The Golden Age

The modern character of the English Riviera has been shaped, in large part, by our history as seaside resorts. Tourists began visiting in large numbers in the 19th century, starting an explosion of development and a ‘golden age’ of prosperity that lasted until the Second World War.

The architectural heritage from this period includes large numbers of villas, civic buildings, shops, churches, entertainment spaces, public gardens, and tourist infrastructure. In Torquay, the town’s former wealth is evident everywhere in the grand style of its historic buildings and open spaces. The scale of development during this period means that late Georgian, Victorian, and early 20th century architecture is prominent and makes up the majority of the built environment.

One of the most distinctive characteristics of the resorts’ buildings, gardens and artefacts is the influence of Italianate design. It was consciously imported and reimagined in an effort to create a Mediterranean-style resort in a northern European setting – an ‘English Riviera’.

In the 19th century, due to our warm microclimate, the English Riviera attracted many wealthy families who first came here for their health and to escape cold winters in the rest of Britain.

This heritage of healthcare and relaxation has many parallels with today’s interest in wellbeing. With plenty of places to Relax and Recuperate, and plenty of things to do on the water, its easy to see what still attracts many people to the English Riviera.

Oldway Mansion, Paignton

Many wealthy families who were attracted to the English Riviera in the 19th century settled and built large homes here. The most well-known and extravagant of these is Oldway Mansion near Paignton, built by the American sewing machine manufacturer Isaac Singer. A Grade II listed building set within 19.5 acres of stunning grounds and within a short walking distance of Preston seafront, the mansion and grounds are steeped in fascinating history.

Sadly, Isaac Singer died two months before the building work was completed, but his son inherited the property and carried our further changes, remodelling it in the opulent style of the Palace of Versailles, France. During the First World War the mansion was used as the American Women’s War Hospital with Rolls Royce ambulances transporting many of the 5,000 service men who were treated there. 

Oldway Mansion has been used as a film location on several occasions. The most famous of which was when it doubled as Buckingham Palace for the filming of ‘Churchill: The Hollywood Years’ in 2004.

Although the building can no longer be accessed it is still possible to walk around the grounds to enjoy the landscaped gardens, public park, popular bowling green and tennis courts.

Lupton House, Brixham

Built in the late 18th century, Lupton House in Brixham is a historic manor house, built by the Sheriff of Devon. The Grade II listed property has a Palladian style front with Italianate gardens.

Unfortunately, in 1926, much of the interior was destroyed by a fire and the house was subsequently rebuilt. During the Second World War, both the house and grounds were used by American forces as an encampment and training area before the Normandy invasion. Since then, the house has been used as a hotel, and three different schools. In 2008, the Lupton Trust was established with the aim of using the house for commercial activities, including various classes and clubs, to assist in financing the restoration.

Today you can visit the grounds at Lupton House and admire the Italianate gardens. The House is available to visit via guided tours.

The Pavilion, Torquay

Built in 1911, the Pavilion can be found on Torquay seafront. With a large copper-covered dome topped with a life-size figure of Britannia, it is a truly characterful piece of architecture. Originally a theatre, it has entertained millions of people, including Agatha Christie and her soon-to-be fiancé Archie Christie as he proposed to her following a Wagner concert at the Pavilion.

The Pavilion is now a Grade II listed building and although it is not open to the public, it is still a sight to behold.

Greenway House, near Brixham

Greenway House is a Georgian style manor house, built circa 1780 and on the remains of an original Tudor House. Nestled in a woodland garden on the banks of the River Dart, the house has a rich history, passing down from generations to generations each adding their own stamp on to the estate.

In 1938, Agatha Christie and her husband archaeologist Max Mallowan bought Greenway Estate as a holiday home. In her autobiography she wrote: “One day we saw that a house was up for sale that I had known when I was young ... So we went over to Greenway, and very beautiful the house and grounds were. A white Georgian house of about 1780 or 90, with woods sweeping down to the Dart below, and a lot of fine shrubs and trees – the ideal house, a dream house.”

Now in the care of the National Trust, Greenway House and exquisite gardens are open to visitors and has been preserved to showcase a fabulous insight into the Queen of Crime’s life.