Welcome to the Retreat at Lake Thomas! You often hear property labeled a “piece of paradise” but in this case, it fits! Drama starts as you enter the gated estate and travel the 200+ foot driveway to reach the front door. The new owner of this unique home will have just one decision – where to go on the property for the most enjoyable experience? Relaxing beside the 60-acre private ski lake? Curled up in front of the massive stone fireplace? Gazing at idyllic views of massive trees and blue skies stretching to forever? Here is a home where you can enjoy the 750 sq ft flagstone patio and walkways while waiting for roasted delights from the grilling pagoda. A home complete with attached private-entry guest suite, seasonal fireworks displays over Lake Thomas, and boat dock with electric, 7,000lb boat lift. The custom-built home is on 1.4 pristine acres, one of the largest lakefront lots in the region. Thinking of building in the future? There’s plenty of room for a garage and guest house. Roughly 500 feet of a tree-lined canal borders most of the property to the north, with the canal wrapping around the back of the home, inviting views of nature and wildlife as well as extra privacy. Fish for largemouth bass and more, and spot hawks, egrets and herons. Three words sum up this home: privacy, serenity and security. Majestic Cypress trees line the long pathway to the boathouse. Despite the secluded nature sanctuary feel, you’re just 20 minutes from the airport via Veteran’s Expressway and also near Cheval Golf and Country Club. The home is in the highly rated Steinbrenner High School District. The 4/3 home allows for cross-ventilation from lake breezes. You could reclaim the guest suite with small kitchen as a 5th bedroom, home gym or even rent it out! (Zoning allows for Airbnb with a 7-day rental.) New appliances include two new 3-ton AC units and air handlers installed this year and last, water softener, and over-the-range microwave. Updated features newly tiled shower in the main-floor guest bathroom, main electrical panel with all new breakers and added GFCI outlets, wood floors in the living room, and aluminum picket fence with 12’ entry swing gates. The roof was replaced in 2019. Other amenities: slate backsplash, solid wood cabinets, undermount lighting and granite counters in the kitchen, with a barn door leading to the laundry room. A cedar-lined walk-in closet in the master bedroom. Touches of textural, pricy pecky cypress throughout the home – on walls and ceilings and in the hand-crafted doors of the master suite. The use of this special wood creates a modern, cozy lodge feel. The master bedroom with its wood-burning fireplace are downstairs, along with the guest suite, while three other bedrooms and a huge loft outfitted for remote working are upstairs. In the living room, the fireplace is the focal point, set off with soaring ceilings. In this non-deed-restricted community, you can even keep your horses, RV and boat on site! Launch your canoe or kayak right from here, or run down the road to the community boat ramp. Other items to note: an auto sprinkler system sports six zones and uses lake water. No water bills – the home draws from a deep well! There are two storage sheds including a workshop area. The long, tree-lined driveway has two large parking pads. A tip from the current owners, who’ve lived there 20 years – you’ll want to make a habit of getting up early to enjoy the spectacular sunrises!