, on the other side of my back yard. Courtyard villas have outside walls (7+ feet high) and solid fences (similarly high) that separate one neighbor from another. The size of the backyard for courtyard villas varies; I have room for a pool but the size may or may not be enough for your dogs.

Because I have no neighbor next to my yard nobody needs access to my yard. However, if I want access to the side of my house that is effectively the wall for my neighbor, for example, to power wash my house, I'd need to let them know. As noted above, the property line runs roughly between the houses; the sideyard easement referred to above is an easement that allows my neighbor on that side of the property to modify and maintain everything up to but not including the wall of my house.

[Battlebasset]

This begs another question ... if a fence is already installed, can I reinforce it in any way to keep my pups in? I have a 10-pound pipsqueak who can't jump a 4' fence but can certainly scurry out between the slats. Would I be able to do something like attach chicken wire to the slats, and maybe paint the wire green or black so as to make it inconspicuous?

I have the same issue, and a slatted fence (I back up to a pond). I initially did the black plastic chicken wire, but it fell apart pretty quick, so I removed it.

What I did in its place was to run a wire horizontally across the bottom, about 10 inches high. I used a turnbuckle to keep it taunt. It is practically invisible, but the dog can't go under it (not enough room) and can't go over it, as it's too high and hard to climb over comfortably. If your dog is really motivated you could run more than one wire up to the height you feel they can't get over it.

You can buy the entire kit for a 60 foot wire/turnbuckle set up on Amazon for about $25. So far, I'm happy with it. The dog is just a bit confused. She can't believe all the stupid things I do.

[Maker]

One thing is that if there is no existing fence (or wall) then you cannot put one up. Have to purchase the house with them already present.

[villagetinker]

Greetings everyone, my husband and I are considering a move to TV within the next few years. However, we have two requirements that I fear are diametrically opposed and may short-circuit our quest to ever become frogs.

Is there any area in TV where we might find a lot with a fenced-in back yard (for dogs) but does NOT utilize zero-lot-line construction for the home?

We are not willing to cave on either of these requirements. Our dogs are currently free-roaming on large acreage in the middle of nowhere, so a secure fence is paramount. We are also not comfortable with anyone else having any claim to access our property (nor with us needing to exercise the claim to access theirs).

You have one other problem you have not considered, Florida has predators and your dogs may not be safe unattended even in a fenced or walled yard. We have cats, they are allowed in the glassed lanai, and in the screened in birdcage during daylight hours, after that they are restricted to the house and the lanai.

If your plan is to allow the dogs access any time they want and you have a smaller dog, TV may not be a good choice, actually Florida may not be a good choice. Please do some additional research.

[Dusty_Star]

I came from a house with a fenced in back & front & my dogs were able to run around outside freely. I was initially looking at fenced properties in the Villages, but eventually decided to buy a regular house & walk the dogs.

Your decisions will probably be different than mine, but I too didn't like the idea sharing walls with the next door neighbors. Hence, the eventual decision for a regular house.

It seems to me your last sentence rules out courtyard villas.

We are also not comfortable with anyone else having any claim to access our property (nor with us needing to exercise the claim to access theirs).

[retiredguy123]

I came from a house with a fenced in back & front & my dogs were able to run around outside freely. I was initially looking at fenced properties in the Villages, but eventually decided to buy a regular house & walk the dogs.

Your decisions will probably be different than mine, but I too didn't like the idea sharing walls with the next door neighbors. Hence, the eventual decision for a regular house.

It seems to me your last sentence rules out courtyard villas.
Note that the only walls that courtyard villa neighbors share are the fences and block walls at the rear of the lot. They do not share any house walls. Each courtyard villa owner has access to 4 sides of their house. This is not like zero lot line construction, where an owner only has access to 3 sides of the house. No wall sharing.

[oldtimes]

I came from a house with a fenced in back & front & my dogs were able to run around outside freely. I was initially looking at fenced properties in the Villages, but eventually decided to buy a regular house & walk the dogs.

Your decisions will probably be different than mine, but I too didn't like the idea sharing walls with the next door neighbors. Hence, the eventual decision for a regular house.

It seems to me your last sentence rules out courtyard villas.

The corner lot villas are set up differently and often do not need to share access.

[simplesimonsaid]

Sorry. got to ask. what are Puppers?
another name for dogs or a breed of dog.

[Jumaduke]

You have one other problem you have not considered, Florida has predators and your dogs may not be safe unattended even in a fenced or walled yard. We have cats, they are allowed in the glassed lanai, and in the screened in birdcage during daylight hours, after that they are restricted to the house and the lanai.

If your plan is to allow the dogs access any time they want and you have a smaller dog, TV may not be a good choice, actually Florida may not be a good choice. Please do some additional research.

Thank you (and others) for the concern. Hubby and I have been Florida residents for nearly 40 years; we are well-versed in the hazards.

What would prevent us from, say, putting up a cross-fence (or even a baby gate) in a walled Courtyard villa? Dogs would have access to the majority of the yard, but neighbors would be able to freely access their "border" wall without releasing my Kraken into the world unintentionally.

[oldtimes]

Thank you (and others) for the concern. Hubby and I have been Florida residents for nearly 40 years; we are well-versed in the hazards.

What would prevent us from, say, putting up a cross-fence (or even a baby gate) in a walled Courtyard villa? Dogs would have access to the majority of the yard, but neighbors would be able to freely access their "border" wall without releasing my Kraken into the world unintentionally.

They very rarely (if ever) need access and should notify you if necessary. They need to go through your driveway to access their own gate. You can actually put a lock on yours as long as you give them access when requested.

[Papa_lecki]

This begs another question ... if a fence is already installed, can I reinforce it in any way to keep my pups in? I have a 10-pound pipsqueak who can't jump a 4' fence but can certainly scurry out between the slats. Would I be able to do something like attach chicken wire to the slats, and maybe paint the wire green or black so as to make it inconspicuous?

I have two 85 pound Labradors and I would not let them in the yard alone, due to the predators. At home, we had a fenced yard and they roamed free.
What you should consider is a lot that lows a larger birdcage, put the pups out in the birdcage. They love it.

It’s also too hot in the summer for dogs to be outside.

[Jayhawk]

Would I be able to do something like attach chicken wire to the slats, and maybe paint the wire green or black so as to make it inconspicuous?

Oh boy

:popcorn:

[Topspinmo]

And one wall of the house next door is the wall of your yard. That, by definition, is zero-lot. A wall of YOUR house - is a wall shared by your neighbor. Not the wall around the house, the wall of the house itself.

My restrictions in my district.

That wall is not shared it NOT neighbors property, nothing can attach or touch that wall. It damaged they are liable. They 1 foot area along wall for drainage. If anything planted there and it damages wall/foundation including paint they are liable, why developers have easements corky way the jammed housing in. Same thing goes for front door area easements nothing can touch there house or within foot of there house.

[vintageogauge]

You have one other problem you have not considered, Florida has predators and your dogs may not be safe unattended even in a fenced or walled yard. We have cats, they are allowed in the glassed lanai, and in the screened in birdcage during daylight hours, after that they are restricted to the house and the lanai.

If your plan is to allow the dogs access any time they want and you have a smaller dog, TV may not be a good choice, actually Florida may not be a good choice. Please do some additional research.

Yes, there are many birds of prey here that can take a small dog out of your yard in a flash.

[Sandy and Ed]

We bought a grassed corner lot courtyard villa so that our dogs would have a secure area where they can run and play. They are hard to find but available if you just keep looking. Most also have a 2 car garage which is a huge bonus.
Bingo.

[Sandy and Ed]

I have two 85 pound Labradors and I would not let them in the yard alone, due to the predators. At home, we had a fenced yard and they roamed free.
What you should consider is a lot that lows a larger birdcage, put the pups out in the birdcage. They love it.

It’s also too hot in the summer for dogs to be outside.
Bingo again. Larger Corner courtyard villa lot with a birdcage for the safety of the pups. Problem solved

[jimdecastro]

This begs another question ... if a fence is already installed, can I reinforce it in any way to keep my pups in? I have a 10-pound pipsqueak who can't jump a 4' fence but can certainly scurry out between the slats. Would I be able to do something like attach chicken wire to the slats, and maybe paint the wire green or black so as to make it inconspicuous?

Firm no. But if no one complains, it can be done. The risk is you could be asked to remove it.

[MandoMan]

Greetings everyone, my husband and I are considering a move to TV within the next few years. However, we have two requirements that I fear are diametrically opposed and may short-circuit our quest to ever become frogs.

Is there any area in TV where we might find a lot with a fenced-in back yard (for dogs) but does NOT utilize zero-lot-line construction for the home?

We are not willing to cave on either of these requirements. Our dogs are currently free-roaming on large acreage in the middle of nowhere, so a secure fence is paramount. We are also not comfortable with anyone else having any claim to access our property (nor with us needing to exercise the claim to access theirs).

I’m sorry, but if your dogs are “free-roaming on large acreage in the middle of nowhere,” The Villages is probably not a good fit for you. There are a lot of homes within an hour of The Villages that have the same weather but also have 1-5 acre lots that either are fenced or can be fenced. What’s more, these houses are often larger and less expensive per square foot than homes in The Villages. Of course, you would miss out on all the activities here, but in life we have to make choices. Don’t buy a house here expecting that you will be able to convince the Architectural Review Committee to let you put up a fence around your yard. It won’t happen.

[awachol]

Look at the village of Chatham Acres which has five acre lots.

[westernrider75]

Thank you (and others) for the concern. Hubby and I have been Florida residents for nearly 40 years; we are well-versed in the hazards.

What would prevent us from, say, putting up a cross-fence (or even a baby gate) in a walled Courtyard villa? Dogs would have access to the majority of the yard, but neighbors would be able to freely access their "border" wall without releasing my Kraken into the world unintentionally.

We honestly have no issues with our neighbors in our courtyard villa neighborhood. My neighbor on one side keeps her gate locked so her dog cannot get out and if we need access we just ask, no problem. We keep our gate locked also for the same reason, our neighbor on the other side is well aware and has never asked to access except one time to trim her hedge that had become tall.

Nobody wants to be responsible for loose dogs and we all get along, although I’m sure that is not the case everywhere. Good luck to you.

[bowlingal]

the village of Hemingway has ranch homes with fenced in backyards. On Nash Loop, if you are interested

[Skunky1]

Why would you do that to your free roaming dogs?

[Kelevision]

Thank you (and others) for the concern. Hubby and I have been Florida residents for nearly 40 years; we are well-versed in the hazards.

What would prevent us from, say, putting up a cross-fence (or even a baby gate) in a walled Courtyard villa? Dogs would have access to the majority of the yard, but neighbors would be able to freely access their "border" wall without releasing my Kraken into the world unintentionally.

I have a CYV. IF my neighbor was getting her house pressure washed would be the only reason i could think of they’d ever come into my yard but it’s not unannounced. I’ve never been worried about my dogs escaping. I use Deans lawn service and they always text the day before to let me know they’re coming. I mean my dogs don’t have access to the yard unless I’m home and I don’t leave them out there unattended but nobody has ever entered my yard unannounced. You’ll be fine in a Verandah home.

[Kelevision]

Why would you do that to your free roaming dogs?

I think she meant “free roaming” as in not on a leash and can let them out into a fenced yard. Not that they’re outdoor dogs.

[Gunny2403]

Find a Courtyard Villa

[MikeN]

We have a corner lot veranda with a full three car garage. A large enough lot for our two dogs, one of which is a greyhound. The backyard is large enough for her to run around and get her exercise. Although this type situation is not common in TV they do become available. Good luck with your search

[Topgun 1776]

Get references from Villagers for good, experienced realtors. Speak to them on your requirements. Otherwise, you will get all types of wrong information.

[banjobob]

Greetings everyone, my husband and I are considering a move to TV within the next few years. However, we have two requirements that I fear are diametrically opposed and may short-circuit our quest to ever become frogs.

Is there any area in TV where we might find a lot with a fenced-in back yard (for dogs) but does NOT utilize zero-lot-line construction for the home?

We are not willing to cave on either of these requirements. Our dogs are currently free-roaming on large acreage in the middle of nowhere, so a secure fence is paramount. We are also not comfortable with anyone else having any claim to access our property (nor with us needing to exercise the claim to access theirs).
Nowhere in the villages ,look elsewhere.

[DrHitch]

You have one other problem you have not considered, Florida has predators and your dogs may not be safe unattended even in a fenced or walled yard.

Best reply yet!
The OP said they have "free roaming" dogs. They need to fully understand that small dogs and cats can become fodder for Florida's predatory birds (and other creatures)

[srswans]

Sorry. got to ask. what are Puppers?
another name for dogs or a breed of dog.

A pupper is like a doggo just cuter. 😉

[Brg1956]

Some of the end unit courtyard villas do not have an easement into the backyard. Another way around a fence is to have a birdcage in the back yard. With a birdcage you do have the option of a solid wall within the birdcage.

[kendi]

What you are looking for is a home in the “Veranda” line. These are designer level homes where the back yard is enclosed by a wall. They are being built south of 44. A few were built north of 44.

Note that this is just a back yard, which in The Villages is not expansive.

The verandas are very nice but typically they are larger houses squeezed onto a small lot. Definitely a shock to your dog who is used to room to roam. Best to look at a corner lot which often has more room. Courtyard villas have a walled yard like the verandas but generally do not take up as much space on the lot leaving more room outside. We have a CV with a nice very large corner lot with room for our 50 lb dog to run. It’s not like the 2 acres we used to have up North but it’s the best you can get in TV.
Because we are on the corner neighbors never need access into our yard. We have one house on the South side only. We need access to their property but as I mentioned our yard is totally private.

[CarlR33]

Greetings everyone, my husband and I are considering a move to TV within the next few years. However, we have two requirements that I fear are diametrically opposed and may short-circuit our quest to ever become frogs.

Is there any area in TV where we might find a lot with a fenced-in back yard (for dogs) but does NOT utilize zero-lot-line construction for the home?

We are not willing to cave on either of these requirements. Our dogs are currently free-roaming on large acreage in the middle of nowhere, so a secure fence is paramount. We are also not comfortable with anyone else having any claim to access our property (nor with us needing to exercise the claim to access theirs). The new homes they are building west of the turnpike have “privacy fencing” in the back yard. You really need to contact a village realtor, visit the area, etc to see if the Villages is right for your dog lifestyle. Trust me there are tons of Village Realtors waiting to answer your every question!

[Slick327EFI]

Chatham Acres could possibly be good for dogs as well. Go to

55places.com/blog/chatham-acres-in-the-villages-offers-space-for-horses

[Nana2Teddy]

We honestly have no issues with our neighbors in our courtyard villa neighborhood. My neighbor on one side keeps her gate locked so her dog cannot get out and if we need access we just ask, no problem. We keep our gate locked also for the same reason, our neighbor on the other side is well aware and has never asked to access except one time to trim her hedge that had become tall.

Nobody wants to be responsible for loose dogs and we all get along, although I’m sure that is not the case everywhere. Good luck to you.
Same for us in our veranda home. We have no issues with neighbors if access is needed. We had a locked gate for awhile and our neighbor had no problem with that, and in 15 months so far has never needed access. The section of their house wall that’s in our yard is very small.

[Nana2Teddy]

Best reply yet!
The OP said they have "free roaming" dogs. They need to fully understand that small dogs and cats can become fodder for Florida's predatory birds (and other creatures)
If you read through the comments you’ll see that the OP has lived in FL for 40 years and is aware of all hazards.

[Topspinmo]

I can tell you after few years for some of us koolaid starts to go stale and you might regret giving up what had? :throwtomatoes:

[airstreamingypsy]

I have two 85 pound Labradors and I would not let them in the yard alone, due to the predators. At home, we had a fenced yard and they roamed free.
What you should consider is a lot that lows a larger birdcage, put the pups out in the birdcage. They love it.

It’s also too hot in the summer for dogs to be outside.

What predators do you think can take two 85 pound dogs? This isn't Jurassic Park.

[lpkruege1]

A lot of opinions here that are confusing the issues. Come for a visit, find an agent, look at some properties. Clear up the confusion. Look at courtyard villas and verandas. The Villages almost require 2 agents. An MLS agent and a Village agent.

[NotGolfer]

Rather on social media get in touch with an actual Villages sales associate---ask all your pertinant questions and ask for deed restrictions etc. MUCH better to know ahead of time and save on surprises that can't be fixed to your specifications later. NOT sure where in FL you've been living and not sure if that equates to living here! Homes are close together and IF your pets are left outside and bark, you might have unhappy neighbors. For the most part T.V. is supportive of pets but there are laws in place (dogs need to be under owner's control etc.) Have you visited here, that would be another question??!! So many folks don't do their due-diligence before hand then aren't happy once everything is said and done.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Unless they put up a birdcage (which is a great idea), a courtyard village wouldn't be suitable for them. Because of this:
We are also not comfortable with anyone else having any claim to access our property (nor with us needing to exercise the claim to access theirs).

The OP doesn't mention a budget, so I don't know how useful suggesting Chatham Acres or corner lots would be.

[oldtimes]

Unless they put up a birdcage (which is a great idea), a courtyard village wouldn't be suitable for them. Because of this:


Needing egress to a CYV rarely if ever happens. Read all the posts.

[4$ALE]

Look at the village of Chatham Acres which has five acre lots.

:undecided: And what...... maybe 5 or 6 houses total? :shrug:

[Ptmcbriz]

We live south of 44 in the new section. The Veranda homes are all fenced backyards and some with views on ponds and lakes. Some lots in Hawkins are 1/3 to 1/2 acre. So large lots are out there but unusual.

[kimgarwel12@gmail.com]

I can speak to the predator thing firsthand. We have a 7 lb schnoodle. We also have a patio villa at the end of a deadend street so we have privacy fence along the side of our house/patio and along the back of our house. My husband has constructed a movable gate area on the side and back of our house out of landscaping stones and a decorative wrought iron gates. The dog can see out of the gates, but can't get out. This area gives her plenty of room to run/play and go potty. I let her out on the patio one day and upon turning away from her, heard a "whooshing" sound and turned back to see a huge hawk flying down toward her, talons bared. My dog was cowering and trying to get away. Fortunately, the wing span was so broad on this hawk, that it got hung up between the side of the house and the fence, causing it to correct its flight and fly away. Since then our dog is NEVER outside on our patio alone! One of us is always with her the entire time. We live in the village of Monarch Grove, south of 44, and packs of coyotes are always around, as well as bobcats, raccoons, etc. More than once I've found piles of raccoon poop on our patio in the morning that weren't there the night before. One night we heard a loud "thump" in the middle of the night, only to find that something (or someone) had knocked over one of the stone walls/barricades in our back yard. (These landscape stones are heavy enough that my husband can only carry one at a time, so not easily moved). He figures some animal tried to climb or jump over this wall (4 ft) and pushed off of it, knocking that portion of wall over. Yes, predators will be your biggest worry here! And they're bold enough to come after your pets in broad daylight with you watching!!

[LeRoySmith]

I was just poking around on google earth and I was surprised by the number of verandas that have pretty good sized yards. When we were in the market we looked at a few verandas but went with designer due to the closed in feeling of the verandas we looked at. Looking at them from the sky many have larger yards than we do and entirely enclosed. You will probably have a tough time finding one for sale based on the number of them compared to everything else but if you're patient you shouldn't have any trouble.

[Marathon Man]

Wow talk about an entitlement attitude. Let’s hope you find the home of your dreams far away from the villages.

Wow!!! Let's hope that you are not near me. Uncalled for.

[Ktots]

Greetings everyone, my husband and I are considering a move to TV within the next few years. However, we have two requirements that I fear are diametrically opposed and may short-circuit our quest to ever become frogs.

Is there any area in TV where we might find a lot with a fenced-in back yard (for dogs) but does NOT utilize zero-lot-line construction for the home?

We are not willing to cave on either of these requirements. Our dogs are currently free-roaming on large acreage in the middle of nowhere, so a secure fence is paramount. We are also not comfortable with anyone else having any claim to access our property (nor with us needing to exercise the claim to access theirs).

Completely understand, as we had a large yard for our pups up north. What you seek is available, but very limited.
As others have said, there are courtyard villas that give you access to both sides of the home, but there aren’t a lot of them.
There are designer homes in the village of Pine Hills off of Manly Place that have tall, vinyl fences and give you access to all sides.
There are a number of homes in the village of Bradford that have 3 foot fences that are contained within the property boundaries so you don’t share the fence with neighbors.

Also, as others have said, you just need a good Villages rep who knows what is out there and will listen to your needs. Try Erica Chambers. She was awesome for us.

Best of luck with your search!

[chrisinva]

Come for a lifestyle visit & tell the agent what you need; be sure the agent shows you multiple dog parks.
The dog parks south of CR 44 have 7-8 ft tall fenced sections for large (over 30 lbs.) & small (under 30 lbs) dogs. In the dog parks south of CR 44 you’ll find agility equipment, covered shaded area with benches & free water plus free poop bags so you can…. Only you can decide if your dogs will be happy with the size of open space for running, chasing each other, retrieving balls. Strongly suggest considering a dog park with SHADE. Sun here is always hotter than up north; FL is closer to equator & literally, closer to the sun. We’re from VA & can feel the difference.
Also note which way the sun hits the shaded area. The Dudley Dog park for small dogs faces north & we always have shade, year-round. The Dudley big dog side faces south & gets some shade in the summer. There’s a new dog park near Saw Grass Village that has a covered area with benches but faces east & west. NO SHADE! Can’t imagine how they let that happen.

We have a beloved 15 lb., overweight poodle mix, about 13 yrs old. She doesn’t run or chase or retrieve but is happy laying on the cool cement of the shaded area, looking at other dogs & waiting for treats from the humans. When I take her into our backyard for a quick pee, she’s always on a leash. Alligators roam, sometimes, esp in spring. Also there are ocassional hawks, eagles, coyotes etc. Our house is a Designer model, meaning no fence. Veranda models, which are Designer models with solid fences, and Cottage models, also solid fenced, might be your best options. Best of luck. This is a great place to live, very safe, lots of friendly, active people!

[Jumaduke]

Thanks, everyone, for the responses. We are weighing all our options.

We currently live very rural, with acreage on a river. We've spent almost 25 years sharing our land with a variety of hawks, eagles, owls, the occasional rattler, and the amazingly-rare gator. We have (knock wood) not yet lost a pet to a predator. That said, our land affords abundant critters that are much more desirable to a bird of prey than is a dog within 20 feet of a human. The same probably can't be said for TV.

We also come from a culture of "good fences make good neighbors." Out here, someone traipsing around on private property is likely to be shot, or at least aggressively warned. We very much respect property lines and the kings of the castle, as it were. It would be a large paradigm shift for us to need to afford access to others onto our property. We understand it would be a substantial alteration of mindset for us to relocate so an area like TV, which is drastically different than our current locale. However, we think the amenities that TV affords is unbeatable. Out here, a journey to Publix is a 30-mile round trip; a nice restaurant, or a decent bar, or an afternoon throwing pottery, or an evening book club, is 60 miles around.

[Keninches]

Nowhere in the villages ,look elsewhere.
Good Luck, a situation like you want may not exist. CYVillas are hard to find and most are over $400,00, depending on what you want to spend. In The Villages south, the bonds are quite High.

[jimjamuser]

Greetings everyone, my husband and I are considering a move to TV within the next few years. However, we have two requirements that I fear are diametrically opposed and may short-circuit our quest to ever become frogs.

Is there any area in TV where we might find a lot with a fenced-in back yard (for dogs) but does NOT utilize zero-lot-line construction for the home?

We are not willing to cave on either of these requirements. Our dogs are currently free-roaming on large acreage in the middle of nowhere, so a secure fence is paramount. We are also not comfortable with anyone else having any claim to access our property (nor with us needing to exercise the claim to access theirs).
Most dogs are unhappy campers if they are year around residents. The Florida summers are killers and getting increasingly hotter every year. Most summer residents with dogs bring their dogs inside from about 10 AM until 8 PM, and bring themselves in. Florida works out better for those that can maintain 2 homes.

[Papa_lecki]

What predators do you think can take two 85 pound dogs? This isn't Jurassic Park.

I wouldn’t want any dog to come face to face with an alligator.

[jimjamuser]

You have one other problem you have not considered, Florida has predators and your dogs may not be safe unattended even in a fenced or walled yard. We have cats, they are allowed in the glassed lanai, and in the screened in birdcage during daylight hours, after that they are restricted to the house and the lanai.

If your plan is to allow the dogs access any time they want and you have a smaller dog, TV may not be a good choice, actually Florida may not be a good choice. Please do some additional research.
Where ever you live there are predators big enough to snatch a small dog. There are black bears and coyotes practically everywhere. One solution would be to get an animal-"keep away" spray and put it on the base of the wall and perimeter. But, the frequent rains might wash it away. There are also electric fences that "might?" be helpful.
........Note.....The Villages are a VERY PET FRIENDLY community.

[jimjamuser]

Why would you do that to your free roaming dogs?
Dogs will be happy in MOST any conditions as long as they are well fed and see a Vet. regularly. And they get attention from their humans.

[JMintzer]

Most dogs are unhappy campers if they are year around residents. The Florida summers are killers and getting increasingly hotter every year. Most summer residents with dogs bring their dogs inside from about 10 AM until 8 PM, and bring themselves in. Florida works out better for those that can maintain 2 homes.

Dogs will be happy in MOST any conditions as long as they are well fed and see a Vet. regularly. And they get attention from their humans.

https://media.tenor.com/olajd8CuwywAAAAM/wtf-blink.gif

[coffeebean]

Bingo again. Larger Corner courtyard villa lot with a birdcage for the safety of the pups. Problem solved

Well......any home with a birdcage large enough for the dogs to roam would do. Right? You don't need a court yard villa for the dogs to roam and be safe in a birdcage.

[coffeebean]

What predators do you think can take two 85 pound dogs? This isn't Jurassic Park.

There are photos of cougars standing on top of fences, ready to pounce. It is scary to say the least, knowing they can pounce on people too, besides pets. I like the enclosed lanai for pets and me too. LOL.

[PJfromCincy]

This begs another question ... if a fence is already installed, can I reinforce it in any way to keep my pups in? I have a 10-pound pipsqueak who can't jump a 4' fence but can certainly scurry out between the slats. Would I be able to do something like attach chicken wire to the slats, and maybe paint the wire green or black so as to make it inconspicuous?
Just get a Veranda without a view. Then it will have a high wall behind it and not a short fence.

[MplsPete]

Get references from Villagers for good, experienced realtors. Speak to them on your requirements. Otherwise, you will get all types of wrong information.

I asked such a good, experienced Villages realtor if I could plant a garden in the villages. The reply was "Sure. You own the land."
I walked into a CDD office and asked an officious woman the same question. Her terse reply, "If you get ARC approval."

[vintageogauge]

Also keep in mind you are only allowed to have 2 dogs and certain breeds are prohibited.

[airstreamingypsy]

Also keep in mind you are only allowed to have 2 dogs and certain breeds are prohibited.

No breeds are prohibited, where did you get that idea? Buyers can have more than two dogs, I know someone who bought with 5 Irish Setters!

As the dogs die off TV doesn't want them replaced, which some people do, some don't.

[Jayhawk]

No breeds are prohibited, where did you get that idea? Buyers can have more than two dogs, I know someone who bought with 5 Irish Setters!

As the dogs die off TV doesn't want them replaced, which some people do, some don't.


https://www.districtgov.org/images/DeedRestiction/sumter/District%209/S9-178.pdf

2.24 Birds, fish, dogs and cats shall be permitted, with a maximum of two (2) pets per Homesite. No other animals, livestock, or poultry of any kind shall be raised, bred,or kept on any Homesite or on dedicated or reserved areas.

Check your district as there may differences, but this is the rule in most.

[Hank’s mom]

Greetings everyone, my husband and I are considering a move to TV within the next few years. However, we have two requirements that I fear are diametrically opposed and may short-circuit our quest to ever become frogs.

Is there any area in TV where we might find fenced-in back yard (for dogs) but does NOT utilize zero-lot-line construction for the home?

We are not willing to cave on either of these requirements. Our dogs are currently free-

roaming on large acreage in the middle of nowhere, so a secure fence is paramount. We are also not comfortable with anyone else having any claim to access our property (nor with us needing to exercise the claim to access theirs).
I have seen several large yards with trees in the background that use electric fences. I have used the electric fences for a long time and love them, but in Ohio I have a white picket fence around my acre back yard to deter other animals ( 2 and 4 legged ones) getting in.

[yankygrl]

None of these rules are enforced.

[coffeebean]

Also keep in mind you are only allowed to have 2 dogs and certain breeds are prohibited.

Which breed of dogs are prohibited?

[shut the front door]

Best reply yet!
The OP said they have "free roaming" dogs. They need to fully understand that small dogs and cats can become fodder for Florida's predatory birds (and other creatures)

If you read all the replies before picking the best, you'd have noticed that the OP stated that they have lived in FL for many years and are very familiar with the wildlife. So no, not "best reply", just another repeat from non readers.

[vintageogauge]

Which breed of dogs are prohibited?

Read your deed restrictions for full details.

[BubblesandPat]

We also had a country house with an acre of 6 foot wood fence for our dogs. We bought a court yard villa and they love it. They are velcro dogs and they use the yard for thier business and chasing bugs and lizards. The wall around us We hear very little noise and they have learned to not react to the other dogs ( I think courtyard villas attract other dog owners which we love) they don't seem to miss the large yard at all and enjoy thier walks meeting everyone and getting new smells. Dogs need walks. We aren't real into dog parks but they are beautiful here and well maintained. I dont understand the question about property lines. It's not like your neighbor is going to come over the fence and put in a tree. .if they do I think you have bigger issues. The homes are very close together here but to us not spending every weekend cutting the grass triming the trees weeding the yard raking the leaves has been heaven.