Hampshire-based housebuilder Bargate has commenced work on site to deliver 61 new homes at Southleigh Park, a former stately home and parkland in Havant, Hampshire.

Located to the north-west of Emsworth, between Bartons Road, Horndean Road and Eastleigh Road, the 7.8-acre site will see 20 new homes delivered within a sensitive conversion of the original Grade II-listed house and associated listed buildings. There will also be 41 new-build homes constructed within the grounds.

The landmark £26m project is a joint venture between Bargate and parent-company VIVID – one of the largest housing associations in the south of England. Planning permission for the two phases was awarded by Havant Borough Council. The expense of the extensive restoration and conversion works to the listed buildings will be facilitated by the new-build development phase, which has been carefully designed to reflect the historic setting.

The development is scheduled to complete in December 2028. Bargate has appointed Farnham-based heritage works specialist FSL-Group to undertake the first phase of the project. An estimated 21,000 ‘man-days’ will be required during the lifespan of the restoration, conversation and build programme, providing a boost to the local economy.

Bargate’s development plan will entail the retention of the majority of the existing trees on-site, alongside significant new tree planting, enabling future residents and the wider community to enjoy a traditional parkland setting. Much of the site will comprise publicly accessible open space, including a formal lawn area immediately in front of Southleigh Park House, and informal walking routes beneath the canopies of retained mature trees, particularly those along the site’s boundaries.

Mick Hanson, Construction Director for Bargate, said: “We are excited to be on site at Southleigh Park, making a very positive start to the sensitive restoration and conversion of the former stately home. This unique development will preserve and inject new life into a much-loved local landmark, while also opening up the spectacular grounds for the enjoyment of all.

“In addition to enhancing the historical core of the site, a key part of the project will be the retention of mature trees, extensive planting and landscaping, and ensuring the fine detail of the new homes is sympathetic with the heritage buildings.

“This project will be an important labour of love for the area, utilising locally-based highly skilled tradesmen. We are proud to be at the start of the construction journey to create an outstanding development, not only for the new residents, but also for the established local community.”

The new homes at Southleigh Park will range in size from one to four-bedrooms, all with EV charging points as standard. Vehicular access will be provided off Eastleigh Road. Paths for pedestrians and cyclists will be added within the grounds, providing picturesque trails across the development, as well as routes from Horndean Road and Eastleigh Road, enabling sustainable access to destinations further afield.

The development will have three key character areas, with a variety of building types, consisting of Georgian villas and cottage-style homes, alongside the historic core. Resident and visitor parking spaces will consist of a range of driveways, on-plot garages, car barns, on-street bays and parking courts.

Southleigh Park is sited close to Rowlands Castle, Emsworth, and the South Downs National Park. The local railway station in Emsworth provides access to Brighton and Southampton, whilst the station at Havant runs between London Waterloo and Portsmouth Harbour. Car journeys to London can be easily accessed via the A3 and journeys to Brighton and Southampton are via the A27, which leads to the M3 and the wider national motorway network.

Established in 2006, Bargate is a regional housebuilder operating across the South, headquartered in Fair Oak. Bargate retained its five-star rating in the 2026 Home Builders Federation (HBF) Customer Satisfaction Survey, whilst delivering 230 homes for the 2025/6 financial year. Bargate’s growth trajectory is supported by live planning applications equating to a total gross development value in the region of £460m.

Bargate is well underway delivering its 100th development, with current developments for sale elsewhere in Hampshire including its flagship Rivercross scheme located in Warsash and Heritage Place at North Stoneham Park in Eastleigh.

For further information, visit: https://www.bargatehomes.co.uk/