Did you know that tucked away in Regent’s Park sits a residence with a garden designed for meditation? Welcome to St John’s Lodge. It is more than just a building. It’s a journey through time, a secret London gem waiting to be discovered.
St John’s Lodge began its story in 1812. Architect John Raffield designed it for Charles Augustus Tulk. The Royal Parks service has called St John’s Lodge one of only two villas remaining from John Nash’s original plan for Regent’s Park. Imagine a royal palace as part of that plan.
Over the years, St John’s Lodge has seen many owners. Lord Wellesley, Sir Isaac Goldsmid and the 3rd Marquess of Bute have all called it home. From 1937 to 1959, the University of London’s Institute of Archaeology occupied the lodge. Later, from 1959 to 1983, Bedford College’s history and classics departments resided here. The adjoining gardens have been open to the public since 1928.
In 1987, Messila House bought St John’s Lodge for £9 million. They doubled its size before selling it in 1994. The royal family of Brunei Darussalam purchased it for £40 million. At the time, this made it the most expensive private house in the UK. Now, it serves as the London home of Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei.
Venture a little closer, and you’ll discover the enchanting St John’s Lodge Garden. In 1889, Robert Weir Shultz designed the gardens as a series of compartments. They were ornamented with sculptures and stonework, perfect for contemplation. The garden was created to be a space fit for meditation.
Originally, a statue of St John the Baptist stood as the garden’s centrepiece. Today, it has been replaced by Henry Pegram’s Hylas and the Nymph statue. You will also find the Goatherd’s Daughter statue. It is a Grade II listed bronze statue of a woman holding a young goat. The National Council for Animal Welfare erected it in 1932. It honours Harold and Gertrude Baillie Weaver. The inscription reads: “To all the Protectors of the Defenceless.”
Notice the monument of boys with armorial shields on pillars. They stand in the gardens in front of the Lodge. The Marquess of Bute likely installed them. Sir William Goscombe John designed three in 1894. Harold Youngman designed one in 1938. The remaining two are undated.
Although St John’s Lodge is a private residence, its gardens welcome visitors. Enter through a small gate along the Inner Circle. It is near the park office. Spend some time here. Let the garden’s peaceful atmosphere wash over you. St John’s Lodge is more than just a place. It is an experience. It blends history, art and nature into a unique London escape. Take a moment to appreciate the stories within these walls and gardens. They whisper tales of owners, artists and moments of quiet reflection.