As most of you know, The Villages has grown into a huge metropolitan area over the past 30 years or so. There are now about 80,000 residents and at least that many golf cars, who live and park in a wide variety of housing. Some Villagers live in small villas, or town homes. Some live in large, elegant villas or town homes, Some live in more modest single-family dwellings. And then there are those who live in large, very expensive single-family dwellings.
The first part of The Villages, called Spanish Springs, has its own downtown, shops, and restaurants. The second phase, known as Lake Sumter Landing, also has its own downtown, which is located on a small lake, Lake Sumter. You will find many nice shops and restaurants in Lake Sumter Landing. The latest phase, still under construction, is known as Brownwood. Brownwood's downtown is built around an old country theme.
Each of these downtowns has a town square where live music, dancing and drinking are available every evening of the year (weather permitting).
Brownwood is just now coming into its own. More and more shops and restaurants have opened up and more and more people are visiting the Brownwood downtown.
The Brownwood sales office is a beautiful 1800s building with an elegant and delightful interior carefully calculated to make you drool and immediately ask if you can buy a house in The Villages. This sales office carries out the country theme. It offers potential buyers various drinks, and plush couches, chair and settees upon which to relax. There is also a gift shop in the sales office where you may buy shirts and glassware and other gifts with the Brownwood logo on them.
In the hall leading to the gift shop you will find this gorgeous old organ. It's a magnificent instrument. I wanted to try it out but didn't dare. I was fearful some old coot may have come around the corner with a revolver in hand!
The second photo is an attempt to show what it would have looked like with an old-timey camera.
19 comments:
What a magnificent old organ and a terrific, colorful capture!! You do find the great ones, Lowell!! I have to admit that I would like to visit there -- I've been to Florida numerous times, but never to your area!! Thanks for sharing! Hope you're enjoying your weekend!!
Magnífica foto, de este original órgano; creo que debe de ser único ya que jamás vi alguno, con mueble-bar en la parte superior. Muy curioso.
Gracias por compartir.
Saludos, desde Sevilla.
All the (presumably, empty) bottles on the shelves is an interesting touch!
I don't see any "do not touch" signs. And if they offer libations and comfortable seating I'll bet they're happy to have live music, too.
You should have gone for it, Lowell! And belted out a song to go with! ;-))
That's a pretty good shot.
What a gorgeous organ, Lowell! Fascinating! :)
Interesting history and a fine looking organ. Your effect on the second image is very effective too!
Love the vintage style! You always find beautiful treasures to show us in your posts, this organ is special indeed. I think you should try it without worries. ;) And you should sing as well!
I also like those paintings ( indians portraits ) at the wall.
An amazing place and I would like to visit there someday.
Léia
Quite an unusual organ to my eyes!
80,000 residents, must be a super p!ace to retire Lowell. The organ has so much detail, I think you should try it out :)
Wow, what a magnificent old organ !
Well, yeah, I expect you have to watch out for those old coots everywhere in the Villages! But they do know how to have fun....old coots are pretty good at that ;)). The organ is beautiful, but I think it needs to be played!
You should of just sat down and played---one old coot to another--no guns---haha
You sound like the Chamber of Commerce but the info is educational.
MB
I do not know what the second image is, but the first one shows perfectly a real piece of art!
A gift shop for a home development area? That seems a little over the top. But I am glad to hear things are taking off there. I guess the idea is catching on.
The organ is a beauty! I wonder if it still works well or needs to be tuned. Actually, it doesn't matter as it's a handsome conservation piece.
Wow! That is a gorgeous instrument. I would love to hear it played.
Lowell, are you house hunting again?
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