Just minutes from Lakewood Ranch, nestled in the heart of The Forest at Panther Ridge, you will find a charming Victorian inspired country estate overlooking a peaceful lake. Mature oak trees line the winding asphalt driveway that leads up to the 4-bedroom, 3-bath home, and surrounding the 7.83-acre homesite are berms topped with thickly planted trees and shrubs. The protective hedge around the property ensures privacy, making the home virtually invisible from the road, and the spacious grounds provide colorful plantings along with spectacular mature trees. The home itself is set well off the road and defines the word “picturesque”. There is so much to love, including the large picture windows, vaulted ceilings in the great room and primary suite, a gas fireplace and a beautifully updated kitchen featuring a gas stove, oversized refrigerator, and walk-in pantry. The split floor plan gives the home a very roomy feel and is well suited for a home office or very private in-law/guest suite. Also included is a large a/c wine cellar plus a gathering area for wine tasting and entertaining. The home has a 4-car garage (1 bay is tandem for a smaller vehicle) and there is RV hookup that includes power and water. A whole house generator was recently installed, and the home also includes an irrigation system, security system, driveway alarm, outdoor shower, gutters, electrical outlets placed at strategic locations on the property as well as the entrance (perfect for adding an electric gate). Exploring the private backyard, you will quickly discover this area is made for entertaining, starting with the sparkling blue pool with a built-in fire pit. Next to the pool is a large cabana with a summer kitchen that includes a grill, smoker, and dishwasher, plus a large storage area. The backyard also provides a large, cleared lawn, the perfect place for your family and friends to play sports or graze horses. There is ample room for tennis courts or a barn, and acres a-plenty for paddocks and an arena if you so desire. Panther Ridge offers charming country living with estate-property distinction. Its natural setting evokes 'old Florida' and is vast enough for residents to enjoy 15 miles of trails created for horseback riding/hiking, elaborate gardens, and complete privacy. This home is in The Forest on the North side of ST RD 70 along with 3 additional Panther Ridge equestrian neighborhoods. The community has a park featuring a horse-riding area, basketball court, baseball area, and park equipment plus a covered area for picnicking. Across ST RD 70 is The Concession Golf & CC as well as 3 additional Panther Ridge neighborhoods that also include parks and trails. Panther Ridge is contiguous to Lakewood Ranch, a master-planned community the size of a town. At 50 square miles, it is filled with shopping, dining, arts, entertainment, nature, recreational facilities, golf courses and top-notch schools, many of which have earned A-ratings. Charter and private options are also available, as well as numerous colleges and universities. Amenities are important, but the reason folks want to live here is because nothing compares to living on a large homesite, sitting on the front porch, and soaking in the peace and quiet. It is a rare commodity in a very busy world, where space and the privacy it affords is hard to come by. Here, you can feel like you are living in the middle of the country but with the comfort of having a Publix just 5 miles away.