Most people want to have a party to celebrate their fortieth birthday. To gather together their nearest and dearest for a good ol’ knees up. I am not one of those people.
To celebrate my fortieth birthday I have set myself a challenge. I want to visit forty National Trust Properties before I turn forty. Now, I’ll admit that I have bent my own rules slightly (I am allowed to…they’re my rules) and have decreed that I shall visit forty National Trust properties before the end of my fortieth year. Saying it that way doesn’t have quite the same ring to it though.
The first property on my list was Agatha Christie’s house Greenway, near Brixham, Devon. It is advised that you book in advance to see this property, because there is limited parking, but it’s not necessary. It might feel like a hassle, but it is absolutely worth it!
This beautiful Georgian house and grounds has featured on television in the Poirot mystery ‘Dead Man’s Folly’. A fascinating property, with 1950’s interior, Greenway is full of unusual items that the Christie family collected over the years. It is a dream for the would-be treasure hunters among us. There are abundant archaeological finds on display. These unusual items were often discovered by Agatha herself, or found by her second husband, Max, on the digs that she funded.
I was privileged to be able to play Agatha Christie’s own piano whilst in this property. There is a photo on top of it showing the Queen of Crime herself tinkling with the ivories of the very same instrument. It was quite surreal to be able to get so close to history, and one of my favourite authors.
One of my favourite rooms at Greenway is the Library. It has over 5,000 books in it, on a variety of subjects ranging from Buddhism to antiques. But the best bit about this room? The Second World War frieze that encircles all four walls.
During the Second World War, Greenway was commandeered by the U.S. Coast Guard. The Library was used as their recreation and ‘mess room’, which included a bar (naturally). Whilst they spent six months at Greenway one of the soldiers, Lt Marshall Lee painted 12 coloured murals on the walls of the Library. They depict incidents that happened during their 11 month journey to Greenway.
Needless to say, Agatha and Max were amazed to discover the mural on their return to the house. The American officer in charge offered to paint over it, but the family decided to keep the memorial. It is beautiful, and I found it very moving. I’m pleased that the family had the foresight to retain this bit of history so that it can benefit future generations.
At Greenway I purchased myself a National Trust passport. I recommend one for anyone who wishes to keep a record of where they’ve been. At each property you visit that you visit you can ask them to stamp your passport in the gift shop. The National Trust has a unique stamp for each property, which builds up a lovely memento. I am pretty sure that these passports were originally intended for kids (I had one as a child), but I have been reassured by staff that I am not the only adult to have one. Which means I can proudly show it to all my friends and family once I have completed this challenge. With very little embarrassment. Probably.
Langley History UK 