The House

Map of Leydene Estate, pre-war. Work started on the Main House, designed by Mr Jupp FRIBA of London, in the Spring of 1914 and an area north of Leydene Bottom was levelled for the foundations. The stone came from Belgium, shipped across the channel, then by rail to Havant and finally by lorry to the site. The bricks were specially made by Rowland’s Brick Works. The Peel’s moved into the farm house at Coombe Cross to keep an eye on construction. They stayed at the farm house for ten years. However, the First World War brought a halt to construction, as the labourers, who were all local, were needed for war work and to expand the armed forces.