It was 13 years ago that Channel 4 first aired the epic journey of the renovation and restoration of a historic Welsh folly on its popular TV property programme Grand Designs.
In February 2009 the transformation of Kemeys Folly into a family home was the focus of presenter Kevin McCloud's critical eye during series nine, episode three. The distinctive, historic building north of Newport is perched on the edge of a ridge that allows a sweeping, panoramic view of the glorious Usk Valley and Monmouthshire to unfold beneath it, so Kevin was mesmerised by the location.
READ MORE: Grand Designs revisited: What happened when the cameras stopped rolling in Wales
But the incredible original stone structure was a thing of beauty too, offering period features and a wealth of history. The folly achieved a Grade II listing from Cadw in 1995 for being 'a good example of a picturesque folly with historical associations'.
Cadw states that the three-storey tower is baronial in style with an embattled parapet as the main section of the building, plus a distinctive four-storey turret. According to Cadw, the folly was originally built in 1722 by George Kemeys of Kemeys Manor as a hunting lodge. It was then rebuilt between 1911 and 1912 by T.E. Watson following a severe fire, as a memorial to John Lawrence and Horton Addams Williams.
And then, more recently, its latest reincarnation was as a family home whose journey created one of the most memorable episodes of the Grand Designs series.
The main changes to the folly during the Grand Designs episode was the addition of a contemporary extension and facilities, as well as the renovation and restoration of the period features inside. And when presenter Kevin McCloud returned for a tour of the newly transformed folly, he couldn't stop gushing about it, saying: "There's no doubt this is all very glamorous and lavish. This brilliant new ground floor extension is like a viewing platform."
Kevin was astounded that the kitchen was not bespoke but from a high street kitchen company, albeit their top of the range level, and was very complimentary about the bespoke designed dining room table.
He was also very pleased to see the original features had been preserved, revived and also given prominence, such as the staircase that had been boxed in to protect it while the building work was happening, meaning it now provided a visitor with 'welcoming joy'.
Kevin also noticed clever design touches too, such as the fancy cornicing in the snug TV room being illuminated into a striking feature via hidden lighting on the top of the bookcases.
This snug TV room was where Kevin felt most at home, in fact he felt like he was in heaven.
He says: "Look at this, it's like a private club in here! The combination of historic room ancient windows, view outside, DVDs and movies is heaven for me, and the fireplace with a fire in it - heaven!"
However, one part of the transformation of Kemeys Folly did bother Kevin. It was not the addition of the contemporary structure onto the original stone tower, but the fact that it was two storeys high.
He says: "I just wish this new building had remained single storey to allow the old building its proper command of the landscape and chosen a darker render to quieten down the rigid geometry of the new extension. The first floor bathroom 'lump' is my only criticism though, the folly otherwise more than holds its own in the struggle of 21st century bling.
"Reviving an old building while retaining its fragile sense of history isn't easy but (they've) managed it with great sensitivity. This is a beautifully crafted building, quite poetic in places."
Find out more about the Kemeys Folly transformation and what has happened to other Welsh properties featured on Grand Designs here.
Anyone wondering what it might be like living in this fabulous Grand Design folly can now get a taste of the experience as Kemeys Folly is now listed on Airbnb.
Help with your hunt for a home here:
Guests can enjoy this 'poetic building' and experience the triumphant transformation of historic folly to luxury accommodation by booking a few nights stay at the property.
The listing states that the folly can welcome up to six guests across three king size bedrooms that each have an en suite, with the master bedroom boasting a stunning statement bath with views of the landscape directly from the bubbles.
The folly has a sociable and spacious open-plan lounge, kitchen and dining area with views of the outside patio and countryside beyond.
Downstairs the separate snug TV room that was Kevin's heaven can offer Disney+, Netflix. Other free streaming sites like ITV, All 4 and BBC are on the living room and kitchen TVs, which also have firesticks.
The listing on Airbnb also states that all bed linen, welcome toiletries and towels are provided, with the kitchen fully equipped with integrated appliances, utensils, crockery and cutlery, and tea, coffee and biscuits. As well as the obvious luxury accommodation and the unique nature of this historic property, the folly's position is remarkable.
Step outside into the landscaped gardens via the sliding doors in the kitchen diner or linger at a window and you will be totally transfixed with breath-taking views across seven counties on a clear day.
There's plenty of outdoor space to enjoy alfresco dining as a group or as a romantic getaway, with the view as the backdrop and the fabulous folly as the permanent and most welcome of guests.
A two-night stay at Kemeys Folly for up to six people costs £500, plus a cleaning and separate service fee. More information can be found on Airbnb.
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