Gibside

Gibside is a large house built between 1603 and 1620 for William Blakiston. It was enlarged in the mid-18th century for George Bowes and had its top floor removed in 1805. At that time, the original porch was reconstructed, and a high battlemented parapet was added for the 10th Earl of Strathmore. The house is constructed of ashlar sandstone and features a main block that is two storeys high with five bays.

The central square projecting bay contains a three-centred-arched door set in a Tuscan doorcase with tall plinths. Above the entablature is a cartouche flanked by figures, and below it is a plaque inscribed with "WB 1620" and "BS 1805." The windows in the bays on either side and above the door are mullioned and transomed six-light windows, while the returns of the bays have two-light windows set back on the left. The high battlements above bays two and three contain cross slits.

To the right, a later wing projects, which is two storeys high with four bays and features stone mullioned and transomed two-light windows. The wing was roofless at the time of the survey.