James Wort
Director
Harrogate is consistently listed among the UK’s best places to live. Easy access to nearby Leeds and York, historic spas, a vibrant shopping and dining scene, and a wealth of beautiful parklands and green spaces are just a few of the reasons British homebuyers have ranked this one of the country’s most desirable towns.
Centrally located between Leeds, York and the expansive Yorkshire Dales National Park, the historic spa town of Harrogate offers residents the best of city living with the ease of life in the countryside. Homebuyers here really can have it all.
Direct rail lines to Leeds and York deliver passengers to these larger cities in less than 40 minutes, though the town’s many local shops, restaurants and cafés are incentive enough for Harrogate residents to stay close to home. At the time of writing, the average price of houses for sale in Harrogate sits at £331,205.
History and open spaces abound
Since the Victorian era, people have flocked to Harrogate’s famed spas and mineral baths. From restored vintage gems like the Turkish Baths to upmarket modern spas like the one at the Rudding Park hotel, there are plenty of places to relax and restore the senses.
The Yorkshire Dales National Park is just a short drive from Harrogate, but there is also a wealth of green space and parkland within the city limits as well. The Stray is a vast 200-acre stretch of protected public parkland with space for picnicking, football and a number of local festivals each year. Other city parks include the 17-acre Valley Gardens and the 68-acre Harlow Carr Royal Horticultural Society Garden.
Best addresses for aspiring homebuyers
Harrogate homebuyers are frequently attracted to the semi-detached and terraced homes at Park Avenue, York Place, The Oval and Regent Parade. Fulwith Mill to the south features large, beautifully-appointed family homes of 4,000-5,000 square feet. For historic pedigree, Harrogate home purchasers often prefer an area of town known as The Duchy. This tract of land was once owned by the Duchy of Lancaster and now boasts a number of impressive detached and semi-detached homes from the late Victorian and early Edwardian periods.
Another up-and-coming area for Harrogate residential property is Beech Grove, which runs along The Stray. Here there are a several attractive apartment blocks with gorgeous views of the gardens below, as well as secured parking.
Some of Harrogate’s best public schools are located in the southern part of town, where young families are driving the sales of residences in that area.
Our pick of the best Harrogate homes
Back Road, High Birstwith, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG3
This stunning 5-bedroom house features a self-contained annex, bespoke gourmet kitchen, stone flag roof, solid oak flooring, wooden beams and stone mullion windows. The house dates back to the 1600s and sits on more than 5 acres of beautiful parkland.
Grove Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG1
The Chapel is a one-of-a-kind Grade II listed home in the heart of Harrogate. Once a Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, the home retains all of its impressive historic charm with ample upgrades to accommodate family living, including 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms and 4 reception areas.