Oldway Mansion, located in Paignton, Devon, was constructed in the late 19th century by Isaac Singer, the founder of the Singer Sewing Machine Company. The opulent estate, inspired by the Palace of Versailles, was completed in 1873 and later extensively remodeled by Singer’s son Paris in the early 1900s. The mansion’s grandeur reflects the family’s immense wealth and their desire to create a luxurious residence reminiscent of French aristocratic architecture.

Over the years, Oldway Mansion has been the subject of numerous ghostly tales and reported paranormal activities. One of the most frequently mentioned apparitions is that of Isaac Singer himself, with staff and visitors claiming to have seen his ghost roaming the corridors and grounds. Some have reported hearing the sound of a piano playing in empty rooms, attributed to Singer’s love for music.

Another commonly reported phenomenon is the sighting of a “Gray Lady,” believed to be the spirit of Singer’s second wife, Isabella. Witnesses have described seeing her ghostly figure in various parts of the mansion, particularly near the grand staircase.

The mansion’s extensive cellars have also been a focal point for paranormal experiences, with reports of unexplained noises, sudden temperature drops, and an overwhelming sense of unease. Some visitors have claimed to feel an unseen presence watching them in these underground areas.

During World War I, Oldway Mansion served as a hospital for wounded soldiers. This period has given rise to reports of ghostly patients and nurses being seen in certain parts of the building, particularly in what was once the makeshift ward areas.