Friedman Tag

AYNHO, England — “I don’t expect to be understood initially, but I do consider that it should be respected and encourage people eventually,” RH chief executive officer and chairman Gary Friedman said of his unique strategy, last month during an analyst conference call. A rarity in the company world, the veteran executive is boldly aiming to reshape U.S. upscale furniture retailer RH (formerly Restoration Hardware) into a worldwide luxury brand with exclusive galleries, restaurants and lodging worldwide. RH’s most ambitious project yet — RH England, The Gallery at Aynho Park — is a 73-acre, Seventeenth-century estate and the crown jewel on this strategy. Envisaged as a luxury travel destination for design, food and wine, the revitalized property...