The first units at a purpose-built retirement village in Ballymahon, Co Longford are on the market, writes Edel Morgan

Thomond Lodge is a pretty retirement village in Ballymahon, Co Longford designed to cater for the needs of elderly people.

The retirement village is part of a development that includes family-sized houses and a nursing home.

There are 61 bungalows on sale through Hynes Auctioneers with a choice of one-bed 45sq m (485sq ft) units for €310,000 and two-bed 73sq m (785sq ft) units for €350,000.

Rental income is guaranteed for four years, with an annual income of €13,000 on one-beds and €15,000 on two-beds.

The idea behind Thomond Lodge is to provide residents with the best of both worlds - private living accommodation but the opportunity to live an active social life in a close-knit community. It is within walking distance of the local shops and restaurants.

Each house is fitted with a nurse call system and telephone line linked to the nursing home. The houses also have fire alarms, and intruder alarms.

Meals and other services are available on request from the nursing home.

The development has a day care centre that provides a focal point for social activity and the nursing home is a 48-bed purpose-built facility which provides respite, convalescence and long-stay facilities to residents

It has a sittingroom, a diningroom, a library, an oratory, an internet café and a hairdressing salon.

There is a separate visitor's room where residents can meet with relatives and friends.

The specially designed gardens have mature trees, sensory gardens on each wing, manicured lawns and seating areas are included.