[Happinow]

Hi. As the time is approaching quickly for us to pick out our home, we lean towards the gardenia for a few reasons. We like the front eating nook so we can have a view of the front area as opposed to the eating areas in the rear of the home and we love the sliders being able to open so wide. We will have a pool and want to bring the outside in. Question.....Are you able to open the sliders often, to get your use out of them? Or, is it too hot to keep those doors open, thus not using the doors in their fully open position much. We are kind of fixated on those doors but if we can't open them often then all is for not. What has been your experience?? Thank you all...

[BlueHeronFan]

We have one with the "pocket" sliders. Can be used open most of late fall, some winter days, and early spring. During the hot months, it cools enough usually in the evening to the mid to high seventys but the humidity is also a factor. Either way, we get to use them plenty.

[Happinow]

Thank you blueheronfan. Puts my mind at ease....love those sliders.

[skyguy79]

We haven't experienced a summer here in our Gardenia yet, but we've experienced the months of Oct. thru March and have been able to open the doors frequently. What's nice is even when you can't open them, it's enjoyable to just have the large glass width to make the room bright and cheerful. You can also look at it this way... it's much better than we've ever experienced in NY. I trust you'll also feel the same way!

[Happinow]

skyguy79...You got that right! Anything is better than the winters in NY. I love to look at the outdoors. Those large glass doors are lovely. We wonder if any of the other homes would be able to have those large sliders put in them when built? My guess is probably not. I think the shell is the shell and they won't change windows, doors.

[RichieB]

Originally Posted by Happinow

Anything is better than the winters in NY. I love to look at the outdoors.

Tired of the "change of season," huh ?

Wish my wife would get tired of it - right now, we ain't goin' NOWHERE !

[Happinow]

Originally Posted by RichieB

Tired of the "change of season," huh ?

Wish my wife would get tired of it - right now, we ain't goin' NOWHERE !

Oh Ritchieb...so sorry you can't convince your wife. When we get down there we'll post how wonderful it is and she can read our posts and then she'll want to move!! Well....it's a nice try anyways.

[skyguy79]

Originally Posted by Happinow

skyguy79...You got that right! Anything is better than the winters in NY. I love to look at the outdoors. Those large glass doors are lovely. We wonder if any of the other homes would be able to have those large sliders put in them when built? My guess is probably not. I think the shell is the shell and they won't change windows, doors.

Personally I think you got the best model in a Gardenia, but then I have good reason to. BTW, I was told by a handyman that lives in TV and has done work in our home that the Gardenia is the best model to have if you like entertaining people!

[mbikowski]

Happinow we looked at the begonia and gardenia. Liked both but chose the begonia. It will be finished for closing on feb 7. We had the pocket sliders put in and they look great according to the pics sent by our salesperson. We are eventually going to glass the lanai in after we settled in for awhile. Good luck in the gardenia a great design .

[woolman44]

We have a Gardenia with a South facing lanai, which is enclosed with windows. We also have the large double opening pocket doors. With the South facing lanai we can leave the doors open in the winter and it actually heats the entire house during the day! The cat also loves sitting out there!

[Xavier]

Originally Posted by Happinow

Hi. As the time is approaching quickly for us to pick out our home, we lean towards the gardenia for a few reasons. We like the front eating nook so we can have a view of the front area as opposed to the eating areas in the rear of the home and we love the sliders being able to open so wide. We will have a pool and want to bring the outside in. Question.....Are you able to open the sliders often, to get your use out of them? Or, is it too hot to keep those doors open, thus not using the doors in their fully open position much. We are kind of fixated on those doors but if we can't open them often then all is for not. What has been your experience?? Thank you all...

We often have our sliders open from early morning until bedtime, but we haven't spent a summer here yet. Our extended lanai is facing east. Believe me, it makes a major difference. In our opinion a west facing lanai can be almost unusable in early fall, late spring and during the summer. I would bet that a good 40 to 50 percent of our neighbors across the street (west facing lanai) have enclosed their lanai and added AC. Just my 2 cents.

Xavier

[RichieB]

Originally Posted by woolman44

The cat also loves sitting out there!

We've found out that you have to keep the cat happy !

IMPORTANT !

[Happinow]

Originally Posted by Xavier

We often have our sliders open from early morning until bedtime, but we haven't spent a summer here yet. Our extended lanai is facing east. Believe me, it makes a major difference. In our opinion a west facing lanai can be almost unusable in early fall, late spring and during the summer. I would bet that a good 40 to 50 percent of our neighbors across the street (west facing lanai) have enclosed their lanai and added AC. Just my 2 cents.

Xavier

We plan on using our pool a lot and having friends over so the Gardenia layout works well. I believe our lanai faces North, which if I'm correct, the sun will rise and set side to side instead of front or back. We think that will work because there will be no direct sun in the house except for the smaller windows of the living room and bedroom. I'm sure it will all work out which ever way it hits. Looking forward to enjoying life in TV!

[swrinfla]

Happinow:

As I approach my 7th anniversary in a Gardenia, maybe my 2 cents will count at least a little!

with BlueHeronFan (post #2, here) as to the wonders of the Gardenia.

with skyguy (post #8, here) as to the attraction of the Gardenia for entertainment.

The Resident Cat greatly appreciates that the slider from Master Bedroom to Lanai is open for her, at least 99.9% of the time. She definitely disapproved when I shut the slider earlier this week!

For the most part, the sliders in my living/dining area on the north-facing side of my Gardenia are open except when I go out. Makes me feel as though I have some control over my world!

The Gardenia was the first model that struck my fancy, way back in early 2004. I still think it's the best Designer plan!

SWR

[Happinow]

We like the floor plan too. However, I am continuously looking at the model homes on their web site and the Lantana has my attention too. It's a beauty!