AN AUTHOR has helped to open a new chapter for a landmark country house and estate in Ulverston.

Developer Charles Church is bringing Stone Cross Mansion and its grounds "back to life" by building 45 executive homes, and creating 19 apartments and a gatehouse in the renovated Grade II-listed residence.

Author Stuart Allison, whose book The Kennedys of Stone Cross Mansion tells the story of the grand house’s previous occupants, helped to cut the ribbon at the newly-built five-bedroom show home.

He was joined by local historian Robert Wheatley BEM, who has pledged to deliver talks about the Kennedy family for interested residents and prospective purchasers.

Furness "ironmaster" Myles Kennedy had Stone Cross built in 1874. The family business mined iron ore at Roanhead, near Barrow-in-Furness.

Diane Finch, sales and marketing director for Charles Church Lancashire, said: “Stone Cross Mansion is such an important local landmark and we are absolutely thrilled to be bringing the house and its grounds back to life. We can’t wait to welcome new families into this purpose-built country estate."

She added: "Mr Allison has also very generously provided a copy of his book about the Kennedy family for every new home on the development, helping to share the magic and history of this lovely location.”

Four and five-bedroom homes at the site are priced from £314,995. The restored mansion is to be named Kennedy Place, and apartments will be released for sale later in the year.

The marketing suite and show home are open Thursday to Monday from 11am to 6pm. House hunters at Stone Cross Mansions may be eligible to access the Government’s Help to Buy scheme, as well as part-exchange packages.

For more, visit www.charleschurch.com or call 01229-440572.