KYRE PARK ANTIQUES BARN

Tony Wi ridge talks to us about his new antiques centre in a tithe barn, set in the grounds of a country house near Ludlow

Tell us about your background I had always worked in marketing until two years ago. I decided I wanted something more hands- on and away from the computer, so I decided to have a go at antiques. I started in a few small antiques centres, then a shop in Leigh- on- Sea in Essex and now I’ve set up Kyre Park Antiques Barn in Worcestershire.

Why did you launch your business? Kyre Park was a completely random meeting. I was out buying and stopped at a house call when an initial seed was planted. At this point I was unaware, but I had just purchased from Mrs GwynJones, the wife of Timothy Gwyn- Jones who had sadly recently passed away. Mrs Gwyn- Jones mentioned her husband had had aspirations of turning a 1618 tithe barn in the grounds of Kyre Park House into an antiques centre. I didn’t need a second invite to take a trip to Kyre and see the barn for myself – it was perfect. With amazing grounds already open to the public, we made plans to launch an antiques barn and bistro.

What can we expect to nd?

We have 14 dealers across a wide range of eras and tastes – everything from Georgian to mid- century, tweed jackets to garden planters.

What is it like to visit? We are based in beautiful countryside near Tenbury Wells. You can take a wander around the lakes, waterfalls, follies and bridges of the Grade II-listed Kyre Park House, then enjoy a picnic before having a look around the barn. There is also a Norman dovecote and resident peacocks.

Do you hold events? We have some summer events planned, initially antiques fairs, on 10th July and 7th August (see fairs listings on page 127), with classic car club displays and food also in the o! ng. kyreparkantiques.co.uk