Senior living in the Texoma area is experiencing a meaningful transformation. With the addition of Woodland Cottages in Sherman, local seniors now have access to a new option designed around independence, dignity, and a true sense of community.
As residents transition into the next chapter of life, the need for senior living options that feel more like home has become increasingly important. Mark Matise, founder of Woodland Cottages, recognized that need and combined his development and brokerage experience to create a retirement community unlike traditional senior living options.
After researching residential opportunities throughout the region, Matise discovered a significant gap in quality senior housing.
“I found that senior housing was a market with a lot of needs, and the majority of what was available was a poor product,” says Matise. “That is how we got here. Like our website states, we know home is where you dream, plan, and get inspired about the future. That matters to us, and we carry that through each space and shared moment.”
With successful communities already located in Belton, College Station, Fredericksburg, and Westover Hills, Woodland Cottages’ newest location brings a fresh approach to independent senior living in Texoma.
Too often, senior living is associated with giving things up. Woodland Cottages aims to change that perception by creating a community where residents can maintain their independence while enjoying comfort, connection, and peace of mind.
The 55+ community offers privacy, a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, and the freedom to enjoy life without the daily responsibilities of traditional homeownership.
Located near Lake Texoma, residents have access to countless opportunities for recreation, including bass and world-class striper fishing, camping and hiking at nearby Eisenhower State Park, and exploring the historic downtown areas of Sherman and Denison, where shopping, festivals, and museums offer year-round entertainment.
Woodland Cottages features 84 newly built cottages with a variety of floor plans, ranging from one-bedroom, 888-square-foot cottages to two-bedroom, two-bath homes measuring 1,354 square feet with garages.
Designed with both beauty and functionality in mind, each cottage features attractive landscaping, cut stone accents, and modern architectural details. Inside, residents will find spacious, efficient layouts with open-concept kitchens, stainless steel appliances, multi-cycle dishwashers, pantries, generous closets, two-inch window blinds, zero-threshold showers, and laundry rooms equipped for full-size washers and dryers.
The community is also pet-friendly, with select cottages offering fenced backyards. Full-time staff and housekeeping services are available to provide additional support while allowing residents to enjoy the lifestyle they desire.
For Samira Greenhalgh, Community Director at Woodland Cottages, the most rewarding part of her role is helping residents create meaningful connections and enjoy a fulfilling new chapter.
“This has been a great experience for me,” says Greenhalgh. “Our residents are just as happy, if not happier, to be here than I am to have them here.”
Greenhalgh describes Woodland Cottages as an amenity-rich community designed to encourage residents to stay active, engaged, and connected.
“We cover onsite maintenance, landscaping, pest control, valet trash service, fiber internet, utilities including power, water, and garbage, and even offer a DirecTV package,” says Greenhalgh. “We also have community-hosted activities, a monthly activity calendar, a resort-style clubhouse, pool, fitness center, and two pickleball courts.”
Her role goes beyond managing daily operations. She focuses on helping residents build relationships and create a vibrant social life within the community.
“My job includes getting residents out of their homes, connecting them with each other, maintaining an active lifestyle, and creating friendships,” says Greenhalgh. “We want them to have a relevant social life while they are here with us.”
Woodland Cottages is also designed to help families navigate the transition from traditional homeownership to a simpler lifestyle without sacrificing independence.
“We hope families will come together to discuss downsizing and maintaining the independence and lifestyle they are used to,” says Greenhalgh. “Here, our residents won’t feel like they are giving up everything. They are just getting the support they want.”
For many seniors, Woodland Cottages provides an ideal first step between maintaining a large home and moving into a more traditional senior living environment.
“We are probably the easiest first step in making the transition from being a fully independent homeowner to living somewhere where the maintenance and responsibilities of homeownership are taken care of while still maintaining the dignity of independence,” says Greenhalgh. “I am happy to help these families take their first steps into their next stage of life here at Woodland Cottages.”
Woodland Cottages is located at 3306 W. Houston Street, Sherman.
To learn more or schedule a visit, contact Samira Greenhalgh at 903-328-1490 or email info@woodlandcottages.com