Plans have been set in motion for an ambitious transformation of the historic Hackwood Park Estate into a country retreat hotel with 52 rooms.

Trium Environmental Consulting LLP has submitted an environmental impact assessment screening opinion to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council on behalf of property owner Lockwood.

The proposal, if approved, will pave the way for a detailed planning application required to convert the iconic estate into a luxury five-star hotel and event venue.

The proposal outlines a multifaceted development plan for Hackwood Park, a Grade II listed property with a storied past dating back to its origins as a 17th century hunting lodge.

Hackwood ParkHackwood Park READ MORE: The historic 21-bedroom mansion house in Basingstoke back on the market for £65m

The plans include the demolition of six buildings within Paradise Wood to construct 12 new luxury lodges and extensive restoration and refurbishment work to Hackwood House and its historic Stable Block.

Hackwood House, which has seen little use over the past 15 years and suffered from structural issues, according to the applicant, will be restored and expanded to accommodate hotel rooms and suites.

The design plans include a new wing to the west of the mansion, intended to house premium suites, dining areas, and a high-end spa.

A one-level basement extension on both the north and south sides of the estate will offer event spaces and back-of-house facilities.

The project aims to deliver a total of 52 hotel rooms and suites, divided among the main Hackwood House, its Stable Block, and newly constructed pavilion buildings.

The Stable Block, formerly used as office space, will also undergo significant upgrades, converting it into guest accommodation and an upscale restaurant located within its original riding school and clock tower.

Plans also reveal a below-ground guest car park with 101 spaces near the paddocks and culinary gardens on-site to support the hotel’s restaurant offerings.

To the west of the main estate, Paradise Wood will become home to most of the 12 lodges, designed as two-story structures with basement levels.

With Hackwood Park set to host events such as weddings, concerts, and private gatherings, developers have also proposed an outdoor amphitheatre, catering to up to 500 guests.

According to the documents, amplified music and lighting will be used, though careful noise management protocols will be implemented to minimise disturbances.

Events are expected to operate year-round on weekends, with peak event traffic anticipated to include up to 250 visitor vehicles and 120 staff vehicles.

Proposed infrastructure developments also include facilities for non-guests, with dedicated staff accommodations and a loading dock to be constructed on the western boundary, near the A339 and M3 junction.

A new car park, housing 250 spaces, is also proposed for visitors attending large events.

Hackwood Park, which has long stood as a hallmark of the region’s heritage, last saw use during World War II as a military hospital.

The mansion was built in 1683. An article on the history of the house, by Friends of the Willis Museum, states that the house was built in the style of a very large hunting lodge with a Tudor style banqueting hall and ancillary rooms, with much of the furniture supplied by Basingstoke craftsmen.

It was occupied by the Duke of Bolton until the family left in 1850 and the house was let with all of its furniture.

They were put on the market last December for a whopping £65m.