National Trust – Greenway

Description

As the former holiday home of the legendary mystery writer Agatha Christie, Greenway offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the private life of one of literature’s most celebrated authors. This elegant Georgian mansion, preserved in its 1950s glory, feels exactly as if the Christie family has just stepped out for a moment – their personal belongings still scattered about, creating an intimate atmosphere that truly brings history to life.

The house exudes a distinctly personal touch, with every room telling its own story through an impressive collection of family silver, fine china, and first-edition books. What really caught my attention during my visits was how the family’s eclectic collection of archaeological finds and botanical specimens are thoughtfully displayed throughout the rooms, reflecting Christie’s travels with her archaeologist husband Max Mallotra.

Key Features

• The Drawing Room showcases the family’s prized Steinway piano, where informal gatherings and musical evenings were once held
• Christie’s private library containing her personal collection of first editions
• The Tapestry Room features rare 18th-century Soho tapestries
• A remarkable frieze in the Library, painted by Lt Marshall Lee during WWII when the house was occupied by U.S. Coast Guard officers
• The Kitchen and Larder remain exactly as they were in the 1950s
• Stunning collections of archaeological artifacts from Middle Eastern expeditions
• Walled garden featuring a restored peach house and vinery
• The Boathouse, which served as a crime scene in Christie’s Dead Man’s Folly
• Battery garden offering spectacular views over the River Dart
• Secret garden paths winding through rare and exotic plants

Best Time to Visit

Spring brings an explosion of camellias, magnolias, and bluebells to Greenway’s woodland garden, making March through May absolutely magical. Summer offers perfect weather for exploring the grounds and enjoying picnics with river views. I’ve found that visiting during weekday mornings, especially in shoulder season (September-October), provides the most peaceful experience with fewer crowds.

Autumn paints the woodland in gorgeous colors, and the garden’s unusual trees and shrubs put on a spectacular show. Winter visits have their own charm – the house feels particularly cozy and intimate, and ya can really imagine the Christie family gathered around the fireplace during cold evenings.

How to Get There

Getting to Greenway is part of the adventure! The most atmospheric approach is by vintage steam train from Paignton to Greenway Halt, followed by a short woodland walk. My favorite way is taking the ferry from Dartmouth or Torquay – the approach from the River Dart gives you the same view that Christie’s guests would have had arriving for weekend parties.

If you’re driving, there’s a pre-booking system for the car park (trust me, you’ll want to sort this in advance). The narrow lanes leading to Greenway can be tricky, but the views make it worthwhile. Public buses run from Paignton and Brixham, stopping at the bottom of Greenway Road.

Tips for Visiting

Take advantage of the free guided tours – the volunteer guides are absolute treasure troves of information and often share lesser-known stories about the Christie family. I’d recommend allocating at least 3-4 hours for your visit to fully appreciate both the house and gardens.

Pack comfortable walking shoes – the gardens are extensive and some paths are steep. The café serves decent light lunches and cream teas, but bringing a picnic to enjoy in the grounds is a lovely option too.

Photography isn’t allowed inside the house, but the gardens offer plenty of stunning photo opportunities. If you’re a Christie fan, grab an audio guide – it features recordings of Christie’s grandson sharing personal memories of summers at Greenway.

During peak season, arriving early or late afternoon typically means smaller crowds. And don’t skip the second floor – some visitors miss it, but it contains some of the most fascinating family memorabilia.

The winter months might see reduced opening hours, but the house takes on a special atmosphere when decorated for Christmas. Remember to check the website for seasonal events – they often host murder mystery evenings and special exhibitions that really bring Christie’s world to life.

Location

Places to Stay Near National Trust - Greenway

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