His wife died in 1789 and Emes then moved to Hampshire taking a lease of Elvetham Park from Sir Henry Gough-Calthorpe. Here he took commissions in the south of England, sometimes in partnership with John Webb, formerly his foreman.
Emes' wife's demise in 1789 prompted him to relocate to Hampshire, where he secured a lease on Elvetham Park from Sir Henry Gough-Calthorpe. He then pursued commissions in southern England, sometimes partnering with John Webb, who had previously worked under Emes.