RH Announces the Unveiling of RH England, the Gallery at the Historic Aynho Park - Seite 3

Commanding the center of the library is the first edition of De Architectura libri Dece (The Ten Books on Architecture), printed in a modern language, Italian, in 1521. Authored by master Roman architect Vitruvius during the 1^st century BC, the treatise has served as the foundational textbook on classical architecture for centuries. It also serves as the pillar of the RH design ethos – a study of balance, symmetry and perfect proportions. Presiding over the room is an exacting replica of Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man – based on Vitruvius’ description of human anatomy written 1,500 years prior – and rare books by the great Renaissance architects Alberti, Scamozzi and Palladio, who carried forth the Vitruvian principles.

Anchoring the opposing side of the main house from the library is The Orangery, a live-fire dining experience featuring a marble hearth flanked by custom Molteni rotisseries from France. Aglow in natural light from a wall of towering arched windows, this singular statement space, with its 22-foot ceilings, is punctuated by Calacatta gold marble tables, Italian merino wool velvet seating and a dramatic lighting installation by acclaimed Los Angeles-based master glass designer and artist, Alison Berger – an evocation of rain reflected in an elegant procession of mirrors.

The adjoining Wine Lounge, once the French drawing room, serves exceptional Champagnes and wines from around the world to be enjoyed by the warmth of a 19^th-century rare Rouge Napoleon marble and gilt bronze Louis XV-style fireplace or while exploring the rest of the estate.

To access the beautifully appointed private rooms and suites on the upper levels, visitors will ascend one of two grand staircases, both of which pay tribute to James and Sophie Perkins, Aynho’s previous owners, with their collection of classical sculptures, architectural models and artifacts on display.

Once the stable block, brewhouse and workshop, the east wing will host The Conservatory – an American bistro offering an elevated interpretation of enduring classics – opening fall 2023. This skylit garden escape will be defined by a soaring glass roof supported by structural steelwork, century-old Spanish olive trees, and three monumental salvaged brick fireplaces.

The east wing also houses The RH Interior Design Studio. Providing an unprecedented level of professional design services, this interactive space features private client presentation rooms, state-of-the-art technology and design libraries showcasing a vast assortment of textiles, furniture and lighting finishes.