Greenway House

Greenway house and garden, formerly Dame Agatha Christie’s holiday home and affectionately named 'the loveliest place in the world'.

Now cared for by the National Trust, this relaxed and atmospheric house is set in the 1950s, when Agatha and her family would spend holidays here with friends, relaxing by the river, playing croquet and clock golf, and reading her latest mystery to their guests.

The family were great collectors, and the house is filled with an important and varied collection of ceramics, Tunbridgeware, silver, and books, including first editions of her novels. It is also home to archaeological artefacts acquired in the Middle East where Agatha accompanied her husband, archaeologist Max Mallowan on excavations.  In the library a frieze was painted in 1944 when the house was requisitioned by the US Coastguards as part of the preparations for D-Day.

The Georgian house you see today was built in the late 18th century for a successful sea merchant, but there has been a house on this site for over 400 years. In the 16th century a Tudor mansion called Greenway Court was built for the Gilbert family who were leading soldiers and seafarers, who also received patents to establish colonies in Ireland, Newfoundland and Maine.

In the garden a large and romantic woodland drifts down the hillside towards the Dart estuary. The walled gardens are home to a restored peach house and vinery, as well as an allotment cared for by local school children. A visit to Greenway isn't complete without seeing the Boathouse, scene of the crime in 'Dead Man’s Folly', and the battery complete with cannon.

How to Travel There

If you would like to arrive by car, your parking space needs to be booked in advance via the National Trust website. There is a courtesy buggy service from the car park to the entrance of Greenway for visitors with walking difficulties.

Alternatively, travel by boat from Dartmouth to Greenway Quay.

Running between Marcha and October, the Greenway Ferry Company’s service along the River Dart departs hourly, and is the perfect way to find out more about the area whilst you travel to Greenway.

From the village of Dittisham you can travel to Greenway in their open wooden passenger ferry that takes up to 12 people. Just ring the bell on the quay to let the ferry know you're there waiting. Visit the Greenway Ferry Company website for more information.

Once you arrive at Greenway Quay there is an uphill walk through the woodland garden to reach Greenway, but there are plenty of benches to pause at and admire the views. There is also a courtesy car service available, which provides lifts from the quay to visitor reception; if you require a lift and the quay car isn't waiting please ask at the kiosk on the quay.

For more information and to plan your visit, go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway