Major renovation works are now underway at the former home of the Bishop of Carlisle.

Rose Castle, nestled in the countryside close to Dalston, has had a varied past, having not only been the bishop’s residence but also an episcopal manor castle and a major border fortress.

A recent meeting in Dalston’s Victory Hall offered an insight and update into works on the site, as a multi-million-pound project to transform the building is now well underway.

The eventual aim is for the Rose Castle Foundation, a registered charity, to use the Grade I-listed building as a global centre for peace and reconciliation.

However, it needed basic refurbishments to make it fit for the 21st century, including updated plumbing, wiring and sewerage system.

Canon Sarah Snyder, one of the foundation’s founders, said: “Part of the vision for the castle has been getting it up to scratch for the 21st century and making it a home-from-home.

“We want it to be a place of truly excellent hospitality.”

The plan is to host retreats and courses to inspire young leaders, help resolve conflict and help build a world in which people of differing opinions, religions or societies can learn to live alongside each other.

“We want to equip a generation of leaders who want to transform conflict,” explained Canon Snyder, who lives with her family at Bassenthwaite.

“We really believe that, while conflict is quite inevitable, the way you respond to that conflict can transform the outcome, and we can all play a part in that.”

The overall project will cost an estimated £6m to complete, and John Snyder, from the Rose Castle Company which owns the building, admits that there is still funding needed to ensure the completion.

However, volunteers have been working tirelessly to sew and source furnishings and secondhand furniture for the building, and contractors have been on site for some time.

Asbestos has been removed from Rose Castle, and new trenches dug for piping and wiring.

Mr Snyder explained: “The charity is all about people and training them.

“We want to make sure the castle will be here for the next 50 years, and so to do so it has to have its own business model.”

The castle’s stunning location, heritage and beautiful architecture make it a prime venue for weddings, corporate events or other money-generating ideas.

In addition to this, both the foundation and company stress they are keen to retain the connection with the community in which it is based, with plans to host open days.

The Rose on the Road programmes – run by the foundation until the castle is fit for habitation – has also seen programmes director Georgia May visit Carlisle schools to work with young people.

n For more information about Rose Castle, the foundation, hospitality, gardens of its heritage, visit www.rosecastle.com