Our Heritage & Stewardship
Highclere Hall is a privately owned and stewarded agricultural estate in Virginia's Western Highlands, rooted in a tradition of hospitality, heritage, and care for the land. As a working farm and country estate, Highclere welcomes guests for lodging, recreation, weddings, celebrations, and meaningful gatherings, preserving the character and traditions of rural Virginia.
The estate also serves as the private residence and parsonage of The Rev. Dr. J. Adam Sowder. Faith, family, and stewardship remain central to life at Highclere, where guests are welcomed in a spirit of warmth, generosity, and tradition.
Meet Adam
The Rev. Dr. J. Adam Sowder is the Owner and Steward of Highclere Hall LLC and an ordained Elder in The United Methodist Church, appointed to serve the Craig County community.
He holds a Doctor of Ministry in Transformational Leadership, with academic studies at Cambridge, England, and a background in anthropology, pastoral leadership, and community engagement.
Together with his family, Adam is dedicated to preserving Highclere Hall's heritage while thoughtfully shaping its future as a distinctive Virginia country estate.
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!
Food Preparations
As part of our country-house hospitality, refreshments and meals may be prepared in our home kitchen. In accordance with Virginia's bed-and-breakfast food-service exemption, guests are advised that food is prepared in a kitchen that is not licensed as a restaurant and is not subject to regulations governing restaurants.
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."