London Area Guide to Living in Marylebone

Marylebone is one of London’s most charming and vibrant neighbourhoods, blending historic elegance with modern sophistication. From its Georgian architecture and garden squares to its diverse cultural attractions and upscale dining options, Marylebone offers something for everyone. Here’s an in-depth guide to what makes Marylebone a fantastic place to live, work, and explore.

History of Marylebone

Marylebone’s history dates back to the 12th century when it was known as St. Mary’s church by the bourne, referring to the stream that ran through it. Developed by the Portman family in the 18th century, the area transformed into an affluent residential district. Its Georgian architecture and garden squares attracted wealthy residents, leading to the construction of grand terraces and townhouses that remain characteristic of Marylebone today. Now, Marylebone is a diverse neighbourhood, attracting a mix of affluent families, professionals, and students.

Travel Opportunities

Marylebone boasts excellent transport links, making it a convenient base for commuters and travellers alike.

• Marylebone Station: Provides direct routes on the Chiltern Main Line to destinations such as Birmingham, Oxford, and Stratford-upon-Avon.
• Marylebone Underground Station: Serves the Bakerloo Line.
• Baker Street Station: Serves the Bakerloo, Circle, Hammersmith and City, Jubilee, and Metropolitan Lines.

Top Things to Do in Marylebone

Sherlock Holmes Museum: Located at the famous 221B Baker Street, this museum is a must-visit for fans of the fictional detective. The Georgian townhouse closely resembles Holmes’s residence as described in Conan Doyle’s stories, with rooms recreated to depict scenes from the stories. Artefacts, memorabilia, and exhibits related to Sherlock Holmes and Victorian-era London are on display.

Wallace Collection: Housed in the historic Hertford House on Manchester Square, this renowned art museum features a stunning collection of fine and decorative arts, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, porcelain, and armour. Highlights include masterpieces by Titian, Rembrandt, and Rubens. The museum also offers temporary exhibitions, lectures, concerts, and family activities throughout the year.

Marylebone High Street: This bustling street offers a mix of boutique shops, designer brands, and speciality stores. You’ll find unique fashion boutiques, artisanal craft stores, gourmet food shops, and bookstores like the iconic Daunt Books, known for its original Edwardian bookshop design.

Marylebone Farmers’ Market: Held every Sunday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on St Vincent Street, Aybrook Street, and the top of Moxon Street, this market offers a wide selection of fresh, locally sourced produce.

Wigmore Hall: Built in 1901, this hall is renowned for its exceptional acoustics and intimate atmosphere, hosting over 400 concerts and recitals each year. Wigmore Hall also offers a variety of educational programs, workshops, and masterclasses.

Local Parks

Regent’s Park: Designed by architect John Nash in the early 19th century, this park features immaculate gardens, elegant promenades, picturesque lakes, London Zoo, and the Open Air Theatre, offering a unique outdoor theatrical experience during the summer.

Paddington Street Gardens: Located behind Marylebone High Street, these gardens, originally laid out in the 18th century, feature mature trees, winding pathways, and well-maintained lawns. They host various cultural events and activities, including outdoor concerts and art exhibitions.

Top Schools

Marylebone is home to several prestigious schools, providing excellent educational opportunities:

• Francis Holland School: An independent day school for girls, known for its emphasis on extracurricular activities such as sports, music, drama, and art. (Website: Francis Holland School)
• Queen’s College: Founded in 1848, this girls’ school focuses on critical thinking, creativity, and independent learning. (Website: Queen’s College)
• Abercorn School: A co-educational school for children aged 2 to 16, committed to creating lifelong learners. (Website: Abercorn School)

Top Restaurants and Bars

Chiltern Firehouse:

• Cuisine: Reimagined classics with bold new flavours, focusing on seasonality and healthy eating.
• Head Chef: Luke Hunns
• Vibe: Chic, trendy, and a celebrity hotspot.
• Website: Chiltern Firehouse

Trishna:

• Cuisine: Indian, Michelin-starred dining experience.
• Executive Chef: Sajeev Nair
• Vibe: Stylish and refined.
• Website: Trishna

The Marylebone:

• Cuisine: British
• Reasons to Visit: Extensive cocktail menu, cosy atmosphere, and live music nights.
• Website: The Marylebone

The Coach Makers Arms:

• Cuisine: Gastropub
• Reasons to Visit: Craft beers, artisanal spirits, and cosy interiors with a welcoming ambience.
• Website: The Coach Makers Arms

Types of Properties

Marylebone offers a variety of property types, including elegant Georgian townhouses, Victorian terraces, modern apartments, and mews houses. Properties in Marylebone had an overall average price of £1,718,258 over the last year. Flats sold for an average of £1,572,460, terraced properties for £3,362,100, and detached properties for £1,500,000. Sold prices were down 16% on the previous year and 17% down from the 2020 peak of £2,059,497.

For sale:

• 3-bed, 3-bath mews house, Sherlock Mews, W1U – £3,500,000
  • Features: 3 floors, roof terrace, garage for 1 car, study, period features, modernized, 1486 sq.ft (£2355/sq.ft)
  • Stations: Baker Street (0.2m), Marylebone (0.3m), Regent’s Park (0.5m)
  • Schools: St Vincent’s Catholic Primary School, The St Marylebone CofE School, ICS London, Francis Holland School
• 2-bed, 2-bath apartment, Bryanston Square – £2.45M
  • Features: 2nd floor, communal square, 24hr concierge, off-street parking, underground parking, may need modernizing, 1170 sq.ft (£2094/sq.ft)
  • Stations: Marble Arch (0.3m), Marylebone (0.3m), Edgware Road (0.3m)
  • Schools: Wetherby Preparatory School, Sylvia Young Theatre School, ICS London, Halcyon London International School

For rent:

• Studio apartment, Beaumont Street – £1,950 pcm / £450pw
  • Features: 5th floor, bath, open plan, water & heating included in rent, long-term let, available furnished or unfurnished
  • Stations: Baker Street (0.2m), Marylebone (0.3m), Regent’s Park (0.5m)
  • Schools: St Vincent’s Catholic Primary School, The St Marylebone CofE School, ICS London, Francis Holland School

Marylebone offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modern amenities, making it one of London’s most desirable neighbourhoods. Whether you’re looking for top-tier schools, vibrant cultural experiences, or elegant homes, Marylebone has it all.