Monday 28 May 2012

Greenway - Agatha Christie's Holiday Abode

Boo petals! did you miss me a lil bit? I got back Saturday and I am still in holiday mode. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, which I was not expecting and packed mostly heavy dresses and woolly tights, not that I am complaining. Dartmouth is so beautiful, I miss waking up to the sea and castle at my feet. I mostly ate chips and ice cream the whole week, it's a new diet I am trying.  Thought I would first share with you my trip to Agatha Christie's holiday home. 



On the last day we took a boat to Greenway, the magnificent estate where Agatha Christie used to reside, the view from her home was breathtaking and the inside made me positively giddy. Unfortunately no photos were allowed, but if you ever get chance to visit I recommend it, for the stunning grounds alone. I have managed to find a few photos of the inside online to whet your apetite;


Agatha in her library


The library was a delight, the mural had been painted by servicemen who stayed there. 

The inside of the house was apparently much as to how Agatha had it, lots of chintzy fabric and amazing family collections of silverware and porcelain. There was even a row of dominoes laid out on the floor, a piano stacked with music sheets and dotted with family photos. 

But the piece de residence for me was her room, I walked in and there was a large bed to the left with a single one next to it, then I turned around and saw her wardrobe, well I practically ran over to it and would of climbed into to the wardrobes themselves if it hadn't been for some pesky but lovely old suitcases barricading the way. One of the staff members saw my glee and proceeded to give a talk directed at me in front of all the other visitors in the room, I went a little pink to say the least. She informed me that Agatha loved wearing oriental inspired clothes and there was a gorgeous tunic black and gold in pristine condition on a mannequin. One side of the wardrobe had Agatha's clothes and the other her daughter's, Rosalind. On Agatha's side it was all bright silks, kimonos, a leopard print coat with a huge shawl. And on Rosalind's there was beautiful floor length gowns in rainbow of brocade fabrics, some of them were wrapped in plastic which I believed was bad for vintage clothing?

Agatha & Rosalind


Another wow moment was a book shelf full of all her first editions, I could not handle the beauty of all the exquisite covers! 



This is the coolest dress I took with me (like totally), oops, wanted to wear a divine 1940s floor length number but would of passed out or fallen overboard. 











Agatha & Max on the battery



Be back soon with more holiday snaps to send you to sleep!

11 comments:

  1. What a beautiful place! And I really like your dress!

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  2. this must have been a truly lovely trip.

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  3. O,how very lovely it all looks,and the weather seems to have been splendid as well! So many wonderful historical places to visit,AND wardrobes of delight!!! I'd love to fossick in Barbara Cartland's wardrobe,actually!
    So sweet fo that lady to notice how interested you were,I don't expect many pay such attention! XXX

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    1. The weather was gorgeous, all be it a bit difficult to climb through woods in such heat! It was rather sweet, she also commented on how lovely my retro dress was, I thought lady this ain't nothing wish I could of gone in my finery! xxxx

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  4. This is definitely going on my must-visit-someday list. I totally need to move to England to be able to see all the old houses I'd like to see! What fantastic views! Oh, and the fact that it's Agatha Christie's house just makes it that much better.

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    1. You would love all the history in ol' England I am sure. The views are indeed spectacular! xx

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  5. Oh Hannah I have got to visit this place it looks incredible. I am also so far behind on my blog reading and I have all your posts to read through. Expect like a million comments lined up from me as I get over excited about your holiday. ;)

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    1. You must if you are in Totnes you might as well pay a visit! Enjoying reading all your comments ;) xxx

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