News / 05-Feb-25

Restoring Oldway Mansion: Conservation and Sustainability in Harmony

Written by Laura Highton
Oldway Mansion Front Elevation

We are excited to announce our appointment by Torbay Council, as Conservation Architects for the restoration of Oldway Mansion in Paignton.

Oldway Mansion is a landmark of great historical and architectural value, designed by the Singer family in the late 19th century. It is a Grade II*-listed building currently on Historic England's 'At Risk' Register, and requires repairs to its roof, windows, and masonry to safeguard its historic structure. 

The current phase of works marks the first investment in a visionary masterplan to secure the Mansion's future as a sustainable, multi-use building accessible to the public.

Oldway Mansion view from park
The existing view of the impressive North Elevation added by Paris Singer between 1904 and 1907.

Oldway Mansion has been a central landmark in Paignton for many years and stands as one of the largest and grandest Victorian buildings in the South West.

Cllr Chris Lewis, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth for Torbay Council

This project is driven by two key principles. The first is a strong conservation approach, focused on respecting the building’s original construction, materials, and history. Decisions will be driven by established Conservation principals to prioritise and preserve the Mansion’s character and significance.

The second principle is about making sensitive and subtle changes to align the building with modern sustainability requirements. This includes addressing areas where previous material choices or detailing were less appropriate, as well as introducing solar panels to reduce future ongoing running costs. Our goal is to adapt Oldway Mansion for future use while emphasizing its historical character, and ensuring it remains relevant for years to come.

Timbr detail and post in Oldway Mansion
Fabric motif in Oldway Mansion
Fluted timber in Oldway Mansion.
Internal mouldings in Oldway Mansion.
Herringbone timber floor in Oldway Mansion
Fabric in Oldway Mansion.
Internal wall relief in Oldway Mansion.

We have assembled an expert team for the first phase of our restoration project, chosen for their skills, knowledge, and commitment to ensuring that the restoration efforts are both effective and respectful of Oldway’s heritage.

Cllr Chris Lewis, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth for Torbay Council
Oldway Mansion in Paignton, a significant architectural icon.
The building has played various roles in the community, including serving as a hospital during WWI and as the Torbay Country Club, further embedding it in the collective memory of the town.

For Poynton Bradbury Architects, this project is a cornerstone of our growing presence in the South West, following the establishment of our Exeter office in 2024. Conservation and sustainability are central to our practice, and Oldway Mansion perfectly demonstrates how these principles can work together to revitalize heritage assets.

As we begin this journey, we are proud to collaborate with Torbay Council, local contractors, and the community. Together, we aim to transform Oldway Mansion into a model of how heritage conservation, adaptive reuse, and sustainability can harmoniously coexist.

We believe that projects like Oldway Mansion underscore the potential of historic buildings to contribute to sustainable development. Restoring and adapting existing structures is inherently more sustainable than demolition and rebuild, reducing embodied carbon and supporting environmental goals.

Laura Highton, Project Director
Section of the west facade, incorporating Bridgman’s original design from 1873.
The building retains elements of Bridgman’s original design from 1873, such as this section of the west facade.
Pedestal from Oldway Mansion.
Oldway Mansion is an iconic architectural and historical landmark, representing Paignton’s growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Meet the Author

Director
Laura Highton

BSc(Hons)  MArch  ARB  RIBA-SCA

Laura joined Poynton Bradbury Architects in 2023 and brings a wealth of experience to the practice. Her passion for architecture is focussed on creating sustainable, adaptable, and vibrant spaces thar respond to their surroundings and context. She has skills in contemporary design and has developed an architectural sensitivity in her approach to working in historic settings.

Registered as a RIBA Specialist Conservation Architect, Laura’s expertise lies in the adaptive re-use of existing buildings, and she is particularly skilled at bringing new life and contemporary design into historic buildings and settings. She has a comprehensive knowledge of conservation practice and extensive experience of applying this within historic buildings.

Laura’s portfolio is varied and includes large scale community and public buildings such as museums, visitor centres and libraries up to the value of £25m. Alongside this she has worked on intricate and smaller scale developments including bespoke new-build residential projects and one-off house renovations.

 Email Laura

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