[ColdNoMore]

Originally Posted by dddave

I am truly sorry my words have insulted you, and I appreciate the honesty of your reply. You are correct in saying I have my own way of evaluating a community. I have lived in several architecturally controlled communities and the one one that I visually enjoyed the most was one where "the Rules" required a builder (who could buy as many lots as he/she wanted, but could not construct more than three houses with the same floor plan and each had to have a different exterior finish. Architecture plays an important role for me, because it reflects the values of those who occupy its structures. America's propensity for wooden homes, which would have to be replaced every century or so (today its every generation or so) designed to exist for at most a couple of centuries expresses our restless need for change, and a desire to weigh the future more importantly than the pas.need hold onto the future not the past. The 2 foot thick stone houses of Europe reflects their desire for stability on a continent wracked by wars for almost a millennium. I don't demand that others use such a criteria, but to me architectural meaning is an element of my decision making. And, and I have said, itIt was an element that I failed to use during my house search.I also hope you and others accept that I have the right to use this criteria in my decision making.

As for my insulting remarks, I would like to say that I nowhere stated or implied that my opinion might be shared by "most" Villagers. But my presumption that my opinion might be shared by others in the community is a pretty good one. There are over 100,000 people in The Villages. I bet at least two people believe the world is flat.

You are obviously intelligent, express yourself well and are willing to espouse your viewpoint in spite of others who disagree and tend to try and gang up to shout it down.

For that, you have my utmost respect.

While not quite Henry Fordish here ("you can have it in any color as long as it's black"), there is certainly a limited number of choices in house plans. Having said that, I can also understand why the developer chose that route. Having crews concentrate on a limited number of floor plans and styles results in maximum efficiency, lowers building costs and therefore maximizes profits.

Obviously, all of us who live here did not let that dissuade us from buying here, but it shouldn't be a crime (or reason for snide/snotty comments) for simply pointing it out.

I'm sure I am not the only one who appreciates your posts, albeit some of them may be tired of fending off the attacks and don't express it publicly, so don't let others get you down.

[RickeyD]

Originally Posted by ColdNoMore

You are obviously intelligent, express yourself well and are willing to espouse your viewpoint in spite of others who disagree and tend to try and gang up to shout it down.



For that, you have my utmost respect.



While not quite Henry Fordish here ("you can have it in any color as long as it's black"), there is certainly a limited number of choices in house plans. Having said that, I can also understand why the developer chose that route. Having crews concentrate on a limited number of floor plans and styles results in maximum efficiency, lowers building costs and therefore maximizes profits.



Obviously, all of us who live here did not let that dissuade us from buying here, but it shouldn't be a crime (or reason for snide/snotty comments) for simply pointing it out.



I'm sure I am not the only one who appreciates your posts, albeit some of them may be tired of fending off the attacks and don't express it publicly, so don't let others get you down.

Would things be different if the dream lanai could be built ? What has really changed ? Getting knocked down and staying down is not to be applauded. No one here is getting any one else down. We aren't that powerful, nor should anyone think they are.

[dddave]

Originally Posted by RickeyD

The Flat Earth Society

When, and at what rec center, do they hold their meetings?

[dddave]

Originally Posted by RickeyD

Would things be different if the dream lanai could be built ? What has really changed ? Getting knocked down and staying down is not to be applauded. No one here is getting any one else down. We aren't that powerful, nor should anyone think they are.

Wow! Never did I realize when I posted my lanai problem, the thread would go so far afield of its original subject matter. Your are absolutely right - the lanai problem has taken a back seat to much larger issues. Your honest but respectful counter-points have forced me re-evaluate my basic assumptions. But for a stubborn Irishman just giving up the lanai will be hard. But to see the possibilities of staying within the community in another home is something that I have to weigh much more strongly. Thank you.

[kstew43]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

KStew, I remember you told us you live in a development "down the road" but you own and rent out a house here. I have always thought you are missing all of the fun.

All the fun and someone else is paying the bills.....

Lucky Lucky me....

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by dddave

Wow! Never did I realize when I posted my lanai problem, the thread would go so far afield of its original subject matter. Your are absolutely right - the lanai problem has taken a back seat to much larger issues. Your honest but respectful counter-points have forced me re-evaluate my basic assumptions. But for a stubborn Irishman just giving up the lanai will be hard. But to see the possibilities of staying within the community in another home is something that I have to weigh much more strongly. Thank you.

It may not be a good idea to include your street address in your location...............................

[RickeyD]

Originally Posted by dddave

Wow! Never did I realize when I posted my lanai problem, the thread would go so far afield of its original subject matter. Your are absolutely right - the lanai problem has taken a back seat to much larger issues. Your honest but respectful counter-points have forced me re-evaluate my basic assumptions. But for a stubborn Irishman just giving up the lanai will be hard. But to see the possibilities of staying within the community in another home is something that I have to weigh much more strongly. Thank you.

The Irish have always waited to fight another day.

[MnGirl]

No need to get an attorney or surveyor when buying a property in The Villages. All you have to do is get a site plan, go to the county office the property is in, they're free. On the site plan there is a dotted line around the house, it can be 6 inches or 30 feet, this is your buildable. Any vertical structures must be in the dotted line. ARC has made exceptions, but very few. If your realtor was aware of your addition and didn't check on your behalf then shame on him or her!

[graciegirl]

After having read all this, I have a nagging suspicion that you might still have a viable plan for a birdcage/lanai on your lot wider than five feet..

Call TandD and ask them...just to see. Maybe they can fit a decent one in. At least talk to them.

No I don't work for them, I am a huge fan. I never dreamed they could do what they did on our corner lot.

[kstew43]

Originally Posted by MnGirl

No need to get an attorney or surveyor when buying a property in The Villages. All you have to do is get a site plan, go to the county office the property is in, they're free. On the site plan there is a dotted line around the house, it can be 6 inches or 30 feet, this is your buildable. Any vertical structures must be in the dotted line. ARC has made exceptions, but very few. If your realtor was aware of your addition and didn't check on your behalf then shame on him or her!

when your looking at a new build.....if the sales agent doesn't have a plot map.... i always search the kitchen drawers and some of the time the plot map is in there.

[dddave]

Thank you, yes, this stubborn Irishman still has that lanai buried in the back of his mind. I appreciate all your "Sage" advice. Thank you.

[Soxman]

So, can you plan small privacy plantings in the easement?

[RickeyD]

Originally Posted by Soxman

So, can you plan small privacy plantings in the easement?

Easement legal definition of easement

I would say no.

[Challenger]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

After having read all this, I have a nagging suspicion that you might still have a viable plan for a birdcage/lanai on your lot wider than five feet..

Call TandD and ask them...just to see. Maybe they can fit a decent one in. At least talk to them.

No I don't work for them, I am a huge fan. I never dreamed they could do what they did on our corner lot.

Good advice
Using a Quality ,knowledgeable contractor (not necessarily the low bidder) will save a lot of angst-and often money.

[ColdNoMore]

Originally Posted by RickeyD

Easement legal definition of easement

I would say no.

Actually, I believe the answer is 'yes.'

You just have to be prepared to have anything destroyed, should the easement be needed/used.

I once put a fence in beyond my easement, but made it so that I could easily take it down should the utility need to get through.

Of course I also took the chance they might need to use the easement when I wasn't home and they had the right to destroy it, or move it out of the way.

I rolled the dice and in 15 years, never had to worry about it.