Aynhoe Park
Aynhoe Park, near Banbury, is a quite beautiful country house positioned in the middle of this Northamptonshire village - though it is only a mile or so from the Oxfordshire border.
It was purchased in 2004 by music impressario James Perkins who has spent the last 5 years or so returned the house to it’s former glories. Last year he was awarded a commendation by the Georgian Society for the renovation that he has carried out on the property.
The house was destroyed by fire during the English Civil War on the orders of King Charles I. Although the Cartwright family, who owned and lived in the house from 1616 until the mid 1950s, had strong Royalist connections, the then owner was a supporter of the parliament. Hence Charles'displeasure!
The Cartwrights employed the services of two principle architects. Thomas Archer at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries and Sir John Soane about a hundred years later. Archer is responsible for the magnificent wings which envelop you as you drive into the property. Soane concentrated on the interior.
Soane had a great love of curves, arches and domes and these features are now to be found all around the house, having been revealed again during Mr. Perkins'renovations. However the thing that drew James Perkins to the property was Soane’s love of plasterwork. He added beautiful doric columns to the entrance hall and dining room. The current owner shares this love for he is the proud possesor of the world’s largest private collection of plaster statuary, indeed he has made copies of many of the world’s most famouse pieces including The Elgin Marbles and David’s head. Many of these pieces are now to be seen on display in the house and particularly the fantastic Orangery.
The house has recently become available for wedings and corporate events - worth taking if only to save you the time, effort and money in visiting the major museums and art galleries of the world - for it is all at Aynhoe Park!
To arrange a visit call The Butler “Bubble”for an entertaining and informative tour of the house - 01869 810 636
Comments are closed!