In Search of Old Paignton- Oldway Mansion

This is probably one of the finest Council Offices in the country, used by Torbay Council for civic offices, including the Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages, since it was acquired by Paignton Urban District Council in 1946.

It was built in 1873-1875 for Isaac Merritt Singer, one of the world's richest men, thanks to his Singer Sewing Machine invention. His son, Paris, transformed the house in the early 1900s, remodelling it on the Palace of Versailles. It was Paris who had an affair with Isadora Duncan, and she lived with him for some time at his newly completed Oldway, with staff to look after her every whim, a yacht in the Bay, and glamorous motor cars at her disposal.

Oldway though has recently been sold by the Council and will be developed as a luxury hotel. The last wedding there took place last month.

Isaac Merritt Singer was an incomer, a blow-in just like me and Mrs Mover, but I can't help noticing 'he was considerably richer than us.'