St John's Wood brings the village atmosphere to the capital

St John’s Wood is a great location for people looking to capitalise on all the benefits of London living without being caught up in all the hustle and bustle. 

Even though the area is much more laid-back than more commercial areas of the capital, there are great links to the city centre, making it an ideal commuter destination. 

With an environment more comparable to a leafy countryside suburb, St John’s Wood has proven to be a fantastic option for a range of different cultures and demographics. 

Thanks to the tight-knit community in the area, newcomers to the country can quickly fit in and familiarise themselves with the London way of life, and the standard of housing in the area is exceptional. 

History

St John’s Wood has a decorated past. Named after the the knights of St John, it was one of the capital’s first suburbs to be developed in the 19th century. By designing a variety of detached and semi-detached houses, architects aimed to attract professionals looking for privacy. 

Following years of growth, the village has remained an upmarket option for Londoners despite an increase in development. While a number of leading restaurants and shops have arrived, St John’s Wood has remained a relaxing and affluent option for property hunters.

Travel

The nearest Tube station is on the Jubilee line, providing an easy link through Central London. Waterloo is only 15 minutes away, making it easy for residents to connect to other regions of the city and the rest of the UK. 

Even without using public transport, locals can visit an array of shops and restaurants including Baker Street and Oxford Circus. If the walking gets too much, there are plenty of bus routes in the area.

Culture

St John’s Wood boasts a selection of delightful cafes, shops and restaurants. One of the most notable of these is the Beatles Coffee Shop, which attracts high numbers of tourists looking to enjoy the band’s memorabilia. 

The exceptional Oslo Court restaurant is another top attraction, offering a variety of European gourmet food that is not available in many other areas of the country. 

With Christian, Jewish and Muslim churches in the village, there is a wide variety of cultures residing locally, with many other churches in nearby areas. 

There are also a number of fantastic attractions in the area, including Abbey Park and London Zoo. So, if you fancy a quiet afternoon stroll or a day observing some of the world’s most interesting animals, it is all on your doorstep.

Perhaps the most well-known attraction in the area is Abbey Road studios, where the Beatles recorded many of their most well-known hits. 

Housing

Due to St John Wood’s central location, the price of properties in the area is especially high and there are a range of luxury houses and flats available.

The region attracts some of the country’s biggest names and the cost of living is higher than many other areas of the capital but, for those who can afford it, St John’s Wood is a fantastic place to call home. 

Published 26th May, 2015

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