6 Properties in your Shortlist

Area Guide
St. John's Wood

St. John's Wood (NW8) is an affluent residential area situated in Northwest London, nestled between the vibrant West End and serene Regent's Park. It is bordered by Primrose Hill to the north, Marylebone to the south, and Maida Vale to the west. Accessing Central London is a breeze with a mere two-stop ride on the Jubilee Line, or you can opt for a more picturesque stroll through Regent's Park. St. John's Wood is known for its elegant villas, charming high street, and celebrity residents. It's also a vibrant and cosmopolitan community with a rich history and culture. Stroll along the high street and you'll find a mix of independent shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Or, head to Regent's Park for a picnic or a leisurely walk. St. John's Wood is the proud home to some of London's most iconic landmarks, including Lord's Cricket Ground, Abbey Road Studios, and the London Zoo. And, naturally, no visit to St. John's Wood would be complete without recreating the famous Beatles album cover on Abbey Road. Today, St. John's Wood is a thriving and cosmopolitan community, with a diverse mix of residents hailing from all corners of the globe. It is a favoured place to call home for families, professionals, and retirees alike.

Shopping in St. John's Wood

St. John's Wood has a diverse mix of shops and restaurants to choose from. The main shopping area is centred on St. John's Wood High Street and Circus Road St. John's Wood is known for its upmarket fashion brands, such as Zadig & Voltaire, Liu Jo, Gerard Darel, ME+EM, Joseph, Tara Jarmon, and ba&sh. However, there is also a good selection of independent shops and boutiques, as well as chain stores such as Waitrose, Boots, and Lloyds Pharmacy.

Eating & drinking in St. John's Wood

From cosy pubs serving hearty British fare to elegant restaurants offering innovative cuisine, there's something to tantalize every taste bud in St. John's Wood.

Pubs and restaurants:

  • The Duke of York: This warm and welcoming pub has a traditional atmosphere and a menu featuring classic British dishes such as fish and chips, bangers and mash, and Sunday roast.
  • Oslo Court: This popular restaurant on Charlbert Street offers a sophisticated take on French cuisine, with dishes such as escargots, coq au vin, and steak frites.
  • The Ivy: The Ivy Collection-owned restaurant boasts an impressive menu of modern British cuisine, alongside a selection of classic café-style dishes and delectable vegetarian and vegan options. 
  • Soutine: This Parisian-style cafe-restaurant is a great place to enjoy a coffee and a pastry in the morning, or a leisurely lunch or dinner featuring classic French dishes such as steak frites, moules frites, and confit de canard.

Wine tasting:

  • The Winery: This independent wine shop hosts regular tastings for locals, where you can sample a variety of wines from around the world and learn about winemaking from experienced experts. It's located on Clifton Road in Little Venice, close to St. John's Wood.

Delicatessens:

  • Panzer's Deli: This family-run deli has been serving the St. John's Wood community for over 70 years. The deli offers a wide variety of fresh and prepared foods, including smoked meats, cheeses, salads, and pastries.

Green spaces in St. John's Wood

St. John's Wood is a leafy neighbourhood with a wealth of green spaces to explore. Take a stroll to the top of Primrose Hill and soak up the stunning views of London. Or head to Regent's Park with its boating lakes, rose gardens, and outdoor sports centre for everyone to enjoy. On a sunny day, there's nothing better than renting a rowboat and exploring the Serpentine, a picturesque lake that runs through the centre of Regent's Park. Regent's Park is also home to the London Zoo, one of the oldest and most famous zoos in the world. If you're looking for a more tranquil spot, head to St. John's Wood Church Grounds. This former graveyard is now a Local Nature Reserve, where you can spot wildlife and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Properties in St John's Wood

St. John's Wood is a neighbourhood filled with a unique blend of stunning architectural styles, ranging from charming Cottage Ornés, elegant Victorian Gothic pairs, modern luxury apartments, to Italianate villas. No matter your preference, you'll find something that suits your taste, from sprawling gardens in traditional villas to state-of-the-art amenities in contemporary apartments. It's an ideal location to live, work, and raise a family, with its proximity to Regent's Park, the West End, and some of the top schools in London. It's no wonder this sought-after area is popular among homebuyers worldwide, including celebrities, families, and professionals. Whether you're searching for a majestic mansion with a rich history or a sleek, modern apartment with luxurious amenities, St. John's Wood has it all.

Schools & education in St. John's Wood

St. John's Wood is a highly sought-after destination for families and students due to its strong educational connections and wide range of schools. In terms of primary schools, there are numerous options available - both state and private. Ofsted has rated all but one of the state primary schools as "good" or better, with Gateway Primary School achieving an "outstanding" rating. Additionally, Ark King Solomon Academy, an all-through school, has also achieved an "outstanding" rating. 

Moving on to secondary schools, there are plenty of reputable options - again, both state and private. Ofsted has rated Harris Academy St John's Wood, St George's RC School, St Augustine's CofE School, and Paddington Academy as "outstanding" for state comprehensive schools. The UCL Academy is rated as "good". 

Private schools are also a popular choice in St. John's Wood, with many highly regarded primary and secondary schools available. Arnold House School, Abercorn School, St John's Wood Pre-Preparatory Schoo

l, St. Christina's School, Francis Holland School, and South Hampstead High School are some of the most well-known private schools. 

Lastly, for higher education, the United Colleges Group is the local sixth-form college in St. John's Wood.

History of St. John's Wood

St. John's Wood, which was once part of the Great Forest of Middlesex, got its name from the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem in the mediaeval times. It used to be a rural village until the early 19th century, when architects started constructing grand Italianate villas, Cottage Ornés, and Victorian Gothic pairs in a manner that preserved the area's rural charm. This pastoral retreat, which is close to London, lured in artists, philosophers, craftsmen, and wealthy merchants. Their shops and outlets gave the region the feel of a village that it still maintains to this day. In the 1960s, St. John's Wood was designated a Conservation Area, and numerous houses are safeguarded by English Heritage. In addition, contemporary luxury blocks with porters and private leisure facilities are also thriving in the area.

What else can I do in St. John's Wood?

St. John's Wood boasts some fantastic attractions, including the world-renowned Lord's Cricket Ground, which hosts matches from county sides to international tests and offers daily tours of its historical grounds. Additionally, Abbey Road Studios is a popular spot for tourists; it has a live webcam of the famous zebra crossing where the Beatles posed for an iconic photo, a graffiti wall where visitors can leave messages, and a gift shop. Hampstead Theatre, just a short 10-minute walk from Soutine, showcases some of the most innovative theatre productions in the city.