Marylebone: London’s Villages

Marylebone

WITH ITS ELEGANT PARADE OF HIGH-STREET AMENITIES AND WEALTH OF CHARMING PROPERTIES, THIS CHIC INNER-CITY DISTRICT REMAINS ONE OF LONDON’S PERENNIALLY POPULAR RESIDENTIAL AREAS

Marylebone is the epitome of a London village. Its high street is everything a lively neighbourhood could want: stocked with superb cafes and restaurants, original and glamorous boutique shops, a flagship branch of Daunt Books and a sprinkling of art galleries. There’s a farmers’ market every Sunday, excellent schools, and all set within easy reach of West End theatres, Oxford Street and Regent’s Park.

MARYLEBONE: FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Marylebone
Marylebone high street

The world, it seems, wants to live here. “Marylebone has done an excellent job of curating its highstreet,” notes Oliver Venn, head of sales at Druce’s Marylebone branch. “Everything from Whole Foods to boutique lifestyle brands. It’s hard to beat the feeling of coming home to a luxury residence in this village oasis right in the heart of London.”

James Staite, sales director at Dexters Marylebone puts the area’s popularity down to its dynamic offerings. “There’s always a combination of buyers looking for their primary residence and second-home buyers looking to live in Marylebone because of its excellent location to the restaurants, theatres and transport.”

Marylebone
Daunt Books

Global buyers are seeking superbly renovated “turnkey” accommodation, from Georgian townhouses, to romantic mews properties with outside space or new-build apartments with all the bells and whistles. But will Marylebone defy the strong economic headwinds?

“The Marylebone market has retained significant interest from domestic and overseas parties,” says Venn. “Now is a good time to sell, and with sterling losing value against the US dollar of late, it’s been a stark reminder to the world that London remains exceptional value for money.”

A DAY IN MARYLEBONE

Marylebone
Wallace Collection

9AM

Hydrating morning

Recharge and reset with a treatment at HydraFacial on 10 Portman Square. Using patented Vortex- Fusion technology, it’ll detox, cleanse and rejuvenate to give your skin a new start to the new year. HydraFacial promises painless extraction, and personalised care, whether you want to brighten, calm or firm skin.

10 AM

Breakfast down under

Walk less than ten minutes to Daisy Green on Seymour Street. The Australian-style breakfast menu has proven extremely popular in London. Taking inspiration from the Melbourne and Sydney cafe culture, there are warming seasonal dishes such as winter Portobello with activated charcoal sourdough and sweetcorn fritters with almond sauce.

11.30 AM

Page turners

Looking for a new read this January? Find a host of options at independent booksellers Daunt Books on Marylebone High Street, recognisable by its intricate green wooden framed shop facade.

1:30 PM

Lunch at Lina

Dine at the cherished Lina Stores on Marylebone Lane. The restaurant and deli provide authentic, delicious Italian food, with beautifully rustic interiors.

3PM

Cultural settings

A hidden treasure, the Wallace Collection on Manchester Square, is home to the art collections of the first four Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace. Find works by Rembrandt, Rubens and Velázquez and much more. Don’t miss out on the ever-popular cafe’s afternoon tea.

5PM

A zen end

New to W1U is MASAJ on Paddington Street. Designed to combat the effects of city living, each massage type addresses different issues. If you need a blissed-out session, to release tension, or are seeking a restorative focus on a problem area, MASAJ truly has it all.

MARYLEBONE: ASK A LOCAL

Jane Lewis, founder and creative director, Jane Atelier, says “I’ve worked in the area for more than 20 years. Despite being in the very centre of the city, Marylebone maintains a charming village atmosphere. Impromptu meetings and coffee are lovely on the Chiltern Firehouse courtyard – cosy and intimate yet buzzy.

Meanwhile, The Monocle over the road is ideal for tea and a cinnamon bun. Wander along the street to the Wallace Collection on Manchester Square. It’s an absolute gem, housing a wonderful collection of art and furniture in the most beautiful and unexpected setting.

Daunt Books has long held my affection as my favourite bookshop, Dyptique is ideal for all of your candle and scent needs, and Fischer’s is a regular haunt for early dinner.” janeatelier.com

MARYLEBONE: FOOD AND DRINK

Marylebone
St JOHN

JUNSEI

132 Seymour Place

Meaning ‘pure’, Junsei’s traditional yakitori, combines simple, but soulful flavours from savoury to sweet. Surrounded by calming interiors, choose from a range of sharing plates from tebasaki (chicken wings) to okra and eryingi-mushroom. Junsei’s delivery service, Tamashi by Junsei, blends modern flair with ancient technique at home.

28-50 WINE AND WORKSHOP

15-17 Marylebone Lane

The seasonally-changing menu means diners will continue to discover new food-wine pairings. Whether celebrating or catching up with friends, 28-50 balances both style and taste. If you venture to 28-50 by Night on Wigmore Street you’ll find a hidden jazz gem.

CHILTERN FIREHOUSE

1 Chiltern Street

Set in an 1800s fire-station-turned-luxury- hotel, the award-winning restaurant has a contemporary cooking style. With underlying American accents on the menu, diners can find boldly flavoured delights such as burrata, lobster campanelle with collard greens and lemon pangrattato.

ST JOHN

98 Marylebone Lane

The newest and third St. JOHN is an all-day, wine-led space. Synonymous with excellent food, for breakfast find treats from St. JOHN’s bakery in Bermondsey. With a daily updated menu, diners can expect traditionally wholesome British favourites.

THE MONTAGU KITCHEN & LOUNGE

30 Portman Square

The perfect spot for brunch with friends, the new breakfast menu at The Montagu serves morning favourites with a Sunday lunch twist. Tap your foot along to live music renditions of popular hits, and raise a glass by booking the ‘bottomless bubbles’ option.

OTTOLENGHI

63-65 Marylebone Lane

Both a deli and restaurant, colourfully inviting displays on those iconic white counters await. Expect everything from mezze feasts to delicious granola and fresh juices to start the day. No reservations required.

MARYLEBONE SCHOOLS

Marylebone’s excellent schools take advantage of the cultural riches on their doorstep, with the arts being prominent. For ages 10-15, The Sylvia Young Theatre School on Nutfield Place combines high academic standards with world-renowned drama, dance and singing. Alumni include Amy Winehouse, Rita Ora and Billy Piper.

The arts are also strong at Queen’s College on Harley Street, with its prep school on Portland Place. Established in 1848, it educates from reception to year 13. ‘Old Queens’ include creative powerhouses Gertrude Bell, Jacqueline du Pre and Dame Anna Wintour.

Portland Place School is a nurturing co-ed for 10-16 year olds, with small class sizes. St Marylebone CE School on Marylebone High Street offers an education grounded on Christian values , from year 7 to sixth form.

And on Marylebone Lane, Wetherby Senior offers boys aged 11-18 a strong global outlook, with many leavers attending world-class institutions outside the UK, especially North America.

MARYLEBONE: ON THE MARKET

ASK AN AGENT: ALEX ROSS CO-HEAD OF SAVILLS MARYLEBONE AND FITZROVIA OFFICE

“Marylebone benefits from a ‘micro-market’ that’s driven by supply and demand for some of the capital’s highest calibre of stock.

Some of the best new builds in prime central London have popped up here over the last decade – including Regents Crescent, Chiltern Place and The W1 London – which has driven the value of existing period properties up.

Marylebone attracts both domestic and international purchasers, whether it be families buying for their children or to enjoy as a London base. The profile of buyers here has rarely changed over the last nine years, and is a constant against an ever-changing economic backdrop.

Increasing numbers of dollar buyers are showing commitment to property in this high-end enclave after a bit of a hiatus, highlighting this upmarket corner of London and reaffirming its global appeal.” savills.co.uk

MANCHESTER STREET

Marylebone
Manchester Street

Arguably one of the finest Georgian houses in Marylebone, this five-bedroom, five-bathroom property comes with a glass-covered kitchen, lift, air-conditioning, two outdoor areas, media room and gym. £15.5m. Agent: savills.com

CLARKES MEWS

Marylebone
Clarkes Mews

A rare opportunity to buy this immaculate two-bed mews with roof terrace and garage, moments from the high street. £4.25m. Agent: druce.com

THE BRYANSTON

Marylebone
The Bryanston

With views over Hyde Park, this two- bedroom apartment in a landmark development is close to Selfridges. £6.2m. Agent: dexters.co.uk

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