Aynhoe Park

The restoration of 17th-century Grade 1 listed Aynhoe Park, Northamptonshire was a monumental task for its owner James Perkins with high expectations due to being originally remodelled by neo-classical architect Sir John Soane in 1798. The homeowners main objective was to turn the 41 bedroom house back into a family home as well as a prestigious event venue.

The initial kitchen brief was to design furniture with a sense of modernity whilst respecting the rich heritage of the house.

Senior Designer Naomi Peters solution from furniture maker McCarron was to design freestanding furniture rather than a fully fitted approach to add spontaneity and theatre, whether hosting a dinner party, prestigious events or just a family kitchen. An original sketch of the kitchen by Lady Cartright, found in an old book featured stunning dressers that were then reworked.

Tall stained oak cabinets measuring 13ft with open shelving form the focal point on the rear wall of the grand room complete with a pediment inspired by Soane’s architectural detailing on the house exterior and painted with the Aynhoe crest.

Rather than setting out to create a typical kitchen, Naomi designed a baker’s table reminiscent of a Victorian country-house kitchen. Incorporating the sink, taps, a dishwasher drawer and two warming drawers with an induction hob concealed beneath a ‘floating’ walnut chopping block.

Naomi wanted to utilise the most cutting edge technology, which would function beautifully as a family kitchen but could also host events with some of the world’s top Chefs. She concealed most of the appliances behind pocket doors, drawer fronts and even the Induction hob is hidden underneath a Walnut Chopping block when not in use. Collaborating closely with Sub -Zero Wolf, appliances include the latest Vacuum Drawer used by Michelin Chef’s alongside a combination steam oven for sous vide cooking.