St John's Wood

St John’s Wood Area Guide St John’s Wood lies within the City of Westminster in the North West London. Once part of the Great Middlesex Forest, the area was one of the first London suburbs to be developed from the early 19th century onwards, mainly with low density “villa” type housing. St. John’s Wood was once part of the Great Forest of Middlesex, its name derived from its mediaeval owners, the Knights of the Order of St John of Jerusalem. After the Reformation and the Dissolution of monastic orders, St John’s Wood became Crown land, and Henry VIII established Royal Hunting Grounds in what became known as Marylebone Park, to the north of which lay St John’s Wood. The area remained in agricultural use until the end of the eighteenth century, when plans for residential development first appeared. Building began in 1809 in Alpha Road, on the southern boundary of St John’s Wood. One of the first London suburbs to be developed, it was a unique pattern of development and mainly planned with a large amount of low density, semi-detached villas, abandoning the familiar terraced house. Although many of the original houses and gardens disappeared during the twentieth century, through bomb damage and the building of new roads, railways and schools, much of the original character of the area remains. In the 1960s, most of St John’s Wood was designated a Conservation Area and its houses listed by English Heritage. It remains a highly desirable residential location, and one of the most expensive areas of London. Did You Know? St John’s Wood benefits from its proximity to Regent’s Park; the leafy area is largely free from tourist attractions, hotels and general hustle and bustle of a city, making it attractive for families and children. Full of eccentric architecture, St John’s Wood is the home of Lord’s Cricket Ground, which itself is the home of Middlesex Country Cricket Club and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). The MCC Library and museum are a popular attraction for visitors and hold the Ashes Urn and Wisden Trophy. It is a remarkable testament to the club that the home of cricket is still in use today, and visitors are able to tour the ground where it all started 200 years ago. St John’s Wood is also famous for the Abbey Road Studio, a nineteenth century stately building where the Beatles recorded the Abbey Road album. Nearby is the world’s most famous zebra crossing where the Beatles album cover for their ‘Abbey Road’ album was shot. Just to the north east of St John’s Wood lies Primrose Hill, a beautiful parkland area boasting fantastic views over London. Architecture and Property St John’s Wood has a diverse range of properties available, whether you are looking for stylish, low-built villas and mansions with large gardens, apartment complexes with communal leisure facilities, bespoke, contemporary luxury houses, or un-modernised properties with huge development potential, Knight Frank can find the property that’s right for you Who Lives There St John’s Wood historically attracted musicians, artists and bohemian types. It is now largely home to families, celebrities and professionals. The area also houses a significant American ex-pat community due to its proximity to the American School in London. Where to Eat Having climbed the steep slopes of Primrose Hill and admired the panorama you can regain your strength in one of the many cosy cafés, restaurants or pubs nearby. The high street has retained a vibrant district shopping centre and is home to a variety of fine restaurants, cafes and trendy boutiques, a high proportion being independent retailers. • Fego Caffe 64 St John’s Wood High Street London NW8 7SH 020 7722 5959 • The Ivy Café, St John’s Wood 120 St John’s Wood High Street London NW8 7SG • 020 3096 9444 • Modern European Oslo Court Prince Albert Road NW8 7EN 020 7722 9795 • Harry Morgans New York Deli Kosher 31 St John’s Wood High Street London NW8 7HN 020 7722 1869 Where to Drink: • The Duke of York 2A St Anns Terrace London NW8 6PJ 020 7722 1933 • The Ordnance Arms 29 Ordnance Hill London NW8 6PS 020 7722 0278 Parks & Green Spaces: • Regents Park • Primrose Hill • Hampstead Heath Transport Links St John’s Wood enjoys a secluded and tranquil atmosphere yet offers great transport links to central London and the M4, making it a very desirable residential district. Underground (London only): • St John’s Wood Underground (Jubilee Line, Zone 2) • Swiss Cottage Underground (Jubilee Line, Zone 2) Overground: • Marylebone Railway Station: London to Aylesbury line with routes to High Wycombe, Aylesbury, Bicester, Banbury, Leamington Spa, Warwick, Stratford-Upon- Avon. • Birmingham (Snow Hill) and Kidderminster Car: • A40 – Access to the M4 for the West • A41 – Access to the M1 for the North Education: St John’s Wood has many excellent state and private schools, however it is best known for The American School in London. • Christ Church Bentinck CE Primary School Cosway Street London NW1 5NS 020 7641 4135 • Gateway Primary School Capland Street London NW8 8LN 020 7641 4160 • George Eliot Primary School Marlborough Hill London NW8 ONH 020 7722 2000 • The Abercorn School 28 Abercorn Place London NW8 9XP 020 7286 4785 • Arnold House School 1 Loudoun Road London NW8 1LH 020 7288 4840 • The American School in London 1 Waverly Place London NW8 0NP 020 7449 1200 .

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