There are lots of places to live in London, but the northern part of the city could be perfect for many people. Why not spend some time exploring St John’s Wood or Kilburn? You may well find the house of your dreams here.
St John’s Wood
You will find numerous properties to rent in NW8, and St John’s Wood is a very central location that offers lots of benefits and would suit a great number of house-hunters.
Situated in the City of Westminster, St John’s Wood is near both Regent’s Park and Trafalgar Square. It was originally part of Great Middlesex Forest but became a suburb of London in the 19th century.
It takes its name from the Knights of the Order of St John of Jerusalem, which in 1323 took over the land from the Knights Templar. The plot was agricultural until the end of the 18th century, with residential buildings being erected in 1809 on the southern boundary of the area.
Throughout the 19th century, scientists, philosophers, authors and artists flocked to this part of London, later joined by merchants and craftsmen. A lot of the original character and village feel of St John’s Wood remains, although many of the original gardens and houses were lost during the 20th century, either through modern developments or bomb damage.
Those considering flats in St John’s Wood will find the suburb is an affluent one and is home to the most famous pedestrian crossing in the world – as seen on the cover of The Beatles’ Abbey Road album.
The properties to be found here range from wooden houses to modern apartment blocks such as Old Manor Court and Sutherland Avenue, with many of the dwellings built since the 19th century taking the form of villa-style homes. The southern side of St John’s Wood is where newly-developed mews houses and flats can be found.
Kilburn
Alternatively, you might want to look at properties for rent in Kilburn. This part of north-west London can be found between Maida Vale, St John’s Wood, Cricklewood, West Hampstead, Queens Park and Kensal Rise, and boasts excellent transport links.
The neighbourhood has two tube stations that run frequently into the heart of London, while travelling by bus is also very easy, with lots of services heading straight to north-west London or the West End.
In terms of residences, Kilburn has an interesting mix of detached and terraced houses. The south of Kilburn is home to large Victorian red brick homes that have been converted into studio flats and apartments, while if you head to the west you will find tall Victorian terraces and mansions. Modern apartment blocks and small terraces are available in the Kilburn High Road area.
There are many attractions in Kilburn, such as Randolph Gardens, a good-sized public garden close to Kilburn High Road. There is also the Tricycle Theatre and Cinema – great for keeping the kids entertained during school holidays or at the weekend – and Kilburn Market sells fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as other products like jewellery and clothes.
In terms of restaurants, Osteria del Ponte, a gastro pub popular with local residents, has a smart cocktail bar and a traditional wood-fired oven, with the menu offering dishes like suckling pig and monkfish wrapped in parma ham.
There are many advantages to living in these areas of north London, so why not take a look at the properties available to rent here today?