Partially hidden in a natural basin of the typical lakeland contours sits a unique yeoman's cottage that was home to the Browne family for over 400 years. This humble dwelling never witnessed occasions of lavish entertaining for noted members of society, never had titled gentry or famous artists as its occupants, and has no priceless art collections to proudly display within its walls. The fascination of Townend is centred on the determination, ambition, and pride of an established local farming family who set out to better their lives and their social standing whenever the opportunity arose.

Starting out as a tiny 'one up, one down' stone cottage built in the late 16th to early 17th century, a kitchen was added soon after George Browne married. Legend has it that when his prospective in-laws, who were local gentry living at Grizedale Hall, visited the basic little house where Browne wanted to accommodate their daughter, they were nothing short of horrified. After some negotiation, they did eventually agree to the marriage, but with a proviso that George Browne extended his property. From this first step up the social ladder, the Browne successors continued to make judicious marriages, each time increasing their wealth and, in many instances, enlarging the accommodation at Townend.

Throughout the generations, the Browne's were locally renowned as skilled wood carvers and, when the estates passed to the last George Browne during the Victorian era, his contribution of decorative wood panels was extremely impressive. Every room in the house has some elaborately carved pieces worked by the accomplished hands of this George Browne and, as an antiquary, he was also instrumental in the preservation of his ancestors' possessions. The last member of the Browne family to live at Townend was his spinster daughter, Clara, who remained there until she died in 1943 at the age of 77. By all accounts she was a very hardy woman, managing all the chores and surviving alone in this remote location, without the convenience of running water, electricity or sanitation, for some 29 years.

Externally, Townend represents a solid, compact house, typical of the Lake District's vernacular architecture, yet this simple façade belies a complex history of building for which few accurate records exist. The internal arrangement of rooms has obviously been changed many times as a result of each new extension, and with the individual needs of the growing families. What is evidently clear is that it was a moderately comfortable home, albeit basic, and one that the Browne's were proud to live in. Their possessions may not have held any great monetary value, but everything was cared for, and many of the family skills are demonstrated throughout the house.

Even today this intriguing house is not easily accessible, but having wound up the steep lanes to find Townend perched high above Lake Windermere, there can be few people who would not be envious of its idyllic situation.