Following an early military career, Lee started a construction business – Hunters – in 1985. Over the next decade the company became established as an approved contractor to the insurance industry, providing services to household names such as Cornhill, Norwich Union, Prudential, and Green Flag.
Having sold the reactive insurance operation in 1994, Hunters’ focus changed to providing a specialised construction and refurbishment service to high-net-worth clients, many of whom became and remain active investors and partners.
From 1992 the company progressed to speculative acquisition and development. Lee has been instrumental at every stage, from locating suitable sites through to establishing a purchase structure, securing planning and funding, development, as well as long-term management or disposal.
Whilst property speculation, management, development and general construction has formed the bedrock of Lee’s experience, some insight into the leisure industry has been gained, particularly relating to exclusive venue hire, health and country clubs. Indeed, Lee recently completed the redevelopment of Wickwoods Country Club, Hotel and Spa in Sussex before selling the business to Europe’s largest health & fitness provider, David Lloyd.
Lee has established relationships with a number of high-net-worth individuals who continue to invest as joint venture partners in various projects.
Development Projects acquired and managed by Lee/Hunters since 1992 include:
2024 – Ongoing Stonehouse Farm, Handcross. 120 acre property acquired for mixed use rural redevelopment
2023 Joint venture for the further redevelopment of Summers Ponds, Barns Green on mixed-use residential, commercial and leisure basis. View a CGI overview of the development here
2021 – Ongoing Acquisition, planning gain and refurbishment of The Nash Manor Estate, Nutbourne, including the long-term commitment of land to the restoration of nature and the development of wider wildlife corridor with adjoining landowners
1992- Ongoing Continued development and management of long-term mixed-use investment portfolio
2018 – 2023 Securing planning consent on a water neutral basis for 32 mid-market homes and a light industrial complex in Barns Green, West Sussex, prior to disposal to Sigma Homes Ltd
2010–2023 Re-acquisition and major redevelopment Wickwoods Country Club Hotel & Spa, Sussex, securing multiple accolades and awards prior to disposal to Europe’s market leader, David Lloyd
2018 – 2019 Securing planning for high-net-worth client on a complex of redundant farm buildings, on a sensitive site with a complex planning history, prior to a multi-million-pound redevelopment as a single, high-end, residential dwelling
2014–2017 Acquisition, planning gain and development of four exceptional homes within a parkland setting, Marlands Park, Barns Green, Sussex, preserving 200-acre estate as a single farming entity. Securing Heritage Trust Award in recognition of significant achievement
2012–2013 Acquisition, planning gain and redevelopment of offices to residential units, Brighton
2009-2012 Acquisition and regeneration of dilapidated shopping parade with 8 retail / 8 residential units, Worthing
2008–2009 Private client, high-value refurbishment of 8000 sqft house, Sussex
2006–2007 Private client, high-value refurbishment of 20,000 sqft house, Surrey
2000–2005 Acquisition and refurbishment of Wickwoods Country Club Hotel, Sussex
2001–2002 Acquisition and planning gain for residential / commercial development of 450-acre Pickwell Estate, Sussex
1999–2001 Acquisition and planning gain for residential / commercial development of 150-acre Inholmes Farm, Sussex
1999–2001 Acquisition and planning gain for commercial development of 50-acre High Cross Farm, Sussex
1999–2001 Acquisition and planning gain for residential development of 150-acre Eastland’s Farm, Sussex
1998–1998 Acquisition and planning gain for residential development of 52-acre Shepherds Estate, Sussex
1997-1999 Acquisition and planning gain for residential / commercial development of 200-acre Woodmancote Place Estate, Sussex
1996–1997 Acquisition and regeneration of The Royal Promenade Hotel, Brighton
1996-1996 Acquisition and planning gain for development of 15-acre Furner’s Farm, Sussex
1992–ongoing Commenced the acquisition, development and management of long-term mixed-use investment portfolio
lg@thehuntergroup.co.uk | 07710 908088 | www.thehuntergroup.co.uk
