Hurlestone Tower, Lilburn, Northumberland
Several new folly towers were put up to commemorate the new Millennium in 2000. This tower, at Lilburn in Northumberland is again, not really a folly as it is designed as an observation point and a venue for conferences and meetings. (There are even, whisper it, kitchen units inside.)
Nevertheless it is very handsome and built in the style of a folly tower. It won a building industry Oscar from the Federation of Master builders when it was erected in 2000 for its owners Lilburn Estates (the owners) by builders David Appleby Builders from Rothbury in Northumberland .
Judges were impressed by the high quality of stonework around the arched windows and in the conference room.
“The attention to detail by the builder is clearly demonstrated by skirting boards and kitchen units which were cut to suit the curvature of the wall. The builder’s joinery skill is shown by the quality of the arched main front door. ”
The tower is aligned with the Hurlestone standing stone nearby after which it takes its name: the Hurlestone Tower.
Just in case you fancy one too, it cost £100,000 in 2000.
May-Zee
The Folly Fancier 
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