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Living In St Johns Wood
A ‘Home Away From Home’ For American Families
I’ve heard this statement on numerous occasions and when one examines the neighbourhood it comes as no surprise.
Apart from the fact that NW8 is home to the American School, it is also home to the world renowned Lords Cricket Ground, a microcosm of all things British.
With its elegant buildings, boutique coffee shops and vast expanses of pristine green grass, it provides visitors and residents with their very own piece of quintessential England without actually being in the midst of the hustle and bustle of London.
In addition it is perfectly located for quick access into the West End and the City of London where London’s businesses, theatres and restaurants can be found.
A few stops on a bus or underground train from the Art Deco style St Johns Wood Underground Station gets you into the heart of London, and when you return back home from the inner London frenzy you are back in this well-established friendly community reminiscent of a Home Counties village.
The American School
Clearly for visitors from the USA, The American School here is a big draw. It was originally founded in 1951 but has undergone massive changes over the years by incorporating adjoining buildings and completely redesigning its exterior and interior creating a spectacular environment for its pupils to study in.
The school has an impressive track record of success and now teaches students from more than 50 different nationalities.
In my conversations with my American clients, I am told that the expat American community find that living close to other people who are in a similar situation can be extremely comforting and, of course, having the spectacular Panzers Deli round the corner, which prides itself on having a wealth of American foods, is the perfect cure for feeling homesick.History Of The Area
Historically, St John’s Wood was once part of the Great Forest of Middlesex, and until the end of the eighteenth century it remained in agricultural use.
Apart from a small portion around Barrow Hill, which was owned by the Portland Estate, most of St John’s Wood had been acquired by the Eyre family in 1732.
A second, smaller estate, nestled alongside Edgware Road, was acquired by John Lyon in 1574; the estate was later given by him to his foundation, Harrow School, on trust to maintain the roads between London and Harrow in good repair.
Hence, a number of local road names reflect these links. John Lyon’s Charity is today one of London’s leading endowed educational charities.
A Revolutionary Style
When building began in this area at the beginning of the nineteenth century, St John’s Wood became the first part of London to move away from the typical terraced houses and instead began to showcase the semi-detached villa.
This somewhat revolutionary move was later copied in other districts of London. Despite many of the original houses and gardens not surviving the Second World War bombing raids, the area has still managed to preserve its original character.
Local Attractions
As well as its history and the aforementioned famous cricket ground, there are many other attractions which draw both tourists and local residents to the area.
Regent’s Park is just a stone’s throw away and is the largest open space for sports in Central London. The park not only hosts the world famous London Zoo, but also the highly acclaimed open air theatre where popular plays are regularly performed.
The Beatles
In modern times St John’s Wood became home to the most famous recording studios in the world, the Abbey Road Studios, often used by The Beatles who brought the area into the public eye with the iconic album covering featuring an image of the group on the zebra crossing outside the studios.
Today tourists from all over the world dodge the traffic in an attempt to recreate this iconic cover shot.
St John's Wood is the home of ...
Types of Property for Sale
St John's Wood offers a mix of stylish, low-built villas and mansions with large gardens. It also has apartment complexes with communal leisure facilities and un-modernised properties with huge development potential.
St John's Wood Local Council
Westminster City Council, PO Box 240, Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6QP
Telephone: 020 7641 2000
