Getting to know Agatha Christie: Greenway

It’s easy to see why Agatha Christie loved Greenway, her summer home. The house sits on sunny, tree-covered slopes near Brixham in Devon and was the family retreat. It has been preserved as it was in the 1950s, when Agatha lived there, and visitors can view personal mementoes of the inimitable creator of Poirot and Miss Marple.

Nora Maki, our social media executive, recently spent a weekend on the English Riviera, also known as Torbay, and took the time to get to know The Queen of Crime with a trip to Greenway, the author’s summer home. Here’s her straight-to-the-point story...

A highlight of my weekend in Torbay was Agatha Christie's summer home, Greenway. “So what’s so special about that?” I hear you ask. Well, for starters, the bus we took was a 1940s model with original upholstery! Our driver and guide John was so knowledgeable; he knew all about Agatha’s life  and it was a thrill listening to his anecdotes.

Greenway was a fantastic experience. This summer house is a huge estate, dating back to Tudor times. Sir Humphrey Gilbert, a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I, grew up in Greenway, meaning Agatha isn't the house's only celeb connection. Agatha only spent part of the year here, as she spent the rest of her time in Iraq with her husband, an archaeologist.

Agatha’s grandson Matthew Prichard donated Greenway to the National Trust in 2000 for all to enjoy. Since then Greenway has undergone a £5.4million restoration and opened to the general public in 2009.

The results are magnificent, with artefacts in all rooms placed as if the residents had just left the room. I loved the fact-filled ‘scrapbooks’ in each room. Once I had finished inside I headed down a path to the boathouse, which hosts a pool that fills with salt water when the tide comes in.

It was here where Agatha is said to have drawn inspiration for her murder mysteries. I whiled away a pleasant few minutes dreaming of Agatha sat here in the sun, creating her much-loved heroes and heroines. I heartily recommend it!

Make like Marple and investigate Greenway for yourself

Blogger: Nora Maki, Social Media Executive

A native Finn in the process of discovering England, one region at a time. Fascinated by and interested in history - especially old buildings, geography and the seaside. And most importantly: I like my brew strong.

Comments

[Dr Sue Jones]

Are there any of Agatha Christie's collection of Marsh Arab textiles in the house? I am a research fellow and am researching these textiles.

[Tracy Mears]

I love everything about the life Agatha Christie lived oh and I took a group of students to Greenway house 2 summers ago ..

[SmittenbyBritain]

Wonderful post Nora and you have to love that bus! Greenway is a treasure for sure.