Greenway House listing updated to honour Agatha Christie in 50th anniversary year

The official listing for Greenway House in Devon has been revised to recognise its close association with the crime writer Agatha Christie, 50 years after her death.

Historic England said the updated entry for the Grade II* property provides greater detail about Christie’s life at the riverside house and its influence on her work.

The Georgian estate, overlooking the River Dart, was bought by Christie and her husband, the archaeologist Max Mallowan, in 1938. It became a holiday home and family retreat and is now cared for by the National Trust.

Christie, who was born and raised in Torquay, once described Greenway as “the loveliest place in the world”.

Although it was not her main residence, the house and its gardens are said to have inspired settings in novels including Five Little Pigs and Dead Man’s Folly.

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Historic England said the revised entry reflects the “many layered significance” of the house, both for its architectural value and its literary connections.

Jerome Tait, listing adviser for Historic England, said: “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.”

More than 12,000 items linked to Christie and her family remain at the property, including ceramics, silver, glass and personal objects collected during the couple’s travels.

Laura Murray, collections and house manager at the National Trust, said: “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.”

Councillor David Hancock, South Hams District Council’s lead member for planning, said: “We are proud of our diverse built heritage here in the South Hams. The significance of Agatha Christie’s time at Greenway is worth celebrating and is a huge part of the site’s special interest.

“Greenway stands as a reminder that with positive maintenance and sensitive adaption, our historic places can continue to be enjoyed by future generations.”

Greenway reopens daily until 1 November. Historic England said the changes ensure Christie’s connection to the estate is formally recognised on the National Heritage List for England, which protects more than 400,000 historic sites nationwide.