MANILA – British ambassador to the Philippines, Daniel Pruce, tours adobo magazine around his newly refurbished home in Makati. During the visit, Pruce talked about its spectacular features and revealed his most favorite furniture piece in the residence.
Pruce was appointed as British ambassador to the Philippines last year of August. Before becoming British ambassador to the Philippines, he was Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Madrid from 2012 to 2016 and British Embassy in Bangkok from 2008 to 2012. He is also a non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of Palau.
“This house belongs to the British Embassy for many years. But we decided some years ago that it needed to be renovated, strengthen, and make it properly seismic-proof. And that work started about a year ago and it’s almost completed.”
The ambassador’s new residence is a definite reflection of the country it represents – modern, dynamic, and diverse. Featuring modernized interiors, the house evokes a charming, cozy vibe. “We took the opportunity of strengthening the fabric of the building and also trying to give it a new more modern, brighter, more airy feel,” Pruce said.
Most of the furniture pieces were acquired from renowned British designer Timothy Oulton. “We’re fortunate in this house, we’ve been able to put in pieces of new furniture by the British designer Timothy Oulton. Timothy produces wonderful, cutting-edge interior design. Many of the pieces of furniture and the light fixtures and fittings have come from his showrooms and workshops.”
British ambassador to the Philippines Daniel Pruce sitting on the Saddle Chair
One of Timothy Oulton’s signature pieces can be found in the living room of the house, the Saddle Chair. The Saddle Chair is inspired by the heritage of equestrian pursuits, projecting a spirit of freedom and the harnessing of power that a saddle represents.
Book case made from the dance floor of an Edwardian dance hall
Refurbished furniture pieces can also be found in the house. For instance, book cases which are made from the dance floor of an Edwardian dance hall. “I’d like to look at those book cases and think of many hundreds many thousands of feet that must have bounced across those wooden blocks over a century ago,” Pruce quipped.
The coffee table made of timbers from a Scotch Whisky distillery (middle)
When asked what would be his most favorite furniture piece in the house, Pruce revealed that it would be the impressive coffee table which is made of timbers from a Scotch Whisky distillery. “I think that coffee table is pretty special. It’s a great piece of recycling. It’s a great piece of design, and it weighs over a quarter of a ton so it’s a very imposing structure in the house.”
Also worth noting are the railings and wheelchair ramps installed in the residence. Pruce remarked that they wanted the house to project inclusion, specially to people with disabilities. He said that it’s essential that that everyone should feel welcome and included whenever they visit the house.
“It was very important for me that in renovating the house we made it more accessible. We ensured that there was proper wheelchair access through the front of the house, there’s a slope, there’s a supporting rail as well so people that have mobility difficulties can get into the house easily.
The ambassador’s house also features a sprawling garden, a basketball court, and a swimming pool.
