Eye-catching 18th century-house 'with no practical purpose' gets national award

A folly, the definition of which is an ornamental building with no practical purpose, was first planned for the grounds of Wolverton Hall Folly a number of years ago, managing to get planning permission from Wychavon planners two years ago.

Inspired by Tudor and Georgian follies and banqueting houses, it has taken a 2021 Georgian Group Architectural Award in the competitive category of best New Building in A Georgian Context, that had entries from across the country.

Although the folly has the tradition of no purpose, the folly is actually a study and designed as a home away from home.

"It is in a Tudor, Jacobian, Georgian style and I hope it will be admired in Worcestershire for the next thousand years," Wolverton Hall owner Nicholas Coleridge said.

"At first glance it looks like it is from the 17th century, or even the late 16th century.

"It is very striking, and something everybody seems to love. I was originally nervous neighbours would think 'that's dreadful' but actually they don't at all, they all say 'that's beautiful'."

The vision was brought to life by architects, Quinlan Terry - who has worked on Royal projects in the past.

"It has taken one year to build it and it has been built by J Rigg construction of Broadway," Mr Coleridge said.

"Almost everything in the whole building has been made by local people, from Pershore, Moreton in Marsh and Broadway.

"The lead roof was by people from Tewkesbury."

The folly in the grounds of the Stoulton house was announced as a winner at an award ceremony held in London on Tuesday night.

David Adshead, director of the Georgian Group, said the awards were about celebrating the "vision, determination, creativity and skill of owners, architects and craftspeople".

Quinlan Terry, from Quinlan Terry Architects, said: "It was a wonderful project, an interesting job, highly architectural.

"It has done very well."

Mr Cotheridge added: "We are absolutely elated that it has won."