Urgent repairs approved for one of the Yorkshire Dales' 'greatest architectural treasures'
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.
By ALESIA FIDDLER - TRAVEL REPORTER
Published: 12:02 GMT, 1 January 2026 | Updated: 12:02 GMT, 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.