Member Spotlight: Harry Stephenson-Clarke
Building a Business from the Other Side of the World
My journey into property was never something I set out to do. After completing a master’s degree in Design & Innovation I spent ten years in that field before applying for planning permission to convert a barn on my family’s land in Sussex. That project became my first development and the moment everything changed.
My family has owned and managed property in Sussex for generations, so I grew up surrounded by the practical realities of construction, maintenance and land management. I learned early on that property is not just about glossy marketing. It is about long-term responsibility, durability and making decisions that stand the test of time. That grounding has shaped the way I work to this day.
Building Highbrook
The barn conversion was a tough introduction. It involved new build elements, conversion, refurbishment and underpinning all within the same project. I had left my job to be on site full-time and much of what I learned came from being there every day, working closely with the team. My design background helped because I was used to testing things and making decisions based on evidence. That practical, curiosity-led approach has guided every project since.
After that first build, I became an architectural designer before founding Highbrook five years later. At first, I focused on development management for clients, helping them put together the right team, control budgets and deliver projects smoothly. As time went on, Highbrook grew into a direct developer. The aim has always been to produce premium, well-designed homes combining good layouts, strong materials and thoughtful design with affordability. I have no interest in building identikit boxes. I want to create homes that genuinely improve the way people live.
Developing from the Other Side of the World
Something that often surprises people is that I now run the business from New Zealand, where I live with my fiancé and daughter. I still develop in the South East, close to my family and long-standing network. It is an unusual set-up, but it works because of the systems I have put in place and the trusted teams I work with on the ground. I travel back regularly, stay transparent with investors and maintain tight oversight of every detail. This focus on the detail is part of my process to reduce risk, tighten processes and deliver a considered end-product. The experience for lenders and buyers is never compromised, and I am proud of that.
Stonebridge House
Our recent project, Stonebridge House, is a Grade II listed Georgian commercial conversion project, consisting of three townhouses. Listed buildings can be challenging, but I enjoy the process. It demands specialist trades, heritage guidance and a real respect for what makes the building special.
We worked with Fairoak Properties, and award-winning firms, Cornerstone and Manorwood to deliver the standard the building deserved.
In a tough market, the response has been exceptional: the 5-bed sold off-market at £1.1 million (15% above appraisal, 10% above asking), a 3-bed sold within a week at £875k (at asking price, 25% above appraisal) and the final home is now listed.
Finance and the Importance of Process
We work with investors on both debt and equity and, over the past 18 months, have secured more than £3 million from family funds and HNWIs. Finance is often the most unpredictable part of development. It always takes longer than expected and nothing is certain until contracts are signed. I now push lending forward earlier in the process and begin each project with a strategy session with my team, solicitors and broker. We map out timelines, responsibilities and communication expectations, which saves a huge amount of stress later.
The Value of Mentorship
Mentorship and a strong network have played a big part in my development. I have previously been mentored by Jack Jiggens and Ben Richards at XP Property, and I am now in my third year as a member of The Developers Club. Development involves so many different disciplines that part of our job is bringing them all together and solving problems before they escalate. Mentorship is invaluable in honing this skillset.
Looking Ahead
I’m always seeking new sites and opportunities that fit the Highbrook mould. We currently have three live projects at different stages together forming a pipeline of around £20m GDV. Two projects are part of a JV with Horde and the main contractor. Our Esher scheme comprises nine new-build homes, while in Hever, Kent, we’re developing thirteen barn-style houses. Hever combines traditional styling with design-led thinking and marks a full-circle moment back to the barn conversion that started everything.
Looking ahead, I want to keep improving our systems, growing responsibly and staying true to the values that shaped Highbrook. For me, property is about creating homes that are well considered, well-built and made to last. That balance of design, practicality and long-term value is what keeps me passionate every day.
Contact Details
If you’d like to discuss future projects, follow our progress, or find out more about how we work, connect with me here:
Instagram: Highbrook_PropertiesLinkedIn: Harry Stephenson ClarkeWebsite: Highbrook.co.uk
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