Marylebone’s charm and style aims to make it one of the most impressive investment options available in the city
By: Chris Murray, Founder, Concord London
Posted on: July 7, 2020
London is one of the world’s most exciting and cosmopolitan cities - a fusion of different districts boasting a combination of ancient histories, esteemed culture, cosmopolitan cuisine and renowned architecture. Even those who know the city well can struggle to select which of its many quarters might be the best to live in, but Marylebone offers an abundance of history, and arguably, the best lifestyle to be found in London.
From rather humble beginnings, the Marylebone area benefitted from a dramatic lift in 1544 when Henry VIII built a hunting lodge to benefit from the green space of Regent’s Park. When he passed away, the land passed into the hands of Sir William Portman, Lord Chief Justice, who created what is known today as the Portman Estate, one of the largest privately-owned estates in the city.
Today, Marylebone is well-known for being one of London’s most affluent areas, whilst maintaining its strong community feel, with Marylebone High Street at its heart. Daunt Books is one of Marylebone’s most iconic landmarks and also has the accolade of being the first custom built bookshop in the world. The store boasts long oak galleries, stunning skylights and is decorated with prints by iconic British textile designer, William Morris. The interiors alone are worth a visit, but the discerning book lover will find plenty of first editions and other hidden treasures nestled in the shelves here.
Another spot popular with locals is Monocle Café on Chiltern Street. Hard to miss, the chic Parisian-style black and white awning has made this cosy coffee house an Instagram sensation, with picture-perfect cuisine to match. The eatery was masterminded by lifestyle magazine Monocle, and offers Allpress coffee, Swedish pastry and a cosmopolitan light lunch menu with a multitude of global cuisines to choose from.
Marylebone is an A-lister’s delight, and a favourite celebrity haunt is the Chiltern Firehouse, one of several Michelin-starred restaurants in the area. The building is a stunning conversion of a Grade II-listed fire station, and the luxuriant interiors create a dining experience hard to find elsewhere. Other recommended restaurants in the area include Roganic, Locanda Locatelli, Portland Restaurant, Texture and Trishna.
Known across the world, Selfridge’s is one of the crowning jewels on Marylebone’s long list of high-end retailers. Founded by US businessman Harry Selfridge in 1908, the Oxford Street department store phenomenon houses an unrivalled collection of designer brands, creating the ideal spot to indulge. The Selfridge’s windows are a spectacle in their own right and frequently draw native Londoners and visitors alike to enjoy the elaborate designs on display.
There’s no better example of the Marylebone spirit of community than the weekly Farmer’s Market, which takes place every Sunday. A food haven, the market has a fantastic range of produce from independent sellers, including cheeses, fruit, vegetables, speciality meats and fish, charcuterie, pastries, fine wines and more. Located on Moxon Street, the market is very well-attended with many stallholders proving firm favourites. The market, which is currently held in Cramer Street car park, is soon to move to a brand new location, on-site within the landmark new residential development, Marylebone Square.
Marylebone Square will comprise 54 exquisitely designed high-end apartments for anyone looking to make the move to this charmed central London village. This development sits on the last undeveloped city block within the W1 postcode and is one of the most anticipated mixed-use projects in the area to date. Sensitively planned to complement the area’s renowned architectural landscape, the development comprises an imposing five-storey atrium, with a private bridge to the front door of each apartment.
Marylebone Square’s central atrium is decorated with an abundance of greenery, while the apartments benefit from cutting edge appliances and palatial interior design, as well as access to 24-hour concierge service and a health club. The development will also bring much-needed car parking spaces and several notable retail stores to the area. One-bedroom apartments at the development by Concord London are available from £2.55 million, with the development expected to be completed at the end of 2021.
Enjoying the very best combination of history, culture and luxury, Marylebone offer an excellent investment opportunity for those looking to enjoy the best of what London has to offer.
Concord London, founded by Terry Hui and Christopher Murray, has more than 140 developments in their collective portfolio. Based in Marylebone, Christopher Murray has 25 years of development experience around central London using the finest local design and building talent. Some of his marquee developments include the Fitzrovia Apartments, 55 Newman Street, 4-6 Maple Street, 10 Weymouth Street and 6-8 Tokenhouse Yard. Recently, Concord London, together with Brookfield, have completed the landmark 50-storey Principal Tower, designed by Foster + Partners. Concord London’s current projects include Marylebone Square, a new development situated on the last whole city block in Marylebone. In addition to Marylebone Square, Concord London is developing The Great Portland, which will be located steps away from The Regents Park. The Great Portland will consist of a selection of 37 luxury residences and a new landmark destination retail space on the ground floor.
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