A SLEEPING Beauty room complete with a spinning wheel and stool is the among the latest projects due to be completed as part of the restoration of a 17th century ruin.

The owners of Kirklinton Hall, near Longtown, are aiming to complete the restoration of an old Victorian water tower, with a spiral staircase, by April 1.

In recent months work has been underway to improve parts of the historic hall as part of an ongoing restoration project.

It's hoped the developments will also widen Kirklinton's appeal as unique venue for events, days out and picnics.

Dangerous parts of a dilapidated stable block have been stabilised while the driveway has been resurfaced.

The development of the Still Room, which will be available to caterers serving events, has completed the restoration of the courtyard outer buildings.

Meanwhile 500 yew trees and as many Rosa rugosa roses have been planted to create a rose maze which has a gothic fountain in its centre.

Annabel Candler, events and venue manager, said: "We aim to ensure every type of visitor has something that fascinates them or relaxes them.

"The new additions aim to create more wonders for small visitors and the larger projects are ensuring special events are even better.

"The events coming up make this coming year truly exciting too as we have everything from music festivals and the opera to Fairy Day and a holistic fair."

A listed building application for the restoration of the stable block has been lodged with Carlisle City Council.

Two walls of the building which was initially remodelled in 1875 had become dangerous following the theft of the roof in the early 2000s.

Despite protective measures, one collapsed last summer and the other was about to collapse. They have both been taken down and the stone has been salvaged for their reinstatement.

Speaking of his plans for the maze, owner Christopher Boyle looked forward to it becoming a place for hide and seek.

He aimed to build on the idea of the Kirklinton as a Fairytale Castle and thinks the newly-planted garden along with the restored tower will add to this atmosphere.

He said: "Whether for young or adult visitors, mazes are always a joy in themselves, and the fountain will add movement, sound and light into that part of the garden.

"When in full bloom, the fragrance given off by 500 Rosa rugosas (CORR) in an enclosed area open to the sun will be stunning.

"The central seats will be a perfect place for basking in the sunshine, surrounded by scent and colour, smug in the knowledge of having navigated the labyrinth and soothed by the splashing fountain that is your reward."

Looking ahead Annabel is wanting to start recording stories of the hall from local people who went there in its heyday and from those who may have once lived there when it was converted into flats.

She said: "We hear about people coming to the hall when it was the Country Club and casino or even just a ruin, but don't capture them or get images.

"We would love to gather them up. The place has a varied history so anything is worth hearing. It's fascinating."

Call 016977 48850 or email info@kirklintonhall.co.uk with any information.