As a showcase for London’s world-famous multiculturalism, there are few better areas than St Johns Wood. While its white stucco terrace homes, grand villas and mansions mean NW8 is undoubtedly one of the city’s wealthiest postcodes, its blend of cultural, sporting and leisurely hotspots attract a rich variety of nationalities and faiths.

Local authority

St John’s Wood is a district within the City of Westminster. The local authority is Westminster City Council.

Council Tax bands

The total Council Tax bill which the smallest properties in Band A would expect to pay is £453.83. Properties in the average Band D should receive a bill of £ 680.74. The most expensive homes in Band H would receive a Council Tax bill for £1,361.48.

Property

The average price of a two bedroom flat in the area is £925,822, for a semi-detached home it’s £3,925,368, and for a detached house it’s £5,577,070.

For an area within the central borough of Westminster, the appeal of St John’s Wood comes in the form of its unusually large houses and gardens, which are well spaced and ornamented with green, pretty streets. Ranging from Neo-Gothic to white stucco terraces and Italian villa design, they are often also augmented by more modern architecture, but all come at a noticeably premium price: even rising beyond that of their illustrious neighbours in Belsize Park and Primrose Hill.

Education

As a destination for families and students alike, St Johns Wood has strong ties in education with a number of universities close by.

In terms of primary schools, Gateway Primary, George Eliot, Barrow Hill and Robinsfield stand out, while Quintin Kyaston and King Solomon Academy are two state secondaries which both hold ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted ratings.

Arnold House, Abercorn Place, St Christina’s, St John’s Wood Pre-Prep and Francis Holland are further options for those interested in private eduction.

Transport

St John’s Wood is in Zone 2 and has its own dedicated underground station on the Jubille Line, between Swiss Cottage and Baker Street.

The nearest overground station is South Hampstead, while buses come in the form of the 13 (to Aldwych), the 46 (to Smithfield), the 82 (to Victoria), the 139 (to Waterloo) and the 274 (to Islington).

Landmarks and history

Originally developed in the 19th century, St John’s Wood is the home of Lord’s Cricket Ground, which encompasses Middlesex County Cricket Club and of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).

Perhaps its most famous historical landmark however is not musical but sporting: back in 1969, a group of four Liverpudlians - John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Star - gave a humble pedestrian crossing on Abbey Road worldwide fame when they walked across it for the cover of the Beatles’ landmark album Abbey Road.

The King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery was formerly based at St John’s Wood Barracks, but the regiment moved to Woolwich in 2012 with a view to redevelop the barracks as housing.;

Major Shopping Areas

There are a wide variety of fashion boutiques and children’s clothes stores in the area, while another designer highlight is Drake Algar florists, which regularly hosts amazing displays.

Restaurants and pubs are also aplenty, with Lebanese establishment Sahara, One Blenheim Terrace and Harry Morgan’s New York Deli particularly popular choices for food, and the Duke of York and The Ordnance Arms similarly recommended for a pint.

Amenities

London Zoo is one of the capital’s most family-friendly days out, while Lord’s Cricket Ground provides an equally popular way to enjoy the sunshine. The surrounding greenery of Regents Park and Primrose Hill also contribute to a relaxed, community atmosphere that seems in sharp contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city centre, which is only a ten-minute tube ride away.

In the nearby neighbouring district of Maida Vale, an area known as Little Venice provides a secluded canalside haven complete with barges, canal boats and house boats.

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