Victorian visitors were struck by the similarities between Torbay and the South of France with its beautiful palm-lined coastline hence it was given the title ‘The English Riviera’.

Torbay was a popular resort for the affluent who often used it as a winter health resort. Today you can still enjoy the English Riviera by staying at The Palace Hotel, The Overmead Hotel or The Queens Hotel.

The Palace Hotel

Built in the 19th Century, originally as a home for Washington Singer, the son of Sir Isaac Singer, inventor of the sewing machine, the 3 Star Palace Hotel has been a Paignton landmark since the late 1920’s. Isaac Singer’s rags to riches life has been recounted time and time again.

Leaving home at the age of 12 after his parents separation led him to have countless diverse occupations before he found fame and wealth from his invention. His second wife, the beautiful Isabella Eugenie Boyer, was the model for Bartholdi’s Statue of Liberty, which proudly overlooks Staten Island in New York. Paris Singer, also son of inventor, Isaac, courted his mistress, famous dancer Isadora Duncan, in the romantic settings of the bay.

Today, stay in the ‘affordable luxury’ of the Palace Hotel. Enjoy the splendour of this elegant Victorian building and gardens. 

The Overmead Hotel

The hotel was originally called the Villa Syracusa, a private home built for the Russian Romanoff family.

While the Romanoff family were residents, they entertained the Russian Royal Family at the Villa. During their absence, the villa was often let privately. In August 1864 the Prince of Wales visited the Grand Duchess Marie of Russia while she was staying at the villa Syracusa. Her party included the count Gregoire Stroganoff and Countess Alexandra Tolstroy. He liked the area so much that he built his mistress a house here about 300 yards away, currently known as Sun Dial Lodge.

In February 1890 the villa Sycracusa was opened as a convalescent home for soldiers and sailors invalided from the Boer War in South Africa. Richard Mallock, Deputy Lieutenant of the County, arranged this.

The Villa was generously given by his brother in law, E.A Lee of Liphook Hants and in connection with I.A Shaw Stewert, they appealed for funds, which met instant support - £1300.00 being contributed in eight days. On June 19th 1900 the Princess Henry of Battenburg visited the Syracusa Home, of which she became patron.

The home closed on 14th December 1901, having received 225 convalescents in 22 months.

The hotel retained its name until approximately 1950. However, it ceased trading as a hotel in 1939 and for the war years, it was bought to house the Prudential Assurance Company’s offices and staff when they were evacuated from London.

After the war the hotel building was sold, and became the Carlton Hotel. In 1956 it was purchased by the Worker’s Travel Association, which changed the names to the Highmead. In about 1966 the hotel became known as the Overmead.