Oldway Mansion, Grade II* listed mansion in Paignton, England
Oldway Mansion is a country house in Paignton that was built in the Victorian era and later redesigned following Versailles influences. The building features a grand marble staircase with bronze railings, tall windows for natural light, and sits on 17 acres of grounds containing Italian gardens, a grotto, and ornamental plantings.
The house was built in the 1870s for Isaac Singer, founder of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, and underwent major renovations from 1904 to 1907. These redesign efforts transformed it to reflect Palace of Versailles aesthetics, marking a significant shift in its architectural character.
The house hosted lavish entertainments where the Singer family displayed their status and wealth through grand receptions. The ornate interiors with marble and bronze details reflected their refined tastes and cosmopolitan aspirations.
Wear comfortable shoes as you explore the grounds, which have multiple connected paths linking different garden sections and areas. The formal gardens and rotunda structure require various walking distances, so it helps to plan your route based on your interests and energy level.
A notable rotunda built in 1873 as an equestrian pavilion still stands opposite the main entrance today. This unusual structure shows how the original owners invested in leisure facilities on a grand scale beyond the main residence.
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