Greenway Residency
The Greenway Residency is open to published writers from the 57 UNESCO Cities of Literature located outside of the UK.
The residency will provide space and support for three writers to develop their practice in the inspiring and uniquely Devon-based literary setting of Greenway — the summer home of Agatha Christie who described it as “the loveliest place in the world”.
Applications are currently open until 5pm BST on Wednesday 1st April 2026.
A view of Greenway in winter - National Trust/James Dobson
About The Residency
The residency aims to give space and support for writers from three Cities of Literature to visit Devon where they can develop their practice in an inspiring and important literary setting. The residencies will run simultaneously with each writer hosted in a room of their own within Greenway to help foster exchange between writers from different countries.
The inaugural residency will run from 25th September – 9th October 2026 with space for three writers, who will have private rooms in shared accommodation, workspaces, and a programme of activities to connect with the region’s network of passionate readers, writers, and storytellers. Residents will then spend a further week in Exeter from 10th - 16th October 2026 with accommodation provided by Exeter City of Literature.
Residency Offer
2 weeks of accommodation at Greenway, Devon featuring a private room, desk, bathroom, shared kitchen & lounge
1 week of accommodation in Exeter, Devon
Return travel from the writer’s home city to Greenway and between Greenway and Exeter for events
Writing space during time spent in Exeter
Residency Requirements
Live and/or work within a City of Literature or have a previous connection to a City of Literature i.e., used to live or study there or has family connections there.
Be connected to a City of Literature that is outside of the UK
Be published, with at least one book in English (as an original work or in translation) and two or more in their own language. Writers whose work is natively in English are required to have published at least three books.
Be working in one of the following three genres: Fiction (including poetry), Nature Writing, or Children’s literature
Be proficient in English
Be self-sufficient. Due to the self-catered nature of this residency and its rural setting, it is vital that applicants are comfortable living independently in terms of catering and travel.
The writing undertaken while staying at Greenway does not need to have an explicit link to Agatha Christie or the crime writing genre.
Selections will be carried out by a committee made up of a representative from Exeter City of Literature, Gary Calland (General Manager, Greenway, National Trust), Fiona Williams (author, past resident of a UNESCO residency), and Carla Jenkins (Founder, Raw Writing).
The Application Form
You can complete the application via the embedded form below or on the
Google Form here »
All applicants must also send samples of up to 2 A4 pages of your writing to hello@exetercityofliterature.com. The title of the email should include your name and the words 'Greenway Residency'.
