[1] The central part of the building was originally commissioned by the former member of parliament, James Fall, as "Dunbar House".

The old central section of nine bays was enhanced by the addition of a semi-circular portico formed by four full-height Ionic order columns supporting an entablature and a balustrade.

[1][5] A sculpture of a sphinx was placed at roof level on the northern frontage of the building,[6] and a 5 acres (2.0 ha) kitchen garden was established to the west of the house.

[8] Private soldiers, who were not allowed to use the New Inn, had to use tented accommodation at Belhaven Sands and West Barns Links during the Napoleonic Wars.

[10] Castle Rock Housing Association launched an initiative to convert the building into private flats in December 1991.