WORK has begun on the highly anticipated development of Backbarrow Ironworks, considered to be "probably the most important archaeological monument" in the Lake District National Park.

Property agents Savills are marketing "an exclusive collection" of 43 homes to be built on the banks of the River Leven.

The properties, to be named Ironworks, will include one and two-bedroom apartments, three-bedroom duplexes and four-bedroom triplex homes.

“This is a very long-awaited scheme within the area which has expectedly generated an incredible amount of interest since its launch," said Ryan Blair, residential sales team associate at Savills Manchester.

"All 43 homes will be completed to a very high standard and their secluded position within the sleepy village of Backbarrow, with the Lakes on the doorstep, coupled with the ease of access into the northern centres of both Manchester and Liverpool in under two hours, adds to their appeal.

As reported by the Gazette in July 2016, years of uncertainty over the future of Backbarrow Ironworks drew to a close when Lake District planners gave the go-ahead to a multi-million housing project at the heritage landmark, with its decaying archaeological remains to be preserved for future generations.

Villagers' hopes of restoring and improving the ironworks had been raised and dashed several times in the past 20 years, with several proposals failing to come to fruition. The site, which includes the charcoal-fired blast furnace and engine house, is on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register.

Savills says the new properties are to be marketed off-plan with unrestricted ownership, following an initial three-month, locally focussed marketing campaign.

The homes will feature living rooms with oak flooring and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Completion is expected from spring 2019, with show homes available to view early next year. Prices start from £130,000 for a one-bed apartment through to £395,000 for a four-bed triplex.

For more, see www.savills.co.uk