Multiple offers, calling for highest and best by Sunday, March 6 at 1PM. Welcome to 8196 Lake James Dr! This ERNIE WHITE home is located in the premier 55+ community of LAKE JAMES. Step inside this beautiful home and you will notice that it offers numerous upgrades and has been immaculately maintained. It features 2 bedrooms plus an office, 2 bathrooms, and an amazing outdoor living space. The foyer greets you with a tray ceiling, modern lighting and beautiful tile floors throughout the home. Just off the foyer is the guest room with a full bathroom. The office is adjacent to the guest area, just through the French doors. This Gibson II model offers a large, open living space with high ceilings throughout, giving it a spacious feel. The kitchen is the centerpiece with gorgeous wood cabinets, quartz countertops, large island, walk-in pantry and a gas stovetop! The large master suite is located off the kitchen and offers an en-suite bathroom with quartz countertops, wood cabinets, dual sinks, an oversized shower, private water closet and a huge, custom walk-in closet. Ready to enjoy the Florida lifestyle? Step out to your extended lanai! Whether you want to relax with a good book, grill up dinner and enjoy your meal al fresco, or sit by the fire, this space has it all! This home backs up to a conservation, providing a serene backdrop to enjoy those beautiful mornings and peaceful evenings. The outdoor kitchen has a gas quick disconnect for a portable generator. Additionally, there’s an inside laundry with custom cabinetry offering LOTS of storage space and tile backsplash. The garage features a split AC unit and interlocking floor tiles. Lake James is a premier gated community, exclusively featuring well-respected Ernie White construction homes. This neighborhood offers a great quality of life, with lawn care and premium cable with high-speed internet included. It features a clubhouse, fitness room, walking paths, bocce ball court, shuffleboard, a waterfront pool, and waterfront gazebo. Lakeland is a rapidly growing area of Central Florida, located between Tampa and Orlando, providing easy access to nearby beaches, theme parks, and more. If you want to be able to experience everything that Florida has to offer, in a peaceful and relaxing setting, this home and community simply have it all!