These stunning National Trust Houses are our closest. Please visit National Trust for opening times and more information.
Coleton Fisharce
– A 1920s country retreat complete with luxuriant garden by the sea Travel back in time to the Jazz Age at the country home of the D’Oyly Carte family. You can lose yourself in the RHS accredited garden: viewpoints give enticing glimpses out to sea, paths weave through glades past tranquil ponds, and tender plants from the Mediterranean, South Africa and New Zealand thrive in the moist and sheltered valley. This most evocative of country homes, built in the Arts & Crafts style, is imbued with 1920s’ elegance. A light, joyful atmosphere fills the rooms and music plays, echoing the family’s Gilbert and Sullivan connections. Glimpse life ‘upstairs and downstairs’ from the glamorous Saloon to the light and airy recently opened servants’ rooms. Directions: 3 miles from Kingswear: take Lower Ferry road, turn right at toll house. Narrow and busy approach lane, reversing required – especially around busiest time of 1 – 2.30pm Parking: For visitors to house and garden only. Mobility parking adjacent to Visitor Reception, overflow parking on busy days approximately 300 yards.
Greenway
Take this extraordinary glimpse into the beloved holiday home of the famous and much-loved author Agatha Christie and her family. This relaxed and atmospheric house is set in the 1950s, when Agatha and her family would spend summers and Christmases 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 archaeology, Tunbridgeware, silver, botanical china and books. In the garden don’t miss the large and romantic woodland which drifts down the hillside towards the sparkling Dart estuary. The walled gardens are home to the 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 canons. There are many different ways to get there, including ferry, vintage bus and steam train. If you’d like to arrive by car you must pre-book your space online or by telephone (01803 842382). On busy days there may be timed entry to the house; we’ll let you know upon arrival if this is the case.
Overbecks
A hidden paradise of subtropical gardens and eclectic collections… With a climate more like the Mediterranean Riviera than the British mainland, Overbeck’s is home to an astonishing plant collection. From the very first moment the house was built, successive owners revelled in planting the rare and exotic and this has continued under the care of the National Trust. What makes Overbeck’s so special? The proximity to the sea and the shelter of the surrounding woodland have given it warmth, but it’s the eclectic nature of the design and planting that’s so important. Walking though the garden is like a trip around the world. Continue your journey of discovery into the Edwardian seaside home of eccentric scientist Otto Overbeck. See his amazing invention: the ‘rejuvenator’; hear the polyphon, a giant Victorian music box; and be intrigued by the eclectic collections of natural and maritime history. The perfect day out for families who enjoy exploring, or the keen gardener who wants to be inspired and excited. Overbeck’s is situated along a beautiful road that winds up along this panoramic stretch of coast. Please note this is a country lane which is very narrow in places. You can also visit Overbeck’s via the ferry from Salcombe or walking along the coast path from East Soar car park (National Trust), which is approximately 20 minutes away. There are three parking places near the entrance for visitors with disabilities. There is a small car park at the top of the hill and limited parking along the road approaching Overbeck’s. The nearest public car park is at the bottom of the hill and Park and Ride is also available on the outskirts of Salcombe into the town centre. A ferry runs during the daytime from Salcombe to South Sands just below the property.
Saltram House & Garden
A refined Georgian house with a notable interior, period furnishings, porcelain and smart grounds.
Directions: Head towards Plymouth and just as you enter the city outskirts at the first round-about take the 3rd exit Haye Road and then continue onto Merafield road. Parking is free for members.