Date published: 27 October 2025
This landmark reflects the leading housing provider’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, affordable homes in communities where they are most needed, as well as supporting the government’s target of building 1.5million new homes.
The achievement was marked with an event at the leading housing provider’s 125-home development at Mulberry Meadows in Castle Cary, a popular market town in Somerset.
The scheme, developed on the former Wayside Farm site, offers a mix of one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom homes across a range of tenures, including affordable rent, shared ownership and Rent to Buy.
Each property at Mulberry Meadows features a private garden and allocated parking, access to open green spaces, a play area, high-performance insulation, solar panels, battery storage and intelligent heating systems.
To support home working for customers, Stonewater has integrated flexible working spaces into some of the homes and the scheme also features a striking piece of public art created by Coda Workshop – the inaguaral winners of Stonewater’s Blunden Prize.
Mulberry Meadows was developed in partnership with Equans Regeneration, Baker Ruff Hannon and Somerset Council, who joined Stonewater colleagues and customers at the official opening event on Monday 20 October 2025.
Attendees enjoyed a tour of the scheme and speeches from Stonewater and partner representatives, as well as a tree planting and ribbon cutting ceremony.
Jonathan Layzell, Chief Executive at Stonewater, said: “Reaching our 8000th home is a proud moment and reiterates our commitment to providing affordable housing across the country, including a focus on homes in rural areas.
“This home, in a beautiful but increasingly unaffordable area, shows our commitment to ensuring local people aren’t priced out of the communities they grew up in. It’s part of a wider plan to deliver more affordable homes across rural areas, helping people stay close to family, work and support local businesses.
“By building affordable, high-quality homes where they’re most needed, we’re not just meeting housing need, we’re helping communities thrive.”
Councillor Fran Smith, Associate Lead Member for Adult Social Care and Housing at Somerset Council, said: “These new homes are a fantastic addition to the local community, providing much-needed affordable housing for people who live and work here in Castle Cary.
“When people can find a good quality, secure home close to their jobs, they can put down roots, feel connected and really thrive. We want Somerset to be a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can build their lives and developments like this are an important step toward making that vision a reality.”
Mulberry Meadows resident, Anita, added: “Moving into my new Stonewater bungalow has been absolutely life changing. My previous flat was ok, but this home gives me the space, comfort and security I need — not just for now, but for the years ahead. Having my own garden and a modern, accessible layout has made such a difference to my day-to-day life. I finally feel settled and secure for the long term.”
Castle Cary is a desirable, sustainable location, within walking distance of the town centre and with excellent transport links to Bristol and London Paddington.
Along with other developments in England, Stonewater now manages over 10,000 homes in the South West.
