One of London's most popular upmarket suburbs, St John's Wood boasts enviable central location while retaining its charm as a peaceful living area with a wealth of local amenities and cultural attractions. Alex Heiskanen and Kristian Brown, the Sales and Lettings Managers at Foxtons St John's Wood, share their insight on the sought-after area and its property market.
TELL US ABOUT THE PROPERTY MARKET IN ST JOHN'S WOOD...Alex: St John's Wood has always maintained its appeal by being wonderfully tranquil despite its location moments from central London. Buyers remain global in nature and are attracted by the safety of the area, its excellent transport links and close proximity to Regent's Park. Planning permission has just been granted for the development of the old St John's Wood Barracks into a £1.5bn luxury residential development, with the aim to create one of the most lucrative residential developments in Central London.
Kristian: The grand mansion blocks and portered blocks are always in demand on the lettings side in St John's Wood, with many different types of tenants currently residing in the area. The close proximity to Regent's College, London School of Economics and University College London attracts British and international students, and the convenience of easy access to the Jubilee line running through the area attracts professionals working in the City or Canary Wharf. What makes the area so popular when it comes to lettings is also its massive range of properties, offering a great choice from studio and one bedroom apartments up to the substantial 6000 sqft houses on Hamilton Terrace with the letting price of around £8000 pw.
WHAT ARE THE BEST PLACES TO EAT IN THE AREA?Alex: Harry Morgan is a popular New York Style deli that serves some of the best salt beef in London, and the Duke of York, located on the corner of St John's Wood High Street and St John's Wood Terrace, is St John's Wood most popular neighbourhood pub, great for burgers, steaks and weekend roasts. The Warrington Hotel at the top of Sutherland Avenue in Maida Vale, once owned by Gordon Ramsey, is a W9 favourite.
Kristian: The Waterway pub is my personal favourite - a great place to sit by the canal and enjoy the summer sunshine whilst having lunch, watching the boats go by.
LET'S TALK LOCAL AMENITIES AND DOWN TIME...Alex: St John's Wood High Street is full of niche boutiques where money can easily be left behind. You can recreate the Beatles album cover on the famous Abbey Road crossing, and as for the down time, nothing beats a nice long walk around Regent's Park.
Kristian: Having a picnic and watching a test match at Lords Cricket Ground is a great way to spend a day on the weekend. For fashion lovers, the High Street offers an array of popular high end boutiques like The Kooples, Joseph, Rigby & Peller and many great independent boutiques.
AND FOR THE FAMILIES?Alex: The London Zoo, which is located in the nearby Regent's Park, is a perennial family favourite, and St Joseph's Catholic Primary School is a popular choice for catholic families in St John's Wood and Maida Vale.
Kristian: Regent's Park and Paddington Recreation Ground is great for outdoor family activities. The local American School is very sought-after in the area and is particularly popular with the families of ex-pats.
ANY FUN FACTS ABOUT THE AREA?Alex: Sir Paul McCartney lives in St John's Wood. Interestingly, he lives moments away from the legendary Abbey Road crossing outside the Abbey Road Studios.
Kristian: Jimmy Carr also lives in the area and Robbie Williams just moved out of his house in St John's Wood.
Looking to move to the area? Talk to Alex or Kristian about your requirements.
