[laryb]

Hi everyone! my wife and I just spent 3 days at TV trying to decide what we like and have decided that the At Ease cottage is what fits our needs for now. When we met with our sales rep., John Stamper, we went over the options we wanted and added blinds, lighting package, upgraded cabinets, stainless appliances, vaulted ceilings, fans and washer and dryer(probably will change our minds and will by separately). Anyone have any suggestions on what we might be missing or enjoy? We are meeting with John this weekend to finalize our choice and don't want to miss anything. We are still considering a golf cart garage, but only if the only lot available (premium lot) will accommodate it. We are doing this before we sell our current home and my wife retires next year, so we trying not to go to crazy since we will be carrying two homes, but we figure we should do it now before prices go up.Who knows, maybe by waiting a year or so we'll make more on the current home! Or not?

[Russ_Boston]

Sounds like a great plan.

If the lot can accept it I say go for the extra garage.

[logdog]

We bought new construction 4 months ago and it came with all GE appliances including fridge, washer and dryer. We will probably replace them all along with the dish washer and stove. Buy as many of your appliances separately as you can and you will get better quality. We miss our old Whirlpools.

[YodaMom]

Did you get the At Ease with the wall separating the kitchen from the dining/living area? We prefer it with the wall but notice the new pictures show it without the wall.

Good Luck

[laryb]

Originally Posted by YodaMom

Did you get the At Ease with the wall separating the kitchen from the dining/living area? We prefer it with the wall but notice the new pictures show it without the wall.

Good Luck

The model we looked at had the open kitchen that my wife likes, so I pretty sure it doesn't have the wall. Someone on another forum had mentioned lights over the breakfast bar, might have been you? Do you know if that is part of the lighting upgrade? When we meet this weekend they'll tell me what lots are available and if a zero premium lot isn't available, then it will all depend on how much of a premium there is. Don't mind some premium, but don't want to spend a large amount for a golf view, water view , corner, etc. If what we want is available now we'll take our chances and wait. Hopefully he'll have something for us and we'll make a deposit this weekend! I'll post the results here as soon as we find out. Here's hoping!!!

[Aceskaters]

I have a fairly new Amarillo, bought before one could choose options. I love it, even with the standard appliances. However, I have discovered that the "vent" in the microwave over the stove does not "vent" into outside world, it merely recirculates the smoke and burning smells from my few cooking attempts back into the kitchen. If I were building a home I would see if one could have a real vent put in the kitchen with an exhaust pipe to the roof.

[ssmith]

While we were there last month we visited some open houses. Noticed that some cottages were innermixed with designer homes. I am not sure I would like that. Something to think about anyway.

[Pturner]

Originally Posted by laryb

Hopefully he'll have something for us and we'll make a deposit this weekend! I'll post the results here as soon as we find out. Here's hoping!!!

Laryb, I've got my fingers crossed that he will have just exactly what you are looking for! If not, keep looking and I know you will find it. Please let us know.

[downeaster]

Originally Posted by logdog

We bought new construction 4 months ago and it came with all GE appliances including fridge, washer and dryer. We will probably replace them all along with the dish washer and stove. Buy as many of your appliances separately as you can and you will get better quality. We miss our old Whirlpools.

Don't know about current quality but our GE fridge, range, microwave and dishwasher still going strong after 8 1/2 years of year round use. Washer and dryer were not included so we brought our old ones (not GE) that have since been replaced. I never was a GE fan but I must admit these have served me well.

Originally Posted by ssmith

While we were there last month we visited some open houses. Noticed that some cottages were innermixed with designer homes. I am not sure I would like that. Something to think about anyway.

I live in Amelia and have an "At Ease" where our backyard is a horse farm.We love it!! No "kissing lanai" all the privacy one could imagine.Our neighbors across the street have designer homes that have a retention pond in their backyards.They all love their homes & private backyards also.Oh, and by the way we all love the neighborhood just the way it is...Thank You!!

[YodaMom]

Laryb,

That wasn't me that mentioned the lighting over the breakfast bar - great idea though. I have them in our home in PA. Let us know how you make out and what you end up with. Sounds exciting!

[Rag Bagger]

It all depends on your long term plans and how you use your garage. But we have a Long two car plus Golf cart garage. It suits our needs as I am a DIYer and half the two car is a shop and storage (only one car). Remember there are no basements like back North and if you want a hobby room or shop the garage is it. We also use it for some storage. We floored part of the attic for storage too plus pull down stairs.

Think long and hard about your garage size. For us an oversized corner lot was well worth the extra bucks.

[jebartle]

I've said this b4 but you might want to look at Lake County homes, no bond, that will save you about $20,000..

[Russ_Boston]

Yes but there are no NEW homes in Lake County. Correct?

[Pturner]

Laryb, how did it go this weekend? Did you put down a deposit, or are you still looking?