[Roaddog53]

I was just curious on thoughts about why the Orchid was discontinued. The Ivy at $276k is the last of the 4 bedroom designer homes. The 4 bedroom Orchid was 100 sf more than many of the larger designers and only an additional ~$10k. There is one premier 4 bedroom at $360k.
Most salespeople say homes are discontinued when sales are low. There is only one Ivy on the market, at $445k. They also say most do not want 4 bedroom homes since they are downsizing and no need. My thoughts for rooms and why four bedrooms are still a nice option for some.
1. Master bedroom is obvious
2. Guest room. Some don't want guests but still nice just in case
3. Den/family room/TV room
4. That leaves need for hobbies, workout room, or added storage, or sitting.

Many say they can't downsize enough and some do great. Many had basements that were used for much of the hobbies, workouts, finished with theater rooms, etc. I see lots of exercise equipment for sale on here. Is that because no room?
Sure you can go to the gym at $40+ per month, go to clubs for hobbies (unless personable types), or enclose the lanai at $5-8k. But sometimes that 4th room would be nice. I thought a house like the Orchid although a 4th small bedroom was a nice option. Obviously no one else thought so since it didn't sell.
Yes many dont have the hobbies, workout, or need a guest room. Am I missing something for those that do?

[asianthree]

I can understand we are coming from a 4 bedroom, but what I will miss is 1800sf finished basement, yep has some junk but as a whole we used it.... I have a sewing room that I will have to give up too.

[Sleeper]

We built an Ivy...wanted the extra room but we also did a little math comparing our other choice at the time, a Lantana. The lay outs are similar and we thought the extra cost for the Ivy was worth it...considering the extra square footage in the Ivy.

[Roaddog53]

If it wasn't for the price of the Ivy, I would build it too. The price per sf though is a bargain compared to the others. I really like the layout and space. The kitchen is nice. It also requires quite a big lot to build. I would not build where some one was behind me anyway. Contrary to what the salespeople tell people, I am NOT buying a lifestyle but a house. Lol. The other expenses, amenity fee, trail fees, etc is the lifestyle.
The Lantana is a good plan but similar to others and no added rooms. I just wish they would come back with the Orchid or a similar plan.

[Carla B]

We have a Lantana. There was no Ivy when we built. We'd love to have four bedrooms for all the reasons Roaddog stated.

[Roaddog53]

The Ivy was not an option? I heard they discontinued the Orchid end of October. Odd but i cant even recall it being an option when we were looking. Maybe if enough people asked they would bring back a less expensive version like the Orchid again.

[skip0358]

I also like the IVY for the same reasons. you could have 3 useable bedrooms and the 4th for an office,storage, hoppies etc. There is a new spec being built on the south end pf Allaire with summer kitchen, pool, golf course view and GC garage. don't know the price but it's a nice location.

[2 Oldcrabs]

Many of the larger homes do not fit on a standard size lot. When we puchased in Sect 178 there was only 9 lots that our Lantana with a golf cart garage would fit and we paid a 17k premium. They seem to be making the lots smaller, pushing the larger homes to a golf course lot with 100k + premiums. There is a plus to it, the more houses per acre, the less the bond is.

[batman911]

With the Ivy you not only get a fourth BR but most of the other rooms are larger as well. You also get an island in the kitchen. Went with the Lantana because we did not want a fourth BR but could stretch the Lantana in other areas we wanted more space. Either home will require a very large lot especially if you add a GC garage and still want a back yard.

[kittygilchrist]

I got a lantana with an island coming soon due to 2' side stretch. I wanted the most sf I could get and still have a large birdcage. the Ivy was too narrow and deep for that on my lot and has too much wasted hall space. I was in one of the last Orchids built and the layout was much nicer than Ivy IMHO.

[Roaddog53]

Originally Posted by kittygilchrist

I got a lantana with an island coming soon due to 2' side stretch. I wanted the most sf I could get and still have a large birdcage. the Ivy was too narrow and deep for that on my lot and has too much wasted hall space. I was in one of the last Orchids built and the layout was much nicer than Ivy IMHO.

That's what I think too. The Orchid is smaller (don't need THAT much sf) but had the added 4th bedroom AND without paying an absorbent amount for a larger lot. I even asked if I could use the plan still and they said no, they deleted everything. Somehow I doubt that. It does appear the larger lots are all headed the golf site or view site way. We looked at some western exposure lots in the new section of Gilcrist and were SHOCKED at the cost of a little pond site, and STILL would not fit a pool or stretch! Most were $102-129k! btw... Did anyone see the two golf site lots in section 211 selling for $222k & $250k? Wow! But.. someone will pay it since it is "TV".

Is there a site or place to provide feedback to the design staff model build to suggest the Orchid again or similar? I know there are boxes at the mail centers, but this is more for development.