STYLISH AND STATELY
It is the end of an unusually hot summer in England and heavy early morning mists cling to the vast rolling lawns that unfurl out beyond the picturesque splendour that is Eynsham Hall. Set in almost 3,000 acres of parkland in the heart of the Oxfordshire countryside, this country house is a Jacobean beauty of majestic proportions. Contrary to its stately grandeur, there is nothing overly theatrical about Eynsham Hall, quite the opposite, the tranquility and wild splendour outside and the stylish, modern classic feeling inside creates an appeal that is altogether natural and sophisticated.
Fast forward two months and we are back at Eynsham Hall with Oxford Atelier to shoot the Autumn/Winter collection having been cast under its spell. It is one of those beautifully crisp, clear autumn days and we are pinching ourselves at our luck!
Originally built in the early 1700s, this Grade II listed mansion was the ultimate location for dazzling important guests. The Hall itself was finely decorated throughout with large Georgian fireplaces, strapwork ceilings, a magnificently carved staircase, not to mention the enormous windows that command far-reaching views out over the estate. Outside, the vast lawns and gardens were laid out for dining alfresco and promenading. Guests could ride or walk through the picturesque grounds and for those with a more robust constitution, pursue country sports of the day.
In its long history, Eynsham Hall has seen many changes including its complete demolition in 1904 and resurrection again in 1908 so as to be a house ‘suitable for entertaining in a grand scale’. Today the wealth of period features: oak panelling, mahogany bookcases and beautiful oriental screens by Owen Jones c 1872 are complemented by stylish, award winning interiors and fabulous grounds that continue to give Eynsham Hall an enduring splendid sense of ease.
