Sand Quay Mill ideal place for the over-50s

CLONAKILTY may well turn out to be a town to put grey hairs on you. While the place is nick-named Clonifornia and is awash in youthful surfers, its planners have also ear-marked several sites and developments specifically for the over-50s.

Land near the town’s hospital and now on the market is zoned and restricted for uses related to the hospital, or perhaps a retirement community, while at the western end of the town another retirement community development Clogheen Meadows and adjoining nursing home is just completed and sold out.

In the middle of the town, meanwhile, a mill conversion with nine apartments has also been targeted at the older set, those aged 50 years and above.

A number of show apartments are open this weekend in Sand Quay Mill, a conversion of a 150-year old sandstone mill building which itself shows that old age is no barrier to a vibrant life.

Estate agent Martin Kelleher of SWS Property Services says the apartments are the most luxurious and unique in the town: three or four striking show apartments will be open to callers this weekend from 11am to 3pm. Most striking of all are the four top floor split level units with double height spaces and exposed beams.

Price range from €225,000 for one-bed units from 560 sq ft upwards, to €280,000 for 800-plus sq ft two-beds, with a very high specification. Features include pressurised hot water and showers, ISDN lines, AV intercom, lift access and oak floors.