Marylebone: Live on London's favourite street

If you want to live somewhere bustling, cosmopolitan and extremely close to Central London, you won't find a better spot than Marylebone. The district has become immensely popular with city workers, attracted by its primarily residential nature which is supplemented nicely with an eclectic mix of cafes, shops and restaurants lining the high street - which was famously voted London's favourite street in a city-wide poll. Its convenient links to Canary Wharf and the centre of town have also done it many favours with the working population of London.

But while convenience is obviously an attraction, it is the sense of community and village feel that makes Marylebone stand out from other living areas in the capital city. Londoners are famous for having a tough unfeeling exterior, with 'Don't make eye-contact' the top unwritten rule of surviving the Tube. Those living in Marylebone can expect a slightly more positive atmosphere.

Housing

On top of this unique (for London) disposition, residents also benefit from having the pick of some of the most beautiful housing in the capital. Predominantly Georgian, the homes are packed with character and range in style from mansion flats and pretty mews to newly-constructed apartment blocks and impressive town houses. The area is home to three tremendously majestic garden squares - Bryanston Square, Montagu Square and Manchester Square - and you're guaranteed a stunning view from any of the surrounding townhouses.

If you're seeking something a little bit more unusual, the pretty mews houses tucked behind the spacious mansion houses and elegant terraces are some of the most unique period Properties in London. While the amount of space will vary from building to building, potential residents should be able to expect a fair amount of space for their buck. This is a factor that has also proved essential to Marylebone's popularity with London property seekers as space is very difficult to come by in the centre of the city.

Places to go, things to see

So what does one do for fun around the borough? Upon moving in, your first port-of-call will almost certainly be the high street, which is celebrated for its fantastic cafe culture. Grab a latte and a cake and simply let the world go by, before heading out to sample Marylebone's collection of local shops and independent traders. Our top favourites would have to include La Fromagerie, run by cheese enthusiast Patricia Michelson, Daunt books where you can pick up some real bargains for the enthusiastic reader, and the butcher Ginger Pig.

Furthermore, the borough plays host to a weekly farmers' market which frequently attracts more than 30 stalls each week, with plenty of local produce on offer. Enjoy a selection of farm-grown necessities, dairy, the freshest vegetables and plenty of homemade goods.

When it comes to places of interest to explore with friends and family, you won't be left wanting. Marylebone is home to a plethora of prime London attractions. Why not try the famous Madame Tussauds, long considered one of the staples of a trip to London? Failing that, if you have a bit of a bit of an interest in crime literature, you might be interested to know that Marylebone is home to the most legendary British detective of them all - Sherlock Holmes. Take a stroll down Baker Street and see if you can spot the famous Speedy's cafe from the recent BBC modern remake, then get over to the Sherlock Holmes museum to fill in some gaps about your knowledge of the savvy sleuth.

On top of this, you'll find dozens of other attractions a short walk away. Take in the tigers at London Zoo, find out about the development of famous songs and sonatas at the Royal Academy of Music, or contemplate fine brushwork at the Colomb Art Gallery.

Once you've sampled all that Marylebone has to offer, celebrate a successful moving-in with a pint at your new local. Get over to the Times-recommended Windsor Castle on Crawford Place if you enjoy a traditional watering-hole, or try out tapas bar Honey Pot on Homer Street if you're after some food as well as a drink. For all your partying needs, head over to bar-cum-nightclub Carbon, based in the Cumberland Hotel on Old Quebec Street.

Transportation

Marylebone is roughly defined as the area just west of the centre of London, bordered by Oxford Street to the south, Edgware Road to the west and Great Portland Street to the east. Due to its proximity to the middle of the city, the area is more than aptly served by an abundance of bus and taxi services that will take you wherever you desire locally.

Those wishing to make use of the Tube will certainly be satisfied with trains from Bond Street, Oxford Circus, Great Portland Street, Baker Street and Regent's Park. Between them, the stations include the Bakerloo, Victoria, Jubilee, Circle, Hammersmith, Metropolitan and Central Lines - in other words, the majority of London's much-admired underground transport network.

For travellers who like to go a little further afield, Marylebone rail station links to such delightful places as Birmingham, Banbury and Leamington Spa. The line is currently undergoing a major upgrade which should see journey times cut in the near future. Need frequent access to an airport? No problem - Heathrow, City and Luton airports are all an hour away or less.

Why live in Marylebone?

If all of this doesn't answer your question of 'Why should I live in Marylebone?', then we recommend you take a look around the area. Get out and see the district, experience the community feeling and take in some of the gorgeous houses. Life only comes around once - unless you believe in reincarnation - so you might as well spend it in a great location if you can afford it. With its proximity to the West End, beautiful buildings and plethora of prime attractions, you won't find much greater than Marylebone.

Published 4th April, 2013

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