Formosa Garden Estates

[hinodis]

Anyone ever stay in one of these homes? They look like beautiful homes with awesome private pools.

 

[isla bonita]

No but have been in some when we went down to purchase and wished we could afford the prices. Very spacous and beautiful homes.

 

[psharrock]

We own on Formosa, and rented there for 2 years before we purchase, we loved the area, and the fact that the homes are all spaced out. Each home looks to be on a 1/3 acre lot.

With that kind of space you can create a wonderful home and enormous pool.

The only downside for people renting is there is no communal pool, but when I was renting we were more than happy with the pools at the houses we rented.

Paul

 

[kerrynic78]

My dad comes down form CT and rents a house in Formosa for 3 months every winter and it is paradise! It has a huge pool and hot tub on the lake and a ton of privacy (unlike our own home here in Orlando!) He has rented in some other neighborhoods in that area as well but Formosa Gardens is his favorite by far.

 

[hinodis]

Glad to hear positive feedback. What is the best source for getting a rental? I see alot of different places offer rental homes. Thanks for the help.

 

[psharrock]

There is no dedicated independant website for Formosa Gardens Estates, so you are best using sites like :-

http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/region/usa/florida/central-disney-orlando/kissimmee#2542

or

http://www.villas2000.com/frbvo/Central/Formosa_Gardens.php

There are numerous other sites as well if you put Formosa Gardens Estates into google you'll them as well as some owners dedicated sites.

but the above two sites are the ones I used to find a home when renting.

Paul

 

[Mainebound]

Anyone ever stay in one of these homes? They look like beautiful homes with awesome private pools.

You know, I always thought that, too. Then two weeks ago, when we were staying at Windsor Hills, we drove all around, including Formosa Gardens Estates (I snuck in after a car through the gate). I was shocked at (a) the fact that about 75% of the homes were on the market, and (b) most of the "for sale" homes were completely unkempt, lawns overgrown, etc.

Are there a few really beautiful homes there? Yes, (and I am sure the Paul psharrock's is one of these -- I mean no offense!) with huge lots, gorgeous pool areas. But personally, I would not take the risk that I would end up in a home that was for sale, or next to one of those "Mrs. Havisham" ghost homes with all the weeds.

There could be another FG area that I did not see (although we drove up and down all the streets), but what I saw was definitely not as nice as Emerald Island or Windsor Hills or Oak Island, despite the larger homes and lots.

 

[Pokprincess]

Hi.. we are staying at Windsor Hills this year. We have stayed on site at Disney many times & rented a house 2 years ago, but this year we are renting a condo unit in Windsor Hills.. It looks gorgeous, and clean. And they have their own clubhouse & 5000sq.ft pool.. check it out. As the previous poster said.. check out VBRO definatley.

Good Luck !

 

[hinodis]

You know, I always thought that, too. Then two weeks ago, when we were staying at Windsor Hills, we drove all around, including Formosa Gardens Estates (I snuck in after a car through the gate). I was shocked at (a) the fact that about 75% of the homes were on the market, and (b) most of the "for sale" homes were completely unkempt, lawns overgrown, etc.

Are there a few really beautiful homes there? Yes, (and I am sure the Paul psharrock's is one of these -- I mean no offense!) with huge lots, gorgeous pool areas. But personally, I would not take the risk that I would end up in a home that was for sale, or next to one of those "Mrs. Havisham" ghost homes with all the weeds.

There could be another FG area that I did not see (although we drove up and down all the streets), but what I saw was definitely not as nice as Emerald Island or Windsor Hills or Oak Island, despite the larger homes and lots.

This is EXACTLY what I am afraid of. I look at these pictures and think.....When did they take the picture.....does it still look like this???
Paul, do you have pictures of your house I could see? I am having a terrible time picking somewhere. I still have a reservation at Coronado Springs. I have no idea where I am staying. I only know that I am going!

 

[psharrock]

You know, I always thought that, too. Then two weeks ago, when we were staying at Windsor Hills, we drove all around, including Formosa Gardens Estates (I snuck in after a car through the gate). I was shocked at (a) the fact that about 75% of the homes were on the market, and (b) most of the "for sale" homes were completely unkempt, lawns overgrown, etc.

I look at all the re-sales at Formosa, and when I last looked a few weeks ago, there were 18 homes for sale out of 140 on the community. I think there are about 3 - 4 homes going through forclosure, which is obviously not great news for the owner or the community.

I am not 100% sure of the forum rules for promoting your own home, but currently I am not renting mine out, as its going through a major remodel. I am turning it into a 7 bed 7000sq ft home, and replacing the pool with a 46ft x 26ft. It will be great when its finished but that will not be until the end of this year.

Hinodis - If you PM me I'll put you in contact of places where I have stayed before, or if you know of somewhere where you would like to stay then if you let me have the details I can tell you where it is on the community etc

Paul

 

[JohnnySharp2]

We have looked at Formosa Gardens also, however from the sites I have checked out many of the homes on there are 5 bedrooms and bigger which is way too big for us.
I am not sure whether the houses up for sale at FG is anything to worry about or not really, villa renting is a very competitive market and so many home owners are finding it difficult to fill their calendars with bookings - it's inevitable homes will be sold.

We have stayed on Indian Creek a few times, and last year many were up for sale on there too.

 

[psharrock]

Johnny

There are a few 4 bedroom homes on the community, but you are correct in that the vast majority of the homes are 5+ bedroom, with quite a few 7 bedroom homes as well.

Paul

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Johnny

There are a few 4 bedroom homes on the community, but you are correct in that the vast majority of the homes are 5+ bedroom, with quite a few 7 bedroom homes as well.

Paul

Thanks for clearing that up Paul.

 

[psharrock]

I think one owner has even changed their 4 bedroom home into a 3 bedroom home by adding a TV room / cinema in one of the bedrooms

Paul

 

[Lisa BC]

We are renting a 7 bedroom in November from an owner who posted on the VRBO website. But there's a local management company, All Star Vacation Homes, that also manages a few homes in that neighborhood. All Star has a good reputation, so they must do a decent job maintaining the homes that they manage.

I'm happy to hear some good things about Formosa Gardens. I'm hopeful our experience will be good. We are 4 adult couples, and we just couldn't swallow the $5400 price tag of renting DVC points to stay at OKW for the week. We're getting a 4000 sq foot home for nearly half the price of the 2 two bedroom units at OKW. I think the private pool in my back yard will be wonderful. Nothing like having to walk 10 minutes to the hot tub after hiking through the parks all day. One in my back yard seems much nicer.


Good luck!

 

[psharrock]

We are renting a 7 bedroom in November from an owner who posted on the VRBO website. But there's a local management company, All Star Vacation Homes, that also manages a few homes in that neighborhood. All Star has a good reputation, so they must do a decent job maintaining the homes that they manage.

I'm happy to hear some good things about Formosa Gardens. I'm hopeful our experience will be good. We are 4 adult couples, and we just couldn't swallow the $5400 price tag of renting DVC points to stay at OKW for the week. We're getting a 4000 sq foot home for nearly half the price of the 2 two bedroom units at OKW. I think the private pool in my back yard will be wonderful. Nothing like having to walk 10 minutes to the hot tub after hiking through the parks all day. One in my back yard seems much nicer.


Good luck!

All Star Vacation Homes are fine, I see their vehicles all the time when I am there, they are based about one mile away near the outback steakhouse near the 192.

I think they manage about 10 homes on the community, which home are you staying at?

Paul

 

[Lisa BC]

Hi Paul!

I'm so glad you posted earlier, or else I might be a little nervous about our upcoming stay in Formosa Gardens. We just made our decision last night after spending several days looking at homes on the internet. I know that Emerald Island and WH are newer communities. But, the lot size was clearly apparent in the pictures, which is appealing for more privacy. The homes also look like they have higher quality interior finishes as well, corian, tile baths, etc... and bigger pools too.

We are hoping to be rent from Franco & Audrey Margiotta, who happen to live in Scotland. They own "St. Andrews Villa". I don't know the street address, but the owners' homepage is www.OrlandoVillasForYou.com. Perhaps you'll be able to recognize the home from the picture.

We love Old Key West, but the cost is steep for those weekend night stays. And sometimes you have to drive to the pool, depending upon your location in the resort. We struggled with staying offsite, but now that we've made the decision. I'm sure we are going to love it. The backyard pool is the best perk, as well as having some extra space to spread out in the house. And, it doesn't look too far to WDW either. We figured 5-10 minutes to AK, and 10-15 to Epcot / Studios... maybe about the same for MK.

Keep us posted to the progress of your home construction, we'd love to at least drive by it while we're in Orlando in November. I have a feeling that we won't be staying on site any more once we get a taste of Villa living. And we'll need a list of potential places to stay in the future.

Thanks!

Lisa

 

[psharrock]

Hi Paul!

I'm so glad you posted earlier, or else I might be a little nervous about our upcoming stay in Formosa Gardens. We just made our decision last night after spending several days looking at homes on the internet. I know that Emerald Island and WH are newer communities. But, the lot size was clearly apparent in the pictures, which is appealing for more privacy. The homes also look like they have higher quality interior finishes as well, corian, tile baths, etc... and bigger pools too.

We are hoping to be rent from Franco & Audrey Margiotta, who happen to live in Scotland. They own "St. Andrews Villa". I don't know the street address, but the owners' homepage is www.OrlandoVillasForYou.com. Perhaps you'll be able to recognize the home from the picture.

We love Old Key West, but the cost is steep for those weekend night stays. And sometimes you have to drive to the pool, depending upon your location in the resort. We struggled with staying offsite, but now that we've made the decision. I'm sure we are going to love it. The backyard pool is the best perk, as well as having some extra space to spread out in the house. And, it doesn't look too far to WDW either. We figured 5-10 minutes to AK, and 10-15 to Epcot / Studios... maybe about the same for MK.

Keep us posted to the progress of your home construction, we'd love to at least drive by it while we're in Orlando in November. I have a feeling that we won't be staying on site any more once we get a taste of Villa living. And we'll need a list of potential places to stay in the future.

Thanks!

Lisa

St Andrews Villa, is directly opposite our own, its looks well kept. Its very quiet with very few cars passing, as you will have seen from the pictures there is a wall behind the pool, behind it is a road, but its not busy.

Most lots on the community are around 110ft+ wide.

You'll be able to get to Epcot quicker than 10-15 mins, but MK is always the problem, you'll certainly be able to get the TTC within 10-15 mins. Depending on the traffic use the Sherbeth road shortcut for all the parks, AK is easy as its right in front of you at end of Sherbeth Rd, but for MK turn right onto Osceola Parkway and turn off at Blizzard Beach/MacDonalds and then left at the lights, and follow signs for MK, this misses out a nightmare left turn onto World Drive, which can stay on Red for what seems like 5 mins.

Paul

 

[Lisa BC]

Many thanks for the "shortcut" directions to MK. I'm sure they will come in very handy. We've never stayed in Kissimmee before so it is good to get this type of information from the folks who've traveled those roads many times.

Just to confirm, you are suggesting that we travel east on Funie Steed Rd, then turn left onto Sherbeth Rd...or is it better to go onto 192 and then left onto Sherbeth?

I'm starting to get very excited about staying at Formosa Gardens. (I sometimes think that it is just as much fun to plan the trip as it is to actually go on the trip.) It'll be much fun to post a trip report.

Lisa

 

[psharrock]

Many thanks for the "shortcut" directions to MK. I'm sure they will come in very handy. We've never stayed in Kissimmee before so it is good to get this type of information from the folks who've traveled those roads many times.

Just to confirm, you are suggesting that we travel east on Funie Steed Rd, then turn left onto Sherbeth Rd...or is it better to go onto 192 and then left onto Sherbeth?

I'm starting to get very excited about staying at Formosa Gardens. (I sometimes think that it is just as much fun to plan the trip as it is to actually go on the trip.) It'll be much fun to post a trip report.

Lisa

Funie Steed Road is not a made up road, and is sand in places. Its supposed to be made up when the condo community on it is complete. I only use it at times when I know the 192 is going have traffic delays. Going up Formosa Blvd to the 192 adds about a mile to the trip, and probably takes another minute or so.