whimsy |ˈ(h)wimzē | (also whimsey) noun (pl. whimsies or whimseys) playfully quaint or fanciful behavior or humor: the film is an awkward blend of whimsy and moralizing.• a whim.• a thing that is fanciful or odd: the stone carvings and whimsies.
Whimsy is the theme to this Grade I-listed, 17th century Sir John Soane-designed stately home in Oxfordshire near the Cotswolds in the countryside of England. Purchased by entrepreneur and collector James Perkins in 2008, Aynhoe Park is now a venerable destination for parties, weddings and receptions for those who require "something completely different". Celebs such as Jade Jagger (daughter of Bianca and Mick) have had celebrated nuptials there. While Perkins' eclectic collection of taxidermy, natural history artifacts and contemporary art are found throughout the estate; it seems to be almost too much at first blush, but he somehow pulls it off.
Photos: ©Corbis / Aynhoe Park / Architexture