Discover Körner's Folly

Explore the 22-room Victorian house museum, and see what sparks your imagination

EXPLORE VIRTUALLY

Discover Körner's Folly

Explore 22 rooms of architectural wonder

COVID Closure

Welcome to Körner’s Folly

American Ingenuity. Eccentric Architecture. Victorian Culture.

Körner’s Folly is the architectural wonder and home of artist and designer Jule Gilmer Körner. Built in 1880 in Kernersville, North Carolina, the house originally served to display his interior design portfolio. Visitors can now explore the 22 room house museum and its unique original furnishings and artwork, cast-plaster details, carved woodwork, and elaborate hand laid tile.

COVID CLOSURE

Upcoming Events

Victorian Cocktails, an annual edition of the Victorian Parlor Series

Aug 08 2020 - Sep 30 2020

Victorian Cocktails On Demand

See Details

Young visitors are invited to create their own Korner family puppets during Family Fun Day

Sep 16 2020 - Sep 18 2020

Homeschool Days

See Details

Playing Badminton on the Lawn during Girl Scout Day

Sep 19 2020 - Sep 20 2020

Family-Fun Weekend

See Details

What Our Visitors Are Saying

Körner's Folly

4.7

Based on 231 reviews

See all reviews Write a review

Körner’s Folly

4.8

Based on 104 reviews

See all reviews Write a review

Fun day trip of a very unusual house. It doesn't look all that big on the outside but the guided tour twists round and round on the inside with lots of beautiful rooms.

Gary Kibble

20:54 22 Mar 20

This is just see only because how odd and small rooms and doorways in this house. Kids will enjoy crawling in and out areas.

18:32 12 Mar 20

Highly unusual building - built to showcase interior design and features as a ‘catalog’ showcase and be a family home.

Glenn Johnson

21:11 22 Feb 20

Our family loves to visit Korner's Folly, and we have made sure to treat our out-of-town guests to this unique Triad experience! It makes me so happy to see this fantastic architectural gem preserved for the community. If you have not toured this one-of-a-kind historical treasure, you really should add this site to your must-do list! 🙂

Kathryn Sennati

15:26 13 Feb 20

Actually took my breath away. It’s unlike any other house I’ve ever toured. It’s truly an architectural and wonder hidden in a small town.

Suzy Conrad

00:47 10 Feb 20

One of the most interesting homes in America.

Gayle Gruchow

01:41 06 Feb 20

Very interesting to learn this family’s history and to see the home decor.

Cinthia Torres-quintas

10:28 05 Feb 20

Went to Oktoberfest with my daughter and a friend. Enjoyed the day and touring the house.

Marie Corbin Council

21:28 31 Jan 20

Stephanie Griffaw

19:21 30 Jan 20

Really interesting house, and we even got to speak with a woman who grew up in the house

Tom Phelan

20:03 26 Jan 20

What an unexpected surprise! Absolutely delightful visit seeing the incredible beauty of this amazing historic house. Must see for people who enjoy interior design and history. Well done restoration!!

Lois Cozart

00:19 24 Jan 20

Britt Antony

21:37 22 Jan 20

So fascinating and fun to learn about how this man and his family lived back in his time.

Kaci

16:54 17 Jan 20

What a cool house! Super informative self guided tour of an opulent house made by an fantastic period interior designer. Staff was super friendly, knowledgeable and eager to share!

Alexis Vivian

03:19 13 Jan 20

Some friends & I visited this place at Christmas and it's definitely worth the trip

Savana Parsons

18:08 10 Jan 20

Very interesting and enjoyable place

dean justice

18:31 09 Jan 20

One of the most unique homes in North America...worthy of multiple visits.

Samuel C. Cook IV

23:40 05 Jan 20

Dawna Compton

20:28 04 Jan 20

Amy Sharp

20:26 03 Jan 20

Angie Haas

18:11 31 Dec 19

So unique and beautifully decorated for Christmas! Very tight in many spaces tho and made it hard to enjoy each room because you were surrounded by lots of people. Very steep steps and not handicap friendly inside the house due to the style of house and the original builders "upgrades." Such a cool story though behind the house and it's builder. Definitely a must see!

Victoria Pearce

04:16 31 Dec 19

Quirky Victorian House that showcases Victoriana. The only complaint I have is the passage ways are not for one who has claustophobia. Also not handicapped friendly. Aside from that it's an interesting trip.

Lisa McBroom

15:51 30 Dec 19

Worth the time and small fee! True Gem, must experience!

Gwynne Marie

23:32 27 Dec 19

Fantastic place, lots of history!All of the docents were fantastic!Will go back to absorb more!

Jack Hart

22:15 26 Dec 19

Miki Jimbo

20:43 26 Dec 19

Place was really cool, tons of history. All the Christmas decorations kind of took some of the nostalgia away but still nice to see

Tee Blanchard

19:02 26 Dec 19

Eunice Eckard

18:21 26 Dec 19

Amazing home!! Beautifully decorated for Christmas!

Suzie Simmons

21:27 22 Dec 19

A visit to this home is truly a great experience. To see all the architectural details and worldly elements in person are mind blowing. Having the opportunity to visit during the Christmas season was icing on the cake. Each room was designed taking the home owners legacy in mind--filled me with Christmas cheer and delight!!

YT White

19:22 22 Dec 19

Unbelievable! You will never see another house like it. Fantastic! Yoi have to go!

Ann Beaty

02:34 22 Dec 19

the Christmas by candlelight was an amazing event. Every room was decorated in different styles and decor. The carolers were amazing and the brass band in the theater room was awesome.

Barbara Weiss

02:01 22 Dec 19

Really pretty and well taken care of. Full of cool facts!

Kelly Sutter

11:46 16 Dec 19

One of our favorite spots to visit for the holiday! Everything is beautiful and the staff is awesome!

Sonja Scales

22:08 15 Dec 19

Intriguing architecture and design!

Donald Zepp

21:59 15 Dec 19

This building has some amazing architecture and is the quintessential Victorian showcase ❤️‼️💖

El Mayer Rinko

21:23 14 Dec 19

Tommy Millar

17:27 14 Dec 19

it has a fascinating history. we enjoyed the video prior to exploring the house. loved it.

Jean A Wilson Leppek

04:05 13 Dec 19

The Christmas candlelight tour is awesome. All the staff and volunteers are wonderfully informative and helpful.

Dawn Dale

20:03 08 Dec 19

Very unique house. Very beautifully decorated for Christmas. Enjoyed how each room had its own theme.

BillyMichelle Linville

02:47 08 Dec 19

A fantastic historical house that always has something new to see and explore. Don't miss the candlelight evenings they have each Christmas!

Carrie Bednarski

01:58 08 Dec 19

Absolutely beautiful! Staff is knowledgeable and are more than happy to answer any questions. Definitely going to go back.

Julie Strickland

01:21 08 Dec 19

Loved the candlelight tour! So pretty! Thanks to all who put so much effort into making this a wonderful event!

Julie Fricault

00:13 08 Dec 19

wonderful experience! costumed carrolers, GORGEOUS house and all the beautiful decorations!

Amy Elizabeth Felton

23:59 07 Dec 19

Interesting, fun place to visit. Beautiful Christmas decorations. Not as unique as advertised, but a beautiful Victorian home in the process of restoration.

Lisa Nielsen

10:38 05 Dec 19

This beautiful house was from the late 1800's. It was decorated for Christmas-nicely done. The history was interesting. The 1st ever theater in the country was in this home. It was beautiful. This house is known as the strangest architectural house in America. Each room is different. This is a must see! And only $10 to tour it.

caroline nelson

22:57 02 Dec 19

Such a quirky bit of history with some very dedicated volunteers!

Rimma Osipov

08:15 02 Dec 19

Sean Hight

22:57 01 Dec 19

LOVE LOVE this house!! Especially at Christmastime!! Highly recommend touring it anytime...its soooo eclectic!

Sandy Langford Reece

21:41 30 Nov 19

Love this place, the house is amazing..

Alexander Galluzzo

19:39 27 Nov 19

Big rooms, little rooms, tall rooms, short rooms, wide stairs, narrow stairs. A house constantly tinkered with because it’s owner could, and in the most ornate way possible. The little theater alone is worth the trip, and that’s just one of twenty-two rooms.

Dan Kurtenbach

20:40 24 Nov 19

Great study in architecture

Anne Ballard Meadows

15:05 17 Nov 19

Alice Harvey

19:01 11 Nov 19

Eric Rolaf

19:44 10 Nov 19

Candace Bacon

20:47 07 Nov 19

This place was spectacular

Brandy Norris

22:46 31 Oct 19

the floor plan of the house.

Cathy Savage

19:45 29 Oct 19

Celeste Blankenship

19:36 29 Oct 19

Such an interesting place! Utterly unique historic house. Friendly staff. Good informational video at Aunt Dealy's house (ticket & gift shop) before you embark on self-guided tour. Information placards in each room give you the history and guide you to the next room. I highly recommend comfortable walking shoes, as there are many staircases between all 7 levels of the house. We spent about an hour here. I'd love to come again!

uk outlaw

00:18 29 Oct 19

Always something new as the restoration continues. Very interesting

chad rogers

02:29 28 Oct 19

Amazing!

G Troutman

18:51 23 Oct 19

I would recommend to anyone

Reba Rogers

14:34 22 Oct 19

El mejor lugar para visitar en kernerville

Alejandra Sanchez

11:04 19 Oct 19

Love this place!! A piece of history everyone should see and their Christmas season is awesome. Walk thru in the evening when it's decorated.

Mandy Cheek

13:54 09 Oct 19

Beautiful

Keyla Cline - Holbrook

02:15 09 Oct 19

Matthew Garrett

21:18 06 Oct 19

Very interesting, historic place. Wonderful staff. Had a great time.

Gabriela Warwick

23:12 05 Oct 19

Jimmy Stone

20:04 03 Oct 19

Gina

18:33 03 Oct 19

amazing

Trenton Hack

16:50 03 Oct 19

Kathryn Walker

16:21 27 Sep 19

Amazing architecture and furnishings. A rare glimpse into the past of a man with courage and foresight who followed his own path.

Pamela Moore

00:33 25 May 19

Amazing home to tour and learn the history.

Sheila Powers Whetstone

21:58 01 May 19

We toured today with our 12 yr old granddaughter and it was amazing! Can't imagine living in a a house like that. Thank you for doing the renovations so that we can continue to enjoy the history. We were surprised at how much our granddaughter got out of the tour and how much she liked it. The scavenger hunt was a great way to have the children interact and look for certain features of the house.

Pat Vucic

23:20 26 Apr 19

Absolutely amazing home beautiful kept and great history

Sean Hight

00:55 24 Jan 19

We had a fabulous time visiting today! Worth every penny and will definitely come back. The Christmas decorations were so lovely and the house itself is amazing!

Stephanie Condrey Pritchard

01:15 31 Dec 18

Fascinating house with some of the most unusual architecture and woodwork you will ever encounter. Not for the claustrophobic, since a few of the rooms have very low ceilings. See the house when it's decorated for Christmas, if you can.

D. Todd Miller

06:10 16 Dec 18

Ut us a unique building. Anyone who like unusual architecture should know about this historic building.

Sally Mazuco Bradley

16:05 05 Dec 18

Unique, friendly and you will love every bit!

Sandy Kueng

15:35 21 Nov 18

A true Historical Treasure!

Charles Kevin Bugg

21:46 09 Jul 18

Lynn Sheppard

20:16 22 Feb 18

We have visited numerous historical homes, but this one was definitely the most interesting. Nothing humdrum here.

Missy Eanes

00:57 06 Feb 18

Trinity Launa Ann

19:46 12 Jan 18

Enjoyed it very much, so beautifully decorated for Christmas!!

Patty Leeper

00:05 25 Dec 17

Mary Beth Hartman

12:57 23 Dec 17

Beautifully decorated for Christmas. Very unique house.

01:45 23 Dec 17

23:25 21 Dec 17

15:27 15 Dec 17

22:17 10 Dec 17

This was one of the most interesting homes I have ever toured. Definitely a must see for everyone!

Deb Hess

22:12 22 Nov 17

Carrie Parker Bednarski

18:46 07 Oct 17

Marti Nifong

20:13 22 Sep 17

Jennifer Lassiter

01:05 17 Sep 17

Sharon Massey Shafer

01:04 04 Aug 17

Absolutely loved it. You are able to tour the property without someone leading the way. Freedom to roam freely. Gorgeous property with loads of history. A bonus was being with my cousin and my mother-in-law. �

Lynn McGuire Shafer

01:02 04 Aug 17

I love bringing family and friends here when they are in NC!

SallyLee Cormier

22:56 03 Aug 17

Amazing house! Wonderful that a group of people have come together to save and refurbish such a gem. Authentic furnishings and household items give great insight into how the family lived.

Brenda Flood

22:30 13 Jul 17

Excellent little NC treasure, quaint downtown as well. I give Kearnersvilke 👍🏻

Ron Robertson

19:17 04 Jun 17

A true gem and must see for anyone that appreciates Victorian architecture. Just driving by, you would never realize how grand it is inside!

Tami Rich

21:25 27 May 17

I loved this house! So freaking impressive. Definitely worth the price. Maybe not for kids, as your not supposed to touch a lot of things. But the details and hidden beauty well entertain any adventurous adult!

Cindy Zimmerman

02:14 17 Apr 17

Victorian Americana Gem partially restored and fascinating. Loved the two women in charge of the office and house the day I visited. I spent hours here. I will return at the December holidays after seeing photos of the house decorated in trees and lights. Thank you for all who keep this folly alive.

Kim Brittenham

21:04 19 Mar 17

This house was fascinating. Since I live in Asheville and am familiar with our own grand house here, you might think I wouldn't find this one as interesting. I actually found it more interesting than Biltmore. They allow you to tour everything, even the areas that aren't pristine. I still thought the house was beautiful and the love that is being poured into it is obvious. I definitely hope to return at Christmas to see the decorations. Thank you to everyone who works to keep this attraction open.

Ginger Pierce

17:54 27 Feb 17

So enjoyed our tour of this amazing historic home! I learned so much about my hometown and I can't wait to go back again!

Katlyn Overstreet

20:10 25 Feb 17

A wonderful self-guided tour. So glad there was so many of Korner's original pieces in each room. I will certainly come again when I have family visiting.

Cynthia Kapner Wells

21:04 30 Dec 16

This is the best hidden little treasure! If you love architecture, design, and/or history this is well work your time. Every room is gorgeous & has surprises!

Kelly Smith Cox

20:52 24 Dec 16

Joey Herman

17:30 22 Dec 16

Rhian Ferrer

20:58 19 Dec 16

Just absolutly amazing ... I would love to and I am going to get online and lookup the complete history of this place... The house was awesome !!

Kim Wilson

19:45 18 Dec 16

Deanna Sitlinger

21:04 16 Dec 16

Andrew Shimek

03:48 11 Dec 16

Absolutely love this home and its history, it is located in just the perfect spot as well!

Kinsley White Fitzgerald

03:51 09 Dec 16

Barbara Counts

00:16 09 Dec 16

Karen Rigaud

00:52 07 Dec 16

What can I say bad? I had my wedding reception at the Folly in 2000, and my greatX2 grandpa (Elias Huff) worked for Mr. Korner on the woodwork inside the Folly. The nonprofit operating the foundation for the Folly is doing great work and I look forward to their continued restoration of this grand home!

Sam Chip Cook

21:36 05 Dec 16

For many years I've been touring older homes large and small and I have to say I have never seen a house that has so much unique character.
I'm glad those who saved it recognized the historical value in this house. Thank you for your dedication.
I will be back since every trip will reveal new and unique things about the house.

George Brown

13:04 03 Dec 16

Blair Spellicy

19:48 25 Nov 16

I can't believe this fantastic house is so affordable to visit! Christmas time is a stunningly beautiful time to go! Just wow!!! Great time for the family.

06:10 09 Nov 16

11:38 29 Oct 16

13:47 03 Oct 16

00:50 02 Oct 16

22:18 26 Sep 16

We had a blast with my daughter's Girl Scout troop! The girls learned so much about the house and family while enjoying the puppet show. I love the history all around the house.

Dana Wells Harrell

16:55 25 Sep 16

Hal Rhoads

22:35 20 Sep 16

Marysia Mesha Henley Marts

21:51 14 Sep 16

Angela Thompson Vaden

15:32 27 Aug 16

Lucy Johnston Mills

22:52 11 Aug 16

Lorie Swails Harrison

12:44 10 Jul 16

Loved our visit! My mum came from the north east of England and throughly enjoyed her visit.

Liisa Sanchez

03:01 08 Jul 16

Wonderful place to visit! This is our second visit and we can't wait to come again!

Paula Kirby Champion

21:13 12 Jun 16

Very cool place to tour with family and friends. The theater especially was mighty impressive.

Kim Bishop

08:25 05 Jun 16

Heather Kirby Mckay

23:33 28 May 16

Did a couple of Investigations here with some INTERESTING results, ESPECIALLY the gift shop!
Great Place!!

Wanda Thurman Stone

22:32 16 May 16

This home is truly remarkable.. Words just cannot just to describe the beauty in this home and the craftsmanship. I love that they encourage photography since that does not happen often. The people who work there are just as amazing as the house. I'm looking forward to developing my images and sharing. I'm looking forward to returning around Christmas.

Janet Adamson

02:14 11 Apr 16

Truly amazing and the people were so nice and helpful I will go back beautiful just beautiful so glad we went ❤️❤️

Lisa Carol Andrews

04:25 20 Dec 15

The Christmas by Candlelight tour is great! Every room is decorated for Christmas. Beautiful house with tons of detail and lots of history!

Sara Elliott Wall

03:35 13 Dec 15

Super interesting house! Love learning the history.

Elaine Carlisle Laws

13:09 04 Dec 15

Elaine Wall

13:29 25 Nov 15

Angela Hamilton Miller

23:32 15 Nov 15

Sandra McEwen

13:45 29 Sep 15

Worth every dollar. Magical place on par with visiting a Frank Lloyd Wright house but, in an Alice in Wonderland kind of way. Go there!

George Fritcher

15:02 27 Sep 15

Angie Wall Pearman

06:04 26 Sep 15

This place is an architectural feast for the eyes. Each of the rooms has its own character and has an interesting history. The place needs a lot of work and is evident in a few rooms, but it doesn't undermine the house's beauty. The staff is very nice and informative. I highly recommend it!

Amy McEfee

20:29 30 May 15

Rebecca L. Ashby

00:11 21 Apr 15

Katherine Jane Hughes

01:36 10 Apr 15

Brent G. Kamrath

06:26 05 Apr 15

A wonderful, whimsical house. Glad they are restoring it to its former glory, 30 years vacant did a lot of damage but they are slowly restoring it back. Such interesting floor plans and architectural design, with amazing plasterwork and paintings! Definitely a highlight of the Triad!

Benjamin William Walker Shamel

17:54 28 Mar 15

Eduardo Correa

16:34 26 Feb 15

Part of my heritage!

Sally Flynn McKenzie

15:57 13 Nov 14

Great place.

Sandie Ruth Laws

21:04 11 Jul 14

Paul Gerst

02:26 26 Jun 14

Jane McGregor Cloudcollector

13:24 27 Apr 14

Tara Warne

20:03 30 Jan 14

Very interesting place to visit and affordable. You'll be glad it's been preserved and glad you went, esp. if you go at Christmastime as we did!

18:31 17 Jan 14

02:24 07 Jan 14

02:44 05 Jan 14

04:52 02 Jan 14

04:32 01 Jan 14

Jamie Lyn Thompson Tuttle

13:51 31 Dec 13

Kimberly Dallas Pardue

20:50 25 Dec 13

LeAnn Peyron

03:06 22 Dec 13

Awesome place! I wish it could be better preserved.

Crystal BelleAmie

00:19 19 Dec 13

Cindy Smith Tise

17:48 11 Dec 13

It's the most diverse piece of architecture around. I want to play my guitar in the theatre with my friends

02:33 11 Dec 13

00:49 11 Dec 13

01:00 09 Dec 13

23:17 05 Dec 13

Dominique Noelle LaCroix

16:06 05 Dec 13

Shannon Wroblewski

22:39 30 Nov 13

Susan Beth Arnold Eldridge

12:00 30 Nov 13

David Lee Peeler Jr.

01:01 30 Nov 13

Liane Valentin

07:40 28 Nov 13

Jack E. Holbrook

01:48 22 Nov 13

Michell Thornton Nichols

13:44 19 Nov 13

Lisa Echols Beasley

04:09 19 Nov 13

The Folly is an amazing architectural oddity, well worth exploring. And as the multiple efforts to restore its hidden structure and its visible spaces continue over the last two decades, its star shines ever brighter for local residents and visitors alike.

15:09 18 Nov 13

18:50 16 Nov 13

18:48 31 Oct 13

12:24 24 Oct 13

Lisa Robertson Marshall

23:27 23 Oct 13

Everyone should visit this historical treasure.

Jim Hobson

20:51 22 Oct 13

Pamela Matthews Sykes

20:32 22 Oct 13

20:51 20 Oct 13

18:28 18 Oct 13

02:11 12 Oct 13

04:36 10 Oct 13

04:07 10 Oct 13

02:58 10 Oct 13

21:58 03 Oct 13

02:09 02 Oct 13

17:58 29 Sep 13

00:12 28 Sep 13

21:48 27 Sep 13

08:20 24 Sep 13

15:25 22 Sep 13

Sarah Davis Householder

19:41 21 Sep 13

Lauren Cox

02:00 18 Sep 13

Jerri Showalter Crews

02:38 17 Sep 13

What a marvelous place. Worth every moment we spent in the home and the $10 they charge for admission (much of which is going toward continued restoration). It's charming, eccentric, and beautiful. The home is still undergoing restoration, but it is a wondrous place. There are beautiful murals on the walls, exceptional finishes throughout the home, and incredible art work all sparked by it's original owner. The home became a national historic site in the 1970's, but still needs additional help to find sufficient donors to really complete the work being done. With that said, it's worth making a special trip to see this terrific landmark! Make sure you watch the 8 minute video before you go in the house. Although it is a bit hokey, you'll understand why once you then enter the house. Even kids will think this place is cool!

Bob Rivera

00:57 16 Sep 13

Beverly Brewer

21:02 12 Sep 13

Jammie Lothamer North

00:40 11 Sep 13

Todd Ayers

02:13 09 Sep 13

Melanie Allen Carroll

23:43 08 Sep 13

Crystal Kropp Garvin

15:36 25 Aug 13

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ALL REVIEWS

Recent News

CLOSED Until Further Notice

We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation. For the safety of the community, Körner’s…

A Video Message from Executive Director Dale Pennington

During this time of uncertainty and disruption, Körner’s Folly is committed to remaining connected to…

Körner’s Folly Responds to COVID

Historic Körner’s Folly, 413 S. Main Street, Kernersville, NC, adjusts to public closure and moves…

Public & Private Tours

Self-Guided Tours allow the opportunity to explore at your own pace, a great option for inter-generational groups! Guided Tours are also available for groups of 10+.

Children's Activities

Scavenger Hunts, Photo Adventures, Please Touch Baskets, and more help families connect with history – hands-ON!

Victorian Parlor Series

While sipping, snacking, and socializing, explore a variety of exciting topics related to Historic Körner’s Folly and popular art and culture of the late 1880s – 1910s, for visitors 21+

Spectacular Holidays

Each year, Körner’s Folly transforms into a winter wonderland with traditional Victorian decorations in every room. From Black Friday to the first week in January, visitors can delight in an extra-magical tour experience.

Discover Körner's Folly

Discover Körner's Folly

Upcoming Events

Victorian Cocktails On Demand

Homeschool Days

Family-Fun Weekend

What Our Visitors Are Saying

Recent News

CLOSED Until Further Notice

A Video Message from Executive Director Dale Pennington

Körner’s Folly Responds to COVID

Experiences for Everyone at Körner's Folly

Public & Private Tours

Children's Activities

Victorian Parlor Series

Spectacular Holidays