Life at Little Oldway

A home with history, connection and room to live well.

From historic grounds to familiar meals and shared activities, everyday life is shaped around comfort, enjoyment and connection.

Our history

A distinctive home with roots in Paignton’s history and a care legacy built over generations.

Food and nutrition

Familiar, enjoyable food and special dietary requirements are thoughtfully catered for.

Activities and companionship

Art, music, exercise, time in the garden and small moments of connection throughout the day.

Our story

A brief history of Little Oldway

Built between 1830 and 1850, Little Oldway was once home to Isaac Singer while Oldway Mansion was being built next door. His son Paris later stayed here, and Isadora Duncan was a regular visitor. After Lady Leeds, a direct descendant of the Singer family, died in the late 1970s, the house stood empty until Barry and Jackie Privett transformed it into a care home in 1982. Their daughter Leanne Knowles became joint director with her husband Joseph in 2018 and is now Managing Director.

Accommodation designed for comfort

Little Oldway has 30 bedrooms, including 19 with en-suite toilet facilities. Rooms have television points for personal sets, alongside three bathrooms and a sit-in shower and wet room. One bathroom includes a Parker Bath with an automatic hoist to support less mobile residents. Three lounges, including a sun lounge, make room for quiet time, conversation and visits with family and friends.

Residents are encouraged to enjoy the historic grounds, with regular opportunities to take a stroll alongside their care workers.

Food and nutrition

Food that feels familiar

A great deal of thought goes into food and nutrition at Little Oldway, helping residents maintain a healthy diet while enjoying familiar foods they love. Our chef creates a rolling programme of menus, and vegetarian and special dietary requirements are always catered for.

Activities

Every day, your way

Residents can manage their own time, with a weekly programme including art and craft, chair exercises, entertainers and singers, garden walks and games designed to stimulate the mind. Chiropody, hairdressing, massage and exercise therapy can also be arranged, and an activities co-ordinator helps keep the programme varied.

When someone feels unsettled

Support that meets the moment

When someone feels confused, anxious or distressed, we respond in the way that feels right for them. That might mean a familiar conversation, a favourite piece of music, a quiet walk, looking through photographs, a spontaneous activity or simply a fresh cup of tea.

Spaces to feel at ease

The garden, outdoors and quiet time

Our sensory garden, outdoor spaces and therapeutic activities create gentle opportunities for movement, connection and calm. Residents can choose from sociable moments or quieter time, always within an everyday routine shaped around what feels familiar and meaningful.

Daily rhythm

A typical day at Little Oldway

Morning

We’ll bring you a cup of tea in bed, then breakfast is served. Everyone is encouraged to come to the dining room, though breakfast can be brought to your room if you prefer.

Mid Morning

Choose a stroll around the grounds with a carer, join an activity, or find a sunny spot in one of the comfortable lounges. Coffee is served mid-morning.

Afternoon

The main hot meal is served at lunchtime. Afterwards there may be an entertainer, singer or craft activity, with hot drinks and cakes available mid-afternoon.