St John’s Wood, home to world renowned Lord’s Cricket Ground, is 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.
Well connected by the Tube network to the West End and City, workers enjoy a short commute back home at the end of the day and emerge into a well-established friendly community reminiscent of a Home Counties village. St John’s Wood station itself a much loved Art Deco treasure.
So it is no wonder that leafy St John’s Wood is increasingly appealing to American families as a place to call home, with the presence of the American School an undoubted draw. Originally founded in 1951, the American School in London has grown from strength to strength and now teaches students from more than 50 different nationalities.
Mrs Marchiony, a mother of three girls, moved to the area from Connecticut three years ago when her husband’s job relocated to the UK. Moving home, whatever the distance, can be a hugely emotional time for families so how did the family find life in London? “Following the initial period of adjustment we settled in very quickly,” says Mrs Marchiony. “During our time in St John’s Wood we have made many close friends, especially through the school, some which we would now consider ‘family’”.
So why is it that this area feels like a “home away from home” for Americans?
The Americans who choose to move to the area to be close to the school have formed a real community. Mrs Marchiony adds: “Living close to other people who are in a similar situation to you can be extremely comforting. We have a little family run deli round the corner which has helped our family when we were feeling particularly home-sick.” Panzers, located on Circus Road, stock an extensive range of American food including goldfish crackers.
“St John’s Wood is located in such a beautiful part of London and there are plenty of idyllic spots within walking distance of our house. One of our favourite places to go at the weekends is Violet Hill playground – the girls love it!”
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.
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.
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 another world famous institution, London Zoo, but also the highly acclaimed open air theatre where Shakespeare’s plays are regularly performed. Cafe´s and restaurants add to the ambience.
St John’s Wood itself is also home to the most famous recording studios in the world – Abbey Road – after British pop sensation 'The Beatles' brought the area into the public eye with the iconic album covering featuring an image of the group on a zebra crossing outside the studios. Today tourists from all over the world dodge the traffic in an attempt to recreate this iconic picture.
St John’s Wood is an idyllic location for long-standing residents and American short-stay visitors alike. It features all of the best aspects of London with the occasional home comfort to hand, and has a very special place in the hearts of many.
The Eyre Estate and John Lyons Charity currently have properties available to rent in St John's Wood through, and managed by, Cluttons. Cluttons pride themselves not only on the service they provide to their clients, but also the way in which the tenants are looked after throughout their tenancy. For more information contact Cluttons on 020 7586 5863 or visit www.cluttons.com