Rotunda

About 1871, Isaac Merritt Singer (founder of the Singer Sewing Machine Co) purchased land and various properties including a villa ‘Little Oldway’ and commissioned a local architect, Bridgman, to design a mansion and a separate building as a ‘Riding and Exercising Pavilion’ - now known as The Rotunda. The circular building was the first completed. Inside, the walls were of cream-coloured brick with Portland stone dressings. It was used for stabling, and teaching children to ride and had a moveable wooden floor which covered a swimming pool. There was a balcony for spectators, and the central area was used for entertainment of all kinds. On one occasion a circus was hired to perform there.

There was also a theatre, later removed, in the mansion. In 1946, Oldway was acquired by Paignton Council, and until 1988 leased for offices. Externally the Rotunda is unaltered; access is not possible, but it is thought that internal alterations are superficial. There were plans (1994) for various leisure uses, but restoration to original form has also been discussed.