St John’s Wood
The Town
Any property search of the grand residential areas of London will certainly include St John’s Wood, around two and a half miles north west of Charing Cross. This affluent City of Westminster district is the 5th most expensive place to buy in London, with the highest average rent in the capital. Buying agents will be happy to point property buyers in the direction of the pleasant villas and avenues in the area, bounded by Regent’s Park to the east, Edgware Road to the west, and Swiss Cottage in the north.
The area was first designated as a conservation area in the 1960s, and property buyers can be reassured that the St John’s Wood society works actively to preserve the local character. English Heritage protects many of the houses, however buying agents will confirm there is no shortage of upmarket apartment blocks with concierge facilities, gyms and other modern luxury facilities.
Travel
The nearest Underground stations are St John’s Wood and Swiss Cottage, both on the Jubilee line; or take the Bakerloo line from Maida Vale, Marylebone and Warwick Avenue. Baker Street also gives property buyers easy access to the Bakerloo, Circle, Hammersmith and City, Jubilee, and Metropolitan lines. Bank, Canary Wharf and central London can be reached quickly: it’s just two tube stops to Bond Street, or around 14 minutes to Waterloo. The nearest Overground is South Hampstead, with Paddington and Marylebone mainline stations within easy reach for links to Heathrow, Wales, the West Country and the West Midlands. Regular bus services run to Aldwych, Farrington, Islington, Victoria and Waterloo; night buses N13 and N113 also serve the area.
The History
In the 13th century, Boscum Prioris Sancti Johannis belonged to the Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem; the English name was first recorded in the early 16th century. Wine merchant Henry Samuel Eyre bought the estate in the early 19th century, and after delays caused by the Napoleonic Wars, the area developed further in the 19th century. Lord’s Cricket Ground, named after its founder Thomas Lord, also opened in the early 19th century. Expansion continued in the 19th and 20th centuries, with extensive building programmes following World War Two. The Royal Horse Artillery were based at St John’s Wood Barracks until 2012; the former barracks are now upscale housing which are likely to enhance your property search options.
Leisure and Events
While many events revolve around Lord’s Cricket Ground, music fans might pause in their property search to view the zebra crossing outside the Abbey Road studios, where the Beatles shot their iconic album cover. If you don’t feel like joining the tourists, your property finder can help you check out the Abbey Road webcam.
For those who enjoy parks and walking, Regent’s Park’s stunning rose gardens are just a short distance away. Alternatively, stroll along the canal to Little Venice, or take in the great views from Primrose Hill.
The area has several churches (Baptist, Church of England and Roman Catholic) and synagogues, and is also close to the London Central Mosque. Local community facilities include an adventure playground, and events include Easter Egg Hunts and summer drinks parties. Property finders will confirm this location is very family-friendly, with activities including art, ballet, drama, tennis, hiking and cookery.
Education
There are several schools, both state and private, incorporating an infant school, two primary schools, a junior school, a secondary and a prep school. The American School in London is based here, taking pupils from the Early Years to High School grades. London Business School, the City of Westminster College, and the Royal College of Physicians are all located nearby.
Celebrity Connections
Many famous individuals have made St John’s Wood their home, including business leader Sir Richard Branson, TV presenter Vanessa Feltz and former Prime Minister Sir John Major. The arts are well represented: other residents include former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney, artist Lucian Freud and actors Ewan McGregor, Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Damian Lewis.
Foodies’ Corner
If you’re in need of refreshment, your buying agent can show you a range of gastropubs and pubs, from traditional English hostelries to the upscale Ivy Brasserie. Nearby Finchley Road has high-end supermarkets, or ask your property finder about the excellent local delicatessens and local butchers specialising in organic produce: many offer online ordering services as well as catering for corporate events and celebrations.
Fun Fact
The only nature reserve in the City of Westminster is located in the former St John’s Wood Churchyard.