With extensive experience of both Civil Engineering and Construction, Adrian Otten and John Colwell combined forces and as two young men, formed their own Company, Colten Developments Ltd., based in Lymington in 1971.

After 37 years, the name Colten has become synonymous with the highest standards of building and excellence and the company has branched further afield.

Colten now have a large portfolio of developments behind them, principally within the New Forest, Hampshire and Dorset areas. Each development shows the diversity of design, style and variety of buildings the company has been responsible for to date. Despite the size of the business, they still see themselves as a family company with many loyal staff who have been working with them for years.

As was published in a review of the company in 1980, they still follow the same values and ideals, "we pride ourselves on our efficient management of planning, building and marketing. It is this which allows us to be competitive and yet offer traditional well-built and designed schemes with a high standard of environmental integrity".