[Count'n the days]

We reserved a homesite today and made our appointment with a designer for August. Selected a homesite that backs to a granite wall. We enjoy using our outdoor space and thought the privacy the wall will provide would make it more enjoyable for us. I realize the space will be small, but hoped it would be big enough for a small paver patio for sitting, grilling and a small flower garden. Our sales rep told us we would not be able to have a concrete patio in the space. Can anyone tell me your impressions/experiences of these homesites? We just want to make the most of our budget and not sure the 13K premium for this type of lot is the best way to spend our money. Please give me your thoughts. Thanks.

[jimbo2012]

Can you tell us what the location is? village & section?

[Russ_Boston]

First, I assume you concrete wall? Like with villas behind? Or do you really mean granite?

The fact that you can not put concrete in their must mean that it is within the set back space. But you can plant landscaping right up to the wall if you wish. I know a few friends who have this set up and they are very happy since the villas behind them are empty for most months except the 'on' season. I think the 13K premium is worth it unless you love looking into your neighbors lanai.

[Golfer in Sanibel]

Good choice. It will be much better, in my opinion, to have the wall rather than a neighbors lanai. Cherie and I wanted the same thing and I feel it is worth the price. There are lots of things you can do with that space. I'd suggest you interview a few landscapers and pick the best ideas they give you.

[Count'n the days]

Not positive of village section, etc. because it doesn't show up yet on the website, but may be Fernandina. Our sales rep emailed us the map and there are Villas behind the wall. He's the one who referenced the wall as granite. I'm getting so excited - this is the first real step in the process. Now we need to decide which model to build. The lot size will allow us to build a Lilly and add a golf cart garage, but again not sure if we that's the best way to spend our budget when an Iris would basically give us the same thing. Not sure the small amount of square footage is worth it when I know we'll want several upgrades. I wish there was some way to know how much the upgrades cost. Still have so many decisions to make.

[Russ_Boston]

One thing to remember about the upgrades. They will increase the base price of the home that is used for tax purposes. Sometimes it's better to put in the upgrades after the fact and avoid the tax burden until the house is revalued.

Just a thought.

[JimPete]

We have a house like that in St. James. The wall does offer great privacy for your lania but your space behind the house is limited because of it. Is it worth the trade-off and the premium? We think so.

Jim

[jimbo2012]

We felt closed in and confined by the wall or fence on those models, there are other way to get privacy with your lanai.

Felt like we were in an city.

They are popular so perhaps we're wrong.

[Zoomie1955]

We built our home with a villa wall behind it. We love the privacy!!! I don't have to worry about seeing Mr. Jones in his "undies" sitting on his lanai.
It is all in what you want!!!! We have 28 feet from lanai to wall! Plenty of room!

[Count'n the days]

We should see how much room will be between the house and the wall tomorrow when our sales rep sends us the plot showing the model we think we want. We're keeping our fingers crossed for at least 20 ft. I want the privacy, but am concerned about it feeling too tight.

Thanks for the heads up on the tax valuation. We are considering minimum upgrades during the build because of that.

[jojoin]

Originally Posted by Count'n the days

Not positive of village section, etc. because it doesn't show up yet on the website, but may be Fernandina. Our sales rep emailed us the map and there are Villas behind the wall. He's the one who referenced the wall as granite. I'm getting so excited - this is the first real step in the process. Now we need to decide which model to build. The lot size will allow us to build a Lilly and add a golf cart garage, but again not sure if we that's the best way to spend our budget when an Iris would basically give us the same thing. Not sure the small amount of square footage is worth it when I know we'll want several upgrades. I wish there was some way to know how much the upgrades cost. Still have so many decisions to make.

Just a couple of things to check on the lot. If it is only 90 feet deep, your lanai will be very close to the wall...like 10 feet (if you are planning on building a Lilly or Iris). I've been to a few homes with the minimum set back and personally thought it was too close. I would not pay $13K to be that close to a wall....for 20 ft, probably would consider paying that.

Since you mentioned you might also be considering the Iris.....if the lot is wide enough to build the Lilly, you may not be able to put an Iris on it. Some of the wider lots require that you build a home where the golf garage is added on; rather than like the IRIS where it is already included in the design (next to the entry door). Suggest you check this w/sales agent

Agree w/you on the Lilly vs Iris...The overall sq footage is not that much (mostly it's all in the front spare br). We considered both. The Lilly w/a golf car garage looks like a much larger home from the exterior and the exterior view of the entry way looks nicer since it is wider. But, we decided on the Iris floorplan because we didn't have to pay extra to add the golf car garage nor to buy a wider lot. We also liked having the closet in the foyer which the Lilly doesn't have.

If you want to know how much you are paying for the upgrades you select, don't be afraid to ask. Each upgrade category has various price points.

Good luck on your decision and welcome to the villages. It's wonderful!!