Contributing writer Bonnie Cranmer
Craig County hosts some of Virginia’s most beautiful views, noted by the Virginia Scenic Byway designation on both Rt. 42 and Rt. 311. When exploring on a clear day, there’s plenty of hay in the fields and beef cattle behind fences, but there’s also hidden treasures down leaf filled paths.
One such treasure is being “uncovered” after the property was left to Adam and Sandra Sowder, after the death of Sandra’s father, Arvid Myklebust. The property has become a visionary project for the couple, which is moving forward with determination. Highclere Hall, named after the infamous Highclere Castle of Downton Abbey fame, brings the best of formal agricultural elements and rural lifestyle together on one picturesque property.
The Reverend Dr. Adam Sowder brings his background in both ministerial studies and architectural history together for the development of the Highclere Hall destination. Sowder holds a BA in Anthropology from Radford University, where he worked on ethnographies and the development of Appalachian farm histories and living history museums. An Ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church with a Master of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC, and a Doctor of Ministry degree, Sowder studied in Cambridge, England, and focused on Transformative Leadership and Innovation. While in high school in Blacksburg, Sowder met Sandra, and they spent many hours at the farm property growing up. Sandra is the Senior Manager of Global Payroll at Owens and Minor, a Fortune 400 Company. She holds a BA in music from Virginia Tech and an MBA from Shenandoah University.
The couple have plans in development that are respectful to the property and cultural history of the region, and will contribute to the community at large. They have recently added animals to the farm, two donkeys and three Scottish Highland cows. “Bonnie has the look,” Sowder stated after showing off the new shaggy Scottish Highland Cow addition to the property. There’s more to come and plans are moving forward quickly.
Additional buildings have been constructed, including a large barn area for special events like weddings and retreats. Additions to the main structure will include bathrooms and more overnight lodging spaces. Local artisans are being used for the construction, to keep with the theme of preservation and recreation. The Sowders are committed to honoring the heritage of the land, focusing on agritourism and sustainability, and being good neighbors.
Some Craig County community members enjoyed a first look at the property during the Halloween event. “Privateers and Viking Gold, Highclere Doth a Treasure Hold” was the invitation to visit and experience Highclere Hall. “We had a nice turnout,” Sowder shared.
More community events are being planned for the property. The Sowders are taking things one step at a time and excited to become more involved in the Craig County community. For more information about the development of Highclere Hall visit their website at http://highclerehall.com.
Photos by Bonnie Cranmer
Young donkeys grazing in new pastures at Highclere Hall.
Shaggy Bonnie is first Scottish Highland cow of several at Highclere Hall.
