WHERE IS IT?
Westminster, in government context, geographically stretches between the pillars of the state, from a landmark-heavy stretch of the River Thames, St James's Park to the north, Pimlico to the South and Victoria to the west. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which encompasses the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and St Margaret’s church.
Historically a postcode of two halves - its gilded corridors of power also once home to the notorious The Devil’s Acre Victorian slum - Westminster is considered the beating, ceremonial heart of British politics and the epicentre of Her Majesty's Government.
In recent years, the area has been slowly shirking off its cloak of insularity - in large part due to the revamp of nearby Victoria - and is fast becoming a gently dynamic central London postcode and bona fide place to call home, long after Whitehall and The Commons fall silent and the civil servants have left for the day.
WHAT TO EXPECT
A stage for British political life since time immemorial ( 1295), Westminster is a historic and prestigious place to call home sitting in the shadow of icons of British democracy.
There's a small-ish community of permanent residents which in recent years has swelled as investors and international buyers looking outside of the traditional central London prestige postcodes of Belgravia, Mayfair and Knightsbridge - increasingly drawn to its central location and the handsome, varied housing stock in 'Westminster Village'.
Amidst government buildings and party HQs, some converted, there are beautiful streetscapes lined with Queen Anne and Georgian houses, many overlooking St James's Park, period Georgian buildings, imposing mansion blocks, new homes and even London's inaugral skyscraper - Millbank.
WHY MOVE HERE
It's an area that's full of history and intrigue favoured with second home owners and international buyers attracted to the cachet of a Westminster postcode. It's also incredibly well-connected metaphorically and geographically and where you're bound to hit not one but two, three of four of the capital's most photographed landmarks as the crow flies, in any direction.
It's also an area that is enjoying broader and more permanent kerb appeal. Although it's not known for its vibrant night life or finger-on-the-pulse social scene, no longer does it hollow out on weekends in large part thanks to glossy new boutique developmenta in an area short of development land - not much to be bulldozed here. MP's and civil servants have been forced to forgo expensive weekday pied-a-terres in Westminster due to the expenses scandal freeing up stock for permanent residences.
The renegeration of neighbouring down-at-the-heel Victoria - one of the biggest transport hubs in London - is providing a shot in the arm for Westminster with which it shares a boundary.
Lifestyle perks include a new foodie destination, retail, luxury flats, wellness facilities, cafes and bars. It's also within earshot of affluent neighbours Belgravia, Mayfair and Knightsbridge, with a slightly lower price tag.
Westminster itself has its fair share of legendary and timeless foodie haunts - The Cinammon Club, Roux at Parliament Square, Quilon and iconic Art Deco greasy spoon Regency Cafe - pubs and bars catering for society's decision makers and where secrets of Whitehall are progressively forthcoming by those of loose of lips and wiley agendas with each round of drinks
Westminster's green lung is beautiful St James's Park, famous for its pelicans and flower beds in front of Buckingham Palace.
THE PROPERTY MARKET
Amidst government buildings and former party HQs, some converted into glossy new homes, there are some beautiful streetscapes lined with Queen Anne and Georgian houses, many overlooking St James's Park, period Georgian buildings, imposing Victorian mansion blocks, a smattering of boutique new developments such as 35 Old Queen Street and even London's first ever skyscraper - Millbank, built in 1929. Of note are the fine Georgian houses on Old Queen Street in the Birdcage Walk conservation area.
BOROUGH
Westminster
THE LIFESTYLE
Hard to beat in terms of location, to live in Westminster, proper Westminster, is to live among history and power. It's a safe, quiet and intimate riverfronting nook with a small, tight-knit community of wealthy permanent residents - decision makers, politicians and international elite - and all the head-turning architecture you'd expect from an area that carries that weight of its history in it's majestic buildings, handsome streets, secret courtyards and gated homes reserved for a coterie of the world's most powerful.
Rebooted Victoria offers a lifestyle and after-hours kick, drawing in new residents to a traditionally reserved and idiosyncratic London enclave.
Without taking public transport, you can enjoy riverside runs, exploring the splendours of central London, whiling away hours at the National Gallery on a rainy Saturday or enjoying drinks in the sunshine at the river fronting Morpeth Arms or soak in the views of the London skyline at the high rise Altitude 360° bar at the top of the Millbank tower.
Neighbouring Pimlico is well served by a swimming pool, library, several shops and a large Sainsbury’s.
TRANSPORT LINKS
Travel
Westminster is in Zone 1 and has three Underground stations: Westminster, St James’s Park and Victoria, which are all on the District and Circle lines. Westminster is also on the Jubilee line.
Victoria rail station serves south London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex.
Within a 15-20 minute walk in each direction is Battersea, Belgravia, St James Park, Sloane Square, Westminster and Hyde Park.
EDUCATION
Although Westminster is not known for being a family area, it does have some good public schools.
The world-famous boys’ school, Westminster — it admits girls in the sixth form — is based in the quiet enclave of Little Dean’s Yard in the Abbey precinct.
All public primary schools in and around Westminster have been rated as 'Good' by Ofsted. Rated 'Outstanding' are:
- Hampden Gurney CofE Primary School
- The Cathedral School of St Saviour and St Mary Overy
- Vauxhall Primary School
- St Clement Danes CofE Primary School
COUNCIL
Westminster falls under Westminster Council and residents pay the lowest rate in the country