The new village at 217 Taylor Street was officially opened on Saturday by Armidale Regional Council Mayor Simon Murray, and already deposits have been put on two of the 44 villas.

New England area manager Kate Pigram says there has been a lot of local interest and also from people returning to Armidale after having previously moved away.

The boutique village, in a secure gated community, offers stylish, maintenance-free living for people over 55 in one, two and three bedroom homes and is the second Oak Tree retirement development in the town, joining the existing Martin Street village.

Prices start at $355,000 for a two-bedroom, one car garage house. A three-bedroom, double garage house can cost $445,000.