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Browse our original content for tips, ideas, and inspiration for your right-sized lifestyle. Also explore helpful articles describing life in a Simple Life community including our properties, grounds, fees, and the philosophy of our lifestyle.

Mar 28, 2023
Meal Prep 101

Meal prepping has become very popular among the 9-5-ers of the world. It makes life...

Mar 25, 2023
Maximize Space in Your Tiny Home With These Tips

Our tiny homes at the Hamlet come as small as 399 square feet. With that,...

Mar 23, 2023
7 Ways To Live Simpler Right Away

In today’s world, it can be challenging to be present. Most of us are always...

Mar 21, 2023
Tips for Setting Up At-Home Yoga in a Cottage Home

Yoga was developed over 5,000 years ago, becoming a widely practiced form of exercise and...

Mar 17, 2023
5 Reasons To Move To Lakeshore by Simple Life Today

Florida has long been a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts, active adults, and retirees, who...

Mar 16, 2023
Adventure Awaits Near Lakeshore by Simple Life

The locations of all Simple Life communities are thoughtfully chosen. Our communities are designed to...

Mar 02, 2023
How to be More Green in Daily Life

In more recent years, the topic of being “greener” or more eco-friendly has become popular,...

Mar 02, 2023
10 Tips For Downsizing in the New Year

One of the best things about starting a new year is getting a fresh start....

Feb 24, 2023
Helpful Tips for Downsizing with Dogs

Downsizing is a relatively simple concept – it involves simplifying your possessions, decreasing space, changing...

Feb 23, 2023
5 Benefits of Move-in Ready Homes

If you’re a house hunter looking to simplify the buying or building process, opting for...

Feb 21, 2023
8 Small Home Upgrades To Take Your Small House To Another Level

Choosing to live in a smaller home has an abundance of personal and practical benefits...

Feb 16, 2023
10 Benefits of Living In New Home Communities

Old homes and communities offer a sense of nostalgia, but some are far beyond their “use...

Feb 12, 2023
Practice Self Love This Valentine’s Day

When we think about Valentine’s Day, most of us would think about couples, romantic dates,...

Feb 08, 2023
11 Small House Interior Design Hacks

If you live in one of today’s tiny houses or small homes, you may find...

Jan 18, 2023
5 Hot drinks to keep you warm this winter

For us Floridians, there aren’t many opportunities to enjoy hot drinks – usually, we reach...

Six actions that will make you a better person
Jan 13, 2023
6 actions that will make you a better person

If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change the way...

Featured Lock and Love
Dec 21, 2022
Lock and leave | Surprising Upsides to Leading a Lock-and-Leave Lifestyle

Today is the day! You have booked your flight, packed your bags, and you’re turning...

Safe and Effective Weight Bearing Exercises for Seniors
Dec 02, 2022
Safe and Effective Weight Bearing Exercises for Seniors

If you’ve heard of squats, lunges, or push-ups, you’re already familiar with the concept of...

Antioxidants
Nov 11, 2022
Antioxidants Are The Guardians of Your Body’s Cells

It should go without saying that maintaining good health goes together with a good and...

Nov 01, 2022
Upgrade Your Yard

The possibilities for creating the perfect outdoor space are endless – but we’ve pinned down...

It’s a Beautiful Day for a Neighbor: Benefits of Social Participation and Engagement for Older Adults
Oct 17, 2022
It’s a Beautiful Day for a Neighbor: Benefits of Social Participation and Engagement for Older Adults

Enjoying alone time is natural. Solitude can be healthy, giving you opportunity to de-stress, reflect,...

Fun and easy crafts for adults to make at home
Oct 10, 2022
Fun and Easy Crafts for Adults to Make at Home

When you think of arts and crafts, you may picture elementary school children using safety...

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Sep 15, 2022
Five Small Kitchen Cooking Tips That Go Big On Efficiency

Having a smaller kitchen space doesn’t mean you have to give up making your favorite...

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Sep 08, 2022
What Are The Best Animal Sanctuaries In Florida To Watch Wildlife?

Florida wetlands are thriving with native flora and fauna, some of which are regular sights...

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Aug 31, 2022
Top Tips For Decluttering Your Home

Downsizing isn’t a one and done activity – it takes dedication, reflective thinking, and even...

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Aug 22, 2022
8 Benefits Of Yoga In Your Golden Years

How do you typically spend your time at Lakeshore? Do you engage in activities that...

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Aug 15, 2022
Top Tips To Approach Gardening For Seniors

When the first flower blooms on a plant that you have been caring for, it...

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Aug 08, 2022
Summer cocktail recipes – 6 best summer cocktails to try

There’s nothing better than the feeling of drinking a cool, refreshing drink on a scorching...

Feb 14, 2022
The Benefits of Move-In Ready Homes

Determining the type of house that will best suit your needs is just as important...

Simple Life Garden Envoy
Jan 28, 2022
Simple Life Garden Envoy

Envoy Groups are one of the best ways for residents to get involved in their...

Spend a Day at Lakeshore
Jan 14, 2022
Spend a Day at Lakeshore

At Lakeshore, each day is an opportunity for new experiences and activities. All Simple Life...

Christmas Celebrations in Western North Carolina
Dec 13, 2021
Christmas Celebrations in Western North Carolina

It’s that time of the year! The time where friends and family gather together, traveling...

Five Holiday Films for a Floridian’s White Christmas Fix
Dec 13, 2021
Five Holiday Films for a Floridian’s White Christmas Fix

Down here in Florida, we make Christmas as festive as can be. Lights, trees, fake...

A North Carolina Thanksgiving
Nov 19, 2021
A North Carolina Thanksgiving

I gave you some Florida themed recipes, now it’s time for some good North Carolina...

Choosing a Style For Your Cottage Home
Nov 12, 2021
Choosing a Style For Your Cottage Home

The best part about moving into a new home is decorating! It’s the perfect opportunity...

A Floridian’s Twist on Thanksgiving Dinner
Nov 05, 2021
A Floridian’s Twist on Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving, the absolute favorite holiday for some, is upon us once again. The usual spread...

The Charming Small Town of Flat Rock, North Carolina
Oct 22, 2021
The Charming Small Town of Flat Rock, North Carolina

From the artistic city of Asheville to the ski slopes of Boone, North Carolina offers...

Oct 15, 2021
Experience Asheville When You Live at The Hamlet

Asheville is one of the most popular cities in North Carolina- and for good reason....

Simple Life Envoy Groups
Oct 08, 2021
Simple Life Envoy Groups

Residents at Simple Life have the opportunity to get involved in their community in a...

Sep 24, 2021
Cottage Home Decor Ideas for Fall

Fall is many people’s favorite season- beloved for its seasonal scents and treats, the beauty...

New Amenities Coming Soon to Lakeshore
Sep 17, 2021
New Amenities Coming Soon to Lakeshore

We are excited to announce the coming of several brand-new amenities at our Lakeshore community!...

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Sep 15, 2021
Nestled in North Carolina’s Best Place to Retire is the Newest Cottage Home Community from Simple Life

Hendersonville, N.C. – (September XX, 2021) Simple Life, the company that believes you should live...

Sep 10, 2021
Easy One-Pot Recipes from a Cottage Kitchen

What’s not to love about one pot recipes? They save time, make less dishes, and...

5 Tips for Storing Summer Sports Equipment in a Cottage Home
Aug 23, 2021
5 Tips for Storing Summer Sports Equipment in a Cottage Home

Beautiful, warm, summertime weather often inspires us to get outside and get active. From gardening...

Aug 09, 2021
How to Evaluate Your Living Space Before You Downsize

There may come a time in your life when you wonder ‘what exactly do I...

Resident Spotlight: Steven and Roger
Jul 19, 2021
Resident Spotlight: Steven and Roger

Each one of our residents is an important part of Simple Life. Everyone has their...

Top 10 Inspiring Cottage Porch Ideas
Jun 28, 2021
Top 10 Inspiring Cottage Porch Ideas

Who doesn’t love a good front porch? At Simple Life, we love back porches as...

Introducing the Brand-New Sunny Isle Cottage!
Jun 18, 2021
Introducing the Brand-New Sunny Isle Cottage!

The Sunny Isle Cottage is Lakeshore’s newest, two-bedroom, two-bathroom home with more living space than any...

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May 18, 2021
Lakeshore Amenity Center Comes to Life at its April Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE2ZyM06Kuc Friday, April 17 was everything Simple Life hoped it would be! The sun was...

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Apr 22, 2021
Simple Life Offers Busy Lifestyle

Dozens of people were on hand last Friday, to celebrate in the official opening of...

Lakeshore Amenity Center Grand Opening
Apr 15, 2021
Lakeshore Amenity Center Grand Opening

On Saturday, April 17, 2021 Lakeshore is pleased to open its luxury Amenity Center with an open...

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Apr 05, 2021
Simple Life’s North Carolina Communities Are Near Services and Conveniences

Nothing seems more inviting than a cottage home tucked away in the mountains of Western...

Lakeshore by Simple Life is peacefully tucked away under a gorgeous live oak canopy with stunning views of a 40-acre lake. You can rest assured that an abundance of top-notch services are close by when you need them, though. Lakeshore residents enjoy a high-end cottage tucked away in a quiet, relaxed community with several options for grocery, home and garden, and veterinary needs just a short drive away. In fact, a brand new ALDI opened within walking distance in 2021! Also nearby are several new top-notch medical facilities, including the Center for Advanced Healthcare at Brownwood, the adjoining Brownwood Hotel & Spa, and UF Health The Villages® Regional Hospital. Below you’ll find a list of some of the premier services that are located in the immediate area surrounding Lakeshore. We invite you to check out our interactive surrounding area map for a more precise location of each service. We hope that the abundance of care and convenience eases your mind as you consider a move to Lakeshore or enhances your hassle-free, low stress lifestyle if you already call Lakeshore home. GROCERY Publix Supermarket – The well-known Florida supermarket chain offers a wide selection of groceries, plus a deli featuring Boars Heads® meats and a robust bakery department. In addition to in-store shopping, this Publix offers curbside pickup, no-contact delivery, and in-store pickup. ALDI – (Walking distance!) ALDI grocery stores offer standard grocery items, meat, and dairy at prices reduced by 20% – 40% on average. Within easy walking or biking distance, a brand new ALDI opened just down the street from Lakeshore in 2021. HOME GOODS Walmart – There isn’t really anything you can’t pick up at Walmart. Less than 5 minutes from Lakeshore, Walmart Supercenter offers curbside pickup, delivery, as well as in-store shopping. Open daily until 11pm, it is a great convenience for a number of reasons. Marshalls and HomeGoods – Whether you’re looking for discounted prices on seasonal fashion or décor for your new Lakeshore home, these two stores (located side-by-side) offer a variety of furnishings, bedding, kitchenware, holiday goods and more. DINING Gio’s Deli – Hungry for an authentic Italian dish? Just 3-4 minutes up the road from Lakeshore is this incredible deli specializing in Old World meats and cheeses available to go. Lighthouse Point Bar & Grille – Located in Lake Sumter Landing, you can enjoy great seafood and the sunset over Lake Sumter. Red Sauce – Only a 15-minute drive, this local favorite offers familiar Italian-American meals and regular live entertainment. VKI Japanese Steakhouse – Ranked best Japanese in The Villages®, this authentically decorated restaurant offers tableside hibachi, sushi and traditional Japanese kitchen entrees. TRANSPORTATION UBER and Lyft – While originally limited to larger cities and metropolitan areas, rideshare companies have quickly expanded to a number of locations including Oxford, FL. If you are looking for a ride to the airport, the doctor, or even just around town, either of these services are perfect solutions. Sumter County Shuttle – In coordination with the Sumter County Board of County Commissioners and the Florida Commission for Transportation, door-to-door shuttle services are available in the county from 8:30 am to 3 pm, Monday through Friday. This method of transportation is usually reserved for hospital appointments and medical visits. Interstate 75 – I-75 passes through six different states. The highway runs the length of the Florida peninsula from the Miami area and up the Gulf Coast through Tampa. Entrance to the Interstate is conveniently just a few minutes away from the entrance of Lakeshore Community. Orlando International Airport – A major public airport located 6 miles southeast of Downtown Orlando, FL, and just 1.5 hours from Oxford, FL, the airport handled 50,613,072 passengers in 2019, making it the busiest airport in the state and tenth busiest airport in the United States. Photo via Scenic Sumter Heritage Byway SCENIC ATTRACTIONS Scenic Sumter Heritage Byway – Winding through several old Florida roadways and friendly communities, the Scenic Sumter Heritage Byway features pastoral farmlands and beautiful Lake Panasoffkee. Sharon Rose Wiechens Preserve – Dozens of animals and amphibians can be found on this 625-acre wetland. Make sure to bring binoculars and a camera to make the most out of the observation deck! Florida National Cemetery – Located in the Withlacoochee State Forest, the Florida National Cemetery has a variety of memorials to honor America’s veterans along its Memorial Pathway. Lake Okahumpka Park – At 130 acres, Lake Okahumpta Park includes bike trails, a 9-hole frisbee golf course, and a 2-lane boat ramp. Enjoy a series of exercise stations or walk your pup along clearly marked trails. Back Road Berries – Stroll fields of strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries. You can call ahead to pick your own or just stop by and pickup homemade pies and cobblers made from fresh, seasonal berries. Photo via UF Health HOSPITALS AND HEALTHCARE UF Health The Villages® Hospital – This 307-bed acute care hospital has been serving residents of The Villages® as well as patients in Lake, Sumter, and Marion counties since 2002. The hospital’s teams of physicians and clinical staff work together to offer specialty services, advanced technology, and clinical studies. Walgreens – Walgreens is your go-to for pharmacy, health & wellness and photo products. Known nationwide, Walgreens is the perfect place to refill prescriptions in-person and online, order items for delivery or store pickup, and create photo gifts for your friends and family. VETIRNARY CARE Oxford Animal Hospital – Oxford Animal Hospital is a full-service animal hospital. This facility welcomes pet patients for wellness exams and services as well as routine medical, surgical, and dental procedures. Whether it’s time for your pet’s annual wellness exam or they under the weather, need dental services or surgery, Oxford Animal Hospital has everything you need and is located just around the corner from Lakeshore by Simple Life. VCA Buffalo Ridge Animal Hospital – Buffalo Ridge Animal Hospital serves dogs and cats in The Villages®, Belleview, Summerfield, Oxford, and Wildwood areas. The hospital offers exceptional service and patient care. The full-service animal hospital combines the latest medical practices with state-of-the-art equipment and compassionate care. They also offer separate dog and cat boarding for a stress-free stay. Oxford, FL is the home of Simple Life Lakeshore and also offers the convenience of nearby shopping, dining, entertainment, and outdoor recreation. Visit us today in sunny, Central Florida and explore our options for right-sized living. Call or text us at 352-702-3266 to schedule your home showing. You can also LIKE us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, or follow us on Houzz.
Mar 16, 2021
Services are Close by Lakeshore When You Need Them

Lakeshore by Simple Life is peacefully tucked away under a gorgeous live oak canopy with stunning...

Top 5 Things to Do as a Non-Resident at The Villages in Florida
Feb 01, 2021
Top 5 Things to Do as a Non-Resident at The Villages in Florida

Life at Lakeshore by Simple Life includes a 3,500 sq. ft. amenity center with a pool, fitness...

Lakeshore’s 3,500 sq. ft. Amenity Center is Almost Here
Nov 18, 2020
Lakeshore’s 3,500 sq. ft. Amenity Center is Almost Here

At Simple Life we understand that “community” can play an essential role in one’s sense...

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Nov 05, 2020
Lakeshore Unveils Amenity Center Design and Features as Construction Moves Full Speed Ahead

The first residents moved in and amenities are on track to open early February 2021...

How To Store Your Adventure Gear In A Tiny Cottage House
Sep 17, 2020
How To Store Your Adventure Gear In A Tiny Cottage House

Downsizing is never easy, but it can be especially overwhelming when it involves outdoor recreation...

Simple Life Envoys
Aug 31, 2020
Simple Life Envoys

A collection of Simple Life homes is more than a neighborhood, it’s a community. Life...

Introducing the Studio Shed by Simple Life
Jul 31, 2020
Introducing the Studio Shed by Simple Life

From storage and workspaces to home libraries and art studios, the Studio Shed is the backyard shed,...

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Jul 15, 2020
HBA of Lake-Sumter Debuts First Tiny Home Ever Included in the Prestigious Parade of Homes™

Success in America was once measured by the bigger job, the bigger car, the bigger...

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Jul 02, 2020
Living in a Tiny Home Means More Time Outside!

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American spends only 7% of their...

Low-Country-Kitchen
May 12, 2020
Discover Flavors of the World Without Leaving Home

For most of us, some of the best travel memories include discovering the flavors and...

5 Ways to Be a Helper from Home
May 01, 2020
5 Ways to Be a Helper from Home

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my...

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Apr 21, 2020
Simple Lemon Pasta Recipe … Simple Pleasures

Comfort food. Family recipes. Breaking bread. Food has always been an important part of what...

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Apr 17, 2020
Simple Life’s Lakeshore Landing Amenity Center Opens to Rave Reviews and a Red-hot Real Estate Market

Oxford, Fla. – (April XX, 2020) Simple Life, the company that believes you should live...

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Apr 02, 2020
5 Tips to Stay-at-Home in a Tiny House

Across the globe people are being asked to “stay at home” in order to help...

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Feb 15, 2020
Living a Smarter and Simpler Life at Lakeshore

Since we are living in the prime time of technology development, high-speed internet is included...

Wedge-Bedroom
Dec 31, 2019
5 Tiny House New Year’s Resolutions for 2020

Turning a tiny house into a happy home is the key to a happy life...

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Dec 13, 2019
5 Gifts for a Simple Life in a Tiny House

Living in a small space does not mean living with less. However, no matter if...

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Dec 02, 2019
How To Host Holidays In Your Small House

There is nothing quite like gathering in the company of family and friends over the...

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Nov 15, 2019
Hendersonville, North Carolina named one of Trip Advisor’s Favorite Charming Small Towns in the South

Recently named to TripAdvisor’s list of 12 Charming Small Towns In The South With Warm Hospitality...

The Ideal Home Base for Your RV Lifestyle
Nov 01, 2019
The Ideal Home Base for Your RV Lifestyle

Home is where your RV is – the tried and true motto of many RV...

How To Design Your Snowbird Lifestyle
Oct 15, 2019
How To Design Your Snowbird Lifestyle

Are you considering the snowbird lifestyle? It makes sense! Many adults are desiring more months...

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Sep 23, 2019
Tips to Avoid the Overwhelm of Downsizing

Got a lot of stuff you need to get rid of? Can’t figure out how to...

Sep 11, 2019
Choosing a Cottage Home That’s Right For You

It’s time to design your life at Lakeshore! You can’t go wrong with any of...

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Aug 16, 2019
Downsizing and Decluttering 101

It is inevitable. One way or another, you’re going to downsize. It is part of...

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Jul 09, 2019
Empty Nesters Making the Big Switch to Tiny Home Living in NC

Life happens in stages. Childhood, school, jobs, marriages, children of our own, and so it...

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Jun 27, 2019
Working From a Tiny Home

People are often drawn to tiny houses by their charming, unique exteriors and undeniably minimalistic...

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May 31, 2019
Understanding Park Model Homes

The modern tiny house movement has been trending for the better part of the last decade. From...

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Apr 18, 2019
Perfect Weather and Perfect Pricing – Enjoy Spring in North Carolina in our Zion Model

Springtime in Simple Life communities in Flat Rock, North Carolina has residents planting flowers, gardening...

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Apr 15, 2019
New Simple Life Florida Community Named – Lakeshore

It’s official! Simple Life is naming its flagship Florida community Lakeshore! Located just outside The Villages,...

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Mar 20, 2019
A Lifestyle You Can Feel Good About – Small Footprint, Big Impact

Builders and developers have spent the past several years trying to design their own blueprint...

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Jan 31, 2019
Simple Life Officially Launches Its Newest Tiny Home Community In Central Florida

Simple Life’s newest community Lakeshore, which will provide 223+ tiny homes in a stunning, well...

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Dec 22, 2018
A Sweet and Simple Holiday at Simple Life

Simple Life community? It’s actually quite simple! Our residents enjoy just the right amount of holiday...

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Dec 20, 2018
Simple Life is Leading the Market for Desirable Tiny Home Living

While it may appear that Americans are working harder and wanting more out of life,...

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Nov 15, 2018
A Subtle Start to a Simple Life

There’s something to be said for the ease of moving into a pre-owned home in...

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Oct 30, 2018
A Simple But Exciting Life in Hendersonville, North Carolina

Simple Life because we hope that our residents will embrace a life less hectic than...

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Sep 04, 2018
Simple Life Sponsor of North Carolina Apple Festival

The temperatures in The Crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains are crisp and the area...