The woman, who is originally from Los Angeles, moved to the South and now sees her work directly benefit the local community.
Sara McDaniel relocated from Springhill, Los Angeles, to what she claims is the friendliest town in the South.
Minden, Louisiana, is a small town with fewer than 11,000 residents, according to Realtor.com.
The town is known for much more than its distinctive Spanish-style architecture.
Sara, an investor and Simply Southern Cottage founder, described the town as “the friendliest city in the South. We are a dreamy Southern town full of kind people, historic architecture, quaint shops, brick streets, and outdoor adventures.”
“We can truly meet the desires of almost every traveler, creating a warm experience full of Southern hospitality.”
However, Minden, like many other cities in the United States, has a housing shortage, with many residents struggling to find affordable living spaces.
Sara went on to say, “There is definitely a housing gap.
“We have a mile-long waiting list of rental clients who want a place to live.
“If I had unlimited funds, I would purchase additional properties to turn into affordable housing options.”
Sara currently has “27 total doors,” 11 of which are short-term rentals and the remainder are long-term properties.
The majority of them are located in Minden.
A VILLA FROM HISTORY
Sara’s life changed when a childhood friend called to ask if she was interested in a project.
It would be her most ambitious project yet: restoring a block of historic villas at Spanish Court in town.
The property was built in 1931 and was in use until the 1980s, after which it was abandoned.
Sara described bullet holes in the villas’ windows and caving-in ceilings.
She took a chance and purchased the eight apartments for $50,000.
The investor quickly discovered asbestos in the walls and lead paint throughout the rooms.
It would be an expensive fix-up.
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She ended up taking out a loan with a 0% interest rate and $46,000 in financing.
But it was not enough, and Sara was eventually forced to sell a property in Texas and use the proceeds to address the major environmental issues.
It took approximately 18 months to complete the eight villas.
The villas have been open to the public since February 2023 and are available for short-term stays near downtown Minden.
Sara added, “This project is more about investing in our community and preserving a historic structure than it is about making money.”
“I have almost bought the entire street on which these villas sit.
“It was more important to me to save a historic structure, revitalize a street previously known for gang activity, drugs, and more, and provide meaningful and worthwhile employment opportunities for my immediate staff and team of subcontractors than it is to turn a profit.”
But Sara’s gamble paid off, and she made $220,000 in 2024, which she reinvested entirely in the villas.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Sara is already feeling the benefits of the updated villas.
She stated, “As I get older, I realize every day how short life is and how much work I believe I still have to do on this planet.
I take calculated risks and make decisions that scare me every day, but I also enjoy the rush of excitement when things work out and I see others benefit from the decisions I make.
“Ultimately, I believe in people over profit and work tirelessly to leave a legacy rather than making a fortune.
“I want people to remember me for the work I did while on earth and not how much money I made.”
Sara has also established a nonprofit to honor her late father, Phillip Carroll.
The Phillips Cottage serves as a transitional home for women with children who have completed the Louisiana Teen Challenge in Minden.
Sara is currently renovating a home that will serve as the group’s headquarters.
She hopes it will be ready by August.