Temple Sowerby, Cumbria, CA10

Welcome Home To Temple Sowerby House...

In the heart of the picturesque village of Temple Sowerby, just steps from the village maypole, school and thriving community, stands this distinguished Georgian residence. Once the home of a gentleman of stature, the property retains a wealth of original character and architectural detail, making it an exceptional opportunity for those who admire period elegance.

Temple Sowerby House is a fine example of early Georgian architecture, its elegant proportions and craftsmanship immediately setting it apart. Built by Matthew Atkinson, the house showcases beautiful Flemish bond brickwork, enhanced with rusticated stone quoins, moulded plinth and eaves. The Welsh slate roof is framed with stone copings and corniced chimneys, while the perfectly symmetrical five-bay façade features tall sash windows with stone surrounds, and a central panelled doorway set beneath a pedimented architrave, now sheltered by a later gabled porch.
The Atkinson family were prominent in the area from as early as the 16th century, prospering first as yeoman farmers and through the tanning industry, before becoming plantation owners in the West Indies by the early 1800s. In creating Temple Sowerby House, they sought to rival the grandeur of Acorn Bank, the manor house long established at the heart of the village.
The history of the family is vividly brought to life by Richard Atkinson, a direct descendant, in his acclaimed book Mr Atkinson’s Rum Contract. Adding a further layer of charm, Temple Sowerby House has also served as inspiration for fiction, featuring in two popular novels by former owner Caroline James: Coffee, Tea, the Gypsy and Me and The Best Boomerville Hotel.
Approached through striking sandstone pillars and a golden shingle driveway, the house presents an impressive first impression. Two Georgian lanterns frame the entrance, while the front garden, with its lawn and mature trees, provides privacy and charm. Beyond, an arched passageway leads to a private rear courtyard and a south-facing garden that enjoys sunshine throughout the day, a perfect setting for summer evenings.

The entrance porch, with later Victorian additions such as original Victorian Milton tiles in black and terracotta, high ceilings and elegant panelling set the tone for the accommodation beyond. As you enter, your eyes are drawn to the staircase, a true statement piece, sweeping upwards beneath an ornate chandelier and hinting at the grandeur of the home’s origins.

The heart of the house is the open-plan kitchen and living space. Designed as a true family kitchen, it combines style with practicality. Bespoke cabinetry in soft cashmere tones, a porcelain sink set within quartz worktops, Bosch appliances and a striking William Morris-inspired wallpaper create a kitchen of both drama and warmth in this brand new, never been used kitchen designed and manufactured by Howdens. A central island, featuring a plethora of storage, contains the induction hob with integrated extractor, which is vented through the island and latterly through the floor, also has informal seating which invites family gatherings, while tall shuttered windows bathe the room in light beautiful Cumbrian light, and frame views of the garden.

The formal lounge is equally impressive, with walnut flooring, heavy panelling and a dramatic open fireplace. Architectural details, including an illuminated bookcase arch and the original servant's bell system, lend both beauty and heritage to the room. The oak shutters at the dual windows which face East and capture the morning light, give a warmth to the room, whilst the deep green of the ceiling adds a certain dramatic elegance.

On the ground floor there is also a stylish shower room with Murano glass sink, a useful utility space, and access to the cellar, where practical storage, the oil-fired boiler and the pressurised water system can be found. There is also a useful pantry at the back of the house where overflow pots, pans, formal china, homemade chutneys and jams can be stored away from the clean lines of the kitchen.
As we ascend the broad steps of the sweeping staircase we are greeted with the stylish and typical for the era, large window on the middle landing, before the staircase reaches its full turn.

The Upper floor accommodation extends generously. Each and every bedroom feature soaring ceilings, grand windows and delightful period details. Three have en suite facilities, finished with quality fittings, while the principal bedroom commands the top floor. This master suite offers dual aspects over the Eden Valley countryside, high ceilings with decorative coving, and a full en suite bathroom.

Outside, the gardens have been restocked and nurtured, with a new golden shingle driveway and private seating area positioned to catch the afternoon sun. This provides the perfect spot for al fresco dining in the beautiful courtyard. The gardens at Temple Sowerby House are predominately to the front and are a beautifully curated reflection of rural beauty and thoughtful design, offering a seamless extension of the home into the tranquil Cumbrian landscape. Each area has been shaped with purpose and character, creating appeal to every mood and season.


Throughout, the home balances authentic Georgian craftsmanship, from sash windows and shutters to ornate plasterwork and panelled doors, with thoughtful modern touches that make it suitable for contemporary living.

This remarkable property is steeped in history, yet offers all the comforts of a family home. For those who value heritage, elegance and the welcoming atmosphere of one of Cumbria’s most sought-after villages, it is truly a rare find.

A history of the Atkinson family is described in detail by a descendant of Matthew Atkinson, Richard Atkinson, in his book Mr Atkinson’s Rum Contract.

The house also features in two novels by a previous owner writing under the name Caroline James, Coffee, Tea, the Gypsy and Me and The Best Boomerville Hotel.

A SHORT HISTORY OF THE VILLAGE
The village of Sowerby (meaning land hard to drain and therefore sour) became Temple Sowerby when the Knights Templar, a religious and military order established to protect the Jerusalem Temple and its pilgrims, came into possession of the manor, now known as Acorn Bank, sometime before 1228.
The Templars were later suppressed by Pope Clement V and Philip IV of France under charges of heresy and their estates including the Manor of Sowerby, were given to the Knights Hospitaller, an organisation still active throughout the world today. They remained until 1545 when Henry VIII gave the manor to a local family.
Temple Sowerby was known as the ‘Queen of Westmorland Villages’ and even today the elegant 18th and 19th century buildings, there are 22 grade II listed buildings, create a special atmosphere. The village is on the route of a major Roman road, a reminder of which, a Roman milestone, stands half a mile South East of the village, towards Appleby.
The improved communications provided by the Penrith to Darlington turnpike brought others to the village and the eventual five large houses of the parish provided considerable employment. The tanning trade flourished as a result of the cattle fairs; local stone quarries and gypsum mining were other sources of employment.
The fairs, road and railway made Temple Sowerby a major local centre. A Doctor, Tailor, Joiner, Masons, Smiths, Cartwright, Cabinet-Maker, Clog-Maker, Shirt-Maker, Saddler and Dentist all flourished, whilst spiritual needs were provided for by the handsome Church of St James and the Wesleyan Chapel. Wesley himself is said to have preached from a boulder (due to his height) by the Chapel door.
The Maypole on the main road in front of Maypole Terrace, opposite Temple Sowerby House, occupies an ancient site of village festivities. Tradition tells of a lying competition held on 1st May, when the man who told the tallest story was awarded a grindstone to keep his wits sharp. A Bishop who came to condemn this deplorable ceremony maintained that he never told a lie in his life and was promptly awarded first prize.

Temple Sowerby is a delightful village which offers its occupants a locally renowned Primary School, a church, a newly renovated pub where a good meal and an excellent pint can be enjoyed.
The local market Towns of Appleby and Penrith are just a short drive away and connectivity to both Glasgow (80 minutes) and London (3 hours) can be accessed thanks to the main train line in Penrith.
A short walk through country lanes will lead you to Acorn Bank, a National Trust Property where the café is known for its home baking using flour that has been milled onsite.

SERVICES
Temple Sowerby House benefits from mains drainage and water, oil fired central heating throughout, and excellent broadband connectivity.

DISCLAIMER
These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate are set out as a general outline only for guidance and do not constitute any part of an offer or contract. Intending purchasers should not rely on them as statements of representation of fact, but must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise as to their accuracy. No person in this employment has the authority to make or give any representation or warranty in respect of the property. It is not company policy to test any services or appliances in properties offered for sale and these should be verified on survey by prospective purchasers.