Reroofing The Folly

The North Craven Building Preservation Trust Ltd is embarking on a major programme of refurbishment to rectify issues noted in the most recent quinquennial review of The Folly. This Grade I listed property, built in 1679 (Historic England List Entry Number: 1166834) is of solid wall construction, of coursed rubble under a sandstone slate roof, which was last overhauled in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

This project is made possible with support from an Arts Council England/DCMS MEND Round 4 grant and match funding from the Yorkshire Dales National Park Sustainable Development fund, Historic Houses Foundation, Wolfson Foundation, North Craven Heritage Trust and the Friends of The Folly.

Following completion of a competitive tender process, the Trust has appointed Historic Property Restoration Ltd to undertake the renovation. Work will begin on site in mid-April 2026 and is due for completion in February 2027. The Folly Coffee House will remain open and the Museum of North Craven Life will reopen as soon as repairs to the ground and first floors are finished.

The scope of work includes:

• re-roofing (approx. 230sqm)
• refurbishment of rainwater goods
• hot lime re-pointing to N & E elevations (approx. 240sqm)
• reinstatement of lath and plaster ceilings
• removal of gypsum plaster and re-plastering in lime
• re-decoration internally
• new heritage and refurbished windows
• opening up of the dry-moat and installation of associated handrails and
  walkways
• reconfiguring of the external courtyard stairs and paving
• revised drainage works.