The firm was founded by Peter Leete, who had established his reputation running a chain of estate agencies in and around the Sutton area. Seeking a quieter pace of life, Peter moved to the Surrey and Hampshire borders, where his wife’s family had retired, and began operating his business from home.

It was not long before the growing business required dedicated premises. The opportunity arose to take over the old estate office on The Green in Grayshott. At the time, the building was being used as a hairdresser, having previously been a cobbler’s and, originally, the village estate office where local tenants would pay their rents. Its prominent position, together with the adjacent free public car park, made it an ideal location for the new business.

And so began a relationship with Grayshott that has continued for more than 50 years.

A local name with a distinctive character

Peter quickly became a well-known local figure, remembered not only for his expertise in property but also for his distinctive sense of humour and trademark expressions, including his famous “My Lord” and “See you when you are older.”

His personality also found its way into the firm’s advertising, with a style of copy that was both unconventional and memorable. In an era when property advertising allowed considerably more creative licence, Peter was not afraid to have some fun with his descriptions.

One particularly memorable example read:

“Not for the faint hearted, a property to endow your personality upon! View with caution and whatever you do, do not view in stilettos as you will damage the floorboards which are suffering from rising damp, which is helping to drown an infestation of the death watch beetle.”

Far from discouraging potential buyers, the advertisement caused a stampede of interest – and a sale was concluded that very weekend.

Independent then. Independent now.

Peter continued to run the Grayshott office until his retirement in 2005, when the reins were handed to his two sons.

Today, Peter Leete & Partners remains a family-run, independent estate agency, continuing the principles on which the firm was founded: independence, impartial advice and putting our clients first.

We believe that buying or selling a property should be about more than simply completing a transaction. It is about understanding our clients, knowing the local market and providing straightforward, considered advice throughout the process.

In an industry that has changed considerably since 1971, we remain proud of the traditional values that have shaped the firm for over five decades – while continuing to evolve with the needs of today's property market.

Most importantly, we are still here, still independent, and still trading from the original premises at The Green in Grayshott.