Southern Estates was started in 1982 and was known as Southern Lifestyle. In September of 2003, Southern Lifestyle became Southern Estates. In the first month of that change, 6 single-section units and 46 multi-section units were built.

In October of 2006, Clayton Homes acquired SE Homes, which included Estates. This gave Clayton Homes a great range of product in a strategic distribution location, while it provided Estates with the sturdy structure and availability of resources from a large corporation.

Since then, Estates has found a niche market and has built and distributed an average of 1,162 floors per year.