Reroofing The Folly

The Folly, like all historic buildings, needs constant care and attention. After the the most recent five- year condition report found structural issues with the roofs, defective mortar, rotting window frames and problems with drainage, fundraising began to ensure that we could carry out a major programme of refurbishment to safeguard this extraordinary building’s future.

This Grade I listed property, built in 1679 (Historic England List Entry Number: 1166834) is of solid wall construction, built of coursed rubble under a sandstone slate roof, which was last overhauled in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The roof has failed in at least twelve places and water has been coming in for several years, putting the building and collections at risk.

The North Craven Building Preservation Trust is grateful for 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.

The Trust has appointed Historic Property Restoration Ltd to undertake the renovation. Work began 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 work includes:

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

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