Described by English Heritage as 'one of the finest, more formal houses in the town', The Follies is one of only six Grade II listed properties in Winchcombe, Gloucestershire. Believed to have been built in 1649, and in need of substantial modernisation when YDP acquired it, the property had immense charm and character. A further plot of land - 'Hailes Street', across the road from The Follies - was included in the purchase and YDP decided to develop that to provide parking facilities for the new owners of The Follies.

The interior of the house was beautiful and quirky, with a contrast of building materials and styles which reflected the work carried out on the building as it evolved as a dwelling over nearly 400 years.

From the moment of acquisition, YDP's goal was to create a home that would fuse superior modern living with the extensive charm of a house that was still a 'new build' when Oliver Cromwell was defeating Charles II at the Battle of Worcester. Over a lengthy period, YDP worked closely with the local conservation officer and obtained planning consent for a sympathetic renovation of the building.

From the black carriage lamp over the front door to the exposed timber roof supports, wherever possible authentic features were left in place and upgraded to complement the rest of the renovation. Original fireplaces in the dining hall and drawing room were retained and restored. Original wood and stone floors throughout the ground floor were revived, giving the Follies a 'feel' which was at once imposing yet warm. Local craftsmen were commissioned to produce a traditional framed Shaker kitchen equipped with modern appliances.

The first floor provided two generous double bedrooms, each with its own beautiful bathroom. The second floor had two further large, double bedrooms which shared a third bathroom. All bathrooms used elegant fittings supplied by Burlington and provided bathing facilities as well as showers.

The finished house had concealed Category 5e data wiring and TV feeds throughout, and a sound system which streamed music to all the principal rooms. Music selection and volume could be controlled on a room-by-room basis via handset or smartphone. Heating was provided by an energy-efficient gas-fired system supplying heat to traditional cast-iron radiators controlled by thermostatic valves.

Although the external grandeur of The Follies painted it as rather magisterial - perhaps even a little forbidding - inside it became light and bright, most particularly in the Master Bedroom suite.

The landscaped and well-stocked garden had great potential and could become glorious in the right hands. Access to the garden was via double-wide bi-fold doors from the kitchen 'return', or through a beautifully aged and studded side door which was believed to be an original feature.

Parking facilities for The Follies were provided across the street in a newly constructed double garage. In addition, YDP obtained planning consent for a new 3-bedroom house to be built alongside The Follies' garage. The plans for the house are shown in the links below.

Site Details
Street Scene
House elevations
House Floor Plans
House Sections
Garage Details