Suggestions about new villages for a designer home

[BuckeyeMom]

I appreciate the responses from earlier today regarding my first posting about which airport to use to get to the Villages - Orlando or Tampa. We are coming down at the end of next month to choose a lot for a designer home. Are there any suggestions as to a particular new village for that home? In addition, to those of you who have built designer homes, what models have you chosen and why? Thanks for any suggestions you might have. Can't wait for our May trip!

[graciegirl]

I appreciate the responses from earlier today regarding my first posting about which airport to use to get to the Villages - Orlando or Tampa. We are coming down at the end of next month to choose a lot for a designer home. Are there any suggestions as to a particular new village for that home? In addition, to those of you who have built designer homes, what models have you chosen and why? Thanks for any suggestions you might have. Can't wait for our May trip!

My favorite designers are still the Gardenia and the Lantana. In the Gardenia I would try to enlarge bedroom two and three.

The newest villages are Gilchrist and am I hearing a first in Collier?

[D. O. Cunha]

You can also go to Sanford if you are near Rickenbacker cheap flights

[asianthree]

I like the lilly

[CFrance]

We are in a begonia, which is the gardenia with a golf cart garage. you lose one of the two dinette windows, unless your lot is big enough to put the golf cart on the other side.(Is this possible? I don't know, because we bought a spec house.)

Design features I like about the Begonia/Gardenia: The second and third bedrooms (one is a bedroom, one is a den) are on the opposite side of the house from the master bedroom, so there's a good separation for when you have guests. Also, I like that the master bedroom cannot be seen from the living room or dining room, and barely from the kitchen.

The area in front of the front door is big enough for two chairs and a small end table. We sit out there A LOT after dinner and watch the world go by. Our dog loves it out there. And we like having the golf cart garage, even though we don't have a golf cart. The extra space is convenient.

We like having a window in the dinette, at the front of the house, to see out to the street and to let some light into the kitchen.

Oh. I love having his-and-hers closets.

[Bosoxfan]

We are in a begonia, which is the gardenia with a golf cart garage. you lose one of the two dinette windows, unless your lot is big enough to put the golf cart on the other side.(Is this possible? I don't know, because we bought a spec house.)

Design features I like about the Begonia/Gardenia: The second and third bedrooms (one is a bedroom, one is a den) are on the opposite side of the house from the master bedroom, so there's a good separation for when you have guests. Also, I like that the master bedroom cannot be seen from the living room or dining room, and barely from the kitchen.

The area in front of the front door is big enough for two chairs and a small end table. We sit out there A LOT after dinner and watch the world go by. Our dog loves it out there. And we like having the golf cart garage, even though we don't have a golf cart. The extra space is convenient.

We like having a window in the dinette, at the front of the house, to see out to the street and to let some light into the kitchen.

Oh. I love having his-and-hers closets.

We're building an Aspen.We see no need for two eating areas and the lanai is the biggest of the designer homes.

[mjdollard]

A Begonia, for every reason CFrance stated.

[missypie]

We're building an Aspen.We see no need for two eating areas and the lanai is the biggest of the designer homes.

That's why we are also choosing the Aspen. Is it the "right" choice? Don't know, but that's what we chose.

[Scoops]

We chose a stretch Iris. We love the open floorplan, the LARGE laundry room, the master bath and large master closet.

[gmcneill]

We are building our second gardenia.
We really like the Zinnia, Aspen, Lantana, and Iris but we love the Gardenia. Reasons include: split floor plan (master suite other side of home from the guest side; large master suite (2nd largest designer); separate his/her closets; master closets are not in the bathroom suite; roman shower design provides more privacy than roman showers in many other designers; breakfast nook location allows for viewing out of the front of home; golf cart garage is on outside of home; floor plan layout design does not require one to walk through kitchen or dining room or living room to enter other areas of the home; more distance between living area and neighbor's home on the golf cart garage side; and larger/wider lanai than most others.

On our current build we enlarged the footprint by extending the lanai 8' deeper; extending the garage 6' feet; extending the golf cart garage 8'; extending the nook 4'; stretching the front bedroom 3' to add a closet; adding a bay window in front bedroom which lengthened the floor space by 3'; and extending the master bedroom 2' deeper but instead of taking the full 2' for the bedroom, we used 1' for the bedroom and used the other to widen the his/her closets.

If the lot was just a little bit wider we could've and would've added the 2' side stretch along the guest/living room side of the home.

[graciegirl]

We are building our second gardenia.
We really like the Zinnia, Aspen, Lantana, and Iris but we love the Gardenia. Reasons include: split floor plan (master suite other side of home from the guest side; large master suite (2nd largest designer); separate his/her closets; master closets are not in the bathroom suite; roman shower design provides more privacy than roman showers in many other designers; breakfast nook location allows for viewing out of the front of home; golf cart garage is on outside of home; floor plan layout design does not require one to walk through kitchen or dining room or living room to enter other areas of the home; more distance between living area and neighbor's home on the golf cart garage side; and larger/wider lanai than most others.

On our current build we enlarged the footprint larger by extending the lanai 8' deeper; extending the garage 6' feet; extending the golf cart garage 8'; extending the nook 4'; stretching the front bedroom 3' to add a closet; adding a bay window in front bedroom which lengthened the floor space by 3'; and extending the master bedroom 2' deeper but instead of taking the full 2' for the bedroom, we used 1' for the bedroom and used the other to widen the his/her closets.


If the lot was just a little bit wider we could've and would've added the 2' side stretch along the guest/living room side of the home.


We would have done all of those VERY things if we had built a Gardenia again. You thought this all out well, in my very humble opinion. I KNOW you will enjoy all of the things you have added.

[AriaGrandparents2013]

It's appears obvious to me by the discussion in the posts that you have many choices and options to consider and can easily tailor your home to what you desire. Happy choices remain ahead for you. Best wishes and best of luck as you make those decisions.

[jimbo2012]

get the largest lot you can

[Meddick]

Buckeyemom,

Like you, we have our LSV coming up, but ours is in June. I look forward to actually touring the models we have been researching on the 'net. If all goes well, we will be writing a check in June, although actual retirement timing for us is a bit up in the air. Good luck on your visit and keep us posted.

Since I went to university in Ann Arbor, I am not too keen on you username, though. :icon_wink:

Don

[gmcneill]

Thank you for your kind words, Gracie. We did our best.

And jimbo also hit it right on the head: one should get the largest lot that one can afford.

We realize that we couldn't (cost-effectively) change the size of the home or increase the lot size once our purchase was finalized; everything else can be added or revised down the road. We thought it best to maximize the home and lot sizes as much as we could responsibly afford at the beginning.

[CFrance]

Buckeyemom,

Like you, we have our LSV coming up, but ours is in June. I look forward to actually touring the models we have been researching on the 'net. If all goes well, we will be writing a check in June, although actual retirement timing for us is a bit up in the air. Good luck on your visit and keep us posted.

Since I went to university in Ann Arbor, I am not too keen on you username, though. :icon_wink:

Don

Hijacking a minute... you must be very excited right about now, Meddick! We are stuck between two MSU/U of M friends. :undecided:

Okay, carry on.

[hotrodgirl]

I chose and built a Lantana on the largest lot I could get, stretched as much as possible and added a third bathroom to the front bedroom making that a "guest suite". I am very private on the back side which was important to me, and added every extra I could think of within budget. I also made a spreadsheet with my priorities listed and the not so essentials, and went based on that. In the end, I was able to accommodate just about every wish on the list! The designers are helpful and I urge you to use their abilities to help you. We all find different decisions easy or difficult and their knowledge will help you work thru the process. Congrats and best of luck!!

[Hopeful2]

bump

[Cloud Nine]

I love my Zinnia because it already comes with three full bathrooms. So helpful when entertaining kids and grandkids !

[Bosoxfan]

get the largest lot you can

Not always. We went with a lot that doesn't accommodate stretches but we don't have anyone behind us plus we have a great view!

[Meddick]

Hijacking a minute... you must be very excited right about now, Meddick! We are stuck between two MSU/U of M friends. :undecided:

Okay, carry on.

The game starts on Tuesday morning here in India. I will have to follow it on the internet.

[eweissenbach]

I love my Zinnia because it already comes with three full bathrooms. So helpful when entertaining kids and grandkids !

We have looked at them all and a Zinnia would definitely be our choice with the two bedroom suites. I would get a corner lot that would accomodate either a three car or golf car garage and stretch everything they allow.

[justjim]

Find your lot and design as quickly as possible because you may not be able to do that in the near future. Yep, just a rumor but......heard it from more than one sales rep. You will know the house you want after you see the models. Usually it jumps out at you! I would recommend to choose your lot first----then you will know how much house to buy. Good luck and enjoy!

[vito711]

We went with the stretch iris.

[Tweety Bird]

That's why we are also choosing the Aspen. Is it the "right" choice? Don't know, but that's what we chose.

Make room!! I'm comin' over!!!! :wave:

[tag460]

The lot you pick will also determine what model you will be able to build. The standard lot will allow you most plans but limited stretches. If you select a Begonia you can stretch the front 3' for the bay window, add 3' more for a closest, side stretch 2', garage 4 ' side stretch, 2' foot stretch front of the garage & 4' lanai stretch. Now all you have to do is find a lot big enough and in a location that you like.

[Schiffy]

We just built an Ivy - open floor plan - 3 car garage for additional space

[johnmlynch]

We are moving to the Villages next year (2014) and now we are debating the new vs pre-owned home. I have been reading a great deal about people building the home which suits them, with additions, etc. We are bringing my Mother-in-Law with us so we want to have a comfortable space for her with a walk in shower of course. We lilke the layout of the Zinnia because it offers a bit of privacy with the larger bedrooms seperated. We are going to buy a three bedroom and three baths would be perfect.
We came earlier this year and rented while going on a tour of the Villages. I knew immediately that there was far too much to see. However the people were lovely and we can't wait to join you all.
Just letting off a little steam from hours of research.

[patfla06]

We bought a spec Ivy and couldn't be happier.
The only compromise we made is no golf cart garage but
they added a side bump of 4'.
The lanai on the Ivy seems to always be the extended version
which is 13 feet by 31 feet.
The selling point was being on a lake - the view is fantastic.

[DianeM]

I have bought (but not yet moved into yet) a Gardenia which I think is truly nice. The master and guest rooms are separated so guests have privacy. I was fortunate in that the 3rd bedroom had been bumped out already so it has a closet so not a den. The lanai is 28' by 9' and seems perfect to me. I love the master being in the back of the house. I love that there is a nook in the kitchen to put a table into so that toast and coffee in the morning is not at the dining room table. I know you'll find your dream. Happy Hunting !!

[Schiffy]

We built an Ivy in Gilchrist but not yet moved in. I love the enlarged kitchen and laundry room. You do need a larger for the Ivy. Good luck.

[patfla06]

There is a model that's just right for everyone
And every budget. :wave:

[mrsyarbie]

I have a Lilac chose it instead of a Gardenia because the spare bedrooms are nice and big.With 5 kids and 4.5 grandkids you cant have too much bedroom space. I love the big open family room too!

[batman911]

We are moving to the Villages next year (2014) and now we are debating the new vs pre-owned home. I have been reading a great deal about people building the home which suits them, with additions, etc. We are bringing my Mother-in-Law with us so we want to have a comfortable space for her with a walk in shower of course. We lilke the layout of the Zinnia because it offers a bit of privacy with the larger bedrooms seperated. We are going to buy a three bedroom and three baths would be perfect.
We came earlier this year and rented while going on a tour of the Villages. I knew immediately that there was far too much to see. However the people were lovely and we can't wait to join you all.
Just letting off a little steam from hours of research.

Pre-owned is good if you can find one that is exactly what you want. Otherwise, let the renovations begin. Something that must be factored into the price. After looking at pre-owns, we decided to build new so we could get it the way we wanted it.

[hotrodgirl]

I built a Lantana in Gilchrist and was able to stretch and add a third bathroom to the front bedroom! It made a nice guest suite and I still have the hall bath for others to use. The bedrooms are a bit larger in that model which is why I chose that one. I needed to be able to fit twin beds into the smallest room. The designers and builder were pretty accommodating in allowing for all the stretches and bumps, and vicariously I received some perks just by way of the draw! Good luck and I hope you are able to get just what you want. I think ALL the homes are nice, no matter the type or size, and I am certain you will be most happy in TV!:a040:

[Suzi]

I built a Lantana in Gilchrist and was able to stretch and add a third bathroom to the front bedroom! It made a nice guest suite and I still have the hall bath for others to use. The bedrooms are a bit larger in that model which is why I chose that one. I needed to be able to fit twin beds into the smallest room. The designers and builder were pretty accommodating in allowing for all the stretches and bumps, and vicariously I received some perks just by way of the draw! Good luck and I hope you are able to get just what you want. I think ALL the homes are nice, no matter the type or size, and I am certain you will be most happy in TV!:a040:

Hotrodgirl was quite helpful while I was researching models. We, too, are building a Lantana in Pinellas with all the bells and whistles. Hotrodgirl shared much of her spreadsheet "wants and desires" and I went from there. The design team was helpful, good with suggestions, and tried to make it as least stressful as possible. They took as much time as needed, showed us many choices in MANY models, gave us 2nd, 3rd and 4th "looks" when necessary. We found it helpful to "walk the property" and pace-off the stretches we were considering. It also was helpful to have an idea of furniture placement so pot-lights and plugs could be placed appropriately.
Like many before me, I had copious notes from the good people of TOTV and entered the design meeting as prepared as possible. None-the-less there were many decisions I was not prepared for. However, the team guided us easily thru the process......our home will be completed mid-June so we will see if we accomplished our goals. Good luck to you!

[CathyandSteveG]

We are coming for our "visit" the end of June. We are thinking about building the Holly/Boxwood. We want to add the golf cart garage and extend the lanai 4 feet.
They told us we have to get a bigger lot to accommodate the garage and lanai.
Any advice would sure be appreciated. This is my first post...hope I have done it correctly and in the right place!

[jimbo2012]

Most important point, get the largest lot U can get

[Trish Crocker]

We bought a spec Iris but really wanted a Zinnia. As far as village....Fernandina of course! Actually, any of the newer villages, Gilchrist, Pinellas, Fernandina etc, south of 466A will put you in great neighborhoods with a lot of new people...great way to make friends.

[Markam]

Consider a Bridgeport.
Semi-open plan, tall ceilings with trays in 3 rooms, powder room and closet in entrance hall. Semi-open plan with a partial wall separating the kitchen.
Just right for our tastes.
Lot size and affordable degree of privacy are more important.

Good luck.

[asianthree]

i still like the lilly