The history of Oldway is closely linked to the Singer Family, particularly Issac Singer and his son Paris. Issac was born in America in 1811 one of a large family. He was an extremely colourful and controversial character and had various careers including amongst others ; carpentry , acting and working as a navvy but is perhaps better known for his part in developing the Singer sewing machine which made him a millionaire.
He was also a notorious philanderer. After two marriages and various scandalous affairs, many resulting in children, after travelling extensively , mainly to escape scandals he settled with his second french wife Isabella in England , firstly in London and then in Devon. He bought the Fenham Estate in Paignton and set about building a large house and so the Oldway story began. Thanks to his imagination and legacy the mansion gardens have many unique features including the now mostly derelict Rotunda used initially as a riding pavilion and parts of which were used as film studios in the 1940s.
After his parents death their eldest son Paris, influenced by the architecture of the City he was born in made major alterations to the buildings including a magnificent entrance hall , staircase and 127 ft long Ballroom complete with minstrels galleries. Paris was an avid collector of paintings and commissioned artworks some of which are still on view.
Oldway Mansion, buildings and gardens are currently being gradually restored as part of a long term project.
