Mrs Ada Frances Jennings bequeathed the house to the nation in 1960, together with a sum of money for its repair.

The stone and plasterwork have been extensively renovated, but many of the original oak beams and carvings can still be seen.

[3] The building is a single depth cottage with three rooms, and is made of breccia with a slate roof.

The kitchen was an outbuilding that exists today only as a few ruined walls, and there is a small garden adjacent to the house.

[2][4] Kirkham House is managed by English Heritage, and it is open to the public at certain times of year.