THE first five homes on the site of a former garden centre in Lymm for people looking to downsize in luxury have been completed.

And developers say the final eight should be finished by early summer next year.

The garden centre, on Burford Lane in the village, closed in 2013 and developers Arbor Living have been working on the site.

The home are unique for the over 55s and are being sold for around £450,000.

Set in landscaped grounds with a nearby private meadow and pond, developers have targeted them as a 'smart lifestyle option' for people looking to downsize, reduce maintenance costs, and release equity in their property.

Graham Richardson, chief executive at Arbor Living, said: “Cheshire is a stunning county and a wonderful place to live.

"We have identified that like most of the country, Cheshire has a lack of single level living properties and as we are based in the area, it was the right fit for our next development.

“Willowpool will be the country’s first seven-star park home development and offers discerning buyers over 55 the chance to buy a contemporary, single level home, without giving up the standard of lifestyle they currently enjoy.

"It’s also an unrivalled option for those looking to downsize and release equity from their existing property.

“At Willowpool the concept is simple; luxury low-maintenance living in the heart of Cheshire, close to all local amenities.”

One of the five properties at Willowpool has already been sold ahead of completion.

Bobby Shahlavi, manager of Gascoigne Halman Lymm estate agents who are marketing Willowpool, said: “We continue to see a substantial demand for higher standards of living in retirement and semi-retirement and Graham and his team are tackling this shortfall in high-spec, single level homes.

“I expect Willowpool will be very well received in the area.”

The homes are built to BS3632; an exacting standard covering structural stability, weather-resistance and insulation, and include a choice of distinctive kitchens and bathrooms, plus contemporary design features such as Velux windows, roll-top baths, dining areas to comfortably seat eight and outdoor living spaces. Willowpool is Arbor Living’s second luxury home park development, the other being Lakeshore at Burton Waters near Lincoln.