Survey Data

Reg No

14911020


Rating

Regional


Categories of Special Interest

Archaeological, Architectural, Technical


Original Use

Folly


Date

1760 - 1800


Coordinates

252076, 231992


Date Recorded

22/09/2004


Date Updated

--/--/--


Description

Gothic style octagonal gazebo, built c.1780, surmounted on former ruined tower house in the grounds of Toberdaly House. Random coursed walls with coping. Pointed- and round-arched openings with red brick surrounds. Pointed-arched opening in tower house wall with tooled stone surround, moved to its present location to give access to folly. Bartizans to tower walls. Ruined Georgian house, to north-east, of limestone construction with vaulting surviving. Segmental-headed arch with cut stone voussoirs set in squared coursed bawn wall. Octagonal shaped gate piers with dome caps and cast-iron gates to road to north giving access to demesne.

Appraisal

Though Toberdaly House is now a ruin, some of the former glory of its demesne survives as a reminder of its impressive past. This interesting folly is one such surviving example, located on a height with spectacular views over the surrounding area, including the walled gardens. Constructed on top of a ruined tower house, its solid construction and symmetrical design attests to the skill of its builders. The gate piers, also finely executed, create an imposing entrance, underlining the former importance of the demesne.