"Townend is a fine example of domestic Lake District architecture. It is a rare and remarkably intact survival of a house lived in by a family of yeoman farmers for centuries. ( A yeoman farmer was a farmer of the middle classes who owned his own land).
It was probably built in the late 16th or early 17th century but has been much altered and extended since. The Browne family, who lived there for over 400 years were sheep farmers and they seem to have gradually risen in society through careful management of their affaires and by judicious marriages.
The preservation of the house and it's contents owes much to the last George Browne (1834-1914), who was both a noted antiquary and a gifted joiner and woodcarver. The rooms are filled with ornate examples of his work."
This was taken from my new book - Houses of the National Trust.
It was a very interesting house to visit and the beautifully carved furniture was something to behold. Beatrix Potter knew the last George Browne (she lived not far away) and she disapproved of the way he carved all the old oak furniture.
The road going up to Troutbeck was closed as we drove past on Wenesday…..it’s quite a while since I was there last, we walked from White Cross Bay but it’s a beautiful house. Good to see it again!
A nice collage, Sue, to capture the inside furnishings and the lovely view from outside. I'm intrigued by Beatrix Potter's disapproval- hmm. Fav (p.s. I just read a little about Beatrix Potter on Wikipedia. I had no idea she was such a protector of the natural world (hence her donations to the Land Trust). How wonderful!)
September 18th, 2024
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