ON LOCATION Behind the scenes of our cover shoot at Kirtlington Park
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iving in the splendour of a Palladian country mansion may seem no more than a dream, but an exclusive stay at Kirtlington Park in Oxfordshire can be a very real experience. For two years, Peter and Eleanor Buxton lovingly restored the building to create a delightfully warm interior behind a grand façade. On a limited basis, this special family house may be rented for short breaks and family occasions, as well as weddings and corporate events. Or, for that matter, shooting a magazine cover story, as the C&TH fashion team did, whisking actor Max Irons away for the day. The location was so special that all we had to add was a Royal Enfield. Just over an hour from London, and gloriously positioned in Capability Brown parkland – with a 25-mile view to the Chilterns – Kirtlington Park was built in 1742 for Sir James Dashwood. The architect, James Gibbs, designed the house and Dashwood commissioned the best craftsmen in the region to decorate the rooms. The house remained in the Dashwood family until 1909. After it passed into the hands of Hubert Budgett in the 1920s, the entire dining room – plasterwork, fireplace, doors, paintings and floor – were shipped to the Metropolitan Museum in New York.
FROM ABOVE: The grand Palladian façade of Kirtlington Park made it the perfect shoot location
In 1971, Peter’s cousin, Christopher Buxton, bought Kirtlington as a property development and country home; he made various improvements and lived there with happy enthusiasm, entertaining among others, Prince Charles, Ivana Trump, Liz Brewer and Shirley Bassey. Darcey Bussell and her husband held their wedding reception in Kirtlington’s great hall. ‘The house embraces the thrum of activity and everyone loves the gentle seclusion of the grounds,’ says Peter. With many cultural and historical sights nearby, plus sporting events within an hour’s drive – not to mention Bicester Village within ten minutes and Kirtlington Park Polo Club across the parkland, there’s plenty to do. Kirtlington Park is a fabulous place, in the heart of the UK, from which to experience the best of British country pursuits. 01869 350236; kirtlingtonpark. co.uk n
58 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | February 2020
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