An innovative retirement home development is one step nearer to completion thanks to a Cumbrian engineering specialist.

Scalesceugh Hall and Villas, near Carlisle, offers eco-living in a country estate, with home owners having access to rooms and shared spaces in the hall.

The development is the brainchild of Dr Anita Herdeiro and her husband Bruno, who moved from London two years ago to rescue the stately home and begin a massive programme of restoration, and the building of retirement villas in the grounds.

Local engineering specialist Kingmoor Consulting was called in to assist with ongoing issues with building control compliance and value engineering.

It was also involved with alterations in the main hall, and with the new show apartment.

Colin Aimers, director, said: "The Herdeiros have created an idyllic countryside village in Cumbria with great services and a wonderful lifestyle.

“Today we have older people who don’t have the infrastructure of family and friends around them, so this offers a community – if and when required. We were very proud to be involved in this exciting scheme.”

Buyers of the houses will have access to rooms in the hall including a coffee lounge, library, and a fitness room where regular activities will be organised.

Mr Herdeiro said: “Colin and the team have been incredibly helpful throughout our journey. They have consistently taken a solution-oriented approach grounded on innovation and value engineering.

“Together, we were able to implement an ambitious scheme from a structural perspective without having to compromise on our design concept or customer requirements.”