At Agatha Christie's Georgian-style summer residence in Devon, where the famed author spent significant periods.
Nestled along the picturesque banks of the River Dart lies Greenway House, a 19th-century estate that has left an indelible mark on the literary world. This idyllic retreat, owned by famed author Agatha Christie from 1938 until her death in 1976, has served as a creative wellspring for some of her most captivating mysteries.
The terraced gardens of Greenway House, with their descending pathways towards the river, have played a pivotal role in several Christie novels. For instance, the main house and garden paths of Greenway are central to the plot of "Five Little Pigs" (1942), where a crucial murder takes place on the battery overlooking the River Dart.
In "The A.B.C. Murders" (1936), the nearby area of Churston, visible from Greenway and accessible via the local steam railway line, is seamlessly woven into the story. The "C" in A.B.C. also refers to Churston as well as a character in the novel.
Greenway's influence can also be found in "Towards Zero" (1944) and "Dead Man’s Folly" (1956). The former draws inspiration from the estate, while the latter's boathouse serves as the scene of the crime and the house and garden provide the backdrop for an intricate murder hunt.
Moreover, the setting of Greenway is reflected in "Ordeal by Innocence" (1958).
Beyond its literary connections, Greenway House boasts a collection of gardens that reflect elements of 19th-century design. These immaculately maintained grounds span 12 acres and feature distinct sections such as a walled garden, vinery, fernery, woodland paths, and riverside meadows. The gardens are home to a variety of magnolias, rhododendrons, camellias, and rare and exotic trees.
A visit to Greenway House offers a unique journey into the heart of Agatha Christie's creative world, providing a tangible link to the settings of her beloved novels. The boathouse and surrounding grounds, described in vivid detail in "Dead Man’s Folly," provide a captivating glimpse into the world that inspired some of Christie's most enduring mysteries.
The meticulously designed gardens of Greenway House, encompassing a variety of unique sections like the walled garden and the riverside meadows, offer a reflection of the 19th-century lifestyle found in home-and-garden books. These 12-acre grounds, home to many rare and exotic trees, also serve as backdrops for Agatha Christie's intricate murder mystery plots in novels such as "Dead Man’s Folly" and "Ordeal by Innocence." Furthermore, the literary estate, with its boathouse and surrounding grounds, provides an engaging lifestyle experience, akin to stepping into the pages of an entertainment book focused on Agatha Christie's captivating works.
