The Times Magazine 83they are using tradesmen who are familiar
with the house. Meetings with conservation
officers, Historic England and sustainability
experts are ongoing and an essential part of
the restoration process. Supported by a staff of
about 30, the Perkinses keep on top of the
renovation, business and family life.
The west wing suffered the least damage
in the fire and was renovated in four months
to provide a self-contained residence for the
family of five. The couple have brought their
love of theatre to the period features of the
ground floor rooms. Echoes of Aynhoe’s bold
styling can be seen among the objects that
line the walls of Perkins’ study. A super-sized
silk shade dominates the 10ft island in the
double-height galleried kitchen. Georgian
statement and scale are provided by stained-
glass mullion windows and, high up, copper
pots jostle for space above tall painted
cabinets. A modern induction hob has
been placed centrally in the island. Above
the spot where one might expect an Aga
is a sizeable coat of arms.
Perkins’ A Modern Grand Tour brand was
born from his obsession as a collector of the
weird and wonderful (he buys at auctions ten
times a week: “Last week was a fire engine”)and the demands of previous clients for his
own pieces. A Parnham series is due to launch
soon. The collection will feature everything
the new owner of a country house might
need, be it bespoke library stairs or a console
table. The catalogue comprises all manner of
curiosities, including a large celestial globe, a
golden egg nest and rare ammonites. Every
piece is crafted using historic references,
but the overall feel is contemporary.
“Not everyone wants to sit on an
18th-century chair, but they also want
something truly individual that no one
else has,” says Perkins.
A private auction of the contents of his
previous house, Aynhoe Park, held this year,
surpassed all expectations and bolstered
Perkins’ reputation in the world of interiors.
The artist Grayson Perry has likened
Perkins to ostentatious Georgian aristocrats
who lavished money on their properties.
The men who built and created country
houses such as Parnham did not aim to keep
people happy or reflect the status quo. As
Perkins says, “It’s got to be about enjoying
the journey.” namoderngrandtour.comHome!
SOPHIE’S HAIR AND MAKE-UP: EMILY METCALFE. CLOTHES, TEMPERLEYLONDON.COM
Above left: James has been collecting plaster friezes for
30 years. Above right: the ruined Great Hall, reimagined
as a hanging garden in the restoration plan. Below: library
stairs from A Modern Grand Tour’s Parnham collection