The estate is offered for sale by Hamptons International and Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) with outline planning permission already in place for 70 high quality new build homes within its 7.8-acre grounds.

Detailed planning consent has also been secured for conversion of the original Grade II-listed Manor House into nine apartments, and for eleven mews house conversions in the estate’s Stables, West Wing and Coach House, which are also listed.

Southleigh Park was established in the 1850s as a Victorian gentleman’s estate. Its current owners include an architect whose knowledge of period properties has underpinned a substantial restoration of the listed buildings currently in use as offices.

David Atkinson, Associate Director at Hamptons International, said: “We believe an imaginative, stand-alone residential scheme can be delivered in this picturesque setting, for which there will be very little genuine competition in terms of position and setting.

“This is an exciting opportunity to create a safe and secure residential enclave with the benefit of shared, high quality landscaped areas and a mix of sizes and styles of accommodation to suit a broad range of purchasers.”

Residents of the proposed new development will benefit from a traditional parkland setting with lake, lawns and mature trees, and stunning views towards the coast at Langstone Harbour. The estate boasts good access to the national road network and is within two miles of three railway stations including Havant, which has a fast service to London Waterloo.

Graham Holland, Head of the South Coast office at LSH, said: “This is an extremely rare opportunity for a developer to create an imaginative, sympathetic residential scheme in a beautiful and historic location.

“Due to the excellent condition of the buildings and grounds, and the fact that planning permission has been secured, we are expecting considerable interest in Southleigh Park.”

For more information, visit www.southleighpark.com