Following three years in administration, Auchlochan Garden Village in Lesmahagow, South Lanarkshire, has now been acquired by property and care home operator The Argyll Group.

With 245 residents and 97 staff members employed, the charity MHA Auchlochan formerly operated the retirement village, which entered administration in 2023.

The Argyll Group previously purchased nearby Bankhouse Care Home two years ago, also previously owned by MHA Auchlochan.

Auchlochan Garden Village is a 50-acre site consisting of 235 apartments and cottages and a 78-bed care home.

Nearly half of the 235 properties on the estate are privately owned, while the Property and care home operator will now own the other half to lease or sell. 

At present, half of the properties now owned by The Argyll Group are occupied with lease agreements.

The village has a private woodland retreat for residents over the age of 55, with private homes that enable full independence, alongside supported living and higher levels of care at home if needed. 

Under the new ownership, upcoming  investment plans will focus on enhancements to onsite amenities such as the bistro restaurant, walled garden and greenhouses, event spaces, communal areas and beauty and wellness salons. 

Currently, the 78-bed Lower Johnshill Care Home, delivers care to 65 residents. As part of the sale, the care home will be renamed as Auchlochan House Care Home.

The estate has been operated by Blair Milne, James Fennessey and Robert Young, partners with accountancy firm Azets, after their appointment as joint administrators of MHA Auchlochan in 2023. 

Since 2024, the administration team have worked closely with The Argyll Group on the sale of Bankhouse Care Home  followed by the sale of Auchlochan Garden Village and Lower Johnshill Care Home.

William McDonald, founding director of The Argyll Group, said: “Auchlochan Garden Village has been an incredibly important part of the local community for many years, and we are proud to secure its future for residents, families and staff.

“From the moment we visited the estate, we met homeowners and residents who told us how much they wish they had chosen Auchlochan as their home sooner and we too instantly recognised what a special place it is.”

Sam McDonald, director of The Argyll Group, added: “Auchlochan Garden Village is already one of the UK’s largest villages for residents and homeowners aged 55 and over. 

“Our vision is to become one of Scotland’s leading retirement communities – somewhere that combines independent living, high-quality care and an exceptional environment where residents can enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle.”

McDonald added: “This deal has been two years in the making and the administration team at Azets has been exceptional throughout the process.”

Blair Milne, joint administrator and head of Restructuring and Insolvency in Scotland with Azets, said: “A significant effort has been made throughout the administration period to restructure governance of the Village and to prepare the asset for sale. 

“That process has required support from many parties, most notably Methodist Homes Association (the previous operator and majority creditor), the dedicated staff at Auchlochan and Lower Johnshill and of course the resident community and their families.”

Maureen Douglas, who has lived at Auchlochan Garden Village for over two decades, said: “The last three years have been difficult for everyone in the village, as we faced uncertainty about our future and how long our community could continue.

“We believe our village is one of the most beautiful places anyone could choose to live, and we are all delighted that The Argyll Group is taking over. 

“It gives us the opportunity to build on our close knit community.”

Previously operated by MHA Auchlochan, the estate was run in accordance with Methodist principles. Under the new ownership, Auchlochan Retirement Village will be run as a non-denominational community.