Take a Whimsical Journey Through the World's Most Beautiful Garden Follies

Hidden across Highclere Castle's vast parkland sits six 18th-century follies, each offering impeccable views of the landscape. Overlooking the lake, the Temple of Diana was created around 1790 by then-owner Robert Herbert's nephew. The structure's circular pillars were repurposed from a rotunda that was once on the east side of the grounds.

An impeccable blend of Gothic, Egyptian, Moorish, and Renaissance styles, the dreamy estate of Quinta da Regaleira's architectural breakthrough is the pair of inverted towers found within the gardens. It's believed António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro had the Initiation Wells made in 1910 to serve as a site for Masonic initiation rites. While historians are unable to fully prove what the towers were used for, guests can still trail down the spiral staircases to explore the underground pathways.

The Kew Garden's tallest folly came in 1762 as a gift for Princess Augusta, the founder of the institution. Sir William Chambers originally designed the towering pagoda with 80 carved dragons adorning the roof. However, the dragons were removed in 1784 for unknown reasons, and newer versions were added back to the roof during renovations in 2018. Some speculate that the original gilded wood sculptures were sold to settle King George IV’s gambling debts, but historians claim it's more likely the dragons were removed because they rotted over time.

The Garden of Bomarzo wasn't designed to be just like any traditional Italian garden, but rather an expression of the Prince Pier Francesco Orsini's grief. Upon learning of the death of both his dear friend and beloved wife, the prince sought to create a fascinating park that would shock the masses.

Architect Pirro Ligorio was selected to do the job in 1552 and helped dream up the idea of creating a park of monsters. Bizarre follies like a war elephant, three-headed hound, and dragons can be found throughout the garden, but the most frightening creation is Orcus. Upon entering the mouth of the sculpture, you will find a picnic table sitting on its tongue where visitors can enjoy a memorable lunch.

It's unclear exactly when or why the pineapple dome was added to this summer house on the grounds of Dunmore, but nevertheless, it's earned the reputation as a playful garden ornament. John Murray, the 4th Earl of Dunmore, commissioned the original Palladian-style lower story to be built in 1761 as a place for him to find solace.

Some believe the pineapple top was added around 1776 as an elaborate joke by the earl. One thing is for certain: The family used the structure to grow unusual fruits and vegetables unlike anywhere else in Scotland—even pineapple.

Henry Hoare II, also known as Henry the Magnificent, spent over 20 years designing and cultivating the lush gardens at his country house, Stourhead. The Pantheon, designed by architect Henry Flitcroft in 1753, was an integral part of Hoare's vision for his estate, as it served as the main focal point over the ground's lake. Made of Chilmark limestone, the temple is filled with statues of Roman gods and goddesses, including a marble Hercules by sculptor John Michael Rysbrack.

The Casino of Marino has been acknowledged as one of the most important examples of neoclassical architecture in Ireland. James Caulfield, the 1st Earl of Charlemont, called upon architect William Chambers in the 1750s to create a small Greek temple that illustrated the different cultures he had discovered throughout his travels.

While the outside may suggest there's only one room, the folly actually has sixteen rooms across three floors. However, scholars believe that the Casino was used as a status symbol more than anything else. On the exterior, statues of Bacchus, Ceres, Venus, and Apollo decorate the top story and large Egyptian-style lions sit at the ground level.

Looking out onto Broadway Hill, you may think you've spotted a picturesque Saxon castle. In reality, it's a miniature tower created for Lady Coventry to test whether or not she could see a beacon of light lit on the hill from her own country house.

Architect James Wyatt and landscape and garden designer Capability Brown began working on the Broadway Tower in 1794 with little direction from Lady Coventry. Thus, the duo chose to build an eccentric Saxon-esque tower with turrets, battlements, and gargoyles. In the end, Lady Coventry could, in fact, see the beacon of light from her home 22 miles away.

Sitting on the border of Foret de Marly in Chambourcy, the Désert de Retz is the brainchild of French aristocrat François Racine de Monville. The bon vivant constructed the summer house to resemble the base of a Tuscan column that has been broken. A spiral staircase at the center of the structure connects 20 rooms across five floors. The rugged folly eventually fell to ruin after years of neglect, and it wasn't until 1990 that restorations on the column began, thanks to help from World Monuments Fund.

The origins of the Jealous Wall in Mullingar, Ireland, stems from a quarrel between two brothers during the 18th century. After separating from his wife, Robert Rochfort decided to build himself an extravagant mansion on the grounds of Belvedere. Much to his chagrin, his brother, George, built a more impressive house within sight of Belvedere House. Robert couldn’t stand to see George's Tuddenham House and built the gothic ruin, known now as the Jealous Wall, to obstruct the view.

The Belvedere Castle dates back to 1866 when Jacob Wrey Mould and Calvert Vaux were tasked with replacing an old bell tower in New York's Central Park. The open-air structure featured both Romanesque and Gothic elements, and it offered visitors views of the entire park. In 1919, the National Weather Service began using the folly to measure the wind’s speed and direction because of its ideal location on Vista Rock. After struggling with deterioration and vandalism, it was decided the castle would go under renovation in 1980 and then again in 2018.

Perched on top of Battery Hill in Oban, Scotland, McCaig's Tower was initially intended to be a tower marking the legacy of John McCaig and his family. However, the folly was never completed, as construction ceased after the wealthy banker's death in 1902. It's unclear what McCaig's intentions were for the tower, but now it's one of the most visited and praised sites in the quaint resort town.