A grand and tranquil village in the heart of London, St John’s Wood is one of the city’s most upmarket residential locations. With elegant villa style family housing that sweeps along the side of Regent’s Park, and an attractive high street filled with boutiques, it’s a neighbourhood professionals flock to; there is also the added bonus that it is one of the capital’s property hotspots, where house prices regularly hit new highs.

From St John’s Wood it’s a brisk, beautiful walk into town, or just two tube stops into Bond Street. Although just moments from the West End, at weekends there is little reason to leave this delightful enclave, with bars and restaurants aplenty. Picturesque Little Venice along the canal to the west, the stunning rose gardens and outdoor sports areas of Regent’s Park on its doorstep, and gorgeous views from Primrose Hill for those undaunted by the climb.

Young professionals who start London life here can rarely be persuaded to leave: once drawn by its bars and busy high street, later in life they stay for the good schools and strong multi-cultural community and the area’s village like feel which is protected by the St John’s Wood Society.

St John’s Wood was the favoured place for Victorian gentlemen to keep their mistresses. Close enough to town but far enough from their Mayfair and Knightsbridge homes to avoid suspicion. The exiled Napoleon III kept Elizabeth Anne Howard at a residence in Circus Road.

Once part of the Great Forest of Middlesex, St John’s Wood inherited its name from the medieval owners, the Knights of the Order of St John of Jerusalem. The way of life here remained pastoral until the early 19th century, when building began. The architects wanted to maintain the air of rural charm, abandoning traditional terraces in favour of grand Italianate villas, Cottage Ornés and Victorian Gothic pairs. This rural retreat, so close to London, attracted artists and philosophers, who were later joined by craftsmen and wealthy merchants, whose shops and outlets gave the area the village feel it retains to this day. In the 1960s St John’s Wood was designated a Conservation Area, and many of the houses are protected by English Heritage. Modern luxury blocks, complete with porters and private leisure facilities, thrive here too.

House hunters will find a mix of mansion flats, contemporary apartments and detached villa style housing here, the most exclusive examples of which are on Avenue Road

Whether locals are looking for a cosy fireplace, or a glass of wine and some tasty treats, St John’s Wood has an array of pubs and gastropubs to suit every taste. The Duke of York is warm and welcoming with a bar and casual dining area usually full of well heeled locals. Just a stone’s throw from the West End and Soho, residents don’t need to leave St John’s Wood for an excellent night out. The famous Oslo Court on Charlbert Street and The Ivy Cafe on St John’s Wood High Street are reliable and always busy. The Winery on nearby Clifton Road in Little Venice is one of west London’s best independent wine shops and hosts regular tastings for locals.

Home to over 12,000 animals, London Zoo opened in 1828, and is the world’s oldest scientific zoo.

St John’s Wood is also home to the world renowned, Lord’s Cricket Ground. This historic English landmark hosts matches from county sides to international tests. Tours of the grounds are held daily.

St John’s High Street has an excellent range of unique and more familiar shops, with a special emphasis on family.

The St John’s Wood library has two monthly books clubs, one specifically for crime fiction fans.

Stroll to the top of Primrose Hill and take in the dramatic views of London. It’s a favourite celebrity haunt in summer, so keep your eyes peeled for Jamie and Jools Oliver, Daniel Craig and Harry Styles. Nearby Regent’s Park boasts 410 acres of beautiful green space, with the largest outdoor sports centre in Central London, boating lakes and stunning rose gardens. A disused graveyard, St John’s Wood Church Grounds is the only Local Nature Reserve in the City of Westminster. The attractive park regularly wins prizes and has received the Green Flag Award for excellent green spaces since 2004. Facilities include a playground, formal gardens and a wildlife area.

St Johns Wood has strong ties in education with a number of universities close by. There are many good primary schools to choose from, as well as two well regarded state secondaries. Arnold House, Abercorn Place, St Christina’s, St John’s Wood Pre Prep and Francis Holland are further options for those interested in private education. The American School and the French Lycée both offer alternatives to the traditional British education system.

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