An exclusive new retirement village of apartments and cottages has just been unveiled at a prestigious reception in St Mawes in Cornwall to a queue of eager purchasers.

A new concept in the UK and the first of it's kind in Cornwall, the development comprises approximately 50 individual properties of the highest quality offering various designs and sizes of accommodation, in the part wooded grounds of the historic Penlee House, Tregony.

An extensive range of leisure, social and care facilities at the heart of the development will enable residents - who must be over 55 - to enjoy an active retirement with a carefree lifestyle, exclusively for older people.

There will be a gym and swimming pool, shop, launderette, library and chapel. In the landscaped grounds there is to be a croquet lawn and pavilion, a bowls green and petanque area.

Heather Fairbairn, from developers Roseland Parc Ltd, said over 30 prospective purchasers attended the invitation-only preview, and at the end of the day 10% of the village had been sold or reserved.

Local purchasers are being given priority on a number of units before the development is advertised nationally later this summer. People seeking information can contact Miller Countrywide on (01872) 274211 or (01326) 270744