An Unexpected Adventure: Tourists Trapped in Agatha Christie’s Former Home
In a twist of events, over 100 tourists were trapped at Greenway. This isn’t just any place, but the former residence of Agatha Christie. The renowned British author’s home is nestled in the idyllic English countryside. The visit, expected to be ordinary, turned into an unforgettable adventure. It was as if the tourists had stepped into one of Christie’s thrilling tales, experiencing the intrigue first-hand.
An Unexpected Turn of Events
On a stormy Friday, the tranquil county of Devon, southwest England, witnessed a scene straight out of a Christie mystery. A sudden storm brought down a tree, effectively blocking the only road leading to the property and stranding the unsuspecting group of tourists.
A Cry for Help
Caroline Heaven, one of the trapped tourists, reached out to local news outlet Devon Live, sharing the unusual predicament of approximately 100 visitors confined within the grounds of Christie’s former holiday retreat.
A Swift Response
The National Trust, guardians of the historic site, acted swiftly. They updated their website without delay. The update informed visitors of the fallen tree. This tree was obstructing the single-track road to Greenway. A spokesperson from the Trust gave an assurance. They confirmed they were fully aware of the situation. They also stated they were doing everything possible. Their main aim was to ensure the comfort of everyone stranded. This included visitors, staff, and volunteers.
Making the Best of the Situation
As they waited for rescue, the tourists remained upbeat. They found ways to keep their spirits high. One of these was sipping tea in the tearoom. They also engaged in friendly rounds of croquet. This activity took place on the lawn. These details were reported by Heaven to Devon Live.
Praise for the Staff
Heaven, who had arrived at the house around 11.30am local time on Friday, lauded the staff’s efforts to care for the stranded tourists, stating, “They are doing a great job, they are giving us free teas and things. It’s a bit bleak.”
A Glimpse into Christie’s Life
The tourists had ample time to explore the estate’s walled gardens and the famous boathouse, the scene of the crime in Christie’s novel, “Dead Man’s Folly.” They could also imagine Christie herself, spending hours on Greenway’s lawns, playing clock golf and croquet, and entertaining guests with tales from her latest mystery novels.
Social Media Reactions
Despite the calm atmosphere, some couldn’t resist drawing parallels with Christie’s iconic novel “And Then There Were None,” where ten strangers are mysteriously killed off one by one. Social media was abuzz with comments and advice for the trapped tourists.
A Happy Ending
This unexpected incident at Agatha Christie’s former home, Greenway, offered the tourists a taste of the suspense and unpredictability often found in her novels. Despite the initial surprise, they managed to make the most of the situation, embodying the resilience and resourcefulness of Christie’s characters. This unique experience underscores the enduring allure of Agatha Christie’s world, where mystery and adventure can unfold at any moment.