From a 65 million-year-old dinosaur skull to cutting-edge modern design, not for nothing has Aynhoe Park been dubbed a museum crossed with a fantasy world.
Indeed, ‘Downton meets Wonderland’ is how some have described the interior of the 17th-century Oxfordshire mansion, which played host to Jade Jagger’s wedding and Noel Gallagher’s 50th birthday party.
Much of the collection is going up for auction now the house’s owners — James and Sophie Perkins — are set to move.
Nearly 700 lots — ranging from a triceratops skull expected to fetch up to £250,000, to three toy cars offered with an estimate of £100 — are expected to sell for up to £2 million.
Mr Perkins, 50, who made his fortune from promoting Nineties raves, bought Aynhoe Park in 2006, and with his wife set about renovating the house while amassing the family’s unusual collection.
He said: ‘Aynhoe Park is furnished with a collection of iconic objects and curiosities from our travels across the globe. It has been my passion, as well as a family home.’
Mr and Mrs Perkins and their three children are set to move to their next project, restoring Grade I-listed Parnham House in Dorset, which was largely destroyed in a suspected arson attack in 2017.
The Aynhoe auction is on January 20-21. The full catalogue is at dreweatts.com/auctions/aynhoe- park-auction
From a 65 million-year-old dinosaur skull to cutting-edge modern design, not for nothing has Aynhoe Park been dubbed a museum crossed with a fantasy world. Pictured: Owner James Perkins with his wife Sophie Taylor and their children and butler
Indeed, ‘Downton meets Wonderland’ is how some have described the interior of the 17th-century Oxfordshire mansion, which played host to Jade Jagger’s wedding and Noel Gallagher’s 50th birthday party. Pictured: A preserved horse turned into a ‘unicorn’ on sale for £5,000-£8,000
In bedroom four, there is a plaster cast of the goddess Juno expected to sell for £3,000-£5,000. Corner sofa, £800,£1,200. Murano chandelier, £2,000-£4,000. French zigzag coffee table, £4,000-£6,000
On the East Stairs, items for sale include a preserved lioness, £1,500-£2,500, and a print by renowned street artist Stik, £40,000-£60,000
San Demas chair by mark Brazier-Jones, who has made pieces for Elton John. Estimate £4,000-£6,000
Items for sale in the games room include the pool table, estimate £800-£1,200. Iron hanging lantern, £4,000-£6,000. Tintin model, £3,000-£5,000. Yellow leather tub chairs, £400-£600
Mr and Mrs Perkins and their three children are set to move to their next project, restoring Grade I-listed Parnham House in Dorset, which was largely destroyed in a suspected arson attack in 2017. Pictured: Aynhoe Park
Pictured: An ornate skull pictured near taxidermy animals and statues of other animals. The triceratops skull is expected to fetch up to £250,000
Left: A grand red leather high-backed armchair bearing the Queen’s cypher, EIIR, in gilt and stamped underneath with the date July 1968. Expected to fetch £2,000-£4,000. Right: 16-light Murano glass chandelier by Venetian company Barovier & Toso. Expected to sell for £7,000-£10,000
Large white painted four-poster bed with canopy. The bed is expected to sell for £5,000-£8,000
Kate Moss print with hand-applied Swarovski crystals by artist Chris Levine, estimate £30,000-£35,000