Aynho Park, Aynho, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX17 3BQ

Photography courtesy of RH & Echochamber

RH England at Aynho Park


Location:

Aynho Park, Aynho, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX17 3BQ

rh.com

Design Credit:

RH Inhouse Design Team

RH England is quite simply exquisite; an immaculate fusion of architecture, nature and hospitality into the ultimate aspirational home retail setting.

It’s the first international outpost from American brand Restoration Hardware as it opens flagships across European cities in 2024.

it is a continuation of RH Chairman & CEO Gary Friedman’s innovative strategy of restoring landmark buildings into new contemporary retail experiences, which has has completed to stunning effect across North America over the past decade.

RH England is located in the historic Aynho Park, a 400 year old Grade I listed stately home and estate set over 73 acres and with more than 60 rooms.

Originally built in 1615, Aynho Park remained in the ownership of the Cartwright family until the mid-20th century. Situated on an elevated plateau at the southern edge of Aynho Village, the estate features historic gardens by Capability Brown and Europe’s largest herd of White Hart deer.

Aynho Park was transformed by British architect Sir John Soane in the early 19th century into a wonderful fusion of Classical Revival and Continental Baroque architectural styles.

The Gallery at the Historic Aynho Park continues RH’s focus on fusing retail with hospitality. The gallery includes three main restaurants: The Orangery, The Loggia, and The Conservatory, as well as a Wine Lounge, Tea Salon, and Juicery, all offering stunning views of the English countryside.

The gallery’s interior boasts architectural and heritage highlights such as the Doric colonnaded entrance hall, adorned with a chimneypiece of Mexican onyx. The Aynho Unicorn mascot welcomes visitors, apparently symbolising fantasy, rarity, purity, and protection. The Salon and The Grand Viewing Terrace offer panoramic views of The Deer Park and surrounding landscapes.

The Tea Salon, once the formal dining room, now offers afternoon tea service, leading to The Sir John Soane Exhibition, highlighting the architect’s life and works. The Architecture & Design Library has a curated collection of vintage, contemporary, and rare out-of-print books.

The Orangery, with its live-fire dining concept, features marble hearths and Calacatta gold marble tables. The adjoining Wine Lounge serves Champagnes and wines, while The RH Interior Design Studio offers professional design services. The Loggia, is an outdoor dining lodge serving pizzas, and The Juicery, serving fresh juices and grilled baguettes, complete the culinary offerings.

The Sunset Terrace & Fire Pit provides an open-air lounge space, with gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape.

The store has the ambience of a boutique hotel and it’s a pity you can’t stay overnight.

Is this the most beautiful store in the world?

Very possibly.


Words by Matthew Brown


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