An Afternoon At Restoration Hardware
If you’re based here in the UK, you may be wondering what Restoration Hardware is – RH is a high-end American furniture company, who until recently, had no outpost in the UK. That all changed when RH took over a beautiful Manor House; Aynho Park. Aynho Park is an absolutely stunning historical building which was once a family home which could also be rented out for private events and weddings, and is now home to the most fabulous contemporary furniture showroom you can imagine! Read on for our tips on how to spend an afternoon at this rather glamorous and historic venue.
Where is RH?
Restoration Hardware’s first outpost within the UK is located within the beautiful Aynho Park, which is a 400 year old property set within acres of grounds designed by Capability Brown. Aynho Park is conveniently located around 6 minutes from Strawtop Cottage, our wonderful holiday cottage which is available to book on airbnb.
The village of Aynho is actually located within Northamptonshire, but is very close to Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds. Despite not technically being in the Cotswolds, Aynho is a beautiful village with the same old-world charm of any Cotswold village. If you’re visiting Bicester Village, it’s around 15 minutes drive away, and Bicester would be the best train station if you’re coming via train from London.
What does RH have to offer?
While Restoration Hardware is a furniture brand offering high end modern furniture, you don’t need to be in the market for a new sofa to spend the afternoon at Aynho. You can simply pop in for a wander around & to admire the architecture. Be sure to visit the exhibition, in which you can learn all about Sir John Soane, the British architect who designed the building around 400 years ago.
You can also stop for a fabulous afternoon tea in the tea library, or a juice or hot drink from the juicery, I love their Chai Latte! If you fancy something more substantial, RH have a wonderful outdoor terrace where you can have a wood-fire pizza, a charcuterie platter and a glass of rosé – perfect on a warm Summer evening.
Shop my outfit here!
Our tips for an afternoon at RH
RH is dog friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends along with you!
The food & drink is rather expensive at RH, so you may want to eat at a lovely local pub first, at The Yurt at Nicholsons or at Bicester Village.
They have valet parking at Aynho, so be prepared to jump out of your car when you pull in.
Leave at least one hour, if not two to experience Aynho fully.
Be sure to pop outside to see the Estate’s deer herd.
You could combine your trip with a morning visit to Bicester Village, Soho Farmhosue or Nicholsons Garden Centre.
If you’d like to visit RH, you can book your stay at Strawtop Cottage here
