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The main building at Penfold Farm was constructed as a barn in 1921, by an English immigrant named Paitson. He planned to raise prize dairy cattle there, but apparently never did. Costing an unheard of $10,000 at the time, the barn was called "the million dollar barn". The project was similar to the construction of what were called "follies" in Britain - grand, fanciful projects that defy rational analysis. But, like many of those old world follies, thought to be foolish in their time, Penfold Farm evokes a sense of the richness of human imagination, and gives continuing pleasure with its timeless, classic beauty. It has stood for generations as a landmark in the Cowichan Valley.