The Villages® Home Types Explained: Cottage vs Patio vs Courtyard Villa vs Designer

by Brian Williams

If you’re moving to The Villages®, picking the right home type matters as much as picking the right price. Because the best “deal” on paper can feel wrong in real life if the layout, yard, and maintenance fit don’t match your lifestyle.

Here’s a simple breakdown of the most common options buyers ask me about.

Patio Villas: Low-maintenance + typically the most affordable entry point

Patio Villas are designed to be charming and easy to care for—often a great fit for buyers who want the lifestyle with less upkeep.

Best for:

Lock-and-leave living
Buyers who don’t need a big yard
Simple ownership and lower maintenance

Heads-up: Patio Villas are generally closer together than larger home series, so privacy and outdoor space are usually more limited.

Cottage Homes: More “home feel” while staying manageable

Cottage Homes are a step up in “space and feel” while still being designed for easy living.

Best for:

Buyers who want a more traditional single-family feel
More breathing room than many villa options
A little more flexibility for hosting family

Courtyard Villas: The “private outdoor space” favorite

If you want a more private outdoor area—especially for pets—Courtyard Villas are often the winner.

Many Courtyard Villas include an enclosed yard / wall or fence on multiple sides.

Best for:

Pet owners
People who want an outdoor “courtyard” vibe for relaxing or entertaining
Low maintenance but with more private outdoor living

Heads-up: Garage sizes and layouts can vary by model, so it’s important to match the villa type to your storage/golf cart needs.

Designer Homes: More space + more “full home” features

Designer Homes are a larger home series than the villa lines, with floor plans that typically feel more like traditional single-family homes.

Example: The Poplar (a Designer series floor plan) includes 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage, with construction options noted by The Villages.

Best for: