Southworth development acquires half of Akwa Soleil

Southworth development, LLC of Newton, Mass., has acquired a 50-percent stake in what began as Akwa Soleil, the residential, commercial and recreational complex at The Weirs originally started by Richard Mailloux of Bedford, who holds the other half of the project.

The project, which has been christened "Meredith Bay," planned for more than 400 acres on both sides of Route 3, consists of three elements: a gated residential community of 129 lots atop Brickyard Mountain; a 73-slip marina, beach club, restaurant and shops; and as many as 470 more residential units, divided between single-family and multi-family homes, 60 acres of commercial development and an 18-hole golf course.

Mailloux said yesterday that Southworth Development brought "marketing expertise, a good reputation and very deep pockets to the project. We couldn't have better partners," he said, adding that he and David Southworth are "in touch on a daily basis." Although Mailloux declined to draw a roadmap or set a timetable for the entire project, he said that the development would be undertaken in partnership with Southworth Development.

Chris Duprey of Southworth Development, who has a quarter of a century of experience developing real estate, resorts and golf courses, has been named project executive. A native of New Hampshire, Duprey said "I am ecstatic to be here taking part in building one of New England's next great luxury residential and resort treasures."

The Planning Board recently approved the revised plan for the first phase of the project, the residential lots on Brickyard Mountain, and the adjoining marina. "Right now it's a tough market," Mailloux said, "but now that we have our approvals we've begun marketing." He said that construction of amenities, a pavilion, tennis court and swimming pools, would begin and work on the marina would also start shortly. "It's a diamond in the rough," he said of the marina property on Centenary Avenue, "but, we're going to polish that diamond."

Eve Harris of Southworth Development said the project is being marketed both locally and regionally as well as on the Internet, which she said has drawn "requests for information from all over, including the Caribbean." She said that "when you mention Lake Winnipesaukee, people are interested right away. It has a worldwide reputation," she added, referring to the recent commercials for American Express and the visit of the President of France, Nicolas Sarkozy, to Wolfeboro.