History of Paget House, 7 Church Street, Woodbridge

🏛️ Architectural & Heritage Significance

Paget House is a Grade II listed building, first entered on the National Heritage List on 25 January 1951 yell.com+8historicengland.org.uk+8britishlistedbuildings.co.uk+8. Dating from the early 19th century, it stands in a terrace of historic properties (Nos 1–25 Church Street) characterized by painted brick, slate roofs, oriel sash windows, and charming wood pendant supports britishlistedbuildings.co.uk+3historicengland.org.uk+3britishlistedbuildings.co.uk+3.

Distinctive features include:

  • A two-storey brick façade, painted over time, with slate roof

  • Three oriel sash windows (a fourth now part of the adjacent “Culmak House”) with elegant curved pendentives

  • A grand 8-panel diagonally fielded main entrance, sidelights, and a radiating segmental fanlight

  • A carriageway beneath the first floor, marked by a Tudor-arched passage flanked by carved spandrels historicengland.org.uk+3historicengland.org.uk+3britishlistedbuildings.co.uk+3.

Such characteristics reflect a refined architectural style of the period, marrying practicality with ornamental detail.

đź“Ť From Private Home to Local Business Hub

Originally a residential property during the early 1800s, Paget House transitioned over time into a mixed-use structure. Its carriageway, which once served horse-drawn vehicles, eventually became part of the shopfront space.

In 1984, Graham Smith, a local entrepreneur, established Archway Carpets at this very address. The name “Archway” pays homage to the historic arch—the old trade entrance to the former convent at No. 2 Church Street en.wikipedia.org+4britishlistedbuildings.co.uk+4historicengland.org.uk+4historicengland.org.uk+3historicengland.org.uk+3britishlistedbuildings.co.uk+3archwaycarpets.co.uk+3archwaycarpets.co.uk+3archwaycarpets.co.uk+3.

🛠️ Archway Carpets: A Family Legacy

Archway Carpets was founded by Graham and later joined by his son Darrell in 2010, fulfilling his late mother’s wish archwaycarpets.co.uk+5archwaycarpets.co.uk+5archwaycarpets.co.uk+5. Since then, the father-and-son duo has built a reputation rooted in:

Their ethos? Make choosing flooring easy and enjoyable—and it shows in glowing customer reviews .

🧭 Blending History with Modern Business

Paget House continues to stand as a landmark:

  • Its historic façade and carriageway arch remain preserved, maintaining the charm of early 19th-century Woodbridge

  • The interior has been sympathetically adapted for retail use—Archway Carpets’ showroom and office now occupy the space while respecting its architectural integrity

  • Its continued use as a local independent business aligns beautifully with Woodbridge’s community values, and certainly honors its heritage listing

🗓️ A Timeline of Key Milestones

YearEventEarly 1800sPaget House constructed as an elegant brick residence25 Jan 1951Officially designated Grade II listed building1984Archway Carpets established by Graham Smith at 7 Church Street2010Darrell Smith joins the business, continuing the family legacy2019–2024Celebrations marking 35+ years of Archway Carpets in business

In Summary

Paget House is more than just a beautiful historic building—it’s a living piece of Woodbridge’s heritage, seamlessly integrated into modern-day life. From its early 19th-century origins to its current role as the thriving base of a beloved family-run business, it embodies the town’s spirit: respectful of the past, firmly rooted in the community, and adapting to serve present-day needs.

đź“ž Visit or Connect

Archway Carpets welcomes visitors at:

Archway Carpets & Paget House offer an inspiring blend of history, architecture, and entrepreneurial spirit—proof that some old walls only grow richer with time.