Dacre Son & Hartley Otley estate agent Tim Usherwood joined Dacres in 1990 and has worked in Wharfedale property sales in our Ilkley, Wetherby and Skipton offices before heading up the team at Dacres Otley as Director. Tim is supported by Sales Manager Helen Jackson and Sales Negotiator Charlotte Newbould.

Helen has lived in Otley all her life and has excellent local knowledge of the town and its surrounding area. Charlotte has lived in Otley for over 20 years. She has vast knowledge of the town and its surrounding areas,

Otley is a traditional, vibrant and bustling market town located on the River Wharfe between Leeds, Harrogate and Bradford, nestling below the famous Chevin. At its highest point the Chevin reaches approximately 925 ft, and you can climb to the top up a series of pathways and steps from Otley town centre. The area at the top is known locally as ‘Surprise View’ and once you get there, it’s easy to see why Otley is an extremely popular place to live and is centred around the cobbled market square and clock tower, with a layout that follows medieval street patterns. Otley’s popularity has soared in recent years and it has become a magnet for artists, makers and musicians who bring a hip, bohemian element to the town.

Otley’s claim to fame is the renowned cabinetmaker, Thomas Chippendale who was born in Otley in 1718, and was a pupil at Prince Henry’s Grammar School. He established his famous cabinet-making firm in London in the mid-eighteenth century and the term ‘Chippendale’ is still regularly used to describe English Rococo style furniture.

Otley has a number of charming period properties, including Georgian and Victorian houses, often featuring distinctive architectural details. These homes typically have spacious interiors, high ceilings, and original features, making them popular among buyers looking for character.

The town offers a good selection of terraced, semi-detached and detached homes. Otley has a selection of bungalows, appealing to retirees and those looking for single-level living.

In recent years, Otley has seen new housing developments, offering modern homes with contemporary designs and energy-efficient features.

While less common than other property types, there are some apartments and flats available in Otley, particularly in converted period buildings or modern developments, making them suitable for first-time buyers or those looking to downsize.

Surrounding Otley you’ll find a host of picturesque and highly sought-after villages, each with its own unique charm and features. Askwith is known for its beautiful countryside views and close-knit community.  Blubberhouses offers a tranquil setting with scenic walks and a welcoming atmosphere, ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life. Pool in Wharfedale boasts stunning landscapes and excellent local amenities, attracting both professionals and retirees. Newall is a quaint village with a strong sense of community, while Farnley is renowned for its rich history and beautiful stone cottages.

Clifton features a mix of traditional and modern homes, providing a diverse housing market for potential buyers. Lindley offers a peaceful environment with easy access to Otley, making it popular among commuters. Lastly, Leathley is a hidden gem, known for its scenic beauty and rural charm, perfect for those seeking a quieter lifestyle.

These surrounding villages not only enhance the appeal of living in Otley but also provide a variety of housing options, vibrant community life, and access to beautiful natural landscapes.

Otley has a choice of five well-regarded schools, making it an attractive choice for families.

For secondary education, Prince Henry’s Grammar School and Ilkley Grammar School serve the area, both recognized for their academic excellence and diverse extracurricular activities. Additionally, the Whartons School provides specialized support for children with learning difficulties.

Entry in to any school is subject to the Local Authority’s or private school governor’s current admissions policies.

Otley is home to a busy bus station that offers services to Bradford, Harrogate, Ilkley, Keighley, Leeds and Skipton, as well as a regular bus to Menston railway station, which offers direct rail links to Leeds, Bradford and Ilkley. In addition, Leeds/Bradford International Airport is just a 10-minute drive away.

Otley is situated along the A65 road, which provides direct access to Leeds, Ilkley, and Skipton. This major route is ideal for commuters and those traveling to nearby towns and cities.

Otley offers a charming shopping experience, combining a variety of independent shops, local markets, and grocery stores. The town features numerous boutiques and specialty stores, providing unique clothing, accessories, and high-quality goods like fresh produce from local bakeries and butchers. The historic Otley Market, held every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday adds to the town’s vibrant atmosphere, with stalls selling fresh produce, crafts, and household items, allowing residents to support local businesses.

Otley has three supermarkets, Waitrose, Sainsbuyy’s and Asda.  The town is also home to several cafés and delis, where visitors can enjoy locally-sourced meals and beverages. For a broader shopping experience, nearby towns like Ilkley and Leeds offer additional high street retailers and shopping centers, easily accessible by car or public transport. Overall, shopping in Otley provides a delightful mix of local charm and convenience, making it an appealing destination for residents and visitors alike.

There’s certainly no shortage of excellent independent tea rooms, cafés and restaurants such as Buon Apps, Westbourne Spice and Treehome, to name just a few.

For a relatively small town, Otley also has more than 15 pubs! These range from town centre watering holes to The Roebuck, which sits high above Otley at Newall With Clifton. It’s a steep walk out of town but well worth it for the views and delicious food! Another recent addition is North Bar Social, owned by Leeds city centre’s North Brewing Co.

Otley has a variety of takeaway options, including Chinese, pizza, and Indian cuisine, providing convenient meal choices for busy evenings.

There are lots of sports clubs including Otley Rugby Club, cricket, squash, a superb golf course and a popular cycling club.

A key landmark is the magnificent Wharfemeadows Park where you can easily while away a leisurely afternoon hiring a rowing boat on the River Wharfe, before feeding the swans and enjoying an ice cream or coffee from the café.

The park is also home to a bowling club, tennis courts, a large and well-equipped play area for kids with public exercise equipment, and you can even watch the river powering Archimedes screws as it comes over the weir. In addition, a local group is exploring the possibility of reopening the park’s former lido!

For anyone feeling more energetic, perched high above Otley are the famous Chevin and Danefield Woods to one side, which both offer fantastic walking trails with magnificent views, and to the north is the Washburn Valley, which again offers splendid countryside and walks that include Swinsty, Fewston and Lindley Wood Reservoirs.

Plus, every May, the town hosts the famous Otley Show, which is the UK’s oldest one day agricultural show spanning more than 200 years. Itis full of attractions, from music to animal displays and children’s entertainment to tractor displays and is not to be missed!