Ridley House, Felixstowe

Situated on the 'coast' of Felixstowe, Ridley House dates from the 18th century when it was originally Tamarisk Farm.

In 1842 Sir Robert & Lady Arethusa Harland, of Orwell Park Estate purchased the farmhouse and converted it to a 'Marine Residence' in the form of an Italianate Villa, originally named Tamarisk Villa. It then became part of a lady’s college in 1933 and is now a private home to the current owners, Nigel and Maureen Weir.

Following purchase of the property in 2013, Robert Allerton Architects, a local design practice, helped the new owners to realise their ambitious plans for restoration and remodelling of the property, including upgrading the durability of the exterior for a coastal property. KEIM were appointed by the architect due to the breathability and durability of the mineral paint.

A refresh was required in 2025, the owner and architect requested for KEIM Mineral Paints to be reapplied to the exterior surfaces, as they were impressed with the longevity of the product and wanted a breathable system, that would allow water vapour to pass through but keep water out.

A textured new lime render was applied to the tower and coated with KEIM Soldalit Fixativ to equalise surface porosity. KEIM Soldalit was applied over all surfaces, including the previously painted KEIM rear and side facades, surrounding wall and new render on the garage building.

KEIM Soldalit is ideal for application onto both previously painted and mineral substrates, combining the benefits of a classic mineral paint with simplicity of application. It is a modern, innovative mineral paint which creates lightfast and UV resistant coatings with enhanced condensation resistance which are extremely durable and resistant to weathering.

The owner is impressed with the results and the decorator, Andy McCallum Decorating, had never used KEIM before and has done a fantastic job.

Nigel commented on “the exceptional quality of the KEIM products and the craftsmanship & commitment shown by Andy McCallum Decorating”.