Jill Waddy’s Woollahra apartment has hosted the east’s most famed personalities and parties too: take a peek here
She’s known and loved for her sweet nature and regular soirees attended by a who’s who of the neighbourhood. Now, see where the stars partied.
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In a leafy, quiet Woollahra cul-de-sac I find the whole-of-top floor apartment owned by media buyer, former model and equestrian enthusiast Jill Waddy, overlooking Cooper Park.
Jill’s home of the past 28 or so years is an eclectic mix of beloved pieces left to her from her late mother, Billie, and a stack of objects d’art picked up on travels through Africa, Indonesia, France, and here.
Not into frills and flounces, there is a practical cosiness to Jill’s home, dotted with favourite artists – John Olsen, Kerrie Lester and Josh Yeldham among others. When not at home, she is travelling with her horses Adonis and Pokey.
Pokey prefers the house to his paddock and on occasion is seen walking though Jill’s cottage near Berry on the hunt for a quick snack.
Of her Woollahra abode she recalls: “I use to entertain a lot when I was younger but only drinks parties as I have never been a very good cook.
“There have been some fun pre-‘going out’ soirees that have memories and a few afterparties for the famous Cointreau Ball in the 1990s.
“I don’t do many now because I am moving around all the time. I like my home and quiet me time”.
Here, Jill explains more …
W hat do you love about your home? You can see nature from every room and there is direct sunlight into every room too. High ceilings. There is a back yard perfect for my dog, Lily.
There is no metered parking and it’s very quiet with numerous birds that come to visit for snacks on the back veranda.
What is your favourite room? I love the open-plan lounge, dining and kitchen with fire.
It is spacious and bright with leafy views. Autumn is very pretty as large trees surround the home with lots of visiting birds.
Who did your interiors and what was the brief? I have always done my own, collecting classic pieces and paintings over the years. I have many interior designer friends who have also advised me. I once bought a dark leather three-seater to put in my farm house, which I did not yet own. It was a tad cluttered for a while. But I did buy the house and still own the piece.
What is the best gift you’ve received recently? I pretty much buy everything myself. My favourite was a Hermes necklace on a recent overseas trip to Hawaii. For the home, maybe a painting. I have just retiled a small veranda. Last year I laid new carpet and added shutters. I try to keep it relevant and up to date.
Favourite three items in your wardrobe? My Zimmerman ruffled silk black shirt, Gucci sneakers and a navy cashmere overcoat. For accessories: Tom Ford specs, my Hermes necklace. I am also a real cushion collector.
What’s your TV binge right now? Where do I start; Game of Thrones, Billions, Designated Survivor, Animal Kingdom, Handmaids Tale, Louis Theroux, Lunatics … I have Foxtel, Netflix and Stan as I love TV, which served me well in media. for so many years.
What books are on your bedside table? I read nonfiction but only when on holiday so only interior books/magazines.
Is there anything you’d like to change about where you live? I’d love it to be on the ground floor with the same views and light. Then I could keep the apartment forever. But I will need to sell one day when two storeys becomes too much.
What is something you treasure in your home? The relaxed and comfortable feel. And the pieces I have collected over the years, all have happy memories of the people I travelled with. I love my large ginger jar from Harrolds Finishing Touches.
Scroll down for more pictures of Jill’s apartment.
