Windsor Hills Townhouse Pool Question

[Befferk]

The last townhouse we stayed in backed up to the courtyard. This time, the one we are thinking about booking looks like it backs up to another townhouse (it's on Otterspool). How bad will this be as far as privacy in the pool? How close are they?

 

[sympatico]

They are fairly close but each splash pool has walls surrounding it. If you go to this map and zoom in on WHills #1 you can see how close.
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=U...8.272032,-81.608849&spn=0.068335,0.11055&z=13

 

[Befferk]

Thanks. I've looked at the map, and at lots of pictures that look like we might be pretty much looking right across into someone else's splash pool. Wondering if anyone has any direct experience with this? Is it as bad as it looks?

 

[TinkerbellNYC]

We walked through that area, there is a path between two hedgerows. you are probably 10 feet across to the other splash pool on the other side.

 

[Befferk]

So is it worth paying a little more for a different one that has a more private pool?

 

[sympatico]

We were on Sir Kaufman which backs up to the homes on Otterspool and with the privacy walls around the patio/pool area we didn't mind. It's also screened so you can't really see too much. There's only a screened door through which t you can see right across to the other pool.
The other townhouse we stayed in backed to the open area on Renshaw but again with the walls around the pool you could only see out through the door section.

 

[sjanus]

Here is a townhome in Windsor Hills I could recommend with a South Facing pool and no other townhomes behind it. www.homeaway.com/176694. It is on Sir Kaufmann. It is very clean, nicely decorated, and the owner is very nice to work with.

Sandy

 

[TinkerbellNYC]

Sandy, that is pricey! I'd look at places that offer lower rates and lowball specials from time to time. I have seen a few that are advertising what they call new "lowball" rates, I guess that means they beat everyones price? Would this townhome offer lowball prices too?

 

[sjanus]

Just be careful with the "lowballers" especially in this economy. Many people are subject to liens on their homes, not paying HOA fees, not keeping up with their places because of lack of income, and are close to foreclosure. There have been "help" requests from guests as they are disappointed at the last moment when they don't have a place to stay! Offering such low prices, people won't be able to maintain all the expenses of owning a home in Florida for the long term. There are some exceptions to this, I'm sure.

I don't perceive the townhome as expensive, cheaper than the Holiday Inn I stayed in by Florida Mall a few years ago--it was dirty, a bug was crawling up the wall, and it sounded like a train was going through the middle of my room!

I don't know whether the rates are flexible or not. We just stayed there a few days in February and just paid the asking price. We really thought it was VERY CLEAN, well cared for, and we loved the owners. It's a matter of preference. I'm sure there are a lot of cheaper places out there if that is important to you.

Just relating to the pool issue and privacy, this one really has it!

Sandy

 

[Befferk]

Tink, I don't think that's pricey at all. We actually looked at this one, but my son didn't like the decor of the kids bedroom as much as the other ones we looked at.

As for the pool privacy, we ended up going with one that was not backed up to another townhouse. I know it would be "ok", but I decided that we'd like a nicer view to fully enjoy ourselves. Also, this one is closer to the playground:

http://www.vrbo.com/106900

Our "new" view will be:

And since it's not the courtyard, we also won't have traffic past the pool.

 

[sjanus]

Hi Beth,

Wow, that is quite a view! I know exactly where that is. My husband commented on how nice the property and privacy was there for those townhomes last time we were there.

I don't think you will be sorry. Privacy is also very important to us. It also looks like a very nice townhome. Have a great time!

Sandy

 

[TinkerbellNYC]

Sandy - ALWAYS book with a company that offers a GUARANTEE they will be there when you arrive. You can find these guarantees on the websites. As for the "Lowball specials" that I see, those are backed up by a guarantee (they don't owe a mortgage and can therefore Charge LESS than others). That's how they are able to charge less. The scenario you outlined is not true for owners that owe nothing or little on their properties. That's how they can have the best prices.

 

[sjanus]

Hi Tink,

Those people by paying off their mortgage are giving up monies that could be earning them interest and income and still need to pay high HOA fees, utilities, etc. They are actually subsidizing the vacations of others, especially when considering wear and tear on their properties.

I don't blame you for taking these deals, it sounds like your experiences have been positive. Certain websites and insurances can provide you some protections.

More is the case in this economy from my readings on homeowners websites that there are loads of people in all resorts losing their properties, as banks were liberal in loaning monies to those that probably couldn't afford the properties in the first place!

From a consumer's standpoint, everyone likes to get the most for their money. From a business standpoint, anyone in the short term rental business strives to make a profit.

My warning was just to let others know to be careful and look at the overall picture when they are renting a property.

Some of these owners who are offering such low rates will contribute to driving other owners out of business eventually. It is unethical and cut throat from an owner perspective. Many of them do not pay their bills or HOA fees causing others to pay higher rates. We have properties in two top resorts and both HOA's are in deficit hundreds of thousands of dollars plus there is a very high percentage of properties with liens and close to foreclosure or in foreclosure. I am talking from this knowledge base, but as a consumer and friend to other dis boarders here.

Your comments are well taken and I'm glad you have good experiences.

Sandy

 

[TinkerbellNYC]

From a consumer point of view, the people who figure out a better mousetrap in renting and give the consumer a better price should be rewarded and the owners who bought their properties at too much and have to charge more or want to make too much a profit that it hurts the consumer should go out of business and lose their properties to those that know how to do it correctly, right? That's the American way, Sam Walton style and why Walmart is #1 in America, same reason. I like the lower prices and have had fabulous experience with them (one at Windsor Hills, great prices), but only would ever use a company who has a guarantee that they will be there when I arrive. That's why I used the vacation club and the owner that we did because of the guarantee, that's my suggestion to anyone looking at good prices. Look for the guarantee, and you eliminate any chance of them not being there, this takes the fear out of a low cost rental. I disagree with most of your post, but that's why America is great, everyone entitled to their opinion!