Story of Agatha Christie at Greenway House added to List Entry to Celebrate 50th Anniversary
Historic England announces that the list entry for Greenway House in Devon has been revised and expanded to reflect its deep connection to Dame Agatha Christie, the world-famous crime novelist often referred to as “The Queen of Crime’’.
Greenway House, a beautiful country house in landscaped gardens overlooking the River Dart, was purchased by Christie and her husband, archaeologist Sir Max Mallowan, in 1938. It is now cared for by the National Trust.
Marking 50 years since her death, the updated listing for Greenway House emphasises the significance of the home she made in the locality that had shaped her life, and which inspired many of her bestselling novels. It provides richer detail on that describes the house’s evolution, and its role as a setting in Christie’s creative world.
Although Greenway House was not Christie’s primary residence, its influence appears in her novels, ‘Five Little Pigs’’ and ‘’Dead Man’s Folly’’ where readers will recognise the peaceful riverside setting and garden walks reinvented in plots.
The house itself has been conserved with many of Christie’s possessions on display, over 12,000 items, including ceramics, glass, silver, straw work boxes, and watches.
Born and raised in Torquay in Devon, Agatha Christie never lost her love for the area, and it provided her with almost endless inspiration. Learn more in our new blog here.
Greenway House has long been recognised for its architectural and historic value as a remarkable Georgian estate, but updating the listing to reflect Christie’s deep personal and creative connection to Greenway reflects its many layered significance and ensures that her love for the estate and the way it shaped her life and work is properly acknowledged for future generations
We are delighted to have worked with Historic England on updating the list entry to reflect the importance of the relationship between Greenway and Agatha Christie alongside her husband Max Mallowan. The house and estate with their long and fascinating history provided inspiration, enjoyment, and relaxation to both Agatha Christie and her family, and we hope will continue to provide the same for future generations
By updating the list entry for Greenway House, we're making sure the the full story for this special place is recorded and recognised. Now cared for by the National Trust, Greenway House is now open to the public this week for summer.
Also of interest
