Tucked away in the corner of the garden of an Edwardian house in Muswell Hill, north London, is a rather special structure. In 2022 its quirky elegance earned it the coveted title of best ‘Unique/Unexpected’ structure in the Cuprinol Shed of the Year Awards.
This delightful retreat was created by Jane Dorner with the help of her architect friend Simon Hurst. The building has the distinction of being probably the only folly built to solve the problem of where to store cushions in the cooler months (Jane having dismissed the usual plastic receptacles). But, as can be seen, the project became rather more than a storage box and grew to be a gorgeous Gothic Folly. Simon’s design incorporates the all-important cupboard for the cushions, and above it there is a glazed cabinet of curiosities. Jane changes the display as the whim takes her, often selecting items to suit the interests of guests.
When the Flâneuse was lucky enough to visit recently the doors were open and the table was laid with nibbles and home-made vermouth (the red vermouth with a delicious tang of lovage from the garden was a particular treat).
A closer look at Jane’s lovely label designs, showing the interior and exterior of the folly:
The folly is illuminated from above by a lantern filled with what appears to be stained glass, which casts a lovely light. Continuing the sham tradition beloved of folly builders, this is actually a clever use of stick-on lead strips and coloured film.
Below the lantern are Jane’s paintings in grisaille, inspired by the ancient Temple of the Winds in Athens.
As the finishing touch Jane designed the weather vane with her Abyssinian cat Khairo as the model. Or perhaps not quite the finishing touch: the project remains a work in progress, with these two handsome green men soon to be installed…
The folly even has its very own doorbell, alerting Jane to the arrival of lucky visitors. It currently plays Für Elise, but Jane is hoping to find someone who can programme it to play a few rousing bars of La Follia by Vivaldi.
And as if the summerhouse itself was not enchanting enough, here it is in miniature thanks to Jane’s jeweller and designer friend Vicki Ambery-Smith.
Thanks to Jane and Simon for their help with this post. You can discover more about Jane’s folly on her website http://www.editor.net/folly/
Simon has now largely retired from his career as an architect, and is enjoying life as an artist. There’s more about his work here https://www.schd.co.uk/#home
And for Vicki Ambery-Smith’s exquisite jewellery and miniatures see http://www.vickiamberysmith.co.uk
Thank you for reading. Don’t you wish you were sitting in Jane’s folly with a glass of vermouth (or perhaps a coffee if it is still early)? Your thoughts are always welcome – scroll down to the comments box to get in touch.
Margie Hoffnung says:
Loved this – thank you
Editor says:
Thanks Margie. It’s a complete delight.
James says:
Fascinating – l love to see other people’s efforts – l thought for a mo, this was Jules Hollands’ garden – have you been there yet?
Editor says:
Good morning James. It is indeed a fascinating structure – such a wonderful personal project. No, I haven’t seen Jools Holland’s place, except on film. I live in hope of an invitation!
Steven says:
Jane is my sister. You have ably captured the sophisticated wit and capacity for creative detail that went into her and Simon’s folly. By the way, I can vouch for the Vermouths!
Editor says:
Good morning Steven. I am delighted that you think I captured the joie de vivre of the folly and its creators. I was certainly captivated (and not just by the vermouth!) Thanks for getting in touch.
Jane says:
How nice to see you’ve read and replied to this. Jane
Jocelyn Hattersley says:
I love this! and although it is a folly, I always think of follies being built by eccentric Victorians and their predecessors!
Jane Dormer and her talented friends should be congratulated with a wonderful cushion storage arrangement !
She sounds very talented herself and I love to know if her Folly can be visited.
I appreciate all the work you do to keep this lovely valuable website continuing.
Editor says:
Thank you Jocelyn, I do appreciate your kind comments. Jane’s garden is private but if she ever has open days I will be sure to let you know.
Jane says:
If you would like to visit you can contact me on jane@editor.net to arrange a time.
Jane says:
If you would like to visit you can contact me on jane@editor.net to arrange a time.
Nic Orchard says:
This is superb. Thank you for highlighting it and Jane’s artistry. I have the jelly moulds and the (same) garden chairs…
Editor says:
Hello Nic. Well clearly you need a folly to put them all in…
Nic Orchard says:
I’ve been plotting for ages…one day, it might even happen.
Editor says:
Look forward to seeing it.
Moira Garland says:
I’d be happy with either coffee or vermouth, thank you!
Editor says:
Sensible decision!
Jane Patton says:
This was a truly inspiring folly. I am trying to think how I can emulate it in my garden and also how I can persuade Jane to send another Jane her cousin Gerald’s recipes for red and white vermouth.
Editor says:
Hello Jane. Please join me in the queue of aspirant folly builders. I will make enquiries about the recipe.
Jane says:
I am happy to give you my vermouth recipe. Contact me at jane@editor.net
TOM GARDNER says:
TOM (NYC)
THE FOLLOWING IS SOMEWHAT DIRECTED TO THOSE OVER 30+ (WELL OVER).
THERE WAS A WONDERFUL AMERICAN MOVIE TITLED:
‘MR. BLANDINGS BUILDS HIS DEAM HOUSE HOUSE’. c. 1948. IT STARED: CARY GRANT AND MYRNA LOY (AS HUSBAND & WIFE). MOVING FROM THEIR NYC CITY APT. TO THE CONN. COUNTRY SIDE, THEY TAKE ON THE MAJOR TASK OF … ‘RE-DECORATING’
THE “CONNECTION” TO TODAY’S OFFERING IS:
MYRNA LOY FINDS … 3 (THREE) BEAUTIFUL SQUARES OF FINISHED FLAGSTONE. SHE DECIDES TO ‘CREATE’: A – SMALL, SIMPLE, “INEXPENSIVE’ – ‘FLOWER ROOM’.
IT ALL WORKS OUT IN THE END, BUT SOMETIMES – SMALL BEAUTIES ARE OFTEN THE BEST.
LUCKY THE OWNERS, THE NEIGHBORS, & ALL OF US.
MANY THANKS.
Editor says:
Good afternoon Tom on a lovely sunny Autumn day. The perfect day for sitting in a delightful summerhouse, although it is getting chilly as the day goes on. I couldn’t agree more – small beauties are a joy. Thanks for sharing the connection to the film.