The Oakleigh - Elysian Residences

The Oakleigh is a new elevated country community for 65+ set within thirteen acres of private woodland, formal gardens and ornamental ponds on the North Orbital Road, close to St Albans. Comprising 124 architecturally designed apartments and cottages, the first phase is now open for tours, with early owners already moving in.

The concept draws on a model of retirement living established in Australia and New Zealand, where the emphasis is less on care and more on community: a social hub where homeowners, their families and the wider public can come together. At its centre is Botané, a restaurant opening in October, alongside a bar, library, gym, art studio, private dining spaces and an ongoing events programme.

The interiors have been designed by a team from Australia and New Zealand, who set out to create spaces their own parents, siblings and friends would genuinely want to live in - a different starting point, they say, to the usual retirement development brief, and one that shows in the finished result. Homes are reserved for those aged 65 and over, though the building itself has been designed to be intergenerational by intention, welcoming visiting family and the wider community.

Independence remains at the centre of daily life at The Oakleigh, backed by on-site management, a 24-hour response line, and the option of bespoke care as and when it's needed. Owners describe a strong sense of community, with shared spaces and a regular events calendar helping neighbours become friends, on their own terms.

The first phase of apartments and cottages is now available to purchase, with show cottages open to visit by appointment at The Oakleigh, North Orbital Road, St Albans, AL2 2DS.