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 to Greenway House

If you would like to arrive by car, your parking space needs to be booked in advance via the National Trust website or by calling 0344 249 1895. Booking slots open two weeks in advance, and you can book up to 8am on the day of your visit. Please note we are unable to take on the day bookings by phone.

If you do not have a pre-booked parking space, we cannot guarantee availability in the car park, so you may be turned away.  There is a courtesy buggy service from the car park to the entrance of Greenway for visitors with walking difficulties.

Alternatively, why not travel by boat from Dartmouth to Greenway Quay?

Running between March and October, the Greenway Ferry Company’s service along the River Dart departs hourly from Dartmouth harbour 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 on gravel paths to reach Greenway, with plenty of benches to pause for a rest and admire the views. This walk is not recommended for those with limited mobility.

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