We’ve caught up with Abbie Long and Francesca Watson, the co-founders of Otters Home Search, and chat about the services they offer to families moving to the South West
Can you tell me, please, about the core services offered to families by Otters Home Search?
Absolutely! At Otters Home Search, we help families find the right home in the right place – whether they’re moving locally, relocating from another part of the UK or returning from overseas. That means we don’t just look for houses, we search for a lifestyle that suits each family.
We take time to really understand your priorities, then act as your eyes and ears on the ground – viewing properties, providing honest feedback and guiding you through the whole process from first conversation to moving day.
How did you both develop the concept for Otters Home Search?
Otters was born out of our own experience of relocating. We both made the move to the South West at different points in our lives and know how time-consuming, stressful and confusing it can be – especially if you don’t live nearby!
We thought, wouldn’t it be helpful if there was someone local, trustworthy and practical who could take the load off and steer you in the right direction. That’s where the idea came from: helping other families navigate the same journey, but with far less hassle.
Our decades of property experience as Chartered Surveyors adds the perfect combination of professionalism and the personal approach.
What are the benefits to families looking to relocate across or within the South West?
The South West has so much to offer – green space, excellent schools, a slower pace of life and a strong sense of community. However, it’s a big area and each village and town has its own feel.
We help narrow the search, offer insight into areas that suit your family’s needs and take the legwork out of endless property viewings.
That’s where we come in. We help narrow the search, offer insight into areas that suit your family’s needs and take the legwork out of endless property viewings. Often we also hear about homes before they hit the market, which can make all the difference in a competitive area.
Where do most of the families that you work with come from?
Many of our clients are moving out of London or other big cities, looking for more space and a better quality of life, especially as remote and hybrid working have become more common. We also help many families returning from abroad who are resettling in the UK and want to put down roots in the South West.
In addition, we work with local families too, often those currently renting and ready to buy, or simply time-poor and in need of expert help to find the right home without the stress.
Are you able to offer information about the schools and facilities for families across the region?
Yes! This is a big part of what we do. Whether you’re after top-rated state schools, independents or nurseries, we can give a realistic overview of what’s available and what families are actually choosing in each area.
Beyond schools, we also advise on things like sports clubs, playgrounds, family activities (we’ve been to most of them!), transport links and local life in general. It’s all the practical stuff that helps you picture what day-to-day life will actually be like.
What are the key requirements for families moving to the Bath and Wiltshire region?
Every family is different, but common themes include good schools, walkability, green space, a sense of community and easy access to work – whether that’s Bath, Bristol, London or even further afield.
Some are after a village vibe with a great primary school, others want to be close to the train station for a manageable commute. We help families balance these priorities to make a move that works for everyone.
What makes the Bath and Wiltshire region so popular for families?
It’s a lovely part of the world! Bath, in particular, manages to blend beautiful Georgian architecture and rich culture with good schools and a strong community feel.
Wiltshire offers more space and countryside, often with a better price tag, but still with great access to cities. For many families, it strikes that magic balance between quality of life and connection to the wider world.
For more information please visit: www.ottershomesearch.com
07400 736436 | 07900 905764 | ✉️ email hidden; JavaScript is required
