Bowlish House

Classed as grade II* by the Department of the Environment, various features are singled out as being of special interest – the original Mendip lead drainpipes at the front carry the crest of the original owners and the year of completion, 1732. The walls and pillars with urns topping them which formed the entrance of the old gardens are also singled out for specific mention and the massive Copper Beech, in our car park opposite and is reputedly the biggest in the South West, has its own protection order.
Stone for the construction of the 4ft thick "rubble" walls was taken from an outcrop in what is now the garden or, to put it differently, the house was probably built where the stone was to reduce haulage by slow and primitive methods.
A small spring rises under the cellar of Bowlish House and links up with an underground stream routed diagonally across the cellar floor just under the old flagstones. Thus the temperature of the large cellars is more constant than otherwise and varies by no more than 2 or 3 degrees either side of the ideal 50 ºF.
Originally built by a prosperous clothier, one of several who built large houses along the valley of the river Sheppey. Ownership passed to the Anglo Bavarian Brewery of Shepton Mallet about the mid 1800’s at which time the "new" Wells Road, passing through part of Bowlish House property, took off part of the ‘factory’ rooms.
For eighty years, successive brewery managers (a more senior position than current usage of the word would indicate) lived at Bowlish House. After the closure of the brewery in 1920 the house was bought by the Somerset Brick and Tile Company and the Youngman family occupied Bowlish House until the death of Harold Youngman in 1954. At this time the house passed to private ownership and began its latest phase as first, a hotel and subsequently a restaurant.
Both the interior and exterior of Bowlish House were repaired by Stephen Clark (of Clarks Shoes) who, in 1964, bought the property and spent a very considerable sum of money in major restoration work.
We are going through a restoration program on the interior of the building, creating a natural blend of Georgian architecture and colour schemes with contemporary art providing truly stylish yet charming surroundings where everyone is made welcome. As part of our four year restoration project here at Bowlish House, we hope that you enjoy your visit and welcome any comments on the changes already made and planned.

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