After 19 months of hard work to restore a grand venue, staff are thrilled to finally welcome the whole community to a special event in celebration of new beginnings.

In September 2019, a fire swept through the iconic Scalesceugh Hall and Villas, near Carlisle, while it was in the process of being converted into luxury retirement apartments.

And following more than a year of painstaking restoration work, including on 144 windows and the roof, Scalesceugh owners Bruno Herdeiro and Dr Anita Herdeiro and staff are delighted to be hosting a Garden Party on May 21 and 22, celebrating the easing of lockdown, and sunnier times ahead.

But it's not just the lucky guests who attend the spirit-lifting event that will benefit, as the team are holding the party in support of two fantastic charities – Annie Mawson’s Sunbeams Music Trust, and the company’s chosen charity of the year, Oak Tree Animals’ Charity.

Guests will have the opportunity to buy raffle tickets – with some very impressive prizes available – to raise funds for the worthy causes.

Founded by Cumbrian-born harpist and singer, Annie Mawson MBE in 1992, Sunbeams Music Trust provides Community Music to children and adults with a wide range of disabilities and complex medical needs across the county.

Also doing great work for Cumbria is Oak Tree Animals' Charity, based at Wetheral, which provides a safe place for all animals in their time of need.

The team rehomes dogs, cats, horses and donkeys, and works to support good, long-term healthy relationships between animals and their owners out in the community.

And by supporting the priceless charities, attendees could be up for a chance of winning one of the fabulous prizes, including a luxury spa day for two at Scalesceugh’s upcoming Nordic-inspired spa, The Spa by AB Living, which is due to open to residents and the public this summer.

A voucher for The Fox and Pheasant Inn at Armathwaite is also up for grabs, as well as an afternoon tea voucher, and various food and drinks donated from businesses such as Bruce & Lukes and Hawkshead Relish Company.

Those taking part could also win the use of an electric car for the weekend, courtesy of Lexus Carlisle.

But it's not just the heartwarming raffle on offer, as visitors will also have the chance to enjoy live music and once again socialise safely with others, as well as being treated to an afternoon tea box and a glass of fizz.

The team is also excited to show visitors their completed one- and two-bedroom apartments, offered exclusively to over-55s.

Sales manager at Scalesceugh Hall and Villas, June Ballantine, said: “As lockdown restrictions are being eased, we’re looking forward to safely welcoming people to our Garden Party event which is set to be a great afternoon of live music and celebration – all in support to two great local causes.”

“It will be great for our residents and guests to once again have the opportunity to socialise safely, with the chance to win some fantastic prizes in our raffle!

"We also look forward to showing guests around our stunning show apartments in Scalesceugh Hall, to give them a taste of the lifestyle on offer at our development.”

People of all ages are welcome to the Garden Party, but the team stressed that it is essential to call ahead to confirm your place, due to limited spaces, and to ensure the appropriate social distancing.

The event will follow up-to-date government guidance on meeting outdoors, with all necessary Covid safety and hygiene measures in place.

To book your place at the Garden Party event, call 07853 190765, or visit www.scalesceughvillas.co.uk to find out more.