Drawings [1] to [19] were made by Soane during the course of a visit to Aynhoe Park between 2nd and 4th of November 1799. They record his initial ideas for alterations and additions to the old house.

Drawings [1] to [14] were, at some stage, folded in half and stitched together to make 14 leaves. When 'unstitiched' drawing [1] is composed of the first and last drawing in the group of 14. Since the stitched drawings were each given a number relating to plan chest, drawer and folder (for example 6/4/29) the drawings have been catalogued in that order. There are two blank leaves between drawings [11] and [12.]. Drawings 15 to 19 are single sheets.

Soane's sketch designs focus mostly on the ground floor of the south-west part of the house. This includes the library, anti room, eating room and the offices behind. Drawing [14] has details for the exterior but the main concern at this stage seems to be the plan and the addition and re-ordering of rooms. No survey drawings have survived (in Soane's collection) though they must have been made.