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Published: 12:02, 1 January 2026 | Updated: 12:02, 1 January 2026
Urgent repairs have been approved for one of the Yorkshire Dales’ ‘greatest architectural treasures’.
The Folly is a Grade-I listed historic house located in the market town of Settle, in the Yorkshire Dales.
It was built back in 1679 and is now open to the public as a museum, but has been many things in its time including a gentleman’s residence, a farm and a fish and chip shop.
Various work, including re-roofing, is needed on the centuries-old property and now, listed building and planning consent has been approved.
In February, it was granted £798,500 to complete the vital repairs from the Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND).
At first, Historic England reportedly raised concerns over some of the planned construction.
But now, it has said it has no concerns over the work after the North Craven Building Preservation Trust, which owns The Folly, decided to no longer work on the building’s Parlour room.
The nearly £800,000 funding was distributed by The Arts Council England and provided by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
The Folly is a Grade-I listed historic house located in the market town of Settle, in the Yorkshire Dales
In February, it was granted £798,500 to complete the vital repairs from the Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND)
The Folly was one of five organisations to receive a share of £2.6 million across Yorkshire.
In a statement with the planning application, Overton Architects described the historic house as ‘one of the greatest architectural treasures’ in the area, according to the The Telegraph and Argus.
It said: ‘The Folly is an exceptionally fine, grade one listed, 17th century lobby-entry town house and one of the greatest architectural treasures of the Yorkshire Dales.’
The application also stated how ‘repairs are urgently required to maintain it in good condition for the future’.
In order to ensure The Folly can remain in good condition, the trust intends to do various works including re-pointing, decorating, plastering and re-roofing.
Drainage works will also be addressed as well as refurbishment of the windows.
The Folly’s dry moat is also set to be opened up, and changes will be made to the stairs in the outside courtyard.
When the funding was first granted, Heather Lane, chair of trustees at the North Craven Building Preservation Trust, told the Craven Herald: ‘We are immensely grateful to Arts Council England for once again recognising the urgency of the work needed at The Folly.’
At first, Historic England reportedly raised concerns over some of the planned construction. But now, it has said it has no concerns over the work after the North Craven Building Preservation Trust, which owns The Folly, decided to no longer work on the building’s Parlour room
She outlined the relief the funding provided to trustees and how they would be able to focus on other aspects regarding the house.
‘We will no longer have to worry about damp and decay and, once the repairs are completed in 2027, we will be able to focus on engaging our community with an ambitious project to redevelop their museum,’ Heather added.
It comes after we revealed the UK’s biggest hidden gems.
Researchers revealed the alternative list of less well-known UK attractions, away from the tourist hot spots, many of which have featured on TikTok.
Source: Dailymail.co.uk | Read the Full Story…
