10 reasons to live in Marylebone

There are many reasons to live in Marylebone. This chic and luxurious residential area is located in prime central London, yet has a charming village feel about it.

With world-famous Oxford Street to the south offering more than you could ever need in terms of shopping, Regent’s Park to the north east and Hyde Park to the south, both offering the vast green space you would only expect in the countryside, those who live in Marylebone benefit from the best of both worlds in terms of location.

There are many factors that make Marylebone a desirable place to live and below we share our top 10 reasons to live in Marylebone, and the things we think make it such a highly sought-after and attractive option for a London home.

1. Unrivalled transport links

London Marylebone station, Paddington station and Euston station are all within easy reach, and the opening of Crossrail later in the year will see the Elizabeth Line run through both Bond Street and Paddington, therefore it is fair to say Marylebone is very well connected to the rest of the country. Not to mention at least five nearby tube stations including Baker Street (Bakerloo, Jubilee, Hammersmith, District and Circle lines), Great Portland Street (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan lines), Regent’s Park (Bakerloo line), Bond Street (Central and Jubilee lines) and Oxford Circus (Bakerloo, Central, Victoria lines), making commuting to almost anywhere in the capital a piece of cake.

2. some of the best restaurants in london

Talking of cake, there’s not much this elegant London neighbourhood can’t offer you in terms of great food. In fact, Marylebone is home to not one, not two, but five Michelin-starred restaurants including Roganic, Trishna, Locanda Locatelli, Texture Restaurant and Portland Restaurant.

Whatever the time of day, there is an abundance of trendy places that will whet your appetite. The Cavendish was opened with the local Marylebone community in mind, its aim is to offer a great place to eat and drink without the exclusivity sometimes associated with some of the smart bars and restaurants in London. However, if that’s what you’re looking for The Landmark London Hotel does a wonderful afternoon tea and a lovely brunch, while celebrity hot spot Chiltern Firehouse has a menu that attracts the likes of Guy Ritchie and David Beckham. If a more casual dining experience is closer to your taste, you might like to try one of Marylebone’s acclaimed gastropubs or clean eating spots like Natural Kitchen, Good Life Eatery or High Mood Food.

3. Some of the best cocktail bars and coffee shops in London

Nothing compares to a great place to eat, like a great place to drink, and thankfully Marylebone caters perfectly to both. Inside The Zetter Townhouse, you will find chic cocktail lounge Seymour’s Parlour, or you could try a cocktail masterclass at The Marylebone. While the list of places right on your doorstep is endless, you are also only moments away from all that the sophisticated nightlife of Kensington and Chelsea has to offer. If it’s caffeine you seek, The Monocle Café serves delicious coffee (and also does cocktails!), you could try The Wallace Restaurant for something a little fancier, or combine coffee with classical music at a Sunday Morning Coffee Concert at Wigmore Hall.

4. Shop until you drop

A short stroll from your doorstep you will be able to discover the delight that is Marylebone High Street itself, and as already mentioned Oxford Street is but a stone’s throw away. Whether you prefer high-end retailers like Selfridges, or independent boutiques such as Kjs Laundry or Cox & Power, you will be spoilt for choice as living in Marylebone will mean all your retail needs are catered for.

5. Good enough for the A-listers

Over the years, many famous faces have called Marylebone home. Vice Admiral Lord Nelson, Charles Dickens, TS Eliot, Jimi Hendrix, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Noel Gallagher, and Madonna are just some of the famous musicians, artists, writers and socialites known to have lived among its quiet, elegant streets. Even Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watsons set off to solve many mysteries from their home on Baker Street.

6. Royal Parks and green space

Almost on your doorstep, you will find some of the city’s finest parks. Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, Hyde Park, Green Park and St James’s Park are all within easy walking distance, so you never have far to go to rival rural life. As a result, the balance between living and working centrally, and feeling as if you are escaping city life has never been easier.

7. Marylebone Summer Fayre

Despite its fashionable profile, Marylebone’s long term residents, friendly local shopkeepers and strong community vibe ensure it keeps its feet on the ground, and there’s no better example of this than at The Marylebone Summer Fayre. This family-friendly, local community and charity street festival takes place every year, and this year (2019) it will be held on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th June. All the elements of a traditional village fete come into the equation including local food and drink, live music, a range of activities, arts and crafts, and even fitness trainers! Marylebone High Street and the surrounding streets are closed to traffic on the day of the Fayre, which is all organised and funded by The Howard de Walden Estate.

8. Great schools

Marylebone is popular among families and young professionals, and as such, the demand for great schools is very high. Thankfully some of the most sought-after schools in London are within the catchment area including Wetherby School, whose former pupils include Prince William and Prince Harry, and St James's, The Marylebone C of E School and Marylebone Boys' School, all of which have been known to produce outstanding pupils and excellent exam results.

9. Things to do in Marylebone

In addition to all the great places to eat, drink and shop, there are also lots of great things to do in Marylebone including visiting exotic animals at ZSL London Zoo, or taking pictures with the waxworks at Madame Tussauds. There is the exceptional collection of French paintings, artwork and furniture at The Wallace Collection at Hertford House in Manchester Square, and even a Sherlock Holmes Museum. Every Sunday from 10am until 2pm around 40 stalls selling the finest fresh, seasonal produce descend upon Aybrook Street to make up Marylebone Farmers’ Market. Whether its cheese, meat, fish, bread, wine, vegetables or cakes you’re looking for, you will find it all at this local market in the very heart of London. 

10. Elegant architecture

In the eighteenth-century much of Marylebone was owned by wealthy families, and it is their names that still adorn many of the beautiful squares and streets in the area. Many of the finest homes are from the Georgian era, some have Victorian or Edwardian influences, and are accompanied by a variety of Art Deco-style architecture, and buildings designed by the Adam brothers and John Nash. In more recent years, many of the stately period homes have been converted into apartments, however the calm, leafy streets of Marylebone still boast larger family houses. Among the stunning architectural buildings is the Westminster Register Office, also known as Old Marylebone Town Hall, which is not only a truly beautiful building, but made famous by hosting more than its fair share of high-profile weddings. Marylebone is also home to many famous streets such as Harley Street and Portland Place, and due to the areas affluent and sophisticated character, home to many Embassies as well. Overall, the charming architecture and the friendly local residents, workers and visitors make Marylebone a very attractive and welcoming neighbourhood to live in.

So, whether you’re thinking of buying or renting in Marylebone, the only thing left to do is find your perfect property.