St James’s: London’s Villages

WITH ITS ROYAL STATUS AND ABUNDANCE OF LONDON LANDMARKS, ST JAMES’S IS ONE OF THE MOST ENVIABLE ADDRESSES IN THE WORLD

One of London’s most centrally located neighbourhoods, St James’s is both traditional and a one to watch. Surrounded by art dealers and renowned auction house Christie’s, the upscale neighbourhood is one of a kind.

ST JAMES’S: FIRST IMPRESSIONS

“St James’s is an utterly charming enclave with enduring appeal. Steeped in history, and with significant royal connections, it’s one of London’s most prestigious addresses,” says Claire Reynolds, co-head of prime central London residential at Savills. Nestled between Green Park, The Mall and Piccadilly, St James’s is home to some of London’s finest architecture.

“The area has a reputation for discretion, and its ever-growing desirability is perhaps down to the fact that a unique rarity is attached to property here. Homes simply don’t come up for sale very often, as residents tend to stay for a long time and families often make their home here for generations,” says Reynolds, adding that, “Properties on St James’s Place are like gold dust and are particularly coveted as they back onto Green Park.”

In recent years, its mix of world-class shopping on Jermyn and St James Streets, restaurants, galleries and private members’ clubs have drawn renewed interest from global buyers. Packed with famous institutions – Fortnum & Mason and The Ritz, White’s and The Wolseley – the area has also benefited from investment by the Crown Estate, with sensitive enhancements to is venerable streets.

“Recent developments, such as those on Arlington Street, contain beautifully appointed flats, with roof terraces boasting some of the West End’s best skyline views,’’ says Reynolds. Jonathan Fieldman, partner in Knight Frank’s Mayfair office notes that St James’s is a quieter neighbourhood, “a quality which attracts residents from all over the world.”

A DAY IN ST JAMES’S

9AM

Game, set, match

Start the day with a game of squash. Located on St James’s Square, the team at Nordic Balance provides a holistic and intuitive approach to wellbeing. The health club also offers sports massages, dry needling, and training to motivate you to reach your fitness goals.

11AM

Suited and booted

Stop at the aptly named 45 Jermyn St for a modern breakfast, designed for a global palate. Favourites on the menu include Orkney kipper with lemon and scrambled eggs with smoked salmon or caviar. With some time to spare, take a turn along Jermyn Street, known as the home of traditional tailoring. Pass Neal and Palmer and Oliver Brown, before arriving at your appointment at Turnbull & Asser Bespoke on Bury Street.

1.30 PM

Lunch like 007

In the quaint St James’s Place, lies Dukes Hotel. It’s said to be where author Ian Fleming, anointed the martini as James Bond’s favourite signature tipple. Its Great British Restaurant offers traditional fare, including pie of the day. Another quintessentially British dine – complete with Edwardian interiors – is Rowley’s. Work off lunch with a wander around Fortnum & Mason to pick up superlative loose-leaf teas and order a Christmas hamper for lucky relatives.

3PM

Blank canvas

With Christie’s on King Street, take time to explore the many art galleries that line the pavements of St James’s. Martin Beisly on Ryder Street specialises in Victorian and Pre-Raphaelite masters. Grosvenor Gallery on Bury Street, focuses on contemporary South Asian art.

5PM

Members Only

Unwind in one of the area’s legendary private members’ clubs.
There’s 67 Pall Mall for wine enthusiasts, as well as Brooks’s, Boodles and Carlton Club.

ST JAMES’S: ASK A LOCAL