“I will never move”, says Marylebone-based broadcaster and influencer Jo Good. Jo, who bought a one bedroom flat in Marylebone High Street over two decades ago, has now become one of the area’s most familiar faces.
She is typical of the many celebrities, city professionals and wealthy globetrotters who love living in Marylebone. The winning combination of old world charm and contemporary chic makes it a vibrant place to shop, eat and drink.
Local residents appreciate being minutes away from all the delights of London’s West End, including exclusive Mayfair and the luxurious shops of Bond Street. Marylebone is also one of the most family-friendly spots in the capital: boasting a number of world-renowned schools and colleges as well as some of the best private medical practices in Europe.
As any Marylebone neighbourhood guide will tell you, the area is well connected for onward travel (you can reach Heathrow Airport from nearby Paddington Station in just 22 minutes). Additionally, Regent’s Park - one of London’s most beautiful Royal Parks – is right on the doorstep.
A Popular ‘London Village’
Marylebone is famously described as a ‘London village’ because of its strong sense of community. Grab a coffee at one of the area’s busy pavement cafes to observe the steady buzz of neighbours greeting one another, waiters chatting to their customers and influencers snapping selfies with their fashion-conscious friends.
According to Jo Good, “The young influencers here call Marylebone High Street the new Kings Road”. The area certainly attracts an international crowd of fashionistas, drawn by the array of independent shops, bright cafes and trendy bars.
A Great Place to Shop, Drink And Dine
Many shops and restaurants in Marylebone have become local institutions, having served their customers from the same spot for decades.
Durrants Hotel, one of the last remaining privately owned hotels in London, is an excellent example of a long-running Marylebone business. Established in 1789, the 92-room hotel has been owned by the Miller family since 1921.
Linda Dauriz, CEO of Swedish fashion brand Tiger of Sweden, set up shop in Marylebone because she felt it was “the perfect destination for shopping and strolling.” She says the area offers “a vibrant and inspiring mix of retail stores, restaurants and cafés in a truly unique setting”, adding: “it feels metropolitan and intimate at the same time.”
Marylebone’s pubs, bars and eateries specialize in bringing an innovative twist to traditional menus. At the Marylebone Bar, you can enjoy handcrafted artisan cocktails created by expertly trained mixologists. Furthermore, The Hidden City, real world Sherlock Holmes adventure Games starts here where you can engage in a treasure hunt style experience led by your phone, one of the most interesting ways to discover Marylebone. Meanwhile, if you fancy some European influence Souli Food offers specialist teas from Paris, coffee from Rome and made-to-order fruit juices. 
At Home Marylebone, the experience is all about “eating, drinking and wellbeing”. Based in a fabulously Instagrammable building decked with swathes of greenery, the restaurant prides itself on serving healthy food round the clock. Local foodies also congregate at the Sunday Farmer’s Market, where fresh, seasonal produce is available all year round.
A Great Place for Families
Families living in Marylebone can choose from a range of private and state schools, some within easy walking distance. The area is also home to world famous educational establishments such as the London Business School and the Royal College of Music.
Schools for younger children include Hampden Gurney CofE Primary School (rated Outstanding by Ofsted) and St Joseph’s RC Primary in nearby Maida Vale (rated Good). Portland Place is a small, independent, non-denominational and co-educational school, while Queens College on Harley Street welcomes girls from the age of four.
At the Secondary level, there are a number of excellent schools either within Marylebone itself or a short distance away. The Wetherby Senior School is the latest new establishment from the Wetherby Group, offering a traditional British boys’ school education with an international outlook.
The Southbank International School employs the IB World method to foster inner belief, openness and academic excellence. The Frances Holland School, on the edge of Regent’s Park, is a popular independent school for girls.
Leisure and Fitness
Just to the north of Marylebone lies the 166-hectare expanse of Regents Park, with the green space of Primrose Hill just beyond. The park is blessed with a wide range of attractions and amenities, including an open air theatre, a large zoo and an impressive range of sports facilities. To the west of the park is the world famous Lord’s Cricket Ground, where top international cricket teams regularly compete.
Marylebone has some superb gyms, although residents are perhaps more likely to be found in yoga or pilates studios. Indaba Yoga and Total Chi Yoga, and Pilates are highly rated by local fitness fans.
Properties in Marylebone
Marylebone enjoyed something of a property boom in the Georgian era, and some of its finest homes date from that time. There are also many buildings from the Victorian and Edwardian periods, including a number of magnificent mansion blocks.
Most of the grand period houses have now been split up into apartments, although undivided properties can still be found around Regent’s Park. You can also find streets of terraced properties in the area, while new build luxury apartment blocks continue to pop up whenever a site becomes available.
Marylebone’s traditional heritage may be reflected in its timeless architecture, but the lifestyle on offer here is refreshingly contemporary. Residents can move easily between the exciting retail and leisure opportunities of London’s West End and the tranquil green spaces of Regents Park and Primrose Hill. Alternatively, they can simply stay local, enjoying everything that Marylebone’s smart independent shops, restaurants, bars and cafes have to offer.
If, like Jo Good, you relish the idea of living in a friendly community on the doorstep of London’s West End, we would be happy to show you some fantastic Marylebone apartments for sale or rent. Simply contact our Marylebone estate agents and let them know what you are looking for.
