Stewardship and Purpose
At its heart, Highclere Hall gathers as a missional community shaped by the sacraments and rites of the Church. As a working agricultural estate rooted in hospitality, stewardship, and spiritual formation, Highclere integrates land, gathering, and ministry under the stewardship of The Rev. Dr. J. Adam Sowder, an ordained elder in The United Methodist Church appointed to serve Bethel and New Castle United Methodist Churches and the greater Craig County community.
Highclere Hall serves as the official ministry residence and parsonage of the charge and remains a place of hospitality, stewardship, and service to all.
Meet Adam
J. Adam Sowder, Owner and Steward of Highclere Hall LLC, provides strategic oversight for the care and development of Highclere Hall as a working farm estate and place of hospitality. He is appointed to serve Bethel and New Castle United Methodist Churches, as well as the greater Craig County community. He holds a Doctor of Ministry with doctoral studies in Transformational Leadership, including academic study in Cambridge, England, and brings experience in mentoring, teaching, community engagement, and leadership formation. His approach integrates compassion with strategy, thoughtful governance, and care for people, place, and purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Location
We are sequestered in Craig County and located off Virginia Scenic Byway Rt. 42. The Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport is approximately 45 minutes away. Lane Stadium and Virginia Tech are 40 minutes away. We can help you arrange for complimentary shuttle services as needed.
What’s in a Name?
Highclere Hall is named in honor of Sandra Clair Sowder, beloved daughter of Joan and Arvid Myklebust, the property’s previous stewards. To our family, Highclere means “high and bright” — inspired by the mountain views of the Virginia Highlands and the name Clair, carrying themes of light and clarity. Hall reflects the ancient idea of a gathering place: part homestead, part great hall, rooted in hospitality, stewardship, learning, and welcome.
There is also a respectful nod to Highclere Castle, the world of Downton Abbey, and our family’s British heritage, though our own Highclere remains distinctly humble and Virginian in character.
Provenance & Architectural Character
Highclere Hall is a historic Virginia farmhouse rooted in an ambitious antebellum two-story log dwelling constructed circa 1845–1855.
The original structure reflects the I-House or Plantation Plain tradition common to upland Virginia, notable for its full height and permanence in contrast to the one-room log cabins typical of the region. Over time, the house was clad, expanded, and refined through postbellum and early twentieth-century alterations, resulting in its present Colonial Revival–influenced vernacular appearance. Today, Highclere Hall preserves its early log core within a living homestead shaped by continuity, stewardship, and generational care.
What to wear and bring?
We love our wellies! Boots and Layers. The weather is ever-changing in the highlands. Don’t forget your sunscreen, water, and any other kit for your adventure!
Bugs!
Bugs are a reality, especially flies, wasps, and ticks in the spring and summer months. We have some spray repellent available to help protect you, but be sure to check yourself well for ticks when leaving the property and before you shower.
Allergies!
We suffer from them too. We suggest you be prepared with medication and anything else you may need. There are seasonal pollens and lots of animals, including cats and dogs, in the main house.
Watch Your Step!
Excrement: It happens! From donkeys to dogs to deer.
Holes: From groundhogs, old fence, and uneven ground.
Gates
Please leave them closed.
Attention
"Under Virginia law, there is no liability for an injury to or death of a participant in an agritourism activity conducted at this agritourism location if such injury or death results from the inherent risks of the agritourism activity. Inherent risks of agritourism activities include, among others, risks of injury inherent to land, equipment, and animals, as well as the potential for you to act in a negligent manner that may contribute to your injury or death. You are assuming the risk of participating in this agritourism activity."