St John’s Wood Estate Agents for Luxury Property in London

St John’s Wood was the favoured place for Victorian gentlemen to keep their mistresses. Close enough to town but far enough from their Mayfair and Knightsbridge homes to avoid suspicion. The exiled Napoleon III kept Elizabeth Anne Howard at a residence in Circus Road.

From St John’s Wood it’s a brisk and beautiful walk into town or just two tube stops into Bond Street. Although moments from the West End there is little reason to leave this delightful enclave at weekends with bars and restaurants throughout the area. Picturesque Little Venice along the canal to the west, the stunning rose gardens and outdoor sports areas of Regent’s Park on its doorstep, and gorgeous views from Primrose Hill for those undaunted by the climb.

Young professionals who begin London life here are rarely persuaded to leave. Many first arrive for the lively high street and restaurants then stay later for the schools and strong multicultural community. The village feel remains protected by the St John’s Wood Society which continues to preserve the area’s character and charm.

St John’s Wood estate agents regularly see continued demand from families and professionals looking for larger homes within a quieter residential part of Central London.

Once part of the Great Forest of Middlesex, St John’s Wood inherited its name from the medieval owners, the Knights of the Order of St John of Jerusalem. The way of life here remained pastoral until the early 19th century, when building began. The architects wanted to maintain the air of rural charm abandoning traditional terraces in favour of grand Italianate villas, Cottage Ornés and Victorian Gothic pairs.

This unique setting attracted artists and philosophers before later becoming popular with wealthy merchants and craftsmen whose businesses helped create the village feel that remains today. In the 1960s St John’s Wood became a Conservation Area and many homes remain protected by English Heritage.

Modern luxury apartment buildings with private leisure facilities and porter services also thrive here. House hunters will find a mix of mansion flats and contemporary apartments along with detached villa style housing. The most exclusive homes are found on Avenue Road.

The area remains one of the strongest locations for St. John’s Wood luxury property due to its architecture and limited supply of large family homes close to Central London.

Whether locals are looking for a cosy fireplace, or a glass of wine and some tasty treats, St John’s Wood has an array of pubs and gastropubs to suit every taste. The Duke of York is warm and welcoming with a bar and casual dining area usually full of well heeled locals.

The famous Oslo Court on Charlbert Street and The Ivy Café on St John’s Wood High Street are long standing favourites and regularly busy throughout the week. Nearby Clifton Road in Little Venice is home to The Winery which hosts regular tastings and remains one of west London’s best independent wine shops.

• Home to over 12,000 animals, London Zoo opened in 1828, and is the world’s oldest scientific zoo.
  • St John’s Wood is also home to the world renowned, Lord’s Cricket Ground. This historic English landmark hosts matches from county sides to international tests. Tours of the grounds are held daily.
  • St John’s High Street has an excellent range of unique and more familiar shops, with a special emphasis on family.
  • The St John’s Wood libraryhas two monthly books clubs, one specifically for crime fiction fans.
  • There are Sainsbury’sand Waitrose stores about a mile away on Finchley Road, but great local delis abound. Harry Morgan’s is a must visit: what was once a tiny takeaway deli is now the largest and most famous New York style deli restaurant in London. Panzer’s Deli perfectly serves the needs of international residents, stocking foods from all over the world.
  • For those St John’s Wood families too busy to pop to the shops, the butcher Kent & Sonswill deliver any order placed before 11am by 1pm on the same day and is always busy.

Stroll to the top of Primrose Hill and take in sweeping views across London. During summer the park remains a favourite destination for local residents and well known public figures alike.

Nearby Regent’s Park covers 410 acres of green space with boating lakes and outdoor sports facilities along with its famous rose gardens. St John’s Wood Church Grounds also serves as the only Local Nature Reserve within the City of Westminster. The park has received the Green Flag Award for excellent green spaces since 2004 and includes formal gardens along with wildlife areas and a playground.

There are excellent transport connections through Underground and rail services along with several bus routes.

Tube: St John’s Wood Underground Station in Zone 2 sits on the Jubilee Line and connects to Bond Street in only five minutes. Nearby South Hampstead station links to the Overground network.

Rail: Paddington and Marylebone stations nearby provide rail links to Heathrow and Birmingham along with Bristol and Wales.

Bus: Several routes connect the area in multiple directions including the 13 and 46 along with the 82 and 139. Night bus services also operate through the area.