Originally Posted by dddave (Post 1229342)

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.

Originally Posted by ColdNoMore (Post 1229354)

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. :thumbup:

Originally Posted by RickeyD (Post 1229346)

Originally Posted by RickeyD (Post 1229355)

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.

Originally Posted by graciegirl (Post 1229118)

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.

Originally Posted by dddave (Post 1229365)

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.

Originally Posted by dddave (Post 1229365)

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.

Originally Posted by MnGirl (Post 1229643)

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!

Originally Posted by Soxman (Post 1229706)

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

Originally Posted by graciegirl (Post 1229672)

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.

Originally Posted by RickeyD (Post 1230352)

Easement legal definition of easement

I would say no.