Follies

These gardens whisk you away to Japan and Morocco—without leaving Bordeaux.

“Ireland’s only inland lighthouse” is not actually a lighthouse at all.

A never-finished memorial to the heroes of the Napoleonic War has become "Scotland's Folly."

A small tower where a philosopher once speculated on human nature and morality.

A strange Georgian folly sits atop a lonely hill.

The eccentricities of a former lord include painted pigeons of his manor house, a series of pointless plaques, and a folly built simply to peeve the public.

From fortification to folly, this hilltop structure has undergone many changes in the last 800 years.

A roadside hotel that you can’t stop at. 

This 20th-century replica of a 13th-century castle has itself fallen into ruin.

An 18th-century viewpoint across the surrounding highlands.

An 18th-century estate owner thought these cottages were an eyesore, so he artfully disguised them as a church.

This landmark Victorian folly rewards visitors with spectacular views over the Peak District.

A mysterious ruin shrouded in more folklore than fact.

A lone tower rises above the cliffs in a city park, offering fantastic views of the Connecticut landscape.

This 18th-century folly is one of Europe's rare "garden mosques."

This imposing 20th-century castle was abandoned before it was ever completed.

This mysterious hilltop collection of Druid carvings isn't quite what it seems.