Townend is the only 'statesman' (wealthy yeoman) farmer's house to survive unaltered in the Lake District.
The Browne family had settled in the area for some time before they built the present house in 1623.
The house is one of the finest examples of Lake District vernacular architecture. The limewashed roughcast walls, mullioned windows and slate roof are topped by three round chimneys. The Brownes remained at Townend from 1623 to 1943 and the house is now in the care of the National Trust.
Browne family, who lived in the Lake District for over 400 years, were sheep farmers but they rose through society. Townend's interior reflects the range of their interests and tastes. Townend is remarkable for its contents which accumulated over the generations and have remained virtually unchanged.
In the library literary works long ago ordered from London booksellers are mixed with farming periodicals on the shelves. Although none of the books is valuable they give an insight into the lives of a rural middle-class family.
Throughout the house are simple but attractive pieces of oak furniture, many constructed by the family themselves. In the long winters the Brownes were tireless furniture makers and carvers of wood.
In the firehouse, the oldest part of the building, is a 17th century table that was assembled in situ. Other treasures include a series of paintings of the family's sheep by the local 19th century artist William Taylor Longmire. There are examples of local Troutbeck fabrics from the 18th century which reflects the vitality of the cottage industry before the industrial revolution.
The last of the male line to live at Townend was George Browne (1834 - 1914). He was a farmer, noted antiquary and talented wood carver and joiner. George Browne was responsible for the preservation of the house and its contents. Many of the rooms have examples of his ornate work including carved chairs and a spindle-fronted cabinet. Townend's authentic period atmosphere extends to the lack of electric lights so visit the house on a bright day.
George Browne's notebooks have enabled the National Trust to re-create the small 19th century garden. The crowded beds have a traditional mixture of cottage garden flowers such as fuchsias, delphiniums and sweet peas together with roses. On the banks are rhododendrons and damsons and fruit is provided by apples, gages and plums.
2008: 15 Mar-30 Mar & 29 Oct–2 Nov: 13:00-16:00 Wed-Sun; 2 Apr–26 Oct 13:00-17:00 Wed-Sun; Open Bank Holiday Mon. In May closes if poor light. Last entry 30mins before close.
Tel: 015394 32628 Townend Website
