A HOME FOR KEEPS Passionate about interiors, Philippa Rudd welcomes us into her recently renovated Seckford Street house Pictures by John Ferguson
This page, from top: The glass balustrade balcony looks over the terrace; Philippa’s elegant master bedroom; her statement downstairs WC; the Crittall-effect window lets light flood through the ground floor Opposite: Philippa in the living room, complete with her cherished fireplace and artwork, right of fire, by friend and local artist, Julie Driscoll
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ince cutting her renovation teeth on a Victorian villa on the Thoroughfare last year, Philippa Rudd has steamed ahead on her latest project: a total revamp of her old Seckford Street property, a former bakery, in just six short months. “The house on the Thoroughfare was a great project, but this one’s for keeps,” says Philippa. Having returned to her hometown of Woodbridge in 2015 after living in Portugal for 20 years, Philippa has completely immersed herself in property and interiors. Working as a residential sales consultant at Neals Estate Agents since the new year, she is also a member of the Home Staging Network, helping sellers present their house or flat in the best possible light. Although the Seckford Street property had been on the market for more than a year, Philippa instantly saw its potential. “I was looking for a house that needed lots of work, but which could become home and a new start for me and my daughters, Matilda and Isabel, when they came back from uni and boarding school, respectively. This ticked all the boxes. “As I walked in, I was instantly buzzing with ideas, but this wasn’t just a cosmetic makeover. This house needed everything doing.” When asked about the property’s star qualities, Philippa quickly replies:
“The view – our garden, albeit small, overlooks the beautiful grounds of The Abbey; its central location; and its potential. It was all of those in equal measure.” Renovations included remodelling the underutilised space by the front door to create a small but perfectly formed utility area, as well as taking space from the second bedroom to accommodate an en suite for the master bedroom. Complete with sliding doors that lead onto a terrace, the main bedroom is flooded with light, and affords views across the Abbey grounds. “I’m particularly thrilled with the glass balustrades from Ipswich-based Vista Glass, as they bring an instant contemporary look and feel. The existing 1970s wrought ironwork had to go,” smiles Philippa. Features like the marble fireplace in the lounge also appealed. “The previous owner had moved this fire surround with her from three previous homes, so I was absolutely thrilled when she kindly agreed it could stay with me. “Initially, I considered removing the bay windows in the lounge, to replace them with bi-fold doors. Now painted my ‘go-to’ RAL 7016 anthracite grey, I couldn’t be more pleased that they stayed, as they give a real uniqueness to the room. “I then had the door to the garden and all the window shutters made in