The historic post office in Esholt, the village near Bradford that has served as a beloved filming location for decades, is being offered to the public through

an online auction. But there’s a twist that makes this sale unlike any ordinary property listing. For over two decades, the Esholt post office has been a familiar sight

on the small screen. Viewers have watched countless storylines unfold within and around its walls—from everyday village interactions to tense,

dramatic moments involving the show’s most notorious characters. It has become more than just a building; it is a symbol of Emmerdale’s enduring legacy and a touchstone for generations of fans. The prospect of owning a piece of this television history has naturally caused a buzz among enthusiasts.

Emmerdale’s iconic post office building is going up for auction later this month – but there’s a catch

Situated in the village of Esholt, the property is very familiar to soap viewers for its use in the ITV soap

The post office has appeared in numerous scenes, becoming an iconic location on the programme

The property itself is being sold with a major caveat: buyers won’t be able to move in and run the business themselves. Last month, the post office business—the operational side of the property—was purchased by local resident and long-time Emmerdale fan, Helen Myers. The business continues to operate under a six-year lease, set to be renewed in 2031. This means that any prospective buyer would assume the role of landlord, with the property generating an annual rental income of more than £11,000. In other words, while you could own a part of television history, you wouldn’t be behind the counter greeting customers or stamping envelopes. Instead, your role would be that of a landlord, managing a building that has been central to one of Britain’s most beloved soaps.

The post office holds a special place in the history of Emmerdale’s filming locations. Originally, the show was filmed in Arncliffe in Littondale, but the production eventually relocated to Esholt. In 1998, after nearly a decade in the village, filming moved to a dedicated set on the Harewood Estate, marking the end of Esholt’s era as the home of the soap. Yet the post office remains one of the few tangible connections to that chapter of the show’s past—a property instantly recognizable to anyone who has followed Emmerdale through its highs and lows.

The auction for the building is scheduled for January 28 and will be held online by Pugh, part of Eddisons. The guide price has been set at £200,000, with bidding opening on January 27 and concluding the following day. Auctioneers are highlighting the property as a unique opportunity that combines commercial potential with television heritage—a rare mix that is sure to appeal to collectors, investors, and Emmerdale devotees alike.

Will Thompson, a director at Pugh, emphasized the significance of the sale: “Esholt post office is not only an attractive and characterful building in a sought-after village, but it also has a special place in the hearts of Emmerdale viewers across the country. The business sold before Christmas to a new owner who is enthusiastic about running the post office as a real community asset for the people of Esholt, and the auction of the property itself is an exciting opportunity for buyers looking for something genuinely unique.”

Earlier this month, Emmerdale came together with fellow ITV soap Coronation Street for the explosive Corriedale crossover

The timing of the sale coincides with one of the most talked-about Emmerdale events in recent memory: the explosive Corriedale crossover with Coronation Street. The one-off special brought characters from both soaps together in a terrifying car pile-up that saw beloved figures from each show meet tragic ends. Coronation Street’s vicar, Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank), was killed in a heart-stopping sequence after villain Theo Silverton (James Cartwright) abandoned him, while Emmerdale’s own killer, John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth), met his demise, finally ending his reign of terror.

Ahead of the crossover, Emmerdale executive producer Iain MacLeod addressed the shows’ futures, reassuring fans that while the crossover was thrilling, the two programs would maintain their distinct identities. “People love Corrie and people love Emmerdale and their distinct entities. They have their own tone of voice and their own sense of humour and their way of telling stories, and they wouldn’t blend long-term at all. I think it’s brilliant to bring them together for this but no, there are no plans to do anything similar in the future. Sorry to be the killjoy, those of you who were hoping there was more,” he told The Sun.

For fans, owning the Esholt post office offers a tangible connection to this enduring legacy. While the business itself will continue to serve the village under its new owner, the building is a piece of television history—a reminder of countless storylines, betrayals, and village dramas that have captivated audiences over decades. From the quiet moments of daily village life to the high-stakes drama that has defined Emmerdale, the post office has been a silent witness to it all.

Potential buyers now have the chance to be part of that legacy, albeit as a landlord rather than an active operator. With the guide price set at £200,000 and the property offering steady rental income, the sale is likely to attract interest from investors, fans, and collectors alike. Beyond its commercial potential, the emotional and historical significance of the building cannot be overstated—it is, in many ways, a landmark of British television culture.

As the auction date approaches, excitement is building among fans and property enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re a long-time follower of Emmerdale or someone looking for a unique investment opportunity, the sale of the Esholt post office represents a rare chance to own a piece of soap opera history. The property is more than just bricks and mortar—it is a living memory of the drama, love, betrayal, and resilience that have made Emmerdale one of the nation’s most beloved soaps.

Bidding opens on January 27 and closes the following day, and whoever secures the property will inherit not just a building, but a story—a story of a village that has captured the hearts of millions.