PHOTO TOUR

923 Vanilla Leaf Place, The Villages, FL 32163

It is a Designer CEDAR Model just N of Pinellas S of 466A Front faces due South.

This is a CEDAR Designer Home

Your HOME SEARCH will be over once you see this sparkling DIAMOND GEM - a CEDAR Designer home w/ poured concrete & stucco exterior, boasting 3 BR / 2 BA / 2 Car Garage w/ 1865 sf of living space! Nestled on a 0.129-acre lot in the highly sought-after VILLAGE of SANIBEL, this home checks so many boxes! All of your everyday conveniences are just a stone's throw away since the bustling CR 466A COMMERCIAL CORRIDOR is nearby w/ Colony Plaza (E side) & Trailwinds Village (W side). 

Immerse yourself in an array of LIFESTYLE AMENITIES unique to The Villages - 

• FREE LIVE ENTERTAINMENT at the nearby Town Squares of Brownwood (11 mins), Lake Sumter Landing (12 mins), and Spanish Springs (19 mins) town squares, to endless leisure activities across 50+ rec centers, 
• COMPLIMENTARY year-round EXECUTIVE GOLF on 38 courses, & over 3100+ special interest clubs. 
• Just 2 mins away from your doorstep, you will find the Sanibel Neighborhood Recreational Center w/ PO Boxes and the Captiva Pool & Rec activities. 
• Nearby EXECUTIVE golf courses include Sarasota, Volusia, Okeechobee, & Escambia.
• Nearby CHAMPIONSHIP golf courses include Bonifay, Evans Prairie, & Belle Glade. 
• The Sarasota Golf Practice Center is a 3 min golf cart jaunt. 
• Plus, independent of the amazing lifestyle offerings, this home sparkles w/ a beautiful stucco exterior, ARCH SHINGLE ROOF (2023), MATURE LANDSCAPING, STACKED STONE HARDSCAPING, and a welcoming COVERED FRONT PORCH. The entrance is graced by a beautiful front door w/ twin HALF LITES & a matching SIDE LITE. Step inside to an LVP FOYER accented w/ a decorative archway, leading into a spacious OPEN CONCEPT floor plan w/ VOLUME CEILINGS in the main LA. Fresh neutral INTERIOR PAINT (2024) blends perfectly with the LVP FLOORING throughout  (no transition strips between the various floors, except into the bathrooms and laundry room, which are porcelain tiled. The combo DINING/LIVING ROOM area is perfect for entertaining as it is adjacent to the SCREEN ENCLOSED LANAI (32' L x 9' W) and the open KITCHEN. The kitchen, the heart of the home, will impress w/ MAPLE WOOD cabinets featuring an upscale ginger stain & ebony glaze finish, underlighting, PULL OUTS, a lazy susan, & a BUILT-IN PANTRY with adjustable pull-out shelves (drawers). Gorgeous HIGH DEF, BEVELED EDGE laminate countertops complement the stainless steel and black APPLIANCES ensuring a blend of beauty & functionality. An UNDER SINK water filter connected to an in sink filtered water faucet provides quick & easy access to filtered water at the sink. The INTERIOR LAUNDRY features a WASHER, LAUNDRY SINK, and DRYER, with plenty of storage. 
• Moving to the PRIMARY BEDROOM (rear of home), you can retreat to your personal cozy space which features an octagonal TRAY CEILING, a huge WALK-IN CLOSET, & a splendid ENSUITE BATHROOM hidden behind a POCKET DOOR. The ENSUITE has two separate vanities, a tiled ROMAN SHOWER, & a private water closet w/ COMFORT HEIGHT TOILET & a POCKET DOOR for privacy. 
• Next, BEDROOM #3 (front of home) has a large double window for ample NATURAL LIGHT and PLANTATION SHUTTERS to keep it dark when so desired.
• Behind yet another POCKET DOOR lies a short hallway to BEDROOM #2 w/ an adjacent BATHROOM #2. This design provides excellent privacy for your overnight guests. BA #2 features a TUB/SHOWER COMBO w/ TILE SURROUND & a COMFORT HEIGHT TOILET. 
• Add'l perks include: HVAC (2012), HWH (2012), ATTIC PULL DOWN STAIRS, an 'owned' ADT security system, irrigation system, gutters & buried downspouts (2025), & an open rear patio for outdoor entertaining. This home is not just a living space but a complete LIFESTYLE CHOICE, offering the perfect blend of location, convenience, & chic style. Don't let this exceptional opportunity slip away! Call now for your private showing! BOND BAL ONLY ~$15,404.

This is a special model that features certain criteria, not found on other Designer models. For example:

•  CEDAR Construction can be Block & Stucco or poured Concrete. This one is not Block & Stucco (B&S). It is solid, poured concrete panels, which makes it one heck of a severe thunderstorm or hurricane house. One can tell the difference when a B&S house shows cracks in the outer walls, due to settling, as the cracking pattern seen is zig-zagging as if steps, following the joints of the blocks. The solid concrete walls do not usually crack any more than hairline crack on the skin, which is so much easier to correct.
• Though the CEDAR Model is NOT 'officially' described as a 'Disability Friendly' model, it does have attributes that make it so. For example:       
• ALL the interior doorways are at least 31" and up to 35" wide, which make it very wheelchair or walker friendly throughout the house, not just the entryway. Typical wheelchairs are 24" to 27" wide, and walkers are narrower.
• Ingress and Egress is achieved on a solid, flat floor, allowing wheel-chairs and walkers the ability to enter and leave the house from the driveway to the garage and from the garage into the house, with a flat threshold floor. Only the front door and the lanai have a slight (3") threshold. However, if you have a need for a wheel-chair home, we also have an aluminum threshold ramp available, and could be persuaded to include it in the sale.
• The main bathroom is a Roman Shower which easily fits a wheelchair or walker, as do the closeable toilets, which all have grab bars.  
• The wide and open entryway and open Great Room floorplan allows for wheelchair traffic to navigate easily throughout the home.
• Instead of having to settle for a more restrictive model, when our physical limitations force us to do so, an owner of this model can remain in their home and easily adjust to wheelchair or walker mobility well into the future. This is a house for adaptable living.

So... here it is. 

ORIGINAL PHOTOS WHEN WE BOUGHT THE HOUSE

The entryway inside still looks the same (no changes),

The entryway was tiled and then changed transitioned to carpet.  

The carpet extended throughout the house, except for the entry, laundry, kitchen and bathrooms, which were porcelain tiled. The carpet was replaced with LVP as was the entry and kitchen. The bathrooms and laundry are still tiled.

Laundry has W&D plus a wash basin.

The refrigerator and dishwasher have been replaced with SS. The washer and dryer are still original. However, for the Buyer's peace of mind, we are including a 1-Year Home Owner Warranty..

The kitchen cabinets are a light Maple and match the bathroom vanities.

The nook has room for a 48" table with seating for 4

.

The Roman Shower in the Primary Bathroom.

BEDROOM #2

Bedroom #2, from the door to the window, and from window to the door and closet. Bathroom #2 is down the short hall, to the right at door, and there is a locking pocket door in the hall, to separate this area from the main rooms.

BATHROOM #2

Bathroom #2 (Guest Bath) Ensuite Bath.

This is the 2nd or Guest Bathroom. Next to it is Bedroom #2. It and Bedroom #2 are both ensuite, behind a pocket door that can give privacy to Bedroom #2, unless Bedroom #3 is also being used as a bedroom instead of an office or den.

BEDROOM #3 (No attached bathroom)

This is Bedroom  #3, the one outside of the ensuite bathroom, seen 

from the window looking at the doorway and closet.. 

Bedroom #3, seen from the doorway looking at the window.

LANAI

The spacious Lanai viewed from the East side, looking West. Screening frame has drains to let any water intrusion to escape. However, we also added remote-controlled Dim-Out shades for privacy when wanted, as well as to keep rain, wind and cold weather out, rated to 60MPH winds.   

Lanai viewed from the West side, looking East.

Outside the Lanai there is a 9' x 16' open slab (with door landing), which can work well for grilling, or which can be bird-caged in to add to the back yard activities, or to add a hot tub.

THE EXTERIOR

A YEAR AGO, WHEN IT WAS PURCHASED

AND TODAY

Since we bought it in November 2024, we have revamped and cleaned up the landscaping, removed the Holly Tree on the right in uppermost photo, which was an expensive cost to keep maintained and trimmed, and the big bushes in the middle and on the left corner of the garage, which were dying were replaced with fresh plants and flowers (Hibiscus, Allamandas, Plumbago, Dwarf Ixora and others. We also removed all the rocks and had them  washed to remove weed seeds from them so that the new landscape paper can keep the flower beds weed-free. Then we also added fresh rocks to enhance the landscape, and re-installed new irrigation tubing to new plant directed sprayers. Then, we added an 12'x10' paver patio and wall to separate the landscape sprinkler area, and keep the geckos on the landscaped side. 

We added a Marygrove 12'x10' Awning with lights and Wi-Fi remote control, but we are planning on taking it with us, unless you want to buy it separately for $6,250, as it does make a delightful addition to the patio, which allows us to enjoy the front patio even while it's  raining and well into the evening. One night, we suddenly realized it was 1:30AM and we were still enjoying our patio. 

And at night the solar colored lighting can be programmed to different colors 

or to alternating colors or to white lighting on a light by light basis.

ENTRY

Yes we are a Texas Aggie and Michigan Wolverine couple, yet we get along with both the Texas Longhorns and the 'Oh How I Hate Ohio State' (just kidding... the Buckeyes.) Even old rivalries can be fun, right?

FRONT PATIO

The front patio was made from part of the front landscape bed. Incidentally, we did this with permission from the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) and have their formal approval, which we will leave for the new owner(s). We often watch football games out on our new (added 2025) front patio, with our wireless Joeys and sometimes the neighbors join us, (even a Michigan State Spartan who lives next door), which can be a lot of fun, with a good rivalry. 

ATTIC

In the attic we added two (2) solar extractors to cool the attic which translates to requiring the A/C to not have to work as hard... i.e. lower electric bills.

GARAGE

On the Garage we added a remote controlled screen to match the color of the exterior. We also placed it on the outside of the garage door frame so that one can close both the garage door and the screen, thus giving more shade to the garage door, which aides in reducing the heat transmission into the garage, especially for the summer months. We also added a radiant barrier on the door and tinted windows on the garage glass tiles.

FRONT YARD

The front yard has an island with a tall Sylvester Palm and a Robellini. A larger Robellini is next to the lamppost light and name sign, and a smaller (added 2025) Robellini is in the main front landscape, making the front of the house very attractive. 

FRONT PATIO/AWNING

Here the Awning is shown extended with the lights on. There is also a front screen that is attached to the front and extends to protect from the setting sun, and there is another screen that can be hung from either side, to protect from the morning (Eastern sun) while having coffee or breakfast, or in the evening (Western sun) while having Happy Hour with the neighbors. The Awning cost $6,400, so we are NOT conveying it with the sale of the house, as we are planning to take it with us. However, rest assured that the mounting holes in the wall will be repaired and painted to 'like new' condition. The awning was installed on July 25, 2025.

However, that said, IF it is something that you would like it to be left in place, we would consider doing so for a separate payment of $6,250, at closing. Then we would order another one for ourselves. This way the awning (if purchased, is not included in the price of the house, subject to Realtor commission,  or higher taxes by the county, as it is Personal Property.

 

LANAI/REAR OPEN PORCH

Above: Views of the seating areas in the lanai. Outside the Lanai screened openings, there are remote-controlled Dim-Out Shades for both privacy as well as to prevent rain and cold/wind intrusion. These are rated for up to a 60MPH winds.  They can be raised and lowered from inside the house, by remote control.

In the rear of the property there is an open (screened) lanai 9' wide x 32' long. Outside of the lanai there is also an open slab porch with an attached outlet a hose bibb... great for grilling or just sitting to enjoy the open air.

The doorway screen frame is offset 3"-4" to allow for the door handle clearance.

Opposite side framed shade protects the Western side.

BELOW: Views of the Lanai remote privacy shades in motion.

REAR YARD

Outside the lanai there is a narrow stretch of grass, that abuts to the rear neighbor's property, where they have a delightful water feature that incorporates a waterfall, and two bottle Brush trees. The sound of the waterfall permeates to our lanai, creating a very relaxing atmosphere. The neighbors are hardly ever out on their porch (except to grill), which is a shame, because they are a delightful couple. Though technically these homes are classified as having "kissing lanais", due to the short distance between the lanais of these homes, the close proximity is never an issue.  Incidentally, we mow our own lawn with an electric mower and it takes about 20-30 minutes. A small yard is also a money saver with little lawn to have to water and take care of.

GREAT ROOM

Trust me, she is not giving YOU a dirty look. She is giving ME a dirty look, because she doesn't like her photo taken 😊. The living room is a mess due to our being in the midst of packing and moving, so please excuse our dust, but these photos will show you how ample the spaces are, even with an abundance of furniture. After we move we will add new photos... clean and evident as it will be seen when you come to tour it, either before we list it, or after it is listed.

KITCHEN PANTRY

In the Kitchen/Pantry, we converted the standard 5 fixed shelves into 5 adjustable drawers. That's right... they are each adjustable up/down in 1-inch increments; and also adaptable if you want to add extra drawers. (Done by Kitchenwise/Closetwise, locally.) Similarly both the bottom and middle drawers in the kitchen cabinets now also have pull-out drawers. In the corner a Lazy Susuan also maximizes the storage space accessibility.

NOOK

The Nook, next to the Kitchen has ample space for a 48 inch table with seating for 4. The flooring was continued in LVP, the same as the kitchen and Great Room. and its window faces the lanai and rear yard.  

MASTER BEDROOM

The carpeting was also replaced with the same LVP that is in the balance of the house. Also, Plantation Shutters were upgraded on all  three windows. In the closet, the standard wire shelving was upgraded to the wardrobe shown below, an arrangement for Him and Her, by Closets by Design.

MASTER BATHROOM

No changes or upgrades needed or done.

BEDROOM #2

Other than replacing the original carpeting to LVP, the only upgrade added to this room was that we added Plantation Shutters to it and a TV mount on the wall opposite the bed, and we added a remote control to the ceiling light and fan.

             

  

BATHROOM #2

No changes needed or made to this Bathroom.

BEDROOM #3

We currently use this room as the Office, even though it can serve as a bedroom, as it does have a closet in it. Its doorway sits outside of the ensuite bedroom #2 - bath #2 which is separatable from bedroom #3 by a locking pocket door. Here too the carpeting was replaced with LVP and the windows were treated to Plantation Shutters.   

DINING ROOM

The only change/upgrade done was to replace the carpeting with LVP.

LIVING ROOM / GREAT ROOM

The only change/upgrade done here was to replace the carpeting with LVP.

KITCHEN

1. A water filter was installed under sink and attached to t he faucet on sink that was not being used.

2. Pull-out shelves were added/installed in bottom and mid-level of kitchen cabinets, with soft-close mechanisms.

3. The sink has added utility tip-out trays (for sponges, soap, etc.) 

4. Pantry 5 shelves were replaced with 5 slide-out drawers, which are adjustable w/1 inch increments, or can be added with additional drawers by Kitchen Wise.

5. The previous porcelain tile was replaced with the same LVP as is on the remainder of the Nook, Great Room, Entry, and Bedrooms.

                View of Kitchen Sink/Cabinets                                Cabinets Color/Style

ATTIC

We added additional flooring in the walk-on attic. Bill is 6'-0" tall and can walk upright in the attic. We added flooring to now have 8 feet x 15 feet of usable attic space, and we added a powerful light to light up the entire attic area and insulation around it.

Walking Tall Attic, 8'x15'

YARD / LANDSCAPING

Much of the other upgrades involved the yard and landscaped areas. The grass was in terrible shape with missing spots and undernourished. Many of the plants and bushes were old and apparently unattended, as the previous owners were aged and infirm. Some of the bushes were still alive, but dry and sparse of leaves and new growth, Others were drying and scratch on bare arms and legs, and the Holly tree was growing at an angle away from the house, and getting so tall that it made contact with the house and was expensive to keep trimming it. So in consult with a Landscaper, we elected to replace the Holly and older and unkept bushes and replace them with drought-hardy plantings that are also able to withstand a Southern Exposure (8+ hrs of sunlight) in Summer, and yet were cold weather hardy for Winters. The planting beds were also riddled with weeds.

The grass was burnt out in areas 

The retaining walls were loose and falling. So, we fixed the grass and rebuilt the retaining walls, while re-filming the weed-free paper and planting new plants, adding clean, fresh, and new rock to present a positive curb appeal. 

In front, after removing the Holly tree and other large bushes that were no longer in good condition, and stump-grinding the roots, we started by removing ALL the rocks and washing it, to remove all the weed seedlings on them. The plant bed old weed paper was fully removed and a new plastic weed-control film replaced it. Then, a Robellini was planted, where the Holly was, because the Holly was hard to maintain and costly as well, due to its height and width, which was then crowding in on the house corner, with a Robellini to replace the Holly, and new plants were planted (Hibiscus, Allamandas, Plumbago and Dwarf Ixora, properly spaced out, and the irrigation drip/sprayer lines were strategically placed/installed to water the new plants. Then, the cleaned rocks were replaced and new (same color and size) rocks were added, transforming the 'curb-appeal' of the house.

But the landscape upgrade did not end there. The houses in this area are designed to drain water to follow the slight slope in the land, so rainwater flows between the houses in the rear from the West (higher side) to the East (lower side), but also between the houses from the North (higher side) to the South (lower side) . Ordinarily this works pretty well, BUT accounting for the landscape extensions out from the corners of the houses (from both sides) creates a bottleneck on this drainage and retains water from flowing naturally, which has caused a saturation of the soil evidenced by the resulting soft/squishy soil, which then damages the sod when big/heavy ride-on lawnmowers go over this areas. We consulted with LRE Foundations and Drainage experts, who suggested either creating a French Drain OR burying all the gutter downspouts, to drain the water away from those yard areas through pipes underground, that can expel all the water further out in the front yard, where it can flow naturally to the storm drain. A French Drain may have been the best option, but that would have required setting it up at the property line with our neighbors, who did not want to share the expense of this improvement. So we opted to bury all the downspouts and drain the water away from our house, underground, expelling it in the front yard, where it can flow on down to the storm drains through the curbing.

This upgrade/improvement alone cost over $3,000.  

       

It will show the scar of the surgery to bury the downspout, for about a month but the grass will soon grow into itself and the scar will be unseen and the drainage problems will be corrected.