Oldway Mansion, Devon

Oldway Mansion, Paignton, Devon (Grade II*, 1873, G.S. Bridgman) Built as the private residence for American inventor Isaac Singer, this mansion was drastically remodelled by his son in the early 20th century in the style of the Palace of Versailles. The interiors are just as opulent, with 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 intention to sell the building. Now its future is uncertain, though the community feel strongly that it should remain as a public space.