For those that have a limited budget there is no other way to go. These units, especially the newer models, have a lot to offer. You may have to give up use of a small strip of yard that you really don't even see but in return you gain an equal small strip of yard from your other neighbor that you do get to landscape and enjoy (except for the corner lots). it all balances out. There are problems with cottages and premiers also, a lot of these landscapers are here today and gone tomorrow and really don't get the proper approvals.

I think I misunderstood the problem, I was under the impression that the access area was divided. If I am reading these posts correctly it sounds like one house owner owns the strip, and the OTHER house owner maintains it. To me that is ridiculous. No one comes on my property without my permission, landscapers etc, I call it trespassing.

We are on a corner lot and there is no shared space. The boundaries are clearly described in the documents you were given when purchasing the home.

I would call it an legal easement.

The thing is I would read the deed before buying, although my (MSL) agent didn’t give me the deed before closing I researched it. I don’t agree to legal easement other than for utilities. Just because someone puts in a clause doesn’t mean it’s ok with me. I don’t buy stuff I don’t agree to in the first place.

It's not tresspassing. It's an easement clearly spelled out in the deed restriction document. In fact, with the typical villa side yard easement, you would need permission to enter your neighbor's gated back yard to access your own property.

Or CYV’s, but at least you’re surrounding by walls in CYVs when for most part makes somewhat good neighbors? :)

That doesn’t work for me. Sorry. As I said just because someone comes up with a ridiculous idea doesn’t mean it’ll wash with me. You don’t know who your neighbor might be I am not looking for their ok to get to my place. I had no idea that properties are actually built like this.

Thanks Melody. We’re going to be back right after Christmas so I’d like to talk to her. I really don’t want any hard feelings. Ya know?

That's the way it is with the coutyard villas. There are hundreds of them in The Villages and a lot of people like them because they have a private, fenced in back yard.

We would if we were down there. We’ll be back right after Christmas.

Well, if it works for them.... some people live in communes, I never did that either.

Thanks Melody. We’re going to be back right after Christmas so I’d like to talk to her. I really don’t want any hard feelings. Ya know?

This is why landscaping needs ARC approval. One reason that no matter owner/maintainer, there has to be access for emergency personnel so landscaping/hardscaping is limited. New residents don't know the rules and think they can do whatever seems "nice"; former residents find out later that plantings are too close to property lines or utility boxes.

I can see the problems with the CYV's due to the angled driveways, but PV's have pretty straight property lines. What is yours should be yours just like anywhere else.