Bedford & Jobson Limited

The Greenway estate, including the romantic and charmingly wild gardens beautifully situated on the banks of the River Dart, and at one time the home of Agatha Christie, was donated to the National Trust in 1999. Bedford & Jobson were appointed to restore the stable yard buildings and convert them to provide visitor facilities. In addition the project required the renewal of all mains services accross the extensive gardens and careful insertion of a new car park in the grounds.

While the project took nearly two years to bring to site, due to opposition to the opening of the gardens to the public, the actual works were carried out in 6 months over one winter.

Despite the short timescale the works were undertaken with care to avoid unecessary damage to the sensitive environment and without disturbing Greenway's donors who still live in the main house.

The majority of the works carried out are invisible below the ground and have included new power, water, drainage, sewage and communications systems.

The works to the stable block and barn have aimed to leave the buildings as found, so far as possible. Repairs to the historic fabric have been carried out with care and the use of traditional materials and techniques whilst the interventions to accommodate visitor and management facilities were conceived in contemporary style to be clearly legible and distinct from the original fabric.

Much remains to be restored at the property, particularly the wonderful greenhouses and walled gardens, as well as the house itself, and we look forward to assisting the National Trust with these projects in the future.