6 minute read

Property

Welcome to Marylebone

Marylebone has been one of London’s most elegant, quintessential and fashionable areas since the 17th century, having enjoyed a period of development under various aristocratic families over the centuries. The area is enjoying a boom and continues to attract a host of high-end brands, both in terms of fashion and food. Marylebone’s ‘village feel’ is often commented on, despite being just a stone’s throw from the crowds that populate Oxford Street, and tourist attractions such as Madame Tussauds Waxwork Museum and the British Museum. With a Sunday farmers’ market and its proximity to the green spaces of Regent’s Park and Hyde Park, as well as a host of independent restaurants, cafés and bars and excellent schooling, it’s little wonder that the area never dips in popularity.

Advertisement

Despite being in central London, Marylebone is known for being an area of calm and serenity. The heart of Marylebone is found on Marylebone High Street, which is overflowing with charming coffee shops, eateries and boutiques. Regent’s Park offers 410 acres of mainly open parkland and is Grade Il listed on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens. It contains Regent’s University London and the popular tourist attraction of London Zoo. There are also sports pitches, playgrounds, a boating lake and an open-air theatre which hosts some excellent performances in the summertime.

If the wonderful parks will not attract you to Marylebone, then the fashionable shops, restaurants and entertainment no doubt will. Selfridges, which has been voted the best department store in the world multiple times, is located on Oxford Street, surrounded by an abundance of affluent shops and boutiques. Marylebone also holds a Summer Fayre each year which is an occasion not to be missed.

As expected W1 and NW1 is made up of a colourful tapestry of residents. Marylebone has become increasingly popular with city workers due to excellent transport links to the City. Students are attracted because both the University of Westminster and Regent’s University are close by. Families also love Marylebone because of its safe atmosphere and excellent schools including the likes of Wetherby Preparatory School in Bryanston Square, The Old Grammar School on Marylebone Road, Portland Place School, and Queen’s College. The world renowned medical district, Harley Street is also just around the corner.

Culture lovers will be delighted with the array of attractions on their doorstep, including Madame Tussauds, the Wallace Collection in Manchester Square, Royal Academy of Music, and Wigmore Hall, theatres on the West End, London Zoo and the BBC headquarters in Portland Place.

Perhaps it doesn’t take Sherlock Holmes to work out why we love Marylebone so much, as our Global Headquarters is positioned on Baker Street, but if you want to be sure, you can find him just a few doors up at iconic number 221b.

Houses In Marylebone

Most well-known for the beautiful, highly sought-after, Georgian squares, Victorian terraces and mansion blocks, the majority of the period buildings here have been converted into stylish apartments yet retain their traditional features. There are grand houses surrounding garden squares - Montagu Square, Bryanston Square, Manchester Square and Fitzroy Square to name but a few. These are the most soughtafter, as they are both picturesque and traditional.

There are some stunning mews houses creating an oasis of calm scattered around Marylebone. Newer developments such as

The Chilterns have been designed with luxury living in mind, with interiors from designer Rabih Hage. The W1 London is one of London’s new luxury residences occupying a prime location on Marylebone High Street. The Park Crescent, London’s only Royal crescent, looks out onto eight acres of outstanding private gardens. Harley Street and Wimpole Street are famous for the medical ambiance.

Shopping

In Marylebone, you really can shop till you drop, with every possible type of retailer nestled in one of the district’s distinguished corners. At the bottom of Baker Street, you will find one of the world’s most iconic department stores, Selfridges, founded in 1909 by American Harry Selfridge, now a cornerstone of London’s shopping scene. Arrive at Selfridges and you will arrive on Oxford Street, perhaps London’s most well-known shopping area, offering just over a mile of the world’s biggest high street names. Head south in the direction of Piccadilly and you’ll find Bond Street, highly regarded for its exclusive brands. And of course, right on your doorstep is the truly beautiful Marylebone High Street, with its market-town feel and elegant and eclectic stores, including Instagram-worthy Daunt Books.

Getting Around

Marylebone is easily accessible by train, plane, bus and car: By car: For road trips up north, head to the A1 or M1 with connections to the M25. By train: London Marylebone is the nearest major train station and provides good links to Oxford and Birmingham. The Elizabeth line, due to open soon, will offer a high-frequency service to Reading and Heathrow Airport. By air: Heathrow Airport is your closest – just hop on the Piccadilly line. Underground: Marylebone is very well connected and offers multiple tube stations, including Baker Street (Bakerloo, Jubilee, Hammersmith. District and Circle lines), Regent’s Park (Bakerloo line), Goodge Street (Northern line), and Bond Street (Central and Jubilee lines). Overground: There is an overground mainline station which stands midway between Euston and Paddington. Buses: Numerous buses from Baker Street serve central London including the 74, 82, 2, 189 and 139.

Restaurants, Pubs, Bars And Cafés

The Harcourt

This elegant neighbourhood pub offers dishes devised by a Finnish chef and drinks concocted by a Swedish mixologist. This fine-dining establishment is part of Harcourt Inns, winner of ‘Food-led Pubs of the Year’. It serves beers from family-run breweries and a good selection of wines.

The Barley Mow

The Barley Mow is a traditional pub with bags of character. It has been in Dorset Street since 1791, and its wooden snugs are listed. Enjoy the friendly vibe with a pie and a beer.

Le Relais de Venise

This very popular French restaurant serves a simple set menu of salad, steak, fries and dessert. The steak comes with a secret homemade sauce and the praline dessert is a popular choice. It doesn’t take bookings so be prepared for a wait.

Chiltern Firehouse

Possibly the most exclusive place to dine in Marylebone, the Chiltern Firehouse is the brainchild of hotelier André Balazs and manned by head chef Nuno Mendes. The dining room of the 26-suite hotel serves upscale American treats in the former garage of the Marylebone Fire Station.

The Marylebone Bar

Last, but by no means least, is Marylebone’s namesake drinking hotspot, a relaxed yet upscale venue situated in the heart of the High Street, specialising in cocktails with the unique twist of in-house infusions.

Knight Frank’s Relocation Service

We understand that moving home is a stressful and time-consuming process at the best of times, without the added challenge of that move being to a new country. Our relocation team are on hand to help you with this new chapter, offering a bespoke service with no cost or obligations and full access to London’s property market, to ensure your experience is as smooth as possible.

Sacha Hawkins, Associate, Relocation ‘Inspired by my parents’ love of property, I started out my real estate career in Cambridge, first working as an estate agent. I jumped at the opportunity to move into the world of corporate relocation and now have over eight years’ experience working in the dynamic and global London market. A vital part of what I do is to listen to my clients’ individual needs, so that when they are matched to their perfect property, they have the best start to their new journey in London. For any of your property needs or advice, please get in touch. I’d love to help you.’ E: sacha.hawkins@knightfrank.com T: +44 20 3504 7337 www.knightfrank.co.uk