MAY DAY isn’t the only reason for Maureen and John Walsh to celebrate. All going well, the couple will be happily ensconced in their new home by that date.

The two, who currently split their time between properties in Galway and Ratoath, Co Meath, have just bought a two bedroom unit at Wellington Hall in the heritage town of Trim. Wellington Hall is a newly completed “over 50s” development of 28 luxury apartments within the Knightsbrook Golf Country Resort.

“We were very impressed by the high spec finish of the units, and the fact that it’s right beside the Knightsbrook Hotel, which has golf for John and the pool and gym for me,” explains Maureen, who was widowed for nine years before meeting John, who she married four years ago.

For him it was also a second marriage, and the fact that Wellington Hall is being marketed as an over-50s development suited both of them.

“We liked the location because it’s just a couple of minutes walk from Trim town centre, which is lovely – it’s a previous Tidy Town winner – and there’s a regular bus service to Dublin if we want it,” says Maureen, who is originally from Castleknock.

“The room sizes are great too, with high ceilings and a big lounge. We are both so looking forward to not having to worry about gardening too.”

Wellington Hall has been designed and fitted out to a high standard with the trade-down market in mind, according to Aidan Hora of Hora Homes, the developer.

“Our apartments are 50 per cent larger than an average two bedroom apartment available in the market.

“The two bedroom apartments in Wellington Hall are generally 1,100-1,200 sq ft and penthouse apartments are 1,850 sq ft with three terraces and private roof gardens.

“In order to attract those down-sizing from larger properties we felt that our apartments would not only require large floor areas but would also require a higher level of specification for the apartment market.”

Externally the building has red brick and limestone in the style of a period building. The grounds have been landscaped. “Great care has been taken to create a ‘wow’ factor on entering the lobby, which has a feature four-storey atrium with a large crystal chandelier adding to its sense of grandeur,” says Hora.

Within the apartments, ceiling heights have been increased to 9ft in the two bedroom units and 10ft in the penthouses, with decorative cornices fitted to the living rooms and entrance halls.

The living room features traditional marble fireplaces.

“The designer kitchens, provided by KUBE Design, are of significant size and standard. In addition, all the main bathrooms and en-suites have been finished to an elegant five-star hotel standard,” he says.

Two bedroom apartments of 1,100-1,200 sq ft are priced at €210,000, and penthouses of 1,850 sq ft are priced at €400,000. Wellington Hall has an underground garage where each resident will have two parking spaces in addition to a secure storage unit.

“The Knightbrook area offers a high quality location for anyone looking to enjoy retirement without the problems of maintenance associated with larger homes,” says Hora.

Buyers get free membership of the adjoining Christy O’Connor Junior-designed golf course, which is hosting the Junior Solheim Cup in September.

For Maureen and John it promises something even better. “We’re so excited, it’s a fresh start,” says Maureen.