St John’s Wood acquired its name from the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, a band of crusading knights who owned this once forested area during the middle ages. Today the only trees you’ll find are those adorning the gardens of the area’s wealthy residents, whose collective assets make NW8 one of the most expensive postcodes in London.
The land began to be converted to residential use in the 19th century and from the very first developers set out to create high quality, low-density housing: a break from the pattern of terraced houses which had formerly been the norm, even in expensive areas. Nowadays in St John’s Wood you’ll find a mixture of huge mansion blocks, impressive, stucco-fronted villas and luxury modern developments.
The area is famous for attractions such as Lords Cricket Ground and Abbey Road Studios (where the Beatles recorded their famous album of the same name). Famous residents past and present include model Kate Moss, actor Damian Lewis and Sir Paul McCartney. Affluent people from all over the world are attracted to live in St John’s Wood and these multicultural residents are served by a number of different churches, synagogues and mosques.
The area is not only minutes away from London’s West End, it’s convenient for Regent’s Park (with its famous Open Air Theatre) as well as the shops and amenities of nearby Swiss Cottage.
St John’s Wood Property Profile
In this area you’ll find stunning, white stucco terraces and villas as well as luxurious portered apartment blocks. Amongst a limited number of new developments are the apartments on Wellington Road (which won the Evening Standard’s Best New Small Development Award) and the former St John’s Wood Barracks – vacated by the Royal Horse Artillery in 2012 - which is currently being redeveloped into a prime residential site.
St John’s Wood Schools
The international profile of St John’s Wood’s residents is reflected by the diversity of education on offer, which includes the American School and the French Lycée (based in Portland Place). If you live in St John’s Wood you will be able to choose from a selection of state schools highly rated by Ofsted (including one that unusually teaches pupils from 3 to 18) and some excellent private schools.
Primary Schools
Good state run schools include Gateway Primary, George Eliot, Barrow Hill and Robinsfield. Independent schools include St John’s Wood Pre-prep, the American School and Arnold House School.
Secondary Schools
Popular state run schools are Quintin Kynaston and King Solomon Academy. Independent schools include the American School and Arnold House School.
Why live in St John’s Wood?
- Minutes away from Central London.
- Attractive, affluent area with a multicultural feel.
- Close to Regent’s Park.
- Busy local shopping centre.
- Access to excellent state run and private schools.
- Served by a range of cultural and religious centres including mosques, synagogues and churches.
St John’s Wood Attractions
- London Zoo and Regent’s Park.
- Lord’s Cricket Ground.
- Abbey Road Studios.
- Good choice of stylish restaurants, cafes and pubs.
Getting around in St John’s Wood
St John’s Wood has a tube station on the Jubilee line and the area is also well-served by buses, including the 13, 16, 332, 98, 113, 46, 139 and 189. The area’s primary roads are the A41, A40/M40 connecting to major routes to the City, the West and West London.
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