I've had a look at all the available maps on Old Maps and the building in question has never had a description put with it, i.e. hopsital, doctors house, nut house or anything like that. I therefore assume it has always been a private dwelling, most likely built by a local successful business person, perhaps a Free Mason or Odd Fellow or Buffalo bod. It's unique look has always fascinated me. It would seem that the columns at the front door have either been covered over or completely replaced unsympathetically, most likely due to the timbers rotting away. If there is nothing available in the library that tells us who built this house and when.......... I wonder who might be brave enough to go knock on their door and ask the current owners what they know. If someone does decide to do just that, drop me a line and I will gladly send you a digital image that you can print off on A4 photo paper and give to them, just to prove that it is of local historical interest. I think they would be quite pleased to have the old picture to hang on their hall wall, if they haven't already got a similar image.
I have also sent message to my Blyth 'mole' to see what can be found out. Watch this space.
P
