If waterfalls, English pubs, and aromatherapy aren't words that usually come to mind when you hear retirement living, think again. Longworth Retirement Village held its grand opening last night and completed Sifton Properties' development of the Westmount subdivision area of the city.

The retirement community, which cost more than $20 million to build, includes 143 assisted-living rooms -- either singles or for couples -- and 160 beds in the long-term care facility.

The long-term care facility is the first in London and Middlesex to meet new provincial guidelines.

More than half the assisted- living rooms are occupied, and all of the long-term care beds are full.

"We started (Westmount) more than 40 years ago," Glen Sifton, president of Sifton Properties, said yesterday. "It's nice to finish it off with something as significant as this."

Entering the facility is like walking into a posh hotel.

To the right is a library and fireplace adjacent to an Internet cafe -- residents can get training on sending e-mails and pictures to loved ones.

Straight ahead is an English pub and to the right a small tuck shop. Residents who want to see the action down below can look over a railing from the second storey.

"There's nothing like this in retirement living and long-term care facilities," said Dale Pineau, Longworth's general manager. "It's new and it's very unique."

Sifton wanted the facility to look and feel like a home, said Sifton vice-president Barry Parker.

"When you walk in, it doesn't look like an old-age home. This is care but in a unique, comfortable and refined setting."

The price of such upscale comfort in the assisted-living apartments?

Between $2,500 a month for a studio apartment and $3,995 a month for a luxury one-bedroom.

That includes meals, 24-hour emergency support from registered nursing staff and all kinds of activities.

Kay Rogerson-Fitzallen and husband Jack Fitzallen moved into their suite in February and couldn't be happier.

What they appreciate most, they say, is the freedom to do what they want.

Their menus can be customized to their needs, there are buses to theatres, shopping malls and beaches, an exercise room and plenty of activities to pass the time.

"I can think of nothing more we want," Fitzallen said, sitting in the living room of their apartment overlooking a large courtyard.

"We love the staff, they go out of their way. You don't have to eat what you don't want, and there's exercises of all kinds," he said.

Rogerson-Fitzallen volunteers at the tuck shop and participates in a knitting circle.

Before they lived at Longworth, the couple lived in the Westmount area and they are happy to be close to a part of the city they like.

That's what the rest of the residents are saying, too.

"The feedback we've been getting is that we've met and exceeded the residents' expectations," Sifton said.