Opulent mansion in endangered buildings top 10

The lavish interior of Oldway Mansion

AN OPULENT Torbay mansion which was owned by Torbay Council, then handed to a developer before being taken back to safeguard it, has been named as one of the 10 most endangered buildings in the country.

The Victorian Society has published its annual Top 10 Endangered Buildings List which recognises at-risk Victorian and Edwardian buildings and structures throughout England and Wales.

Now in its 11th year, the list aims to expose the plight of these buildings in the hope that increased awareness and appreciation will help save them.

In the top 10 this year is Oldway Mansion in Paignton, which is at the heart of a row among Torbay Council members. Plans to sell the mansion for development were recently blocked within the council, meaning it is now still owned by the authority. But it is not being put to any use – and is in danger of falling into permanent disrepair.

Christopher Costelloe, director of the Victorian Society, said: “I was lucky to be shown round Oldway Mansion; Pevsner was not wrong when he described it as “stunningly bombastic! The council are so privileged to have such a building in their possession, but are also laden with a huge responsibility. Such a large, opulent building requires a lot of care and I know they are struggling.

“It would be wonderful if it could be kept as a public space, that way everyone could enjoy the building as the pride of Paignton. But whatever happens, such an important Grade II*-listed building must be protected and maintained.”

Built as the private residence for American inventor Isaac Singer, the mansion was dramatically remodelled by his son Paris in the early 20th century in the style of the Palace of Versailles. The interiors include an imperial staircase leading up to a ballroom on the east side and a gallery based on the hall of mirrors at Versailles on the west.

Following many different functions during the later 20th century, it was used as council offices from 1946 until 2007 when the council announced its would sell the building as it had become too expensive to maintain.

Local residents wanted it kept as a public space. In 2012, plans for the building to be converted into a luxury hotel and sheltered retirement flats were approved by the council, but work never started amid a legal wrangle over the lease.

Other buildings on this year’s list include include a Victorian seaside winter gardens, a set of seven London gasholders, a Victorian jam factory and attached village, and a former orphanage that was at the centre of a 2006 terrorist scandal.

Mr Costelloe said: “We’re very grateful for the continued support from the general public who nominated many of the buildings for the list, and without whom we wouldn’t know what dire straits they are in. There’s no denying they all have fantastic potential to be regenerated and reused for the benefit of the community.”